buying 944s2 1991

911ballin · 10-16-2010, 05:21 PM

Ok I/m interest in buying s2 91, couple thing concern me car has 98K miles one owner , but the check engine light in on? owner said check to porsche dealer they didn't find nothing worng with it maybe shorting?
I want to find out what can trigger check engine light ?
he said car never been replace the clutch ? or water pump?
what are more concern with this cars?
I'm they dond't use timing belts>
chaing tensioners fault?? at what miles they usually go wrong?
he said central lock bottong don't work?
but ca is lock from outside> asking price 4500k seem too cheap

Grandad#3 · 10-17-2010, 12:58 AM

I would be afraid to even start the car for fear the timing belt would break until it is changed out. The cars timing belt is way over due for a change. If it breaks figure $2,000 for a head job. We normally change the timing and balance belts and all rollers every 3 years or 30k miles and the water pump at 60k miles. The Cam Tensioner Pads are due for a change due to age of the plastic. Again their failure can cause a Head to be replaced. I would change the pads and chain at the same time. The clutch if it has not been changed must still have the rubber centered one still in the car. It can fail at any time, figure $1500 for a shop to change it out at least. Does the A/C blow cold? Does the Engine Oil Pressure look good? Does the sunroof work as it should? With the check engine light on I would want to see the paper work from the Dealer saying they could find nothing wrong. There is no documentation of work ever being performed as to normal maintenance on a 98K mile car. Makes me nervous. Be sure to check the color of the oil, if it has a milkshake color there is anti-freeze in it. Also check the anti-freeze over flow tank for oil. Is the car local to you?

Can you do any of the work yourself? If you can you are ahead and can save huge labor costs. How is the condition of the car inside and out? You are going to be out of pocket right off what with buying belts,rollers, water pump (new not rebuilt), cam pads and chain, seals, etc.. Does it need new tires right now? At the very least I would have a Pre Purchase Inspection done on the car. Pay $200 up front to find out what is wrong with the car is cheap insurance. Have the owner drive the car to the place of your choosing, so if the timing belt breaks it is on the owner and not you. Make sure they do a cylinder pressure check on each cylinder and a leak down check. You can make up a parts list from this post and check out the prices of each part right here on Pelican Parts just to find out what you are going to be spending. Don't forget break pads. The Brake Sensors may be bad. Go to Clark's Garage.com and go down the left side and you will see 944 Purchase Inspection.

Cheers,
Larry

smokin_944 · smokin_944's Garage

+10 Excellent advice, Larry. Don't start the car. Check for all the visual clues, from tire wear to suspension and steering parts. A visual inspection of the timing and balance shaft belts would help because I'm guessing they're all dried up, mebbe about to strip which would lead to a piston meet valve failure. Also check to see how much left on the clutch disc as a clutch job is brutally expensive. Ask the owner if he will allow a PPI. If he wont, run away as fast as you can.

ernie9944 · ernie9944's Garage

Easily figure $5,ooo more if the work mention above need to be done.TB-BSB-Cam tensioner & pads -clutch plus other maintenance witch probably haven't been done over the years by the way you describe the car,that is if you have to get those done in a shop.That don't include brakes /tires/ shocks /wheels bearings/ & other suspension components,so let say $6,ooo on top of the asking price you could get yourself a pretty decent & upkeep 944S2 for that money even talking 968 territories here .But like Larry mention a PPI migth tell another story & give you a better idea of what your getting into. So I suggest you take a step back do research on parts & labour cost before you dive head first into that one, cause to me it don't sound that good.Also check for any oil leaks (RMS & PS area).

ernie9944 · ernie9944's Garage

[QUOTE=ernie9944;5619974] You could get yourself a pretty decent & upkeep 944S2 for that money even talking 968 territories here .This is what I meant when I mention 968 territories ,for sell on Rennlist rigth now a 93-968 with complete service records 120k miles asking $9,999.oo.