Nearest modern 944 alternative ?

[J4CKO]

As my 944 is in the middle of my slow bodywork surgery and I really need something that can live outdoors, not decompose, start every time and not have as many issues as it does, what more modern
car can I purchase, in the same mould that will hit the spot, 944 will live on but will live at my in laws in a nice heated barn and I will attend to its needs at my leisure and drag it out in summer.

So, has to be a convertible, can spend up to say 8 grand,

Boxster, like but engine issues put me off, not convinved by the looks

S2000, need to try one

350Z, a bit of a bruiser

Z4 3.0 , quite like

Any other suggestions.

 

[ukmastiff]

Audi TT for me. I wouldn't go for the convertible personally as i'd like to keep the two '944 style' back seats for my kids
but it has a lot of 944 qualities plus 4 wheel drive.

You havn't mentioned the little BMW 'Z' series , I havnt driven one but could it be in the frame.

From your selection, I do think the S2000 may be a good choice though classy little number.

Regards

Mas

 

[zcacogp]

I don't think any of those you listed have four seats (maybe the 350Z does) and as much luggage space as the 944. These may or may not be issues for you.

Boxster - handles very differently. I didn't like the one I had as a hire car, but can almost see the appeal
S2000 - very different power delivery (all revs and no torque), very different handling (snap oversteer at the drop of a hat)
350Z - don't know
Z4 - not renowned for it's handling at all.

What's that new Toyota thing called? Z86 or something. Meant to be similar in weight distribution and ethos.


Oli.

 

[J4CKO]

Not fussed about the four seats, my gangly teenagers wont fit in them anyway, we have a People carrier and a supermini as well.

The S2000 handling is meant to be ok if on decent tyres and set up correctly, 944 has a reputation as a pussycat but a lot will be on 17 inch rims, dodgy tyres and have wonky geo so
I dont think we can take it as read that any car handles as per the magazine reviews and folklore but I agree the S2000 has a reputation, any RWD sports car with 200 plus bhp and no
electronic aids does have the potential to end up causing issues if ham fisted, careless or agressive, especially in the wet.

The Toyota is too new, not conertible(yet) and too expensive, want whatever I buy to be largely depreciation resistant, i.e. keep it well, will always have a value.

I like TT's but not the convertible, its a bit of a tarts handbag and basically a front wheel drive hatch with occaisional 4wd,

 

[DavidL]

Toyota GT86 or Subaru BRZ - the new "affordable" sports car apparently. Haven't actually seen one mind..

ETA 0-60 in 7.6 secs!! So hardly super quick

 

[david924s]

Funnily enough had the same thoughts recently, not so much to keep the 944 but what would I replace it with and my thoughts were similar.

Boxster never tried one and worried about engine life but I do like the looks
S2000 love the looks and driving experience, but like has been said all revs no torque (unlike the S2)
996 C2 or C4 love the looks but again worrying maintenance costs and engine life
Audi TT sport
Nissan 350/370Z like the looks and interior of later models but definitely a bruiser and bit too midlife crisis
BMW Z3 Coupe (M version) love the looks (breadvan style) but it is a BMW so maybe that says it all.

I think I have narrowed it down to either Audi TT Sport (240bhp 2 seat version) or the Honda S2000 for me anyway and prices for a good one relatively new (compared to 1991 S2) are very good value for money around £7-9K.

 

[PAUL RUDDY]

ORIGINAL: DavidL

Toyota GT86 or Subaru BRZ - the new "affordable" sports car apparently. Haven't actually seen one mind..

ETA 0-60 in 7.6 secs!! So hardly super quick

I took a GT86 out for a test when they were first released, compared to my MK6 Golf GTi it was pathetically slow, nice interior and heard that the guy who designed it took the 944 as a reference point.

In summary the GT86 is all show and no go ....

 

[912UK]

Audi TT is with out doubt the closest modern day 944

 

[gresley]

Honda S2000 by a country mile - future classic - holding its value and serious fun to drive ( okay you have to use the gearbox but that's what its there for! ). Handling can be interesting but thats part of the fun surely.

Audi - I dont think the value will hold up so well as there's so many of them - and besides not sure it makes the same statement as the 944 or S2000.

Toyota and Subaru clone - not that quick -Subaru handles better but is thirstier - not a pretty car though in my book - probably will hold value but presently are at a premium.

You pays your money and ......

A.

 

[Chrishazle]

No-one has mentioned the 968 cab - I'm surprised! Like a 944, only better. Properly looked after, the hood is watertight, bodywork galvanised.

for example - http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/porsche/968/porsche-968-2dr-full-leather-last-owner-owned-for-12-years/1110739

 

[J4CKO]

I am just talking convertibles here, I like the TT coupe but I am not sure I could live with the Cab.

I dont really want to step up into the next division, i.e. 996, think that is a big leap in cost

Z3 is a good call, a lad at work has a lovely 3.0 one, they are fairly cheap as well, the M version is tempting but they do have this subframe issue that puts me off, the Z4 is tougher, plus not so prone to Scuttle Shake.

968 is indeed the nearest you can get, I like them but not sure I would have one as well as the 944, its 3 years newer so, to my mind would start having similar issues.

I want something that I can service, wash, polish and generally ignore.

 

[MartinRS2K]

330d BMW Coupe M-Sport

A bit bigger than the others but in manual they are very quick and with good tyres handle well.

 

[edh]

986 Boxster is a great car - and for 5k you can buy a good Boxster S. Might take some finding, but there are plenty out there that have had the right money spent on them.

lovely handling, great engine - OK you might be unlucky with IMS problems, but then again, most cars have issues of one sort or another. If you find one that has already had the IMS done, even better...

 

[Chrishazle]

ORIGINAL: J4CKO


968 is indeed the nearest you can get, I like them but not sure I would have one as well as the 944, its 3 years newer so, to my mind would start having similar issues.

I want something that I can service, wash, polish and generally ignore.

I've had a 968 since November 1998 - a coupe, then since May 2011 the cabriolet. Don't know what "issues" concern you, but I've had very few with either car, certainly no sill/rust problems. Basically routine annual services, managed to forget the belts on the coupe for way more than 4 years (too embarrassed to say how many, but only about 25k miles!). OK, both were/are normally garaged with a battery conditioner attached, but the coupe would be left untouched for anything between 2 and 10 weeks while I was working away, and would start first time every time. Only time I ever needed to add oil was a week after service - and then only a pint. Other than that, the oil level stayed at full for the rest of the year. I think it would indeed fit your bill - and might tempt you to abandon the 44 completely!! (not that I'm biased, but having started with a 2.5 lux followed by a 944S, getting the 968 coupe was a really good move!!)

 

[912UK]

want something that I can service, wash, polish and generally ignore.

With that in mind you only have one option I feel

Skoda VRS... 4 seats goes like stink and really does suit.. service, wash and enjoy! all for under £5k !

 

[Fred Hindle]

Mazda MX5 2.0

Cheers,

 

[J4CKO]

ORIGINAL: 912UK

want something that I can service, wash, polish and generally ignore.

With that in mind you only have one option I feel

Skoda VRS... 4 seats goes like stink and really does suit.. service, wash and enjoy! all for under £5k !

I do like them but the roof looks a little stiff for an open car.


968, I do like but feel it is so similar it is more of the same, maybe a little quicker, plus, not exactly tripping over them, especially cabriolets, am thinking of keeping it kind of mainstream

 

[944Turbo]

Something old and british MGB, spitfire, Tr 4,5 or 6 then you will think the porsche was fine and get it back.

Another 944, then you can rotate them!

TVR chimaera

seven clone

merc sl or slk (my brothers selling a nice one in black, manual, supercharged low owners £4,250 - wife is pregnant)

try pistonheads classifieds search you can filter in things like convertable / petrol diesel / rwd etc.
tony

 

[lacedr]

z3 3.0 for me

 

[Duffman502]

I may have missed it but although its not a convertible rx8 they are rock bottom cheap so that budget would get you a late prodrive version or at least an ordinary one in pretty immacculate condition
Lsd but again no torque