New Baby in the Family...Need Help...

andrewgoh · 04:06 PM

Pelican Buddies, I need your advice....

I am a P-Car newbie who recently purchased my 1st 1984 944 six months ago.

This weekend, I stumbled upon a 1986 951 with 103K miles on sale by a private owner for $6,900. I am thinking of getting my 2nd 944. It is currently getting a Pre-Purchase Inspection at the shop. Results will be in tomorrow....

First glance at the car shows: no dash cracks, excellent condition on biege seats, some stains on biege carpets (washable), some stone chips on front nose, cracked fog lamps, very small scrape on front spoiler.

Maintenance records exist for period of:
** 1985 - 1990 (1st owner)
** 1997 - 1999 (3rd owner...Oregon PCA Board Member)
** 1999 - 2002 (4th owner...current owner)
** Timing belt and clutch was replaced on April 2002 ($2,600 worth of work).

Can you help with three questions please...

1) The compression figures will provide some indication of the health of the engine.....my 1984 944 NA puts out about 185 - 195 p.s.i. Any ideas what sort of p.s.i. numbers a turbo would typically give? I understand that they are typically lower than the NA engines of the same capacity.

2) Any tips about inspecting a 944 Turbo that would be different from inspecting a 944 NA?

3) Is $6900 a good price for a car in good (but not excellent) condition and no major problems?

THANKS ALL!
Andrew

andrewgoh · 03-24-2003, 01:39 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by andrewgoh
Pelican Buddies, I need your advice....

I am a P-Car newbie who recently purchased my 1st 1984 944 six months ago.

This weekend, I stumbled upon a 1986 951 with 103K miles on sale by a private owner for $6,900. I am thinking of getting my 2nd 944. It is currently getting a Pre-Purchase Inspection at the shop. Results will be in tomorrow....

First glance at the car shows: no dash cracks, excellent condition on biege seats, some stains on biege carpets (washable), some stone chips on front nose, cracked fog lamps, very small scrape on front spoiler.

Maintenance records exist or period of:
** 1985 - 1990 (1st owner)
** 1997 - 1999 (3rd owner...Oregon PCA Board Member)
** 1999 - 2002 (4th owner...current owner)

** Recent work in 2001 - 2002:
Clutch/salve cylinder replaced in 2001....A/C recharged.....timing belt and clutch was replaced on April 2002 ($2,600 worth of work)

Can you help with two questions please...

1) The compression figures will provide some indication of the health of the engine.....my 1984 944 NA puts out about 185 - 195 p.s.i. Any ideas what sort of p.s.i. numbers a turbo would typically give? I understand that they are typically lower than the NA engines of the same capacity.

2) Any tips about inspecting a 944 Turbo that would be different from inspecting a 944 NA?

THANKS ALL!
Andrew

Here are some pics of the car:

Scootin159 · 03-24-2003, 03:53 PM

Assuming the PPI comes back positive I think you've found a winner

perfecto951 · 03-24-2003, 04:03 PM

yeah, go for it. i bought mine for $7,200 and i have some of the same problems that car has. but most of mine are fixed now. the only thing that would make me nervous about that you would be the 5th owner. but 103K miles isn't bad at all.

however, i took mine to the mechanic's last week with a "to do" lit for him. i got a call back, it's going to cost me $2145.00 to get everythign fixed. Make sure that car is in good mechanical order first.

AFJuvat · 03-24-2003, 05:42 PM

144 - 155 is in the neighborhood for a good healthy engine.

Sounds definately like a winner.

Congrats on the find.

AFJuvat

andrewgoh · 03-25-2003, 05:40 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Scootin159
Assuming the PPI comes back positive I think you've found a winner

Well, I received the PPI report this afternoon....some of the bad news (most of it seems minor)....

* Windshield wipers inoperative
* Air-conditioning inoperative
* Brake remaining (50%)
* Needs brake flush
* Exhaust leak...broken stud (not sure if it can be drilled out)
* Tires remaining (90%)
* Worn air-conditioning belts (not timing belt)
* Antifreeze, minus 10-deg F (probably needs reflush)
* Power steering pump & hose leak
* Compression: 150 psi all across the cylinders
* Need alignment
* 4-way flasher switch inoperative
* Broken fog lenses

The good newd is that:

* Timing belt was changed in April 01 (water pump changed in 1998)
* Clutch was changed in April 01
* No cracks on dash
* Seats in good condition

The broken exhaust stud worries me. Is it still worth $6,900? The shop showed me a report which says that 951s typically cost $6400 - $7900 for this year.

The original P.O. has $500 of my deposit.....let's hope he does not hold it hostage!

Any thoughts?

Scootin159 · 03-25-2003, 08:08 PM

Where is the stud broken? on the exhaust manifold or just the pipes?

umm..as for the others:
Fog lenses - easy do-it-yourself, but about $100/each in parts
4way flasher - $20(?), do-it-yourself
Alignment - $150 for a good 4wheel alignment (varies by area)
150psi compression is good I thought for a 951
Power steering could be expensive, but you could just make it manual steering

Antifreeze - cheep regular maintenance; same for brake flush
A/C Belt - $20, do yourself
Price to fix AC depends on the problem.
Brake pads are cheep, and just replace them when needed.
A new wiper motor is $300 (about $100 on ebay) if you need it, but it could just be a problem in the switch. You have to have that done though.

andrewgoh · 03-25-2003, 08:52 PM

The broken stud appears to have been lodged in the manifold area, near the engine block.

The shop says that they have a right-angled drill, and they may be able to drill it out...but no promises.

I think I'll offer $6000 for the car, and see if the owner will take it.

Scootin159 · 03-25-2003, 09:16 PM

if you can get it out without damaging the block I say go for it. About the only other things that might get you is the power steering and the AC (if you care about AC, otherwise get an AC delete kit).
I'd also budget about $1000 - $2000 for the first years repairs.

Chris_924s · Chris_924s's Garage

"I'd also budget about $1000 - $2000 for the first years repairs."

a very fair estimate. Most of the repairs as listed are normal and inconsequential , user fixable. I wouln't hesitate on the 6K purchase.
Get an estimate for the repairs listed and begin pricing negotiations..

Good Luck!

Lawrence Coppari · 03-26-2003, 08:27 AM

Three years ago the #4 exhaust stud on my '86 951 broke off. I was able to drill it, then went after it with a Dremel and diamond bit. The EZ out would not turn it. Mine was the stud closest to firewall. If I got mine out, a "pro" should be able to get yours out.

andrewgoh · 03-26-2003, 09:13 AM

To Scootin159, perfecto951, AFJuvat, Chris_924s and Lawrence Coppari,

Thanks for your insights! I will be calling the owner today to make my offer. Wish me luck!

andrewgoh · 03-26-2003, 11:02 AM

The owner offered $6,400 this morning. I'm going to take it!!!

highboost951 · 03-26-2003, 12:39 PM

Way to go!

XJOSHX · 03-27-2003, 09:52 PM

lucky you. I wish it was me!