944 Turbo Values and questions

[mhariush]

I haven't been paying too much attention to the Turbo's so thought I'd put some questions out there... Might pick on up at a good price, but in rough cosmetic condition.

What are turbo's going for these days? In good condition and bad/fair?

What years are the ones to avoid and which are the desirable's and why?

Airbag or no airbag, does that affect future values? Is that something that makes the car more attractive or less?

[dondarnell]

They were only really here in the U.S. for 4 years - 1986-1989, and they are all as good as the next, except the Turbo S cars of 88 and 89 have a little more horsepower. I like the 1986 cars because they have no airbags.

Prices are everywhere, several have sold on BAT auctions in the few weeks for over 20k, all were relatively low miles (less than 80k), and were pretty nice cars. There are always raggety cars out there for 5k or so.

I have two. One is a met grey over black 1986 with 70k - very original - except for a very recent respray. I think its worth low 20's or so. My other car is a 1986 red over black which has a few flaws, but is still nice car - but the mileage is an unknown, so I think its maybe a 10k car. One of them will be for sale soon, just can't decide which one.

[TrailRider]

The really nice ones -- original paint, low miles, and stock seem to be appreciating, especially the '88 turbo S and '89 turbos.

Outside of those I'm seeing some appreciation but not that drastic... The ones that are cosmetically challenged, or just neglected can still be had for very little money. And, that is because it takes a lot of money to bring those back...

I'm more suspicious of the almost 30 yo airbags so would prefer not to have them. They do add weight... but don't think this has any positive or negative from a value perspective. I think it is more important to have a stock car so if the car had them originally you should keep them.

I know there is one in ventura so wondering if that is the one you want to pick up. That thing is in rough shape - the interior looks horrible and hard to believe that motor has been rebuilt plus $600 in back fees ... ouch. I'd offer $2000 for it. It might even be a "parting" candidate.

[mhariush]

Did all 87 Turbo's have airbag as standard? I am looking at one that does not have airbag. Could a PO have changed the steering wheel? I haven't seen it in person yet or looked at the sticker in the back.
Speedometer is the 180 MPH version.

[mhariush]

yeah, that's the one I'm looking at. Rough is putting it mildly A fun coincidence is that the seller is the brother of the PO of my Black 87 S. So the two cars together would have a fun story.

[TrailRider]

The Porsche 944 Turbo in '87 was the first production car in the US to have standard dual airbags. So, yes, they all have airbags. So, if it doesn't have an airbag on the drivers side yes, they probably swapped steering wheels.

All '87 and up turbos had the 180 mph cluster.

It is also missing the heat shield in between the motor / turbo and brake booster. That would cause problems over time due to excessive heat.

Looks like the car has been sitting for a long time (with the windows down) which may explain the interior condition. Maybe it just needs a good wash...

[CJFusco]

You WANT to have that heat shield. I've heard of plastic components melting within days due to the lack of a heat shield. These engines generate massive amounts of heat.

[mhariush]

Anyone know what this interior Color code/combination is?