what's an '87 944S worth?

[mike944]

hey guys,

I'm going after work with a friend to look at an '87 944S. He is interested in buying the car.

The guy wants $5500 for it, 112K miles

Recently done timing belt, valve job and top end rebuild (500 miles ago, due to belt breakage)
Replaced water pump while he was in there.
New clutch, due to failure (i assume the rubber center let go, but i'm not sure)

Says it has a "weak starter" I'm thinking this could be a bad battery cable, or a weak battery. Unfortunately, i am not going to be able to stop at home for my tools before i go look at the car, so i can't check the electrical system, or pull the valve cover to look at the cams and tensioner. If it looks good, i'll go back and check these things.

So, bottom line, is $5500 a good deal? sounded fair to me, not too high, but also not a super bargain.

Anything special about the S car that i should be carefull to look at, besides the dual cams?

[Drover]

Provided the top-end rebuild was done right, and provided it is indeed an S, $5500 sounds like a very reasonable price.

[odie]

I'd say it a very good price for a clean "S". Getting hard to find 944 with only 100K on the clock. Belts done, new clutch, and top end rebuilt. If he has all the paper work then it's a much better price than I'm seeing localy.

There are two very clean 87 NAs here in town right at the 100K mark and the sellers are both asking $5000. The typical local 944 I'm seeing is about $3000 for much high miles and pretty well worn but not worn out. Basket case owners are asking $1000-1500 in my area.

[mike944]

I don't know if he has any records, beyond what was done recently. he's only had it for a little while, he says his wife wants him to get rid of it. (maybe because it's costing him too much!)

[Drover]

Nah, wives just instinctively hate sports cars. That's why car manufacturers are now disguising them as sedans (see 240HP Accord, Altima, 250HP Subaru Legacy, etc.)

[will944]

Originally posted by Drover
Nah, wives just instinctively hate sports cars. That's why car manufacturers are now disguising them as sedans (see 240HP Accord, Altima, 250HP Subaru Legacy, etc.)

hahahahaha....good call!!

[arcsine]

I am not a learned expert in 944's yet but $5500 seems a reasonable bargin for a 944S.
FWIW: I purchased my S for $5300 with head redone, new cams, recent clutch, tensioners and belts, Design90 wheels, glass front and rear bumpers, 951 brakes. The paint clear coat is failing in places and the PPI said a rear shock is leaking and the horn does not work. 135K miles.

[944 Speed Grrl]

I just sold my S with 109,000 miles in good condition for $5500. I'd say its a good buy

[Panzer909]

Sounds good so far. Inquire if he had the tensioner replaced with the head rebuild. 99% chance that he did, but you never know.................