Considering a 944s2

[stratoblaster]

I am about to pull the trigger on a 89 944s2. It has high miles 149k. But, it has a stack of maint records 2 inches thick. I am buying from a P-Car mechanic who runs his own shop. He has serviced the car for the original owner since it had 50k on the clock. Major work done: New head, not rebuilt, brand new Porsche head and cams. This car had the cam chain tension fail thus requiring a new top end. Its had a clutch in the last 30k. Its had probably 3 timing belts in the past. Maintenance-wise this car is pretty much a winner. It does have 2 small tears in the seats. It has about 3 door dings. Some of the minor stuff doesn't work for example the key release for the hatch and the heater is pretty much either all on or all off. We are between 6k and 6.5k for the price. I guess I am looking for opinions on the fairness of the price and what condition I should expect of one of these cars. I am new to 944's, I currently own 2 914's. I can work on this car, however, I don't want a project I want a driver. Are 944's reliable?

[Z-man]

I have a 944S2, and just got a new head this fall, due to a crack that developed in the old head.

I've owned the car since 2001, and bought it with 115,000 on the clock. It now has about 150,000 miles. I've had a lot of work done to the car - mostly preventitive maintenance, but some 'unexpected' repairs, like the head.

The primary use for my car is DE and autox, so needless to say, I drive it pretty hard. Driving any car hard will increase the maintenance costs - that's the nature of the beast! That said, I do not know of any 150,000 mile car that could be subjected to the amount of stress I put on my 944S2 that wouldn't cost MORE in upkeep than a Porsche. For example: even when running with a cracked head at DE's, the car would still pull strong and not fail me! Years ago, my H2O pump failed me at Watkins Glen - I was able to drive the 4 hours home without over-heating. (How many Honda's do you know that could accomplish that?!? )

So, is the 944S2 a reliable car? Despite my repair bills from last year (the head alone cost me $5500.00), I would say that the 94S2 is a reliable car.

The car that you're looking at already has much of the maintenance / repair items done. That is a good thing. Given the mileage, I would check the 'rubber' stuff like sway bar bushings, strut tower plates..etc. Also: check the front control arms - the aluminum A-arms are known to develop stress fractures that can lead to catastrophic failure of the suspension. (Don't worry too much about this, unless the car is lowered, or has had a lot of track time.)

The low-end torque of the 944S2 is simply wonderful - it may not have the high-end 'get go' or the tunability of a 944 Turbo, but the 944S2 sure likes to scoot out of those corners!

Hope this helps,
-Z-man.

[stratoblaster]

He put the car on the lift for me. The only thing I could see was the ball joint boots on the front A-Arms were torn. I pointed them out and he put a pry bar on them to look for play. No play at all. The sway bar bushings were all servicable. The car is bone-stock down to the stereo. Not one aftermarket piece on this unit. It was originally owned by a doctor. The guy I am buying it from has owned it for about 2k miles, but like I said he has serviced it for the last 100k miles. He is selling it to consolidate vehicles. It is not advertised, I just went to inquire with him about the cost of a PPI on a turbo when he offered it to me.

[Z-man]

How much is he asking for the car? If all the maintenance is up to date, it could be a good deal.
-Z.

[stratoblaster]

He is asking $6500 I think I can get it for around $6200.

[Tishabet]

That sounds like a very good deal to me, I have an NA form the same year and last time Excellence printed their pricing guide for the 924/944/968 series, the NA 89 in Excellent condition was a little over $7000. An S2 is a significantly more desirable vehicle, assuming everything is as described I think the price is great.

[stratoblaster]

I wouldn't say the car is in "excellent" condition. It would say it is in good to great condition. It does have 2 small tears in the seats and some minor stuff doesn't work. With 150k I can't expect perfection. I just want a daily driver that I can pay cash for and have fun with. Most importantly, I want it to be reliable. This car has a documented past so I don't think there are any surprises here.

[bazar01]

6.5k should be a good deal considering most of the maintenance services required were done.
Drive it first and see how it feels on the road.
Pay attention to drivetrain noises especially when decelerating which would indicate bad transmission R&P bearing, CV clunk and torque tube vibrations.
Also the tie rod ends may be loose at that mileage and may need replacing.
I had to rebuild my tranny, clutch, tie-rod ends and torque tube bearings at 140k.
I bought mine for cheap but I anticipated the repairs but right now, it drives really very good and very happy just to drive it after all the repairs.

[stratoblaster]

Yeah, I'm buyin it. We agreed on $6250 today. I don't think I could get a better deal. This isn't the car I was looking for but it found me. I was considering a 944 turbo. I wanted an SC. However this was the right car at the right price at the right time. I could have spent more money, but this leaves me some breathing room for repairs.

[Z-man]

Welcome to the 16-ventiliter club!

-Z.

[stratoblaster]

Yeah, thanks. BTW I wondered what that car said on the side of it. I mean I knew what it meant but I never actually read it.