Buying my first 944

[edh]

Welcome to the forum - there's loads of info on here for you Top tip - Make sure you clear any prospective purchase with Scotty first [] What you get for your money will depend on how much work you can do yourself, as these cars do cost to keep them in good shape. You're probably looking at a reasonable S2 or early Turbo for 4k. General rule of thumb is to keep £1k aside for the inevitable maintenance. Look out for rust (sills, wings), clutch (v expensive), cams (on 16V) and, of course, lots of other minor stuff like electrics. The cars handle mileage well, so don't discount a well maintained 150k model. It's also been suggested that a fair few of the low mileage examples may well have been clocked as they hide the miles so well.

 

[kevinyearley]

Hello, to you all. I'm new to site and just wanted to start by saying how good it is.

I have been into Classic V-dubs for a few years now and have owned my fair share of beetles and camper. However I am now looking to sell my bay window and upgrade to a 944 (fancy something with a little more ummph).

Could anyone help me with with some tips on:
- what to look out for good/bad points
- a good model and age
- any other general information you think may help me.

I've got about £4500 to play with and would really appreciate some help.

Cheers

 

[Peter Empson]

Oh ffs James! [8|] Hi Kevin and welcome, Ed's spot on, as ever. There are quite a few threads about buying the cars on here that might be worth searching for, there are handy tricks like taking a photo inside the sills with a digital camera, but the best thing to do is get an inspection done by a garage that is familiar with these cars. There are lots of good garages about that can do this and it's money really well spent.

 

[pauljmcnulty]

Hi Kevin, With that budget you are well in the realms of a decent S2, probably the pick of the range unless you really hanker for the greater potential for increasing the output of a turbo. Look for recent evidence of work done. Belts are every 4 years/40K miles and should include a water pump every 2nd change ideally. Check the timing chain (16V cars only) and if possible cam condition. Evidence of clutch, fuel and brake lines, head gasket, brake caliper overhaul are all nice to have, but you're unlikely to find a car that has everything perfect so factor in £1K at least over the first year. Above all, either get a solid one or be prepared to spend serious money on the bodywork. The 944 corrodes less than anything else from the time, but sills and wings can be a lot to repair properly and you can end up respraying the whole car. Even good ones can need attention to the wing bottoms and at least a good waxoyling to the sills. I don't know where you are, but I'm sure there would be someone near you who could show you around their car, or get to one of the events in the faqs section. []

 

[kevinyearley]

Cheers guys this is all well handy stuff. Sorry to seem a bit dim, but I cann't seem to find any other posts about buying 944s. Also the suggestion of maybe having a look around a locals car would be awsome. I live in maidenhead about 30mins west of the M25 if there are any willing volunteers? Cheers again, any more info you've got is welcome.

 

[Diver944]

Hi Kevin, The thread containing some online buying guide is 'stickied' at the top of the 944 Forum Here's a link http://www.porscheclubgbforum.com/tm.asp?m=38842&mpage=1&key=&#38842 Any more questions just feel free to ask away []

 

[PSH]

Hi Kevin As usual the guy's have already given you some good advice here, I would add that you make sure you buy an ovaldash model. With your budget this should be a given but thought I'd bring it to your attention anyway, many things were changed with the ovaldash cars which started in 1986, well except for the first turbo's which began late 1985. All of these changes are for the good of the car , you may also find a turbo at this price but beware and if possible get someone who knowns the car to go with you when viewing as costs can be very high if it's not been looked after. Not sure when you plan to purchase your car but if in a few weeks time then I will be fairly close to you in windsor area, I'm more than willing to take a look if it can be done during a lunchtime window. Anyway welcome to the forum and good luck on your future new toy....[] Pete

 

[ronald smith]

Hi Kevin I have a 1989S2 which unfortunately has a badly blowing exhaust at the moment- should be fixed by about 20th sept But then on hols for a week from 23rd. Also in Maidenhead so you are welcome to have a look over once fixed. Cheers Ron

 

[kevinyearley]

Hi Ron That would be great thankyou. I'm not in any mad rush at the moment so that would be cool if i could have a look later this month. Just let me know nearer the time when you're free. cheers

 

[pauljmcnulty]

ORIGINAL: kevinyearley Cheers guys this is all well handy stuff. Also the suggestion of maybe having a look around a locals car would be awsome. I live in maidenhead about 30mins west of the M25 if there are any willing volunteers?

Hi Kevin, You're welcome to have a look over mine as well, I'm 10 mins north of High Wycombe. It'd also be good to get to one of the open days in the events faq. That way you would see a range of cars, and get a chance to look at them on a ramp.

 

[kevinyearley]

Cheers guys, Once again you've been more than helpful. think I will come along to the meet on October 4th at the bird in hand as it's about 10 mins from where I live and have a good look around a few cars.

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[kevinyearley]

Hi Ron, I would like to take you up on your offer if thats okay to come have a look at your motor? Let me know when you're about. cheers