Discussion
Kinda depends what you want out of it, and how good a mechanic you are.
Assuming you have minimal mechanical skills, like me
, and therefore will be getting a specialist to do all the work, I would budget 4K for the car, and pop the other grand where SWMBO can't see it, because you WILL need it for something within six months of buying the car, be that new tyres, broken ARBs, or a new zorst to make it sounds growlier....
Usual basic rules apply - buy on condition alone, rather than mileage, actually read the service history, and phone up the last couple of places who have worked on it to check.
For the 4K budget, I would be dubious about getting a good condition Turbo, or Cab, so go for a nice clean s2, and you will be laughing from here to the redline....
Hope it works out, and let us know.
Assuming you have minimal mechanical skills, like me
, and therefore will be getting a specialist to do all the work, I would budget 4K for the car, and pop the other grand where SWMBO can't see it, because you WILL need it for something within six months of buying the car, be that new tyres, broken ARBs, or a new zorst to make it sounds growlier.... Usual basic rules apply - buy on condition alone, rather than mileage, actually read the service history, and phone up the last couple of places who have worked on it to check.
For the 4K budget, I would be dubious about getting a good condition Turbo, or Cab, so go for a nice clean s2, and you will be laughing from here to the redline....
Hope it works out, and let us know.
My wholly unbiased advice would be to buy this one:
www.pistonheads.com/sales/47058.htm
mine!
However, that's good advice from randlemarcus. Definitely keep a little put aside to cover unexpected bills.
Dan
www.pistonheads.com/sales/47058.htm
mine!
However, that's good advice from randlemarcus. Definitely keep a little put aside to cover unexpected bills.
Dan
If you want a 944 you might as well get the turbo, especially as the kind of money you have should get you a good early model (87-88) These are only 220 bhp as opposed to the later 250 bhp models but will be quick enough!! They are relitively cheap on parts as most bits needed can be sourced through e-bay. Check, check and check again for accident damage though, a lot of these cars have seen a tree or a wall in there lives, are the door apetures straight all the way round, are the inner wings under the bonnet all straight with no signs of overspray or new sealer? Make sure it has had recent belts fitted, if not budget to get these done asap, the other important thing to check is the oil pressure which should be about 2 at tickover and 5+ when accelerating.
For 4k you'll be getting the very cheapest turbos and s2s. You could spend more but you'd break your budget sorting out all the things the previous owner put off.
Frankly I'd pass and if you really want one for that sort of money I'd go for a lux unless you're mechanically competant and can ensure you don't inherit any potentially expensive work.
Mark
Frankly I'd pass and if you really want one for that sort of money I'd go for a lux unless you're mechanically competant and can ensure you don't inherit any potentially expensive work.
Mark
can I put in a word for the "connoisseur's 944" the 2.7 lux? on paper no quicker than the 2.5. in reality the greater midrange torque providing much greater punch. 8V so better re engine wear, cams much less of a horror story than the S2 or the 16v 944S.
Mine had about 120K on the clock when I sold it and it was still going strong. ask stann1234 who bought it from hamiltons. a great car. and easily within your budget (whereas for 4-5K you will have to be very lucky indeed to get a mint turbo, even the earlier 220bhp version, and as for an S2, well...)
Mine had about 120K on the clock when I sold it and it was still going strong. ask stann1234 who bought it from hamiltons. a great car. and easily within your budget (whereas for 4-5K you will have to be very lucky indeed to get a mint turbo, even the earlier 220bhp version, and as for an S2, well...)
I imported my Porsche from Jersey and paid £6.5k for a RHD 89 944 Turbo in pretty good condition (Thanks Dan). Import duty was £400 and I got a car that was not exposed to salty roads. If your budget can stretch a little further and you are prepared to wait there are good 250bhp turbo models around. Budget for a car inspection by a professional. Dont buy off ebay. Mileage is not as important as servicing. Where possible make sure there is a full service history. Also look at the person you are buying from. They can tell you a lot about how they have (or have not) cared for the car. No more than 5-6 keepers and try and not buy a car where the current owner has owned it less than 1 year. Also allow another £1,000 for misc servicing for the first year. Insurance will more than likely be high. Unless its classic car bank on well over £800 a year. If your budget is srictly £5k get a high mileage S2 that has been well maintained. Definately no engine modifications or chips. You will not regret it! Im now figuring how to afford a 993 C2S.
I paid $5000 for one that had 130,000 miles on it, and yes, I paid too much. However, I've had an absolute blast in the car, and it has caused me to buy two more Porsches. I still have it by the way, and have no intentions of selling it, because it is way too much fun to drive. There is nothing that can touch it for the money, as far as pure driving fun, style, overall balance, and being a member of the Porsche family.
Here's what you can get for $4000 to $5000, and they are very well built. As for the turbo, yes they are faster, but they are more expensive to repair too.
www.network54.com/Forum/message?forumid=426130&messageid=1123441270
Here's what you can get for $4000 to $5000, and they are very well built. As for the turbo, yes they are faster, but they are more expensive to repair too.
www.network54.com/Forum/message?forumid=426130&messageid=1123441270
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