Buying a 944

[Spydaman]

I'll be going for a look at a 944 in about an hours time. It's an '88 car with 120k on it. The guy wants £3k for it which seems reasonable. Does this sound like a good buy and what should I look out for?

[dontlift]

If it's in good nick then the price is right, but be very carefuly when looking at steering / suspension etc, although if you can weild a spanner they are relatively easy to work on.

I have just completed a total suspension & steering overhaul for under a grand, can now feels excellent.

Now all i need is a decent engine to drop in it..... hmmm V8 me thinks....

[Thom]

Look for vibrations when idling, transmission noises at low revs (< 2000) when gear engaged, knackered dampers, uneven tyre wear, front body panels alignment (crash?),...

[melv]

Go look at the FAQ's at www.titanic.co.uk, Porsche 944 section.

Melv

[AJLintern]

Make sure the cam belt/balance belts have been changed within the last 3 years or 30k miles, costs about £250. At that mileage the clutch may have been done already, but if not then its a £750+ engine out job. Rust shouldn't really be a problem as the 944 is galvanised, but it is 15 years old now so there maybe some. Also check for any repaired accident damage. Other than that there isn't much that seems to go wrong, and with regular maintainance the engines last well over 200k miles.
Its a really nice car to drive too

[kevinday]

Take a look at the 944 buyer's guide.. www.pistonheads.com/porsche/default.asp?storyId=6090

[Spydaman]

Didn't get it. It had a good solid history and was dead straight. Sounded sweet but was due for a cam belt. The thing that put me off was the colour, midnight blue metallic and the interior was cream velour. Thanks for the advice.

[dontlift]

There is a cracking black le-mans one for sale at autobahn in coventry at the moment.... drop me a line if you want their number etc

[Thom]

dontlift said: There is a cracking black le-mans one

Correct me if I'm wrong but the "Le Mans" limited edition, available either in black with blue side stripes or in white with white/gold "telephone dial" rims, was a 924S, not a 944...

[dontlift]

I could be wrong - was sure it was a 944 - there is an add for it in pork post this month

[clubsport]

Er!...le mans is most definitely 924S....still a good car though.