944 / Autmatic Question

Scuba Steve · 02-11-2008, 06:34 AM

Kind of an odd question, but I was wondering what 944s with an automatic go for? The reason being that my girlfriend is looking for a car right now, and I have no idea what $2,500 gets you when it comes to one of these things.

My guess is that $2,500 gets something that I'll get to spend lots of quality time in the garage catching up on maintenance, kind of like a 944 with a manual would be? And for the record, it was her idea and I was surprised too. She brought it up while watching me work on my car this weekend.

924RACR · 02-11-2008, 07:30 AM

Not so much a guarantee; especially if you look at 924S Autos as well they tend to be newer, cheaper.

FWIW, I know of a very pretty black on black 924S auto FS in the Detroit area... not so useful for you, that's a bit of a haul, but perhaps there's someone else out there interested?

keith951 · 02-11-2008, 08:59 AM

Look out for the dampner plate (The automatic plate thing that replaces the job of the clutch) When that goes.. they are about $600.. and it took me around 30 hours to put it in.. Not having a lift and working on the ground didnt help... but everything seemed to go wrong.. you have to drop the trans, pull the TT back, ect.. just a major PITA.

Signs of it going are a real stumbly idle... a big difference from bad motor mounts so you should be able to tell. Also, I believe there is an inspection hole if you can get underneth the car.. Look up into there and see if you see any big chunks of rubber floating around.

-Keith

Scuba Steve · 02-11-2008, 09:15 AM

Good to know. I did a clutch job on my car a couple of years ago. I don't have a lift and one of the bolt holes that mount the transaxle managed to strip out. Fun times...

What exactly is the automatic transmission on a 944 / 924S anyway? A 3 speed? I've never actually seen one. My manual 924S has treated me well. The biggest problem is that people don't know what they are (they think it's the '70s 924) and the mix of early and late parts makes it a little difficult to figure out what you'll need to do a job.

924RACR · 02-11-2008, 10:40 AM

+1 on the damper plate; I did the damper replacement on the black car I speak of above, and yes, it's just as big a tear-up as a clutch, pretty much.

Yes, it's a 3-speed. This can lead to relatively premature wear of the rod bearings on an auto, as compared to the manual, due to the higher revs if it's seen a fair number of highway miles. The black car above I also did rod bearings on (and a million other things - I used to own it), since it was showing the signs (flickering oil pressure at hot idle), and they were DONE. Caught it just in time, actually.

Great cars, though - my wife was sad when I sold it! Perhaps more of a "cruiser" car than the 5-speed, since the slushbox is less "engaging" of a drive, but still nice and fun and maneuverable...

djnolan · djnolan's Garage

I would be interested in a 3-way trade that exchages my 85.5 auto (new damper plate and all) for a well sorted manual S2.

944EMT · 944EMT's Garage

I managed to pick up an '83 for 2500, it needed very little tlc, some new tires, seats and a paint job, no body work needed, it turned out to be a very good car very little over all trouble,just the ususal for a 25 yo car. It will still hit a little over 130mph on the speedo. By the way it is an Audi trans.

earlr85944 · 02-20-2008, 02:38 AM

Have her test drive the auto first, for a good drive. I owned 2 and they are one of the most uninspiring cars to drive after seeing what the 5sp version can do.
If it is the right car look to spend less than a similar 5sp version.

GreenWater · GreenWater's Garage

I am selling my 84 944 for $2500, but it needs some work. Rear wheel bearings, seat covers, dash is cracked, new carpet in rear, and paint job. Body is very good and had 274,000 miles, but runs great. I live in CA. though. But that is what $2500 will get you. A great car that needs a little work. It also seems that 944 go for a little more in CA. then in other states.

Scuba Steve · 02-20-2008, 10:48 AM

She wound up getting really lucky yesterday. A Volvo 960 was for sale on the company classified ad network. I called up the person and he described it, sounded like it was hit hard from the way he talked about everything but we went to have a look anyway. I expected to see a huge dent, but all that was wrong was a crack in the grille and a partially compressed bumper shock on the right side. He said that a few other people had called but none wanted to look after hearing the description. I gave it a thorough inspection inside, outside and below and everything checked out fine so she bought it.