Another 944 question, if you don't mind

[bourriquet76]

I'm sorry to trouble you again, we're still debating on a couple of 944s for my husband. We'd love a little advice if you could spare some. Typical age range seems to be 1985-1989.

The vast majority we are finding seem to be in good condition except for the a/c and the odometers.

Are the a/cs difficult or expensive to repair or are we looking at something more like recharging the freon? We live in Texas, a/c is a must, and he does commute for work, so there isn't an option to just let it be since it is already May.

As for the odometer, it also has to work (he writes off mileage for work). Are these a complicated or expensive repair?

Thank you so much for the advice. We think we're comfortable with seatbelt options but these other two are the latest concern.

[Roman944]

you really can't tell until you actually dig into it

the milage could be as "simple" as the odometer gear, doesn't work/stopped working on my car

the a/c could be as easy as just needing a recharge, to as much as need to be replaced

it doesn't get as hot around here as in Texas, but it gets SUPER humid, on those "dog days", as pretty much with the whole summer, I take out the roof and drive with the windows open

[kdjones2000]

A new A/C compressor will set you back ~$400, an A/C condenser something similar. Those and the hoses are the most common things to die. Make sure that they have not deleted the A/C on your car, either

ODO gear is a $25 part, and if you know what you are doing (Follow some of the online guides, or figure it out yourself as it's not that hard) you can install it yourself. Figure that a speedo shop will charge you $150 or so to pull the cluster and replace the gear.

Good luck in your search.

[Crimson Nape Racing]

the odometer gear failure is fairly common, and since the dash will probably be cracked, you could get it all fixed at one time. As for the a/c, unless you can work on it yourself (and have some extra R-12 sitting around) it will be probably be pretty expensive. Even a simple re-charge will be expensive since R-12 is not readily available. I would try to find one that worked.

[Grandad#3]

Hello, The A/C should be changed out to R134 as it is cheaper and more readably available. The below link will show how to replace the A/C Compressor, etc.. Another post is for the Odometer Repair. It is long but well worth reading.

A/C Retrofit - Porsche 951 - www.texasblake.com

Odometer Gear replacement for Electronic Speedometers (long)

Cheers,
Larry

[Mark944na86]

And since no-one has mentioned it (at least not in this thread), if you get serious about a particular car, *make sure* to get a pre-purchase inspection and report from a shop that knows Porsches (and 944s in particular, if possible). There are lots of expensive maintenance items that may be due on one car but not the next -- impossible to tell unless you know what you're looking for. Service records are a big plus in this regard. I'd pay more for a car with a complete service history -- it's quite valuable in itself.

Great cars, but the art in buying one is to buy one that's been properly maintained. A reason many people sell is because there's a big job on the horizon (clutch, belts etc.) they don't want to deal with. OTOH, buying one with up-to-date service records and a relatively clean PPI (you always have to expect to find something, otherwise the shop really hasn't done the job properly) may cost a bit more up front, but will be far cheaper to own overall within a short period of time. Also, of course, anything that shows on the PPI can be used to negotiate the price down a bit (or a lot, depending on what it is).

[ernie9944]

Bourriquet____ Welcome to the P cars world ,it will be nice to your location so that peoples could guide you in on a good buy What mark is saying is a very good piece of advice & should be follow whan buying any Porsche don't matter what the owner come up with ,but there is also another sure way to buy a good 944 it will be buying a well knowed car from either a pelican member or a rennlister, actualy

[ernie9944]

OOPS I goof ____This is one witch is presently for sale by a Rennlister maintenance done to the car is to long to list here 87-951 142k miles asking $5,500,00 firm, this is but one exemple of what you should look for & buy.At least there is no surprise in this package.

[bourriquet76]

Thanks!

We are in Dallas, TX on the north side but not adverse to driving a bit. My husband said he'd be willing to head over to Houston, Austin or San Antonio, or north 3-5 hours up into Oklahoma.

[ernie9944]

^^ this guy is located in Mansfield TX if you wish I'll pm him & try to get is ph # so you could contact him I really believe this will be a very nice car for your husband, I,m not saying 944/na are to be spit on since I owned one for 26 years but a 951 is really a very different animal power & suspension wise.

[mattdavis11]

I wouldn't balk at one that needs an ac job, but then again it's what I do. Typically the front seal leaks, but Santech in Ft Worth sells the seals. They are cheap. Retroing to 134 is easy, you don't need to do all the crap people say, it's bull****, my car is proof.

As for the years, I would look at an early car (83-85) as they are better when compared to all the 8 valve naturally aspirated cars, IMHO.

[ernie9944]

Matt you & me have been around Porsche for a long time ,don't know how many years for you but me since the 70's ,now I agreed with you that an AC job shouldn't stop someone from buying a certain car also agree about what your saying of the 83/85 cars ,but let not forget that the OP migth not be that familiar with the 944 & migth not be willing to DIY all the repairs that goes with owning such a car thus $$$$ involve if they get stuck with a bummer,so why not try to help them find a well sorted car with as many maintenance items done on it as possible ,(EARLY CAR _VISIT LATE CAR)just an example it migth be a question of taste but you know like I do that the late car interior is a lot nicer & to my knowledge a lot easier to live with I've own an 83 & now a 968 , another exemple fuses & relays on the early car unless your name is GUMBO the job to get at them is PITA on the late car you open the hood change whatever has to be change & close the hood back that it job done ,where the early car has the upper end is the manual steering & the way road feeling it transmit to the driver when spirit driving the car but not all P cars owner are such purist has we are.I live on the other side of the world from you peoples Texas is a long way from my here but yet I'm trying to help the OP with the rigth choice.You being near them why don't you look around in your area & do the same that will be very nice indeed.Also the PPI stand #1 in my book no PPI no money handed over.

[dangerous]

Anyone that advises you to buy an early 944 is expressing personal preference. The technical refinement of the 944 occurred constantly and improvements were made every year. Unless you have a unique or specific objective for the car, you will be better off buying the newest and best maintained 944 within your budget.

One might ask "which is better, a well maintained early 944 or a neglected late 944?"

most likely the well maintained car is the better choice for most people. There are a lot of factors to weigh.

Some relevant factors relate to your expectations and abilities.

Do you work on your own car or take it to a mechanic?

Do you drive conservatively or are you a spirited driver?

What is your attitude toward maintenance? Do you live by the motto "if it isn't broken don't fix it"?

The odometer gear is plastic and breaks when the driver resets the trip meter while the car is moving. The repair is not terribly difficult but ignore the comment above about fixing a cracked dash at the same time. The instrument cluster can be removed in minutes. The dash removal is a lot more work and has nothing to do with removing the cluster.

I live in az and don't use the a/c but that's me. It puts drag on the engine and I don't like the way the car feels.

I know a quite knowledgable 944 mech who now works for lotus in San Antonio if you're interested.