Noobie
 

Hello everyone, I am pretty new to the European scene and need some help. I found a 944 (not sure what year) with 130k for $1,500. It’s automatic too. It needs a new fender, one dent on the 1/4 panel and some paintwork. I don't really care about the bodywork because I work in a collision repair shop. Are their any common problems I should look for? What should I do first for upgrades?

Have you bought the car?

The best upgrade, it sounds from your description, is to run from that car and find one with a standard. It's a blunt thing to say, but there's a big difference in performance. If you're looking into upgrades, you clearly want performance, so a 3-speed VW auto tranny won't be good.

If you're lucky enough to have stumbled upon an 83, you have manual steering. It's sometimes desirable, depending on the person you talk to. I think it's fantastic.

If you have bought the car, get your timing belts done and front end seals inspected, unless you have convincing evidence that things have been inspected or changed within the past 15,000 miles. Then check into the repair history for oil cooler seals and a head gasket job. If you go with a standard, find out when the clutch was done, or if it needs to be done. Smaller things like O2 sensors might also be something to look into, just to make the car run better in general.

If you get a 944, power upgrades are mostly new chips. FR Wilk's PowerPROM is well-liked. You can do a lot more with lightening and suspension work. The 944 NA takes much more money than it's worth to get serious power out of it.

i liked my '84 with the automatic.

Automatic?.......sorry, that would make it non excitable to me. But, to each their own, ya know.

Upgrades? I would concentrate on making sure its mechanically sound as it should be......first. Then consider upgrading. Heck, you don't even know what year it is yet. Common problems?..........yep, just like most other cars. :)

Belts/wp/interference engine..........first biggie!

Just wanted to give you guys an update on the car, it is a 1989 Porsche 944 (NA) and has 120k, not 130k. Also, the motor has been rebuilt. However, it needs a new fender, front bumper, minor bodywork, and finally, an alternator. I talked him down to $900. Still a good deal?

The parts are worth that. As long as you repair it and don't have to pay anyone, then yes, it's worth it.

How bad is the hit? If the frame is bent then it's parts car.
Is the windshield broken?
Does it have a clean title? Why is the owner selling it?

I would suggest you check up on parts prices and availability before buying the S2 first though.

Yes, the windshield is broken and retail for brand new fender and front bumper were almost $2,000

Apart from the windshield, used parts are the ones to use. Conact
944 Ecology for prices. You need to have a real good look at exactly what damage there is. At a guess, someone already did and totalled it.