944 Pre Purchase Inspection

[mr clive]

I am currently in the process of buying a 944. I want to get it professionally inspected before I hand over the money as although it looks in good condition I could well have missed something.

A proffesional porsche mechanic would probably be best but I dont know anyone nearby. Its in berkshire, south of Reading. Is there anyone nearby that people would recommend for this? also, what sort of price would they likely charge?

[iguana]

Northway are in the area.

[johnrs4]

www.petermorgan.org.uk/ based in Wiltshire. Very thorough

[dern]

iguana said:

Northway are in the area.

...and they charge an hours labour but didn't, at the time, check under the cam cover for condition of the chain and the slipper if it's an s2.

Have you still got that turbo alex?

Mark

>> Edited by dern on Friday 8th July 18:37

[alanruss]

Northway looked over my Porsche and did a good job on listing what was needed to be done. Mine had an MOT but God only knows how the guy before me got his certificate as the car was screwed, but I was aware of this when I bought it and have been restoring it from the list over the last 6 months, and has just gone through a new MOT and only failed on a few small things. Nothing came up from the MOT that they didn't pick up during the inspection.

[mr clive]

Unfortunatly the seller isnt able to get over to northway during their opening hours for a week or so. I have organised a mobile inspector to come and have a look at the car and while they arnt a porsche specialist they seem to be a little bit more geared up for unusual cars than the RAC/AA type.

I really, really hope it doesnt throw up anything major and it really is as good as it looks.

[mr clive]

Well the inspection is happening this afternoon and providing nothing major is thrown up, I will be picking it up tonight.

Wish me luck

[Fatboy]

Well, how did it go?

[mr clive]

Brilliantly

It passed with no major problems and I picked it up late tuesday. Its a bit dirty at the moment but I will clean it up this weekend and post some pictures.

Its a 1989 944 Lux 2.7 with just shy of 90k on the clock in silver. It has a few minor scuffs on the bodywork but thats only to be expected and the interior is almost perfect, only a slightly worn gearknob and gaiter let it down.

I was busy yesterday so I havnt had chance to drive it properly, though it performed well on the way back from picking it up

[Fatboy]

Good to hear it - Enjoy

Mine went off to PCT on a low loader today With most of the symptoms of a blown head gasket (short of CO + significant oil in coolant and any mayo on the dipstick)...

[mr clive]

Im sure I will.

Oh dear is that likely to be an expensive job?

[Fatboy]

mr clive said:

Im sure I will. Oh dear is that likely to be an expensive job?

If it is the head gasket, it'll be £75 for the gasket and £750 for the fitting, plus any machining work needed on the head!!!

But I'm hoping the warranty will cough up...

[PLISKIN]

Pay particular attention to the condition of the cars body work. Many older 944's are starting to show signs of corrosion. Look at the bottom of the front wings adjacent to the bumper and the lower arch section near the door bottoms. The rear arches near to the torsion bar location points. The inner and out skins of the wings swage together at this area and can be a moisture trap (it rots from the inside out). Staying at the rear; the outer boot floor sections can rot if the drain holes have been blocked, or if battery acid has leaked into the left hand side. Take someone with you, NEVER GO TO BUY A CAR ALONE....