SO I was thinkin....
 

I miss my 911 every day. Due to the fact that I'm retired (that's retired) and on a pretty much fixed income, I don't think I will ever see a 911 in my garage again. So I'm thinking about a 944. well sorted of course. What say ye (it's talk like a pirate day) Any models better than others? What should I be looking for as far as repairs done and possible upgrades? I would really like to get into an SC but they are starting to go up and are out of my "toy" price range. The other option is to borrow from my 401K and buy an SC they are going up faster than my 401K anyway.

Having owned both I can tell you the SC is cheaper in the long run than my 87 944S was.

Buy the 911. It's not likely to go down in value.

JR

944s have always been cool but you need to find a nice one and that may be getting difficult.
Locally they're rubbish. Deferred maintenance and getting really "OLD". The 80s styling doesn't help. There are even a few 924s getting around. :(

What about a 912? Classic lines and all that. :)

Well, I think you can pick up an NA 944 for down in the $4-6k range. I assume a 951 is probably close to double that. I believe that the '89 944S2 is the king of the na 944. Then there are 968, but because they are newer, they are more expensive.

I suspect 944 are great cars, they are a Porsche after all, but I don't know if I'd want one unless it was a turbo or something like that. You could always get a miata. They are great, fun to drive, reliable, inexpensive little cars, but they definitely aren't a Porsche.

Shoot, this,http://forums.pelicanparts.com/off-topic-discussions/770972-anyone-looking-clean-2002-boxster.html , seems like it could be a pretty good deal, but it sounds like it may be at the edge of what you are looking to spend too.

yeah I have given some thought to a Boxster as well. I grew up on 914's so it is attractive to me. Also more "Porsche like" than a 944. But then if I'm spending $12K on a Boxster I may as well step up and get the SC. I think it's a better investment. I get physically ill every time I see a 70's 911S sell for $100K. I sold mine for a third of that 5 years ago.

Get a part time job, start a Porsche Fund, and buy what you want.

My 944 is a great car. Room for 4 (2 kids can sit front or back since it predates airbags). Nice quiet cruiser on the highway. Good AC. Large removeable sunroof. Great handling (can invoke under or oversteer), nicely weighted steering. huge hatch area to swallow up Costco runs too!

To its detriment, it stirs no passion. Having had aircooled porshes' first, I always discounted the 944. But it really is a great car for the reasons I listed above. For me, though, being a great car and being a Porsche aren't the same. In my heart, I am an aircooled guy.

If you must have that flat six wine, the 944 will never fill the bill. If its just to have a porsche badge in your garage? well, figure out your budget and don't rule out a early Boxster either.

You don't mention budget and how you will use it.. but do your homework on the 944. Check out Clark's Garage Home Page to learn more.

Finding well sorted, reliable, "everthing works" 944 is not always easy. I looked at about 6-8 examples before finding an '87 with under 40K miles and one that had its rubber centered clutch already replaced. AC converted. An dash with no cracks. I paid more than most would, but for nearly 4 years, its been very reliable. I've considered selling it to get another 914, so if you are interested, let me know.

The 944 lives on the pile of "deferred maintanence" ownership. Clutch fails? shops want about $2k to replace (parts are about $500-700 and book time to replace is 10-12hours!) Need the WP/Belts/Rollers done? shops charge about $2k (again, $500 for parts and the rest is labor). And if you only paid $2-4K for the car, well, you see the challenge.

IMHO, a 944 is a $10K car.. spend it upfront on a good example or on the back end constantly fixing/upgrading it. on the other hand, SC' are now fully $20K cars.

My brother had a 944S2. Drove it on occasion as well. imho, THIS is a great 944. Enough power to be fun. Some modern updates like ABS and Airbags. Smoother front end styling than the base models. 944T and 968 both add their own complexity to be "faster" cars.

I'm a part time gunsmith. I'm 62. By the time I have enough to buy an SC they will have risen to unobtainable as well. I could be dead as well. I'm an aircooled guy. The high cost of maintenance on the 944 is a deal breaker. I'm still young enough and knowledgeable enough about the air coolers to do most of the work my self as I have for years. The 914 and 911 are what I know best. It's not about just having the badge in the garage. It's the sound, the smell. the feel and everything we all love about the air cooled years.

Maybe a 914 like this one? http://forums.pelicanparts.com/porsche-cars-sale/763462-71-914-2-4-four.html

wow! that is a beauty!

I am friends with Karl and you won't find a better person to deal with if you are going to consider that car

C'mon....hold a benefit concert for yourself.....You'd look coolest in an air cooled, and you know it! (heck....make it a company car, lots of tax benny's if played right!!!) Plus, who wouldn't hire a gunsmith with a cool ol' Porsche!!!! Cool company logo on the rear quarter windows and all!!!

15 to 20 years ago I tried a used 911 and it was aircooled. That is as much as I knew about it. It also had a terrific engine and exhaust noise. That many years later I bought the first Porsche in my life - a 2001 Boxster base. It has heated seats, good air conditioning and the performance made me forget about the 911. I don't want to spend huge $$$ on a second hand 911 now. I am happy for now. The later cars have the creature comforts that the earlier ones don't have. Proceed with caution. :)

Wow. That is sweet.

Something to think about: With the top off, you'll need a hat.

Nevermind:cool:

I bet you can find a cosmetically challenged, otherwise well sorted 911. I'm looking again as well.

well this is what I had..
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1379636015.jpg


Gone to Europe. Never to be forgotten

I found this locally..porsche 944 1985

I like the price and it's looks. It would be a fun car. Not driven too much only pleasure around the twistys here in w PA.

That 914 is the best I have ever seen, and a fair price considering what it is..perfect. More than I am willing to pay for a 914 though. I have been considering retiring from music. I'm old. My wife is sickly and needs me here more than ever. retirement was for us to spend as much time together as possible. Life is much more precious when there is less of it at stake. I don't want to go into deep hock, this is for fun and I don't want a big note around my neck at this stage of my life. One reason why I was lookng at 944's ...they are in my price range, and hell if it's broke i'll just sell a gun or bass to fix it when I find the time and the money.

Well, I've had both, and can tell you that I'd rather diy the 911 than the 944, but neither unless I had a nice garage with a lift or at least something other than a floor jack.

The '44 is a mess of vac lines and other stuff that's in the way, plus they're not going to appreciate. If you need to pay a wrench, the cost is the same, so which would you rather drive.

The 944 is a better dd, but you have one of those...

Why not a Carrera? I constantly think about selling mine, but know that if I do I wouldn't replace it, so I'm holding on. For now. I could be persuaded :)

don't do it. Take it from one who knows..you WILL regret it. That should be evident. I have consider a roller as a father son project and then piecing a 911 together , together.

I think you need a 911. As others have said, it's not going to go down in value.
Life is short, do what makes you happy. And a 911 will make you happier than a 914 or Boxster or 996. It's really just like money in your 401K, which you should know by now could go up or down in value. If you ever get into a serious financial jam, just sell the 911. You're gigging and working at gunsmithing for a reason....might as well reward yourself.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/off-topic-discussions/772187-1971-911t-designed-hollywood-celeberties.html


Here's you a '71 David! ;)

First, goddammit, quit telling us you're old! You aren't, cuz if you are, then a lot of us are too.

Let the car come to you. You've decided you want SOMETHING. 944, (968)? SC, Boxster. 914. You don't have to buy it today, but now that you're actively looking, SOMETHING will catch your eye, and if you keep this thread somewhat active, all of us will keep vigilant with you.

Let the Porsche be with you.SmileWavy

You should go hang out over at The MX5 Miata forum. Check out the classifieds, and pick yourself up a nice supercharged NA for 6 or 7 thousand.

Really fun cars, reliable, and cheap to maintain. No Porsche tax on parts or service. Much like a Japanese copy of a Swiss watch, the value is in the quality and the utility. The only cachet attached is on the label of the wax of your choice. Working AC is standard for most models.

A hardtop is optional.

see now THAT is what I would be looking for. yes I know how life gets in the way. That is why I sold the S.

IMHO a 911 will appreciate in value - so as you said compared to your 401K it could make a lot of sense to go that route.

Nothing against other Porsche models but that air-cooled six is something VERY special.

And don't beat yourself up about selling your "S" - you should have seen the European delivery '73 911T (2.4 with factory carbs) in very original condition I sold a couple years ago...like you said.....BIG DUMB MISTAKE!

Anyway David - go for it - I wish you all the best in whatever you decide!

Mustang?

Ok I'm young at heart, as you are. LOL. I really don't anything but an air cooled 911 will scratch my it. I regret not getting in on the SC market when it was at it's low. Ideally I would like a 3.0 coupe. Not perfect. Something to play with. It can have carbs even. I'm in no hurry. I'm thinking spring. But talking to my pals here, you have reinforced what my heart tells me to do. Go 911 and air cooled. it's the only way to get "that smell" back in my nose.

If I had that car I would burn it just for the insurance claim.

No. If not a porsche, I would look at Alfa, Mini, or Jag. Maybe even something like an MG-TC or TF.

Is it an 85 (3 gauge dash) or an 85.5 (5 gauge dash)?

Do NOT go older than 85.5. Big changes mid-year.

The Fuchs are good. It will probably hold it's value... maybe creep up.

I don't know. I just found it cruising Clist. Thanks for that info though.

Hell, im older than you. Ive had both, a 911 Targa widebody, and a 89 944s2. I loved the targa for the sound and open air. I loved the 944 for the ride and fantastic handeling.I sold the 944 because it seemed, but not proven by my car, the future maintenance issues that might come up. That green 914 looks nice, but go to 914 world to find some nicer cars for half the price. I think you would be very happy in a 914. BUT, keep in mind your wife. Shes the only thing you need to have and keep in your life. If you like Alfa's, Ive got a line on a great one that needs nothing.

I love 914's. I've had 5 of them, a 924, and a 911S. The 924 was like driving any other sports car, like my Alfa was. There is something very special about an air cooled Porsche. Mj is and always has been #1. I'm waiting until spring as she may just stop driving by then. I would sell her PT loser and use some of that money for the 911 project/fund. I drive her everywhere anyway, may as well make it fun. She loves P cars as much as I do and has fond memories of driving our 911. She owned an XKE in her younger days.

As one with 914s, 944s, 911s I can tell you, a SC is a great choice, and there are some projects & rollers for good deals out there, for all around, and utility, the 944 does a great job, plus they are a blast on the twisties with a good susp. and while the 968 is at the top of the water pumper chain (and really is a great car) it is also one of the most limited with its low production numbers, which =$$$ for parts and is a bit more complicated than a 944NA (but the torque feels so good)..
914s are going up in value, simple to work on and again, a ton of fun to drive.
914s are pretty well supported in aftermarket parts, very DIY friendly and you can use 911 front susp & breaks to really make a slot car, you can get early 911S HP out of a type IV:cool:

Good luck David! This thread might have convinced me not to sell my 911 (wasn't gonna happen anyways...but...). I don't drive her enough, she needs nothing "now", and I've put a LOT of hours piddling in the garage the first few years and we now have a "bond" so to speak. I was actually having a conversation with my best friend about her earlier today...this was a "wake up" thread, THANK YOU T-bird, now go find yourself another one when the time is right! Instead of "would of, could of, should of"...."did it, did it, did it" and don't look back :).

Thanks guys. Ya'll really are the best. I'm gonna start a 911 fund and I will see where I'm at come spring time. Might have to sell some guns and few basses but I think I know my true passion and I'm willing to do what it takes to work towards that end. I really don't need all the basses I have and I could thin the safe out as well.

There is a chiffon white Carrera coupe down the street. 190K miles. Asking $12.5. Looks clean.

Let me know.
Larry

buy a rusted out middie for cheap - then...

I love the 944. Brilliant design. As I don´t crave any strait line performance but really like the well balanced chassis and steering feel, I would get a good example of a NA from 1985 B, the old 2,5L lump.

I been stashing $ away for just that...problem is I dip into it to throw at the Targa...at this rate it will be 15 years before I have cash to drop on my 996 turbo...

Targa
 

There is a 1986 Carrera Targa for sale here in South Georgia for $15k. It is a silver color with a wide body kit and 964 front and rear bumpers. Whoever did the body mods did a pretty good job! If you think it is something you might be interested in I can go by and take some pictures. Don't know the mileage or overall condition.