What to look for when buying a 944?
Discussion
The 911 and the 944 have been my two favourite cars for as long as I can remember.
The 911 is a bit more than I'd want to spend on a weekend car plus I have another ongoing V8 mid-engined project in the garage
So, it could be a 944 is the best option for me.
Which models are the best to own for performance and reliability and what should I look for when viewing and test driving?
All advice much appreciated!
The 911 is a bit more than I'd want to spend on a weekend car plus I have another ongoing V8 mid-engined project in the garage
So, it could be a 944 is the best option for me.
Which models are the best to own for performance and reliability and what should I look for when viewing and test driving?
All advice much appreciated!
October's Porsche & 911 World has a 944 buyers guide, as does the April 2004 issue.
Check the belts & tensioners have been changed at the correct intervals, the wheel arches can be prone to a bit of rot.
From personal experience I would try and buy one that has been used alot, as when I bought mine the guy had only driven it a few thousand miles in a year or so and I had a few problems afterwards. Now I drive it everyday and don't seem to have any problems.
As to what model to go for it depends on what you want to use it for.
The S2 (3.0 n/a) can't really be tuned or increase it's power without spending big £'s, however the turbo is very easy to tune and release more power.
I'm sure someone else be along in a minute to offer a lot moe advice than I can though.
Check the belts & tensioners have been changed at the correct intervals, the wheel arches can be prone to a bit of rot.
From personal experience I would try and buy one that has been used alot, as when I bought mine the guy had only driven it a few thousand miles in a year or so and I had a few problems afterwards. Now I drive it everyday and don't seem to have any problems.
As to what model to go for it depends on what you want to use it for.
The S2 (3.0 n/a) can't really be tuned or increase it's power without spending big £'s, however the turbo is very easy to tune and release more power.
I'm sure someone else be along in a minute to offer a lot moe advice than I can though.
Edited by alex b on Sunday 29th October 13:20
Considering how prices have slumped over the last year or so the S2 model, is something of a bargain. A reasonable one should be had for £3000- £4000 and for the money you get solid performance (210 bhp 0-60 in the mid sixes).
Turbos are a little more money, can be tuned at low-ish cost but are a little less pleasent to drive when pootling around when compared to the S2.
Probably best to get the car inspected by an independent specialist (not the AA or RAC).
Even though these cars are galvanised rust can be an issue, check the front wings, sills, box sections by the rear suspension etc.
On 16 valve models (S2 and S) you need to check the history, see if and when the cam chain tensioner has been replaced, there was no official service interval for this item but they do need replacing!
Buy on condition, mileage really isn't an issue on these so long as the car has been looked after.
Turbos are a little more money, can be tuned at low-ish cost but are a little less pleasent to drive when pootling around when compared to the S2.
Probably best to get the car inspected by an independent specialist (not the AA or RAC).
Even though these cars are galvanised rust can be an issue, check the front wings, sills, box sections by the rear suspension etc.
On 16 valve models (S2 and S) you need to check the history, see if and when the cam chain tensioner has been replaced, there was no official service interval for this item but they do need replacing!
Buy on condition, mileage really isn't an issue on these so long as the car has been looked after.
There are a lot of buyers guides out there - try having a look at
www.porsche-1.net/forums/index.php?s=86f81970bfb009973ada40e0d54a20a6&showforum=8
and
www.porscheclubgbforum.com/tt.asp?forumid=15
There are as many opinions on 944's as there are 944 owners, although it seems that the S2 and the Turbo are the two to own. I bought an S2 6 months ago, and am getting to quite enjoy it, although getting more power out of it will cost big bucks. Turbos are about the same to buy (maybe a little more pricey) but can be tuned for big power quite easily. HOWEVER, they also seem more prone to going bang, so put aside some cash to cover this.
Belts are the thing that everyone seems to get very upset about, but I can't understand why. Cam belts are as on any other car; replace in good time or take the risk. Yes, they are a bit more expensive than on other cars, but they are not beyond the realm of a reasonable home DIY'er, or can be done at a good independant.
I physically looked at 4 S2's before buying the one I did, and I think I got a good 'un. (I also talked to another 8 or so people selling one on the telephone.) Buy on condition not milage. I paid for an independant inspection of mine before I coughed up the cash to buy it, because I didn't completely trust my own judgement of the car. In practice this was just confirmation of what I already knew.
Recommended? Yes, with caution. Drive one (if possible) before buying one. They are quicker than they feel, and cruise very well at nearly double the speed limit. However, they have more of a feel of a GT than a sports car in the mould of, say, an Elise.
If you are in London then drop me a PM - more than happy to talk more in Person.
Oli.
www.porsche-1.net/forums/index.php?s=86f81970bfb009973ada40e0d54a20a6&showforum=8
and
www.porscheclubgbforum.com/tt.asp?forumid=15
There are as many opinions on 944's as there are 944 owners, although it seems that the S2 and the Turbo are the two to own. I bought an S2 6 months ago, and am getting to quite enjoy it, although getting more power out of it will cost big bucks. Turbos are about the same to buy (maybe a little more pricey) but can be tuned for big power quite easily. HOWEVER, they also seem more prone to going bang, so put aside some cash to cover this.
Belts are the thing that everyone seems to get very upset about, but I can't understand why. Cam belts are as on any other car; replace in good time or take the risk. Yes, they are a bit more expensive than on other cars, but they are not beyond the realm of a reasonable home DIY'er, or can be done at a good independant.
I physically looked at 4 S2's before buying the one I did, and I think I got a good 'un. (I also talked to another 8 or so people selling one on the telephone.) Buy on condition not milage. I paid for an independant inspection of mine before I coughed up the cash to buy it, because I didn't completely trust my own judgement of the car. In practice this was just confirmation of what I already knew.
Recommended? Yes, with caution. Drive one (if possible) before buying one. They are quicker than they feel, and cruise very well at nearly double the speed limit. However, they have more of a feel of a GT than a sports car in the mould of, say, an Elise.
If you are in London then drop me a PM - more than happy to talk more in Person.
Oli.
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