Should i do it?

[dogllabtoof]

Hi there,
I am seriously considering taking the plunge and buying a 944. However i am quite nervous about going ahead as i dont know much about Porches and have absolutley zero knowledge of car mechanics.

I suppose what im after is some genuine advice as to whether this would be a good idea or not. I would only be looking to spend around £3500. Any advice would be greatly apreciated.

 

[simkin911]

I agree you should be nervous. It's natural to feel that way.

Firstly, you should go for it!

Secondly, best way to start off is to get in touch with local owners via the forum and communicate with them. Have a look at their cars and perhaps get them to help you find a car for yourself.

Good luck... You should get a reasonably nice s2 for that money.

 

[simkin911]

Sorry - I meant to ask - so where are you?

 

[pauljmcnulty]

Absolutely yes.

Do your research first. Get to a few meets and go over a member's car for advice, and read the last year's 944 forum posts to learn all you could ever need.

With that budget I'd go in as follows, assuming you aren't a skilled mechanic and bodywork guy who DIYs everything. Allow at least a grand in a slush fund for the first year, and buy the best you can find. I'd only go for a Lux unless I had well over £5K in the budget now, perhaps even £7K. And, remember that these are quite probably the best bargain classic/sports car out the at the moment, but don't let the cheap purchase price fool you that they will cost nothing to run. Less than anything comparable, perhaps, but running any car isn't cheap these days.

Happy hunting, please ask any questions you think of. []

 

[pixie*porsche]

If you would like a 944, absolutely yes, go for it.

I wrote a buyers guide for a friend not long ago, if you'd like it please PM me and I'll get it sent over to you.

 

[andrew_churcher]

mate I would try and source a car through contacts on this forum. They know a good one and a dog a mile away and usually know of one for sale or can put you in touch with someone who is.

Stay patient and wait for the nice car that an enthusiast has cherished as it wont be much more than a dog and its best to pay a slight premium for a good un.

take heed of advice re: bodywork.

Get a PPI. For a few hundred quid u can save yourself thousands. I would make this a non negotiable expense and add it to the total purchase price fund based on your comment "dont know much about Porches and have absolutley zero knowledge of car mechanics"

 

[simdel1]

£3500 can get you a very nice 944 Lux!

I agree with all the comments above. I've had some amazing support from the members and guests of this community while I've been looking for one.

If you want one, go for it!

 

[944 man]

I think you have to accept that the cars all either currently need, or will need sill repairs. You need to allow about £1,000 for this, along with the front and rear wing bottoms; and you need to find a good bodyshop, who will do a good job for this sensible sum.

Accepting that sill repairs are going to be required, Id advise you to buy a car where everything else is right (perfect dash, perfect trim, probably leather sports seats - they do exist, excellent carpets, proper maintenance history). The reason being that virtually every car will need sills at some point, and that this repair will actually be far cheaper than trying to make a silk purse out of a sows ear with regards to the other items listed on a supposedly 'sound' car; and this fix-up-er will still needs its sills doing eventually.

My conclusion is that it will be cheaper and youll get a far better car if your buying criteria match my advice above, as opposed to buying a car where everything falls short of what youd hope for, apart from the appearance of the cars sills.


Simon