Running costs of old £10k 944 for 23 yr old?Help!
Discussion
In trying to decide which £3k car to buy in august and subsequently mdify, someone presented the idea to me of buying an old porsche with classic insurance...which I could get a loan for. However, my knowledge is limited regarding monthly costs etc.
Im sold on the car itself though...noone would need to try and sell it to me...unless someone know some nasty pit fall Id never av thought of...
Im sold on the car itself though...noone would need to try and sell it to me...unless someone know some nasty pit fall Id never av thought of...
I got my 944S2 last year when I was 25 and 1year NCB - cost me £820 fully comp for a 3000 mile limited policy with Footman James. I think a 2.5 lux would be a bit less to insure. You can always go to a specialist for servicing and the parts aren't as expensive as you might think. The 8valve lux is going to be cheapest to maintain. There are plenty of tidy examples around for £3-5k. If you need more information you could join the Titanic 944 register mailing list They are great cars, you won't be disappointed 
Go for a 2.5 Lux - they are the route to cheap insurance and still loads of fun to be had, join the Porsche Club GB before you buy one though - you will see plenty advertised in their mag, also that is where you will get the deals on the insurance from - shopping around is required!!!
Servicing - do it your self on a lux - no cam chains to worry about here - service kit from any specialist is about 28 quid then you just need your oil on top of that (service it approx every 3-6k) and service can be completed in a couple of hours tops.
By way of upgrades take a look at my profile - it lists all the bits and pieces i have done to mine so far.
And the ultimate mod is coming in the next week or so - a fully race prepped engine from Pro-9 for just 1,500 smackers........... replacement engine can be obtained for as little as 760 quid.
>> Edited by dontlift on Friday 2nd May 08:57
Servicing - do it your self on a lux - no cam chains to worry about here - service kit from any specialist is about 28 quid then you just need your oil on top of that (service it approx every 3-6k) and service can be completed in a couple of hours tops.
By way of upgrades take a look at my profile - it lists all the bits and pieces i have done to mine so far.
And the ultimate mod is coming in the next week or so - a fully race prepped engine from Pro-9 for just 1,500 smackers........... replacement engine can be obtained for as little as 760 quid.
>> Edited by dontlift on Friday 2nd May 08:57
For help on running costs, take a look at AJ's profile and mine also. We have been entering all our bills on there. Some of the numbers will look a bit scarey but bear in mind that Andy has only recently bought his and has wisely been sorting a few preventative maintenance items so his costs look artificially high at the moment.
My costs are based on circa 20,000 miles a year with a number of trackdays so obviously petrol, tyres and brakes are pushing mine up.
Don't make the mistake of buying the cheapest you can afford that may need lots of work. These may be old cheap cars to buy but the parts are still Porsche parts, some are cheaper than you would think but others can be nasty.
A good website is www.clarks-garage.com This not only has the 944 FAQ but also a comprehensive guide to home maintenance.
A budget of 3k seems fair for a good early 944 and if you do maintain it properly it will not depreciate any more so that's one less expense to worry about.
Classic insurance with limited mileage is normally only available if you have another vehicle so make sure you get plenty of quotes first. I'm 37 and currently pay £770 for a Turbo on unlimited miles with track cover, and £417 for an S2 on 7,500 limited.
I wish I had bought a Porsche when I was 23. Back then I was running around in a Nova that cost me 6k
My costs are based on circa 20,000 miles a year with a number of trackdays so obviously petrol, tyres and brakes are pushing mine up.
Don't make the mistake of buying the cheapest you can afford that may need lots of work. These may be old cheap cars to buy but the parts are still Porsche parts, some are cheaper than you would think but others can be nasty.
A good website is www.clarks-garage.com This not only has the 944 FAQ but also a comprehensive guide to home maintenance.
A budget of 3k seems fair for a good early 944 and if you do maintain it properly it will not depreciate any more so that's one less expense to worry about.
Classic insurance with limited mileage is normally only available if you have another vehicle so make sure you get plenty of quotes first. I'm 37 and currently pay £770 for a Turbo on unlimited miles with track cover, and £417 for an S2 on 7,500 limited.
I wish I had bought a Porsche when I was 23. Back then I was running around in a Nova that cost me 6k
Like Andy, I was 25 when I bought mine (a 2.5 litre 944S). I have been unluckly with mine to begin with, but now I can run it on a budget. They are really great cars.
Mine has done 139,000 miles. No squeaks or rattles and no rips/tears in the interior. And it will still do 140mph if asked...
Not bad for a 16 year old car. Join the mailing list, and ask what everyone else costs for theirs.
Mine has done 139,000 miles. No squeaks or rattles and no rips/tears in the interior. And it will still do 140mph if asked...
Not bad for a 16 year old car. Join the mailing list, and ask what everyone else costs for theirs.
It goes with out saying do not rush at buying, look at and preferably drive as many examples as poss. Be prepared to travel a bit to look at examples their not exactly common.
And once you've found one you like get it inspected idealy by an independent porsche specialist.
Oh yeah one more thing, be prepared for smart arses telling you its not a porsche its a volkswagen! Normaly if you simply ask them "what exactly do you drive thats so much better then?" will see them walk off looking a tad sheepish.
And once you've found one you like get it inspected idealy by an independent porsche specialist.
Oh yeah one more thing, be prepared for smart arses telling you its not a porsche its a volkswagen! Normaly if you simply ask them "what exactly do you drive thats so much better then?" will see them walk off looking a tad sheepish.
Well theirs nothing wrong with VW as such. If you tell someone you run a Golf GTI or Corrado VR6. They dont tend to sneer or point out the fact that its a VW (um strange that).
I think some of the people I have spoken to assume I bought the 944 for its badge and not for what it is. And the reason I bought it was because its cheap reasonably quick, handles nicley, is rear wheel drive and reliable to boot. Oh and of course the most important bit.........it has pop up headlights.GREAT !!!!
I think some of the people I have spoken to assume I bought the 944 for its badge and not for what it is. And the reason I bought it was because its cheap reasonably quick, handles nicley, is rear wheel drive and reliable to boot. Oh and of course the most important bit.........it has pop up headlights.GREAT !!!!
WOW!!!!! Cant believe how cheap this is looking. It just shows you know nothing till you ask...even about the most unexpected avenues..I mean a porsche at 23 yrs is looking feesible. Cant believe it. Ill need to control myself though and would shop around...no-one screws me on a deal!!
Keep it coming guys, cheers!!
Cant believe how cheap this is looking. It just shows you know nothing till you ask...even about the most unexpected avenues..I mean a porsche at 23 yrs is looking feesible. Cant believe it. Ill need to control myself though and would shop around...no-one screws me on a deal!! Keep it coming guys, cheers!!
I can't repeat Interlopers advice more strongly.
Don't buy the first you see.
Even the shittiest 944's look good for a 20 year old car and if you're not used to seeing the really good ones you'll not know the difference.
and now the warning
If you find a good one and it doesn't let you down......be careful you are about to become a total Porsche obsessive and cars will take over your life 
Don't buy the first you see.
Even the shittiest 944's look good for a 20 year old car and if you're not used to seeing the really good ones you'll not know the difference.
and now the warning
If you find a good one and it doesn't let you down......be careful you are about to become a total Porsche obsessive and cars will take over your life 
I would get an independent to check it over. An OPC may be able to help, but they take a while to book in and they may not have seen a 944 since 1993!
If you are based in the South or Central region, Andy Fearns at Fearnsport should be able to help, amongst others. Cost is 100 GBP - see Porsche classifieds under parts. This isn't a shameless pug - just the person I'd use if I was in your position.
If you are based in the South or Central region, Andy Fearns at Fearnsport should be able to help, amongst others. Cost is 100 GBP - see Porsche classifieds under parts. This isn't a shameless pug - just the person I'd use if I was in your position.
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