Scarin me

binky · binky's Garage

I own a 1987 944 NA in excellent condition, 178K miles. I get on this bulletin board every day to read the Q&A's and I am at the point of wondering whether (when my 944 breaks down) I can afford to repair it! I hear horror story after horror story. I am considering selling my truck and 944 and getting a simple American car that has a dealership down the street.

Am I the only one to feel this way!?!?! Or is that the everyday life of a 944 owner...

ae1969 · 10-07-2002, 11:38 AM

binky....

the easiest way to overcome your fears...

pay now or pay later....

Preventative maintenance is the way to go....

These are cheap cars to buy but can be expensive cars to maintain. Do the maintenance yourself and save a ton of bucks, and you will learn and appreciate the engineering that went into your car.

These are cars that are going on 20 years so they are bound to break...... but they are very well built cars to say the least.

Good luck

Iggy · 10-07-2002, 11:42 AM

This site is a great source for repair help, but don't be mistaken that all Porsches ever do is break down. If you hung out in a doctor's waiting room, you'd think everyone was sick.

Get out there and drive!

binky · binky's Garage

Thanks Alex, I see you own a GT Stang, I was considering a Mustang, must be a GT though. I just have this fear that my 944 will need repairs out of my budget and I feel I should unload it before that happens. Of course, each time I drive it, I fall in love with it all over. It's an unrestored, unmolested original, therefore I appreciate its longevity, even with so many miles.

I'll ponder this more and more...

Richard

ae1969 · 10-07-2002, 11:59 AM

Well richard.... the mustang is gone... (as of today) see other post.

If they write it off, I will get the wife the SVT.... now that is a machine!

The GT is great light to light (now that the F-Bodies are history).... not much out there that will keep up with it.... I always felt my 944 handled much better, a lot tighter car.

Well if you buy new ... you are just paying for it up front.... if you buy used you pay for it on the back end.

Next porsche I ever buy will be a boxter (S preferably) .... in another few years.... and let me tell you that one will not be any cheaper to maintain!

Just enjoy the car, not worth worrying about what may happen...

Moneyguy1 · 10-07-2002, 12:42 PM

The cars we love and talk about here are beautiful to behold, but can be nightmares to maintain. When they run well, they are a joy. When they don't, they are a terror. They are old now, in automotive terms. Dealers don't even want to talk about technology that ancient, and technicians who once knew how to service this model are becoming scarce. And, a pre purchase inspection can only tell so much. What functions perfectly today can go south tomorrow. Given all that, we soldier on, and do what we can to keep them running. I would agree that many other makes will provide more dependable service, although they are bland and uninspiring to drive. I would NEVER trust my 944 as a daily driver, although I enjoy weekend runs on the twisties here in southern AZ. Any make of car will have specific examples in which all the tolerances run the right way, and never give the owner a problem. Conversely, there will be others in which the same situation will be in reverse and everything will go the wrong way, and the car becomes a lemon. Most are somewhere in between, tending to be one way or the other. It is the luck of the draw.

I would like to suggest creating a list of failures that posters have had, when they occur (age, mileage) to see if there might be a correlation that could be used as a predictor. I know that every car is treated differently, but there might be a "common thread" that could be used to do preventative things before there is a failure.

AFJuvat · 10-07-2002, 12:46 PM

I wrote the article I think you are talking about - where I list problems and what they cost to fix (assuming a shop does the work)

A little frightening - probably, but I would rather err to the "worse"

Great cars - a well maintained one can provide lots of fun and satisfaction, a poorly maintained one can become a money pit.

AFJuvat

binky · binky's Garage

Great points gang, but Iggy, if I am in the doctor's office, I am ONLY there because I am sick! It's not my kinda place to hang at. Just givin ya a hard time. Lately at my HMO, I see tons of medical supply reps passing through.

I have never had a major repair on mine, only routine maintenance, so I am fortunate, but I feel my day is coming! Time will tell. My wife could have shot me for selling the 914, so I might need to consult with her first...

lMason · 10-07-2002, 04:58 PM

Years ago I used to read my wifes medical text books when she was training to be a nurse...I cannot believe I am still alive, cause I have everything

Kandid · Kandid's Garage

Moneyguy1 said that he would never trust his 944 as a daily driver. But I do.
I have 84' NA in the her early nineties

and I drive her everyday to work and making up to 300 miles almost every weekend (I drive from Canton to Columbus and back to Canton ohio) . I can’t say that I don’t have any problems - the opposite there’s always that need to bee fixed (usually small thing like power window switch or wheel bearing at most) but I always get to place and usually faster than when I use my other car (Subaru Outback) I actually just gave it up to my parents ..
JUST my 0.02 cent
------
somebody please give CooperS! so i can drive it everyday

Moneyguy1 · 10-07-2002, 09:59 PM

Hey Kandid...I wish I could drive it on a daily basis. However, I perhaps have not been as lucky as some. Lesee...in the past two years....t-belt, of course, and with it waterpump and rollers plus shaft seals, done by a sympathetic mechanic who is also a PCA member with "all the right tools", brakes all the way around (discs, pads, rebuilt the calipers, flex lines all done by me), a myriad of electrical problems that seem to be fairly common some of which took more time than money to fix and had the potential of stranding me, new CV joints, rebuild of e-brake system, rebuilt speedo, rebuilt power steering pump, rack, removal and replacement of oil cooler, inner and outer tie rod joints, new ball joints and suspension bushings all around. rebuilt speedo(bad gear of course), failed window lift motor, and other nastys too numerous to list. Now, the car did spend most of its life in upstate New York, and the weather had something to do with some of the failures. Since moving to AZ, the # of repairs has diminished for one of two reasons: (1) It's all been done already or (2) hot weather is a hell of a lot more gentle on a car than salt and snow!! The car has an actual 78k on it and so far (rap on wood) neither the tranny or the engine have developed major problems.

I am one of the older posters here and the thrill of getting totally banged up and filthy dirty has diminished a bit with the years. I enjoy restoration more than mechanical work anyway. I am in the process of converting a large carport into a garage so I can do the bodywork and painting I really enjoy. I have a 1932 Hudson lined up as a potential paint job...The original under the chrome is the most beautiful rich dark blue.....NO RUST!!!!

So, if my car is put up on a rack, it will pass the "white glove" test since i HATE a dirty engine. Henry Ford once said "If I wanted my engines covered with oil and grease, I would have it done at the factory!!" "nuff said!!!!

Love those Coopers...Would like to test drive one someday!!!

Cheers!!

Bob S. 1984 944

AFJuvat · 10-08-2002, 01:19 AM

Mine is a daily driver - at least 30 miles every day, Mon - Sat. Other than a clutch and 2 A arms, no significant repairs other what what would be considered routine/scheduled maintenance.

I guess the biggest point is to be careful, they are great cars, unfortunately there are some bad ones out there that can make you start hating life very quickly.

AFJuvat

Kandid · Kandid's Garage

I test-drove MINI few weeks (maybe it’s a little bit off topic but I’m going to tell it anyway). I had a job interview right next to MINI dealership in Columbus and decided to drop by in my suit and EVEN a tie of course in 944. So there is only two people in the dealership (they came on 70~ish 911 targa) and asked for a automatic, I asked for 5sp, they gave me the key without even asking if I have a driving license, I’ve been told to return before they close. I got in the car … first gear and I forgot everything! I didn’t had such fun in a front wheel drive car since 97’ Alfa-Romeo GTV. So I’m driving and driving and then I realized that I don’t remember where the dealership was, even worse they forgot to put a dealer license plates on it and even more I forgot my driving license in 944... Finally I found the dealership and they didn’t want the car back! They kept telling me that they are closed and I should go back tomorrow! Sadly but they took it back.
After separation from MINI, I was in a such shock so I just drove and drove until I run out of gas (I have AAA though)
Conclusion: MINI can make a great winter car

scottmandue · 10-08-2002, 11:42 AM

My 1984 944 is only a weekend car, I have had it for two years and added 2K miles to the original 142K. All I have had to do is put new tires on it (the tires on the car were worn in the back the fronts were okay but I wanted a matched set, if you seen how I drive you would know why). Does not leak or burn a drop of oil and runs great, not bad for a eighteen year old!
Getting ready to do a break job (myself)

I don't' know how things are elsewhere but here in So. Cal. there is a six month waiting list for a Mini... and that is not a special order car or a Mini S.
The Long Beach dealers website goes something like "we will put you on a list but we won't call you when a car becomes available so keep checking back weekly... and if/when one is available your chances are better if you are flexible about colors and options" and then they go on and on about how they are dedicated to providing such great service.
I would love to buy a Mini but with that kind of attitude they can kindly kiss my big white harry... you get the idea.

Nabeel · 10-08-2002, 01:28 PM

Scott, only 2K miles in the last 2 years? Wow....

Another daily driver here.

I'm a broke college student, but I make sure that the car is properly maintained. So far she's been very reliable, only major maintenance was the water pump/t-belt. I hope I didn't just jinx myself. I've started saving money slowly for a new clutch- its fine now, but it's gonna fail sometime- I plan on keeping this car for as long as I can.

951carter · 10-08-2002, 01:48 PM

A friend of mine commuted 80 miles @ day in his 951 without ever having a problem. He logged 280k miles before totaling the car, the engine still runs great though, and has never been opened.

If you take care of these cars they will literally run for ever.

I would get in any of mine and head across country with out thinking twice about it.

Lawrence Coppari · 10-09-2002, 08:24 AM

Mine's a semi-daily driver. But I drive it to PCA/BMW track events. Needless to say I have confidence in it.

If you do the maintenance, these things are quite rugged - in my opinion. Mine had 90K on the clock when I turned it into a track car. Now it has 137K.

Z-man · Z-man's Garage

I have an '89 944S2 with 129k miles on the clock. The reason I can drive it without abandon is because it has been meticulously maintained by the previous owner and myself.

I drive my car on the track, and up until yesterday, have not had a single problem with it. Yesterday, it got over-heated in the middle of a session: it most likely is the water pump. So that will be replaced, as well as my 1/2 year old belts (why not reset the timing belt 'counter' to zero!) and my car will bet good as new, ready for more flogging on the track.

The importance of regular maintenance is paramount in our cars. Over-maintenance can't hurt either!

-Z.

Moneyguy1 · 10-09-2002, 10:37 AM

That's the difference. Meticulously maintained is the phrase. What other marque requires so much meticulous maintenance? As I pointed out in my previous post, I do maintain my car that way, mentioning the "white glove test" on the undercarriage. However, there was another post about a cooling system failure stranding a lister. Every car I have ever owned has had a "care package" on board; things like fuses, bulbs, duct tape, pieces of hookup wire, coolant, oil, some common relays and belts. I had one of the much maligned 924 models..not a 924S. I carried a spare timing belt (non interference engine) and once changed it in the parking lot of a bowling alley at 11 pm. Piece of cake. Can't do that with a 944. I am not looking to be flamed. When a 944 or variant runs well, it is an absolute joy. However, unlike many other cars, including some Porsche models, it is difficult to repair "on the road". That is why I stay witihin the 100 mile boundary of my auto club "free towing" zone. Has the car failed me yet? No, not seriously. Maintenance is the reason. Could it? You bet. What is 100% OK today can go south tomorrow. IMHO, all German cars are overengineered to the extreme, sometimes leading to unexpected problems. My wife has an (older) Passat. It is still in the dealer's garage for some electrical frammis that has to be ordered from Los Angeles. Every breakdown has been related to fuel delivery; subsystem reacting with other subsystems tearing out fuel pumps, relays, you name it. This is the third time in a year the car has been there. I have no manual for that specific car; none is available. Bentleys has promised to reprint the manual for over a year now. These two vehicles will probably be the last German vehicles I will ever own (my age plays a part in that line of thinking )What do I think would be a good daily driver for me which would give me peace of mind? Anything that I can, in an emergency, push into a Pep Boys or a Sears (sad, ain't it) and they wouldn't say "Sorry, we don't carry parts for those". It might be bland and uninspiring, but it will get me where I am going and back again. I'll keep the 944 for spirited runs on back roads and DEs on the weekends, no more than 100 miles from home!!(and never without a celphone).

Just the ramblings of a guy with more years under the hood than I want to admit to.

Cheers!!

Bob S.

951carter · 10-09-2002, 11:24 AM

Well, a Porsche is an "everyday exotic".

But it is still an "exotic".

More dependable than most other "exotics", but still not quite an econo-box.

Try driving a Ferrari everyday!

The simple solution here is.................you need more than 1 Porsche............Always make sure you have a backup!