Newbie questions

[pacopete]

Hey my first post!!

I'm currently looking at 944s, however I don't plan to purchase for about 6 months. This will be my first Porsche - can't wait!!!

Anyway I looked at an '88 yesterday, it has about 96000 miles, they were asking $7995 for the car, but it seemed a bit steep for the shape of the car.

The guy said that the timing belt had just been changed. The waterpump wasn't leaking, and the clutch seemed to be OK.

However a few things concerned me:

1) Should there be any valve-train noise? It was'nt really loud but some ticking was heard with the hood open.

2) The AC pully was almost siezed, it was having a difficult time turning. How much to replace?

3) The car seemed to struggle in 2nd/3rd at around 3k-4k, what is the normal power-band for these? It just didn't have much touque...

4) If the waterpump/clutch have not been replaced, should I assume that they will need do be replaced shortly after purchasing a 944?

5) Should the car start right away, or take a few rotations before firing up?

thanks for any help!

[rammstein]

Welcome to the forum Paco. Sounds like you are feeling cautious, which is appropriate. There are a lot of pitfalls when purchasing, but its all worth it when you get it right. To start, if you haven't read this yet read it, and print it out and bring it with you to look at cars:

link----->http://www.pelicanparts.com/techarticles/944_buyers_guide/944_buyers_guide.htm

This article should be your bible throughout your buying process.

$8000 seems a bit high for an NA (naturally aspirated) 944 of the year and mileage you listed- is this at a dealer?

In my experience, a well maintained 944 will have some clicking, but I don't know how loud/weird it sounded from the one you looked at.

The car should start pretty fast as well.

Others will chime in here as well. My feelings are, when you look at a car, when you find the right one you won't have any reservations. Listen to the little man in your head. I listen to ALL the voices in mine

Whats that Leprechaun, you want me to BURN things?

Again, welcome.

[Lawrence Coppari]

Ticking might be your fuel injectors. They make noise. This is normal.

I replaced my AC compressor with a Sanden. Works nicely.

[jm951]

Price sounds way high for a NA car. That's trending into 951 territory, the land of boost addicts. At best, a perfect, and I mean perfect, 944na could maybe bring that much. The car as you've described is more like a $3000 car.

[TCMdocs944]

I would have to agree. Maybe $4500 at the most but you are describing a car with problems.

The ac will probably need to be done, compressor and dryer while you are at it plus shop costs/time...$800+.

Car should start on the first crank...pretty quick too. Add to the above tracking down electrical problems.

The power band it 3-5k...should be really juicy here...See above

HHmmmmm,

Prepurchase inspection by a Porsche shop (not dealer) could be very worth the $150 and be used to negotiate. If you don't think negotiation is an option you should probably look for another.


Welcome

[FLA944]

I agree, The price is very high. Pass on it

The 944 should start in nanosecond. If it has to turn over several times the problem is the check valve at the fuel pump. Pass on it.

There should be no power loss as you describe. Another reason to pass on this one.

Need to replace the A/C compressor and dryer. Well, pass on this one

You should only here light ticking from the injectors only. You should not hear any valvetrain clatter. Pass on it.

The conditions you mention drops the value from $2500 to $3500 depending on other conditions (interior/exterior)

Oh, btw welcome to the board and pass on this one!

Rick