Has the 944 had it's day?

[blade7]

Let's face it, other than the turbo and maybe exceptional S2's, it costs more to maintain or restore 944's than they're actually worth. And the age group that remember them in their heyday, are mostly 50+. Plus 30/40's with disposable income are more likely looking at 90's hot hatchbacks now. Or am I a cynical old sod?

 

[fire3500]

Yep, worthless old knackers. Happy to collect any unwanted ones as a service to fellow members.

 

[Paul 290T]

For any significant restoration most affordable classic cars cost more to restore than what they end up being worth, I wouldn't say therefore that's a purely 944 situation. As for maintenance my 220T has cost me £1300 per year averaged over the last 30 years of ownership. So yes in total I've spent more than its worth maintaining it. But looking at it another way, what else that's as stylish, distinctive and similar in performance etc would cost as little as that to run per year?

 

[blade7]

For any significant restoration most affordable classic cars cost more to restore than what they end up being worth, I wouldn't say therefore that's a purely 944 situation. As for maintenance my 220T has cost me £1300 per year averaged over the last 30 years of ownership. So yes in total I've spent more than its worth maintaining it. But looking at it another way, what else that's as stylish, distinctive and similar in performance etc would cost as little as that to run per year?

How the heck have you spent nearly £40k on maintenance?

 

[Paul 290T]

How the heck have you spent nearly £40k on maintenance?

Lol. Easily when you own a car for 29 years and add in a few more years paid for by the previous owner. Like I said, can you think of another car that offers a similar experience for just £1300 per year, less appreciation in the cars value?

 

[scam75]

The 944 is a timeless classic in my opinion. A great looking car and if you are able to perform some of the maintenance yourself they can be very rewarding. There are not many cars that draw as many admiring glances from people young and old and are a joy to drive. I can confirm you are cynical, and old!

 

[blade7]

Lol. Easily when you own a car for 29 years and add in a few more years paid for by the previous owner. Like I said, can you think of another car that offers a similar experience for just £1300 per year, less appreciation in the cars value?

Well I owned a Cosworth for 13 years, and then a 944 turbo for 17 years, that's 30 years. And I didn't spend anything like £39k maintaining both of them. Perhaps I just bought well...

 

[Eldavo]

I’m saying nothing

 

[blade7]

I can confirm you are cynical, and old!

That may be, I'm not water tight though.

 

[PSH]

You guys don't want to know bow much I've spent.... and no....the 944 has not had it's day..

 

[blade7]

You guys don't want to know bow much I've spent.... and no....the 944 has not had it's day..

I do want to know . When I compared the roof height side by side of my Leon Cupra R ABT/GR Yaris, with my 944 turbo, the Porsche looked about a foot lower. Despite that, the SEAT and Toyota would both have probably pulled away from a 944 on a twisty B road.

 

[GT3991]

To be fair, a GR Yaris would probably pull away from most things on a twisty B road! I know I was definitely quicker down the lanes in mine, than I'd have been in any of the more exotic stuff I've owned.

 

[blade7]

I excluded the Turbo and S2 in my first post, and so far I don't see any of you sticking up for the other basic 944 models. And a Yaris is faster than a GT3, who'd have thought it .

 

[blade7]

I’m saying nothing

I wouldn't consider 3 new engines as being routine maintenance though .

 

[Peter_Bull]

I don't own a 944 now but in 1989 I bought a 944 Lux that was just 3 years old.
I loved that car and it was indeed very special to me and boy did it get some admiring glances too. It always felt so solid, planted and even, dare I say, economical.
Traveling weekends to and from the RN naval air station in Dorset to Lancashire was a breeze, and far less tiring to drive than subsequent 911s I have owned.
6 years and 60k miles without a hiccup, just servicing at the OPC.
Thumbs up from me for any model 944!!

 

[blade7]

I remember when it was all fields around here...

 

[944Turbo]

How are 356s doing? they have a few years head start and are arguably less suited to modern motoring, but would be a good reference!

 

[Eldavo]

How are 356s doing? they have a few years head start and are arguably less suited to modern motoring, but would be a good reference!

I got to drive my friend’s 356 to a show a couple of years ago and a guy commented “that’s lovely but you can’t really take it anywhere.”

To which the owner replied “well, I just got back from Portugal in it last week if that counts?”