Hello from a newbie

[Duffman502]

Hi all have just signed up looking to buy a 944, so doing a bit of research before hand.
Having owned a string of VWs and an mgb gt i thought id try a porsche.
Im living in the midlands so if anyone knows any good examples for sale around the 2k mark then drop me a line.

Looking more likely at a later lux manual with good service and newish clutch, water pump etc. will stretch to an S if the spec is good.

Thanks in advance for any help Joe

 

[Jinxy]

Welcome Joe ! ive not had my 944 too long, but my best advice would be to buy the best you can afford, some parts are unbelievably cheap, others are horrendously expensive, the last thing you want is to pay too cheaply for a car, then for it to sit on the drive waiting for cash to come along so you can fix a part & actually drive the thing ! easy for me to say as i have a lovely example, but common sense really. im sure theres plenty of members in the midlands who would be willing to take a look at a potential purchase before you part with any hard earned, we have very knowledgable folk on here above all... dont let your heart rule your head, good luck... oh & remember, once you've bought your 944 you have to upload pics !! LOL !!, cheers, Jinxy

 

[Mike_Pollock]

Hi and welcome, I'm Leicester based just by J21and am on my second 944 in 41/2 years. This one is a 2.7 the first was a square dash 2.5. Would be happy to have a chat, maybe look at cars with you - no is in the signature. And yes we like pics! Me in particular , I took 1500 mainly Porsche over the weekend! Cheers

 

[andy watson]

Hi Joe and welcome Think you will struggle to find a decent one for that sort of budget to be honest with you requirnents, take into account the following Clutch £1k ish to have had changed Belts and service £700 ish You would want to have had these done recently on a prospective purchase or the money put aside if you are going to buy cheap, the other main problem with buying cheap would be that generally they come from an unloved home, you then find that you have to keep digging into your wallet to keep the car on the road. It is a general rule of thumb that the 944 costs around £1k at least in the first year of ownership, I am not trying to put you off but you may want to rethink you initial purchase budget, maybe look at a well sorted early car instead of a cheap late one. Take Mike up on his offer he knows a thing or two and will always take a photo for you [][] once you have had a look at few late cars maybe worth while contacting Andy (Hairyarse on here) if it is still for sale he has a very nice early car will be a good buy if a little over your budget, but has had everything done recently. Good luck with your 944 hunt.

 

[j4mou]

Where in the midlands are you mate?

 

[Duffman502]

Thanks for all the info guys im living in hilton just south of derby Id be happy to stretch to 3k for one that was in better condition. I dont mind a bit of a fixer upper and as long as its got a good mot and no rust im happy. Im planning to upgrade the engine a bit as im an engine developer and have most of the kit just need a few specialist tools. Im also looking to upgrade to polybushes and sort the suspension make it all tight again. Unfortunately most of the promising ones are the other end of the country. Ive not looked into it in too much depth but from what i understand you need approximately 14 porsche tools to do the cam tensioner is this true? If so how much are these likely to cost. Also with the rear gearbox is the clutch a possible diy job?

 

[Mike_Pollock]

By cam tensioner, do you mean the main drive belt at the front or the cam chain on the 16 valve models? In either case I doubt an competent engineer would need more than a couple of special tools. Clutch change is fairly straight forward, assuming bolts aren't to siezed, a DIY weekend at most, I would think. Gearbox, exhaust, torque tube and clutch housing) I've swapped a gearbox in 3 hours on the drive.

 

[Duffman502]

thats promising then im looking at one for sale on here by sheep911 its up for a grand it looks pretty tidy, has a few faults but im wondering if its worth taking the plunge on it [link=http://www.porscheclubgbforum.com/tm.asp?m=704396&mpage=1&key=cheap%2Cproject%2C944&#704396]http://www.porscheclubgbforum.com/tm.asp?m=704396&mpage=1&key=cheap%2Cproject%2C944&#704396[/link] what are peoples opinions avoid or view?

 

[PSH]

ORIGINAL: Duffman502 thats promising then im looking at one for sale on here by sheep911 its up for a grand it looks pretty tidy, has a few faults but im wondering if its worth taking the plunge on it [link=http://www.porscheclubgbforum.com/tm.asp?m=704396&mpage=1&key=cheap%2Cproject%2C944&#704396]http://www.porscheclubgbforum.com/tm.asp?m=704396&mpage=1&key=cheap%2Cproject%2C944&#704396[/link] what are peoples opinions avoid or view?

To be honest I'd walk away, it's advertised as a project car which tells me it's going to be an awful lot of work. The fact it states a blown engine that he planned to replace with a non Porsche engine would have me running for the hills. A N/A 944 isn't a lot of money these days, why not find one in good condition and save yourself a lot of heart ache. Pete

 

[Duffman502]

Those were my thoughts also i think waiting for a taxed and mot'd one would pay.

 

[Frenchy]

The cambelts are really no big deal, if you buy one and want to change them the good people on here will advise, the cambelt itself is no more grief to change than any other car,early cars seem to fair well rust wise but check sills carefully, loads of cheap secondhand bits knocking about (for now) a good one is bombproof a ratty one can cost and cause loads of hassle. Remember they are old cars but well built ! Buy the best you can, look at a few to get a feel for them, do not get starry eyed. Get a good one and you will be on here for a good amount of time and you will love it.

 

[j4mou]

Im near Derby and happy to come with you to look at any potential ones sent you a pm with my mobile number. James

 

[Mike_Pollock]

Pete - I think the engine was replaced with one from a Swiss 944. If its been resprayed the sills may have been sorted if required. Time scale of ownership would be good, ie when the belts were swapped and how long it was used for and when it was taken off the road. I think a chat and the photos would be a good idea at least.

 

[PSH]

ORIGINAL: A9XXC Pete - I think the engine was replaced with one from a Swiss 944. If its been resprayed the sills may have been sorted if required. Time scale of ownership would be good, ie when the belts were swapped and how long it was used for and when it was taken off the road. I think a chat and the photos would be a good idea at least.

ahh.. well that may change things a little Mike, mind you the advert really needs re-writing as in it's current form I can't see to many people taking much notice.. Pete

 

[Mike_Pollock]

I'd certainly agree about the ad. Pete! Guess thats why we've not noticed it in the 2 weeks its been posted.

 

[Duffman502]

Ive emailed him and got a few pictures it has a dent and a few scratches but nothing serious paint looks good but a little pink which isnt too big a problem for me

 

[Duffman502]

Too much of a project and hes not interested in putting it through an mot so no chance. The search goes on

 

[jemstone29@hotmail.c]

Hi Duffman, Have sent you a private message as may have something of interest Cheers Jeremy