Pre-purchase questions

[pacopete]

I am debating between puchasing a 944 n/a (86 >) or an older 911 n/a ( 70's to early 80's). The 944 would suit better as a daily driver, not that a 911 couldn't be, but I guess I view a 911 as having more down-time (tell me if I'm wrong).

I _want_ a 911 because, well because it's a 911, but how much should I spend on the purchase price, what can I expect for 8K. I wouldn't have a problem with the 911 being a project car, and not running for awhile.

Once the 911 is running how much should I expect for yearly required maintenance?

I am comfortable turning a wrench, so I'm not adverse to doing the work myself.

I know this is a very 'reletive' subject/question and as a general rule of thumb, I should by the newest 911 I can afford right (generally speaking), I'm just trying to get a feel for 911 ownership.

thanks

[RickM]

If you're thinking the 944 is more reliable or requires less in replacemnt parts you're incorrect. IMO, the 944 will require quite a bit more.

Also a used NA 944 is most likely going to come in at a much lower price range than a comparable mileage 911. (SC or Carrera).

[dotorg]

I always heard a good rule with a 911 is all old 911's are $20k cars. Pay it now or pay it later.

I paid less than half that for mine, but its been sucking down my money ever since. I've dropped about $4k in it in the last year. I think when I'm done and happy, it'll be just about a $20k car, too

[yelcab1]

911, there is no substitute.

and the SC is a much more reliable car, especially if you turn your own wrench.

[pwd72s]

I won't argue with the SC's famed reliability..I've often thought that a reliable and inexpensive 911 daily driver would be a '74-77 911 running a good 911SC engine transplant. (The '74-'77 911 engines were notoriously weak in cetain areas...)

[masraum]

If your budget is $8K, then you should go for a 944. You can pick them up for as little as $4k (not recommending that necessarily) and still have money left over to fix anything that might need to be replaced (not broken, just old and worn out, it is a used car after all.

Unless you are really lucky you probably won't get much of a 911 for $8K, and it will probably be a headache down the road, especially if it's a daily driver.

I definitely recommend that you eventually get a 911, but it's better to wait until you can really afford it.

[dotorg]

masraum: I paid less than that for mine, I've put almost 8,000 miles on it in less than a year (and it was garaged for five of those months)... zero problems until my throttle link broke last week ($20 part). $100 or so in maintennance bits and pieces (oil, filters, etc).

Everything else I've spent has been on upgrades and stuff I wanted but didn't need. If you're careful, you can easily find a reliable one in that price range. In fact I think I probably overpaid on mine.

[Hetmann]

Don't buy a 944 if you really want a 911. It will never be a 911. Get something fun and sporty and wait til you can afford and find the car you really want.

Some people are lucky and don't have to spend much. I was too for a number of years, but eventually the $20K rule kicks in. It happened to me. As long as you are prepared for that eventuality you won't be left holding the bag and you can then do some fun upgrades.

Don't go into this thinking your 911 (or 944) won't need anything major. That's a statistical fuke. It may happen and wouldn't it be great if it did, but don't plan on it.

[Rick Lee]

I'd say all 911's are $30k cars. Even if you get a 993 for $40k, by the time you sell it, you'll be lucky to get $30k. Get a Carrera for $15k and you WILL put $15k more into it within 3-5 yrs. Pay now or pay later.

[jmohn]

I've had both, an '86 951 (944 turbo) and now a '78 SC, and all things being equal (both mechanically sound with no body/paint or interior issues), I think the upkeep is about the same. As others have said the 944 (although a great car, I certainly enjoyed mine) isn't a 911. As an aside here, those that disparage the 944 have never driven a mildly "enhanced" 951, they'll run with any but the mostly highly modified SC or Carrera. As to price, here's the rub, you should be able to find a nice 944 for $8K (a nice 951 for $10K) but a 911 in the same condition, even though 4-10 years older, will be double that money.

Oh, and they're both great daily drivers.

Good luck,

Jerry M
'78 SC

[tsuter]

If not 911 then go 928 and do this!!! At least you'll have something that goes fast. Although I suppose you could make a 944 go fast too.... maybe!