Im buying another 944.... Year Advice?

[firefighter7128]

Although my 944 leaves me with bald spots on my head, Im hooked.
Im ready to buy another. Any years to stay away from? Im looking at several 1987's and one 1988. I have been asking all the questions like..miles, belts, stearing, electrical.
Am i missing a question i should be asking on these years?

[944 Ecology]

All the years are about the same in maintenance.

The 83 944 is the simplest, the 89 944 has the best power.

Buy the best one that you can afford, with the most complete maintenance records.

[944 boy]

I say 88, but maybe I'm biased. 89's have some funky one year only parts that can be expensive. Other than that the 2.7 is a good motor. I agree with the records being most important factor.

[Jerome Ryals]

Like you I got hooked on these water cooled cars. My brother has owned them for about 8 years and I was always an aircooled guy, till I picked up my 931 about a year and a half ago. I have been looking since Christmas for an 87 or 88. Just picked up my 87 last weekend. Ditto the importance for the maintenance records - no matter what year.

[CJFusco]

Would you be able to stretch your budget for a 944 Turbo or 944S2? they are both PHENOMENAL cars - everything the 944 does well, the S2 and Turbo do better.

[firefighter7128]

Buget for a Turbo is out. the 88 i was looking at is $2350 OBO. but i just got this from him. What do you guys think?


bought this car to restore and started the work.
I have replaced leaking front engine seals;
new timing belts and idler rollers .
Brake pads.
emergency barke shoes.
New tires.
rear hatch gas shocks.

I bought a 968 cabrolet so this one has to go.
my lose your gain. {car passed Mo saftey inspection before I did the timing setup and has not been licensed since}
This is a running car

note there was a rust spot rear wheel well but was cut out and replacement piece aquired {needs to be welded on}

needs boots or rear axles and ball joints but drivable
the interior does need some work but usable

[rickharrison]

Originally Posted by 944 Ecology

All the years are about the same in maintenance.

The 83 944 is the simplest, the 89 944 has the best power.

Buy the best one that you can afford, with the most complete maintenance records.

Post of the day.

[hpservertech]

Where is he in MO?

I would question the piece that was cut out but not welded back in. These cars dont rust.

How many miles?

I would take a test drive at least before commiting though. The price isn't that bad. Figure on it needing $2k at least depending on how bad the interior is.

[Scuba Steve]

I'd go for an S2... just might if I sell the 924S.

[djnolan]

did he do the clutch as well? there is $2k right off. is it original miles? might have 250k on it and need engine. rust sounds suspicious. what is the ripple in the hood? check it out in person and verify the miles and service history. is a compression test called for?

[porscheEH!]

i'd stay away from pre 85.5. They have BAD rust problems because they didn't galvanize 944's until 85.5, MY 1983 was rotted REALLY bad, i have giant holes in the car and all the quateres were completly gone, and the drivers floor had to all be cut a replaced, even the passenger side inner structural rocker was completly rotted out and gone, idiots that drive in the salt don't help ether. I would not buy that car for 2300$ theres a reason it's that cheap, your going to have to pour a bucket load of money into that.

I also drove a 85.5 and for some reason it was WAY more fun the drive than my 83. There are so many updates on the 85.5 it's a completly different car to drive.

Just my 2 cents