opinion on 944 S2

96conv · 08-20-2003, 12:09 PM

I need your opinion on a 1989 944 S2. This would be for a daily driver for my wife to replace her 328iC. It has only 42K original miles and seem to be in excellent shape inside and out. Have not done a PPI yet because I don't know much about the 944, let alone an S2. What can she expect for gas mileage, is it comparable to a 911 in handling and is it as bulletproof as an SC? By the way, the private party seller is asking $17.5K but KBB says $6.5 for one in excellent shape. Thanks.

__________________

Mark_944S2 · 08-20-2003, 12:19 PM

KBB seems to be useless for this kind of car - a white S2 just sold on e-bay for 12K with 90K miles, so something higher for one with 42K sounds appropriate. 17.5K sounds too high though - something in between maybe.

Mine is for sale at 11K with 115K, a 1991.

Cant recommend one for a daily driver - they are too maintenance intensive.

Nabeel · 08-20-2003, 12:41 PM

Many (most?) of us here use their 944s as daily drivers. They are very dependable cars if maintained properly. It will likely be not as comfortable as her 328iC, but the S2 will be far sportier and more fun to drive. The handling is excellent, with 50/50 weight balance, as opposed to the rear-haevy 911. Of course, 911s are fun to drive in their own way. Gas milage I'm not sure of, since I do not have an S2 myself. I would guess about 18-20mpg in the city, and 25+ on the highway. $17.5 seems high, even for a low-milage S2 in excellent condition. I'd say the car is probably worth between 12-15K if it is really in perfect condition with all the maintenance being up-to-date.

Panzer909 · Panzer909's Garage

I agree with the above replies - 17k is WAY too high for an asking price.......even if it is as great as described. On the other hand, KBB prices go out the window when talking about these cars; Its simply not realistic. He'll get well over $6500 for it.

Would the S2 be a candidate for a daily driver? Well, to give you an idea, I use my 944S (and the S2 is much better, IMHO) as a year-round daily driver in the city - and we get lots of snow. It just passed 157,000mi and I absolutely love it. Handling is incredible, and the engine has no wear in sight. Just be mindful of the timing belt and the cam tensioner (for the 16 valve cars). When were they last serviced? Food for thought.

If they can work on that price, I'd say go for it. Let us know if you're gonna move ahead with this one. Lower milage 944s are getting fewer & far between these days.

96conv · 08-20-2003, 02:29 PM

Thanks all for your replies. I'll see if the seller is at all flexible with his pricing. If he is, I'll have a PPI done. If not, I'll move on.

wjk_glynn · 08-20-2003, 03:31 PM

FYI - The following link documents all the known maintenance costs for my 944S2:

http://www.weissach.net/WP0AB294XMN410197-History.html

Karl.

Mark_944S2 · 08-20-2003, 03:58 PM

PS Even at 42K i'd get the belts incl timing belt and the chain tensioner (block) changed - deterioration of the belt and nylon chain tensioner block are really age rather than mileage related.

Mark

adrian jaye · 08-21-2003, 05:08 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Mark_944S2
Cant recommend one for a daily driver - they are too maintenance intensive.

I disagree,

when I lost my job and company car I was forced to drive my cab for 6 months.

As a daily driver it was great !

like any car, dont drive as if you have lead boots and you'll get a respectable 250miles/tank.

only costs was the policy, (a discount for it as a second car)

and actually driving it daily is better for it than just a little driving every couple of weeks as the engine does not wear out.