One other off the wall thought - sell your 944 and buy a 944. If you really do love the 944 this makes the most sense, you'll be rid of your money pit and can get a pretty darn nice one for $4k. That sort of money will get you a nice 1985.5+ so you get the better interior and a host of other improvements.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/porsche-cars-sale/688465-1987-porsche-944-black-4500-a.html

That took me all of 5 seconds in the for sale forums. Nice car but high miles, you can find them with much less if you shop around.

Oddly, I prefer the klunky old interior, looks more sports car like.

However you idea has crossed my mind... and it would allow me to upgrade to a 944S, 944S2, or 951 (more that $4K I know).


Like the 944 I was also very impressed with the Miata when it came out, however I am worried about the tiny motor, 1.6? I know the car is minuscule (saw one on the freeway this morning) but sure hard to get excited about that mouse motor.

I've seen early Miatas with quality turbo kits for $4k. That should remedy any issues you have with power. Personally I like the Miata, but feel claustrophobic inside of one. Dropping the top helps, but that's not very desirable the 2/3 of a year where it's either 100 or 0 here.;)

I'd argue that maintenance costs are going to be higher for a 16V or 951. It is certainly worth it, though. FWIW My 944 was not that difficult to take apart (engine + torque tube rebuild) but that is probably because it was not left out in the elements or driven in the winter.

Sell for all the right reasons.

I am not a collector so I have a few rules of thumb for equipment (which, distilled, is what a car is):

- If I don't use it enough to justify owning it, I sell it.
- If it costs me more to maintain it than to rent it, I sell it.
- If I can sell it for a profit and I can cover the rent on a similar piece of
equipment, AMF.
- If it breaks and I haven't fixed it in a year, I sell it or fix it.

1990-1993 Miatas have the 1.6. In 1994 it was bumped up to a 1.8.

I like the fact that I can scream around at the upper reaches of the tach, driving like a Banshee, without causing problems or generating too much attention.

Can't do that in a 400 hp Corvette, or even in a forced-induction Miata without commiting a felony.

At 2400 pounds, double wishbone suspension all the way around, and 50/50 weight distribution, the 1.6 is just fine by me.

That's a good list! I would have much less on my list if I followed your advice.

If you fit in a Miata and dont mind low power it's a great car. If I fit I'd have one w/ a hardtop. t-belts are simple as is general maintenance. Generally reliable with a great following for upgrades if you are interested.

What about a fourth option?

Trade it for a 1987 560SEC.

And the kicker is you get to keep the 944! Deal?

I thought you sold the Mercedes to some guy in Providence?

I did but bought it back for twice the selling price because I missed it. Do you have anything you would like to trade for it? Same deal as with Scott - whatever you offer you can keep...

Why is it that you've failed to add the option for strapping rockets onto the outside door panels???

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scott, i looked up your search terms thinking there was a post from you. didn't find one.

a leaking water pump? $2000 - $3000? really?

i did a new cylinder head (bent valves), replaced every piece of rubber hose under the hood, water pump, new rollers, belts, for <$2000.

replace the water pump (yeah, it sucks, but it isn't that bad), the rollers and belts and be done with it. drive it like it was stolen.

i've done three water pumps on 944's. they do suck. they do take twice as long to do as american iron V8's. still, it isn't that big of a deal.

a non-running 944 is worth about $1500, IMO. YMMV. same car running, probably $3500+, depending on condition. i know i wouldn't pay more than $1500 for a non-running 944, no matter what. i'd start my negotiation at $1000.

No way a non running early 944 is worth $1500. I've seen rough drivers in that price range, and decent parts cars for under $1000 all day long. You have to remember, a really nice early 944 is $4k.

sounds like we are of the same opinion, matt.

cheers,

darell