What to do with my 944

[kaisen]

Sell it, sell it, sell it, sell it, sell it

I can't believe you'd entertain other options

You'd throw good money after bad, period. I can't emphasize that enough. It's sat too long. EVERY system has potential failure. Every rubber seal, hose, bit, belt, and bushing. Brakes. Tires. Battery. Etc. Etc. Etc.

Again, I agree with McLovin....... I better buy a lottery ticket.

[scottmandue]

Originally Posted by Robert Adams

Problem is with these cars is the labor involved in fixing things is usually a two day job if not more. As a daily driver that is just unacceptable, but I tried for 7 years. Don't know about you guys but I work hard all week and to have the additional pressure of getting my project done by Sunday evening is just more than I need. If it isn't one thing it's another always needing attention. These cars were designed and built in a time past where labor wasn't as expensive. So, I spend the money to have someone else fix it while I go out and earn a living to pay for it; just the way it works. However, after 7 years of driving my S2 I finally just couldn't handle the expenses anymore, sure wish I had purchased one new though. It was by far the most enjoyable car I have ever owned, just requires to much labor to keep it running. Guess that's why we don't see to many on the road anymore. think maybe its time to move on to something else.

This^^^^ I put in a 40 hour week and have an old house and a rental unit to maintain. Don't have a weekend here and there to work on the car.

When I say DD I am thinking of taking the bus into town to save $$, so it would be a weekend car.

[scottmandue]

Originally Posted by kaisen

Sell it, sell it, sell it, sell it, sell it

I can't believe you'd entertain other options

You'd throw good money after bad, period. I can't emphasize that enough. It's sat too long. EVERY system has potential failure. Every rubber seal, hose, bit, belt, and bushing. Brakes. Tires. Battery. Etc. Etc. Etc.

Again, I agree with McLovin....... I better buy a lottery ticket.

I know, I know, I know... but replace it with what? At what cost? I bought the car for $4000... what can you get for $4000

I'll never find anything fun to drive in that price range.

I'm doomed

[genrex]

Mazda Miata with hardtop.

There are two for sale on the Seattle craigslist right now for $3900, a 1994 and a 1996. There is probably a bigger selection in your area.

Not sure if you would fit into one, but they would be fun.

_

[scottmandue]

Originally Posted by genrex

Mazda Miata with hardtop.

There are two for sale on the Seattle craigslist right now for $3900, a 1994 and a 1996. There is probably a bigger selection in your area.

Not sure if you would fit into one, but they would be fun.

_

In that price range we have a few but well over 100K miles, how durable are the Miata's?

[McLovin]

Originally Posted by scottmandue

I know, I know, I know... but replace it with what? At what cost? I bought the car for $4000... what can you get for $4000

I'll never find anything fun to drive in that price range.

I'm doomed

You're not domed.

There are lots of cars in that price range, esp. if you are willing to own a car as old as from the mid 80s with 150,000+ miles on it (like your 944).

For example, an 83/84 VW GTI. Or an E30 325i or 325is.

That's just 2 off the top of my head, I like the 944 but given maintenance and the current condition of most 944s that are lucky enough to even still be on the road, I'd rather have either of those 2 over a 944 these days.

[greglepore]

I loved mine as a dd but it got to the point that it made no sense= lines deteriorate, gaskets, etc etc, and nothing is easy to work on, relatively speaking. I sold mine for 1500 (hell the Fuchs were probably worth that, they were staggered ) but just could no longer put up with the intermittent nature of the car and the fact that every repair was a complete ballbuster. The 911 looks like a cakewalk. The other cars mentioned are all good choices, and at least as fun to drive.

[genrex]

[quote] In that price range we have a few but well over 100K miles, how durable are the Miata's?

-

I think they are very durable, if the previous owner has kept up the maintenance (documented, of course). There was a '95 for sale here recently, asking price $3500, 140k, immaculate condition, everything worked fine, adjustable Koni suspension, new tires, beautiful engine compartment, regular maintenance, new belts, enthusiast owned. I waited too long. A week later it was gone.

_

[scottmandue]

Originally Posted by McLovin

You're not domed.

I'm 55 and balding... so I definitely AM domed!

I'm liking the BMW idea more and more.

[scottmandue]

[QUOTE=genrex;6851730]

In that price range we have a few but well over 100K miles, how durable are the Miata's?

-

I think they are very durable, if the previous owner has kept up on the maintenance (documented, of course). There was a '95 here recently, asking price $3500, 140k, immaculate condition, everything worked fine, adjustable Koni suspension, new tires, beautiful engine compartment, regular maintenance, new belts, enthusiast owned. I waited too long. A week later it was gone.

_

There are a few in the 200K range but with under 100K on a new motor... how well does the body hold up?

Ohhhh look at this!

Cars for Sale: 1990 Mazda Miata MX5 Hard Top in Beverly Hills, CA 90211: Convertible Details - 318746842 - AutoTrader.com

[sammyg2]

Originally Posted by genrex

Mazda Miata with hardtop.

There are two for sale on the Seattle craigslist right now for $3900, a 1994 and a 1996. There is probably a bigger selection in your area.

Not sure if you would fit into one, but they would be fun.

_

Not that there's anything wrong with that ......

[genrex]

Well, maybe re-badging it with Fiat or Alfa badging would work...

[Robert Adams]

At the risk of offending everything P-car, here is one option for $4000!
This is a very awesome car (no affiliation with its owner) I owned one back in the day and it was stellar! Drove it to 150k and 4 speeding tickets. It really only needed regular maintenance, period. Decent on gas too!
Sell the 44 and put yourself out of the misery and stress of dealing with it.
Been there!
1991 Toyota supra turbo - $4000

[onewhippedpuppy]

If you don't DIY you are insane to own ANY older European car, unless you don't mind regularly spending thousands on maintenance. I've owned both a 951 and two E36, I hate to break it to you but the only advantage to the BMW would be slightly cheaper parts. Both will experience similar issues at this age and mileage, and the 944 is a vastly better built car. Sorry my friend, but you need a Japanese car if you don't want to do any wrenching. On the upside you can have a nice Supra, Miata, MR2, Prelude, RX7, 240SX, CRX, Integra, etc for $4k.

In regards to your 944, sell it. You own a 944 that hasn't been driven for 5 years, that's a project that you won't ever escape from. Sell it and cut your losses.

[DanielDudley]

Run Away ! Holy Grail: Run Away! - YouTube

Be honest. The car doesn't do it for you.

[Dantilla]

Miatas (Miatae?) are absolutely bulletproof.
Great cars, lotsa fun, short on trunk space after having a 944.
Their engines are spinning at nearly 4000 rpm on the freeway, and my 6'-1" head is just about on the headliner. The windsheild header was right in the line of sight until I removed the sunvisors.

The other popular mod for tall drivers is a "Foamectomy", where an inch of foam is removed from the bottom of the driver's seat, adding an extra inch of headroom.

Three friends have purchased a Miata after driving mine.

I guess that's what makes 944 ownership easy for me- If it needs any maintenance, I have something else to drive, so there's no time pressure.

[genrex]

A Miata with a "Foamectomy." That's what I want, too.

[jyl]

What to do with the 944 and what other car to get are separate questions.

Sell the 944. You don't have the interest, time or money for that pit.

Buy something newer and reliable. Whatever it's failings as a fun car, it will be more fun than a car that isn't running.

[aigel]

If you had it sit for 5 (!) years, you need to sell it. Otherwise we'll read the same story in 2017. I have given up on projects before and I can tell you that it isn't a bad feeling at all to see the next guy drag it home on their trailer. It is a relief, if it has been an endless project going nowhere.

It will not end at $2k for the fix to get it running. How old are the tires? Brakelines? Brake fluid? Gas? Fuel sstem? Bushings, shocks etc? What will break next when you start driving it after long hibernation?

It doesn't sound like you have gotten into plenty of money suddenly either and can just pay your way. You shoud just drive a beater for a while. Make it something remotely fun, people mentioned the Miata and there are other cars in that class. A ragtop Mustang that isn't beat to h-ll can be had as well in your price range, for example.

GL - my vote is SELL THE MOFO!

G

[Rick V]

I sold my 87S to a friend who just wanted it. I wish I had never let the car go.