Potential new owner in need of advice

[Objectionable]

Hello and thanks in advance to all. A 1983 944 with 45,000 miles caught my eye and I'm going to look at the car today. Years ago I looked at buying one, but didn't pull the trigger.

Beyond ordinary used car stuff, is there anything in particular that I should be looking at? Any questions that I need to be asking about this particular car.

Thanks again.

[mistahsinclair]

45,000 miles? is it really 45..or 145...even 245...

Very low miles for a 25 year old car.

I'm a new owner so am no expert. I would listen for supercharger type whining when the engine is running...that would be a sign of bad bearings on a pulley in the timing belt.

The timing belt is something critical to the car. You need to know when it was last replaced or serviced (otherwise you'd be safe to do it as soon as you get the car).

Check the body for rust. The 944 is galvanized so should have anything much if at all...only the battery tray area could have much rust since it's not galvanized.

I understand that automatic cars have a damper plate in the transmission that has a limited lifespan and is spendy to replace...if it's automatic you might want to ask about that. Also listen for any noticable noise coming from the transmission when you're driving (the transmission is behind you on a 944).

I'm sure others will have better info than this.

Good luck.

Pete

[Objectionable]

Pete - thanks for the advice. I'm told it is 45K original.

The car has phone dial wheels - I'm wondering if those are original.

[Paul_Heery]

Two places to go for Buyer's Guide information:

Clark's Garage
http://clarks-garage.com/purchase.htm

944 FAQ
http://www.connact.com/~kgross/FAQ/944faq05.html


A lot of the information is redundant, but together they cover most areas for concern

[John_AZ]

Here is a recent post and some suggestions:

Trying to decide

If the mileage is correct, be aware that all rubber, seals, clutch disk if manual, master cyl and on and on will need replacing. The water pump may be original and PLEASE do the belts the minute you tow the car home-unless the owner can show you the repair was done yesterday!

Expect to spend a minimum of $2000 the first year for new stuff (tires, shocks, repair...)not counting labor.

Welcome and good luck.

John_AZ

[jcommin]

Phone dials were not available in 83. There were (2) choices:

Stock wheels 15" Cast alloy wheels (fuch looking)
Optional 7jx15 F and 8jx15r forged alloy wheels (cookie cutter)

[Objectionable]

Excellent information. Thank you.

[rickharrison]

As stated...maintenance records will prove its true worth...if well documented from new perhaps it is a true low mile car.

[Tervuren]

Originally Posted by jcommin

Phone dials were not available in 83. There were (2) choices:

Stock wheels 15" Cast alloy wheels (fuch looking)
Optional 7jx15 F and 8jx15r forged alloy wheels (cookie cutter)

Cookie's where forged? I didn't know that. I believe the Cookie Cutters to be cast, and the standard wheels, with Fuch's being optional. 15" x 7"'s all round.

As mentioned, these cars have only five digit odometers, and the actual mileage
could be 145,000, 245,000. If you have a consistent trail of maintenance records - odds are it accurate. My '84 944 is 69K, with most records from '84 up to present(its a big stack).

Most rubber parts, if not already replaced, will rot and lose effectiveness. If it hasn't been actively driven/maintained, seals, belts, etc, will need replacement. Always expect $2K in costs after buying as there are chances to find things the owner themselves don't know about.

If you have a Porsche shop nearby, have it taken there and a pre purchase inspection done.

[Razorback1980]

I would definitely recommend a PPI as Tervuren mentioned. It may cost a little but it just might save you a lot.

IMHO, the biggest things to consider are:

a) is this my only form of transportation? I know it's low miles and that makes it sound attractive but reality is it's a very old car and things are going to break. The second part to that statement is that parts are not available at your local auto parts (or possibly not even at the Porsche dealer) when you need them. Most things you will need have to ordered from a remote vendor like Pelican here. Can your car be down while waiting for them to arrive?

b) Parts are more expensive than normal car parts. For example a water pump will be between one and two hundred dollars for this car with a hundred dollar core charge...for a GM Monte Carlo...18 bucks. Are you ready to pay for all that?

c) Can you fix your own car? If you can't turn a wrench...don't even think about it! As already mentioned, the car is old and things are going to break. Not just any garage can work on a Porsche so finding someone who knows what they are doing and be someone you can trust is sometimes difficult. If you live in the Arkansas mountains...impossible. Take that into consideration when evaluating whether the car is right for you or not. There are a few exclusive tools for this car that are expensive like the belt tensioning tool...not all garages will have those tools.

[Objectionable]

I live in Kansas City, Missouri and there is a new Porsche dealer and several fairly highly regarded Porsche shops in the area. I couldn't agree more - a pre-inspection is really a must if my initial inspection pans out.

As far as turning wrenches - my hobby over the years has been restoring motorcycles (Harleys and two-stroke Yamaha and Suzuki road bikes). While I'm an absolute amateur I can usually get the job done.

This car won't get driven that much - if it is really nice (that's what I'm expecting) , the goal will be to keep it that way. It will be a hobby purchase.

I'm leaving in about an hour to go see the car.

Thanks again.

[Objectionable]

What a POS! If that car had 45K "original" miles then I'm 14 years old. "minor wear" - I guess he missed the 8 inch tear in the drivers seat. The pictures didn't show it, but the paint that wasn't faded was scratched or crazed. And I looked at the car at dusk - I can't imagine what sunlight would show. "Excellent condition" He has obviously rejected reality and substituted his own.

Thanks again for the info and I'll keep looking.

[Objectionable]

Here is the car - from better days I suppose
http://kansascity.craigslist.org/car/623758634.html

[944 boy]

If you keep looking 6,500 should get you a really, really nice example. And your right, if he negelects to mention a huge tear in the drivers seat what else is he not telling you. Find one with lots of recent service items in mint condition and it will be well worth the money.

[WizPorsche944]

For 6k you may even find a 944 Turbo

[Razorback1980]

Going out on a limb here....does this mean you are not doing a PPI?

Yeah, keep looking, they are around.

[Objectionable]

Originally Posted by Razorback1980

Going out on a limb here....does this mean you are not doing a PPI?

If failed the PPPI.

[speedracing944]

Originally Posted by Objectionable

If failed the PPPI.

LMAO

Speedy

[white944cup]

If you are still in the market, this is one of the cleanest looking 944 Turbos that I have seen for sale on the forum in a while, and it's in your price range...no personal affiliation BTW. Don't be afraid of a Turbo.....they are not that much more expensive or complex that the N/A, and they are better cars in almost every performance category. If I was still looking, I would be all over this one. It's a great color combination and it looks to be in excellent condition and unmolested.

FS: 1986 944 Turbo $6700

[Objectionable]

Thanks for the heads up - I sent email.

I'm concerned about the number of miles - valid concern?