Porsche 944 3.0...talk me into it

[theironduke]

I've decided that i'm definitely going to try and sell my XJS, as per my other thread i just can't get on with a slush box. I'm 25 and am missing something a little bit more sporty.

After a lot of thinking i am going to spend the entire proceeds from the Jag on it's replacement.

I'm pretty set on a coupe so have decided on a 944...a late car as per title with a budget of up to 4k.

I have owned older Porkers before, well, i had a 928 that nearly broke me....but this time i'll be buying with my eyes open and head on.

So...PH...whats the word on 944's (S2s particularly) I have had a look and my budget seems to be in non-shed territory which is good I've read that from new they were sub 7 0-60 and 150 top end. I used to have a E30 325 which i loved so i'm guessing these will "feel" about as quick, maybe a bit more.

Anyway...lets have thoughts and warnings please!

[andy43]

theironduke said:

Porsche 944 3.0...talk me into it

I won't mention an E36 M3 then...
Whoops

[theironduke]

andy43 said:

theironduke said:

Porsche 944 3.0...talk me into it

I won't mention an E36 M3 then...
Whoops

I did consider it but a) can't get one insured on a classic policy b) it's still an E36 and doesn't feel special

[redstu]

I'll be watching this thread, an s2 is on my list of cars to own as well, Along with a 928 and an xjs! Some 928s have horrible interiors though!

[theironduke]

redstu said:

I'll be watching this thread, an s2 is on my list of cars to own as well, Along with a 928 and an xjs! Some 928s have horrible interiors though!

Some 928s are horrendous! If you do buy one just be insanely thorough, they have the ability to be financially crippling if you buy a hound.... BUT they are epic cars.

My XJS has been faultless, NOTHING has fallen off or stopped working since i bought her. Granted she is a very late facelift car (1995) so feels very solid, well screwed together and really quite modern. I think i'll be having another when i'm a little older but i really miss something that can be chucked about.

[Garlick]

I've just sold my lovely S2, it was a beautiful car to own and is already missed.

Have a search for my running reports on PH.

[tr7v8]

Buyers guide here http://forums.tipec.net/viewtopic.php?f=25&t=5...
Also worth signing up as cars are there for sale.

[bertelli_1]

I've fixed hundreds of them & they are great cars, my favorite of the 944 range. Most importantly check sills & wings for rust (£££). S2's seem to suffer with torque tube bearing noise, sounds like a clutch release bearing whine (£££). They should all have had a new clutch by now, the original design had a rubber centre which can fail (££). Cam chain & tensioners can wear(££), worst case requires new cams as the sprocket teeth can fall off (£££). The suspension will be worn out, budget for new shocks all round (££). A history showing at least some of the above has been done is a good start, £4k should get you a nice one. Here is mine - http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...

[Angelus]

Great cars, a few friends have got them. Fun to drive, I only have an early n/a which is good, the turbo is great. There is so much you can do to them too. Make sure it has history, I'd buy from an enthusiast if was buying another.

Do you regret selling the 928?

[theironduke]

Angelus said:

Great cars, a few friends have got them. Fun to drive, I only have an early n/a which is good, the turbo is great. There is so much you can do to them too. Make sure it has history, I'd buy from an enthusiast if was buying another.

Do you regret selling the 928?

Yes and no. I didn't buy the right one ultimately, i spent so much money on it i just fell out of love with it. One day i'd like a sorted GTS but i haven't seen any for 4k

[HAG LS1]

928's.......get the wrong one and you will weep long and hard, get it right and you will have a vast amount of car for the money.
The thing is the same can be said for most Porkers. My advice would be look long and hard, make friends with your local independent garage and don't be afraid to ask them for help when checking out a car.
As for the 944, don't be fooled by price, look at the history as they are very drivable (spelling?) cars so mileages and care can vary massively.
If it were me I would try to find a few extra grand and go for a 968, my experience is that 944's tend to slip into multiple ownership once they have a big mileage on them.
Personally I went for a 968, it never let me down and in the end I changed it for a 968CS, that has recently turned into an 02 Carrera 2.
The good thing about Porsches' is that they are relatively cheap to buy and run (as a classic) but also a few grand saved over a couple of years gets you the next one up!! In my case it has been probably 11K over 5 years in 3 different cars.
968 11k
trade in + 4k to a 968CS
trade in + 7k to a Carrera
Nets down to a few hundred a month, you'll spend more than that on a bad choice.

[theironduke]

Well my XJS is now on PH....and will be in the trader and on ebay shortly....

[chris7676]

Having had the 928, perhaps on a smaller scale with 944, but you should be prepared for the potential need of spending more money on it.
You should also expect a significant performance improvement over the 325.

[lordlee]

Gorgeous cars that are well built and fun to drive. If it were me I'd go for the sports seats and a good service history from a recognised independent. A car that's had it's belts and tensioners done is a real bonus as that's a £3-400 pound job. Happy hunting.

[tim2100]

Love the 944. Although at the age they are now can they be considered a good reliable form of motoring without them all being money pits?

[theironduke]

Sold the XJS today and have 4k waiting to be transformed into a new toy....

Still set on a 944 but i did spot this.....

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2149819.htm

how ruinous would it be? seems to be quite "sorted".

[lordlee]

theironduke said:

Sold the XJS today and have 4k waiting to be transformed into a new toy....

Still set on a 944 but i did spot this.....

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2149819.htm

how ruinous would it be? seems to be quite "sorted".

I'd be concerned about the engine at that mileage but otherwise it seems to have had money spent in the right areas.

However...

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2134634.htm

[Paulbav]

Get the S2, do it , do it, do it! I loved mine and still miss it

[wildman0609]

S2's are great, do it

[Welshbeef]

S2's are great but a nice 944 Turbo S is better.

A big 3ltr 4banger or forced induction ..