Got some general questions about 944, would appreciate your input!

[AB911]

Hi 944 owners,

I have started to like the 944 recently and might get one if it's the right car for me. I like 911s a lot but the cheapest out there is still expensive and I do not wish to spend that much money on an old car at this moment.

I got some questions about 944 and yes I have researched and read some articles and watched videos but i want to hear from 944 owners who take care of their cars. Please note that 944 will not be my daily driver.

These are some questions I have:

Is it costly to maintain a 944? Expensive parts? (I ask this because it is a porsche but it is not an expensive model so I expect the parts to be cheaper and the labor cheaper. I watched a video where the guy says the break job for 944 is about $3k, that scared me)

How reliable are they if I get one in decent condition?

In general how would you compare the cost of 944 ownership compared to similar cars or let's say 911 or any other car that comes to your mind and is a valid comparison?

AND LASTLY, how does the 944 deal with Smog in California?

I definitely can afford one but I want to know if maintaining one will cost more than the car or not.

Thanks.

[Rupert944]

Expensive parts and labor, IIRC about the same as a 911.

Very, but of course they are old cars.

No idea.

IIRC, fine if it's in good shape.

[petrolhead611]

Ceratin jobs on these cars are very labour intensive, especially a clutch change. The cambelt and associated parts need changing every few years and thats not a 5 minute job either. If you maintain the car yourself and shop around for parts, then they are not the most expensive hobby car there is. Buy a good one to start with, and you will save money in the long run.Here in the UK the 924S is cheaper to buy than the 944 and the lower bodies are not as prone to rusting

[Bukowski]

You write that a 944 won't be a "daily driver" for - you personally I guess - yet, you wonder if a 944 is "expensive to maintain". In my experience it is only a DD of any breed that requires genuine maintenance - please clarify...?

[John_AZ]

Contact member v2rocket_aka944.

He is the resident pro in the LA area.

He can advise you, do a PPI and fix the flaws for a reasonable fee.

or.........prepare for the worst.

J_AZ

[Swennydawg]

I'm on my 2nd 924S and I can say that it is a love/hate relationship with the Porsche engineers. When the vehicle runs correctly, there is no comparison to the joy of driving this style of Porsche. And when it doesn't run correctly it rarely is something that won't involve your time and money. But you'll find on sites like this a similar mindset,the owners all love their cars and enjoy working on them. So be prepared to mend and spend!

[mytrplseven]

Definitely start with one that has been taken care of, not a rescue car. That's a good indicator specie that the rest of the car likely was maintained. If you have above average automotive mechanical skills you'll save a ton on labor. Parts, new, "new old stock" and used can be had on line from ebay and members of Porsche 944 forums and from people like Los Angeles Auto Dismantlers and Plyhammersparts.com. If you scour EBAY daily and look for parts you'll need down the line, like I do, you'll save major bucks. I once got a complete Sachs clutch package with only 100 miles on it on EBAY for $100.

Since you've been following the posts, you'll have a handle on the most labor intensive parts and what questions to ask a potential seller. A PPI from a 944 owner is a great ideal, as John AZ says. Oil leaks from old hard rubber engine seals, out of date tires, engine belts, rollers and water pump, delaminated rear hatch glass around the top front frame and cracked dash are the most common issues. Also vacuum lines (easy one).

The basic N/A car is a great, although somewhat underpowered, selection. It gets nearly 30 mpg and is hoot to drive (avoid the automatic, they're just not sporty). The more powerful S series and Turbo models become more expensive both to purchase and more complicated and expensive to maintain.

I hope you find a good one to buy and don't be afraid to check Craigslist in areas you're not against traveling to and driving it back. I bought my last N/A in Santa Fe and fearlessly drove it back to SW Florida. Great road trip and a fun car. There's a lot of interesting posts on the forums about getting smog checks on cars in California.

[v2rocket_aka944]

Thanks for the mention, John.

CA Smog is no problem if everything is in good shape and you remember to wire your O2 sensor properly...

You could replace all the rotors and pads for $500 or less in parts. Don't know where the guy got the $3k number.

Find one that's been taken care of and you'll be ahead. Otherwise get ready to dump a lot of money up front, just for the peace of mind of "starting fresh". I can help you with a lot of the required maintenance for a good labor rate, as John said.

What part of LA are you in? I am in SFV but am mobile.

[dgcantrell]

Having owned my 87 944 N/A since February of 1992 (I was 24) and putting almost 250K on top of the 50K miles that were on it when I bought it, I would have to say the car has been quite reliable. IF you are not a mechanic and cannot change the oil or do basic maintenance on any car on your own, it will be expensive. Otherwise, I don't think they would be any more expensive to maintain than any other comparable car. the 944's are NOT complex vehicles compared to the computerized nightmares that are coming out these days. While I work in IT as my day job, I grew up working on cars in my Dad's shop and I would consider myself a very good mechanic having worked on a wide array of vehicles besides my own.

As mentioned before, the 944 (except the S's and S2's) are not rocketship world beaters. BUT, they are exceptionally well balanced, well handling cars that get pretty good gas mileage. I used to drive mine from SW VA to the New Orleans area (730 miles each way) about 10 years ago every month or so. I could get over 30mpg cruising at 75mph on the interstates with ease..

If you are competent mechanic you can maintain a 944 and even do major jobs on them. Just be sure to equip yourself with the manuals for the cars (now available in PDF's on other sites) and use the trouble shooting and other reference sites like this one, you should be able to rescue most 944's barring they have been butchered by some idiot hack.

But, the FIRST thing you need to verify before buying a 944 is the state of the timing belt. Has it been changed lately? If not, plan on doing it ASAP to establish a baseline to start keeping maintenance records on that engine. Replace ALL of the idler pulleys. I've had two belt failures because of them. Had to do top end rebuilds both times. Fortunately, I was able to do the work myself.

[JBC]

Originally Posted by AB911

Hi 944 owners,

I have started to like the 944 recently and might get one if it's the right car for me. I like 911s a lot but the cheapest out there is still expensive and I do not wish to spend that much money on an old car at this moment.

I got some questions about 944 and yes I have researched and read some articles and watched videos but i want to hear from 944 owners who take care of their cars. Please note that 944 will not be my daily driver.

These are some questions I have:

Is it costly to maintain a 944? Expensive parts? (I ask this because it is a porsche but it is not an expensive model so I expect the parts to be cheaper and the labor cheaper. I watched a video where the guy says the break job for 944 is about $3k, that scared me)

How reliable are they if I get one in decent condition?

In general how would you compare the cost of 944 ownership compared to similar cars or let's say 911 or any other car that comes to your mind and is a valid comparison?

AND LASTLY, how does the 944 deal with Smog in California?

I definitely can afford one but I want to know if maintaining one will cost more than the car or not.

Thanks.

You sound like me. 911s got to expensive and went with the 944. I still admire the 911 but cannot justify the cost.

I purchased a sound 944 with 53k miles for about 6k. It has a good maintenance history. Over the course of 2 years have put in about 2k in parts, oil changes, TB, balance belt, engine mounts (OEM only), oil cooler seals, new stereo head unit (OEM speakers still sound great), several new relays just because, new power antenna, new fog light (just one), some unique tools, etc.

These are must do items in my mind.
1. Get a PPI. Yet, don't be concerned about every detail they find. Make sure it is not major stuff. I just don't think you want to start off with a major project car. Ensure the clutch is good (read up on how to measure). If it needs to be changed, subtract from price of the car.
2. Get a car from someone who has taken car of the vehicle. You will want a car that you can enjoy. A car you can drive some and work some.
3. Be able and willing to do most of the work yourself. Otherwise, I would pass on an older Porsche all together unless you have deep pockets. Labor is too expensive. Buy a new one under warranty.
4. Get the manuals and read them. Read the forums. Learn about the car first. Then go buy. Sounds like you are doing this one.
5. Maintenance is key. Keep up with the maintenance. My experience so far is that staying up with maintenance has made my 944 a blast to own and drive. I just changed out the oil cooler seals because I had no record of it being changed and was concerned about the car having been idle for a decade and not mileage. Get the right tools over time as you need them. It can be fun. Look for deals - again, part of the fun/distraction.
6. I'd buy a normally aspirated 944 first and learn the car. Don't let the lower horsepower change your mind. The car is flat out fun to drive even at 150 hp. You can learn and decide if a turbo or S2 is your thing. Both the turbo and S2 have more stuff, period. The 8v, NA 944 is simple.
7. Recommend you have a garage. Have a cherry picker and if possible a lift. I hate jacks if I'm under the car. I don't have a lift but I do have a Kwiklift (look it up) and it gets the car 20" off the deck measuring from the bottom of the tires. So, the bottom of the car is about 27" and I can drop the engine and transmission if needed.

JBC

[AB911]

Originally Posted by v2rocket_aka944

Thanks for the mention, John.

CA Smog is no problem if everything is in good shape and you remember to wire your O2 sensor properly...

You could replace all the rotors and pads for $500 or less in parts. Don't know where the guy got the $3k number.

Find one that's been taken care of and you'll be ahead. Otherwise get ready to dump a lot of money up front, just for the peace of mind of "starting fresh". I can help you with a lot of the required maintenance for a good labor rate, as John said.

What part of LA are you in? I am in SFV but am mobile.

Yeah I mean maybe he meant labor included but that won't be 3k or anything close to it either, if I get one I will do the brake job myself anyways.

I am in burbank area. Thanks, It's good to know that someone is around when there is an issue. If I end up getting one I will for sure let you know and will probably ask you for PPI but I am not in rush now so I don't wanna run out and get a 944, gotta make sure I really wanna have one.

[AB911]

Originally Posted by dgcantrell

Having owned my 87 944 N/A since February of 1992 (I was 24) and putting almost 250K on top of the 50K miles that were on it when I bought it, I would have to say the car has been quite reliable. IF you are not a mechanic and cannot change the oil or do basic maintenance on any car on your own, it will be expensive. Otherwise, I don't think they would be any more expensive to maintain than any other comparable car. the 944's are NOT complex vehicles compared to the computerized nightmares that are coming out these days. While I work in IT as my day job, I grew up working on cars in my Dad's shop and I would consider myself a very good mechanic having worked on a wide array of vehicles besides my own.

As mentioned before, the 944 (except the S's and S2's) are not rocketship world beaters. BUT, they are exceptionally well balanced, well handling cars that get pretty good gas mileage. I used to drive mine from SW VA to the New Orleans area (730 miles each way) about 10 years ago every month or so. I could get over 30mpg cruising at 75mph on the interstates with ease..

If you are competent mechanic you can maintain a 944 and even do major jobs on them. Just be sure to equip yourself with the manuals for the cars (now available in PDF's on other sites) and use the trouble shooting and other reference sites like this one, you should be able to rescue most 944's barring they have been butchered by some idiot hack.

But, the FIRST thing you need to verify before buying a 944 is the state of the timing belt. Has it been changed lately? If not, plan on doing it ASAP to establish a baseline to start keeping maintenance records on that engine. Replace ALL of the idler pulleys. I've had two belt failures because of them. Had to do top end rebuilds both times. Fortunately, I was able to do the work myself.

I am a beginner mechanic but I can always learn by working on the car and the 944 will not be my daily so i will take my time to learn and fix it myself unless it requires some tools and special technique or experience to be able to do the job. If I buy one I will try to get one that was maintained and there are records for it, I guess it is better to pay a little more up front and make sure you get a maintained car.
Thanks for the tips, I will do PPI before buying for sure.

[AB911]

Originally Posted by JBC

You sound like me. 911s got to expensive and went with the 944. I still admire the 911 but cannot justify the cost.

I purchased a sound 944 with 53k miles for about 6k. It has a good maintenance history. Over the course of 2 years have put in about 2k in parts, oil changes, TB, balance belt, engine mounts (OEM only), oil cooler seals, new stereo head unit (OEM speakers still sound great), several new relays just because, new power antenna, new fog light (just one), some unique tools, etc.

These are must do items in my mind.
1. Get a PPI. Yet, don't be concerned about every detail they find. Make sure it is not major stuff. I just don't think you want to start off with a major project car. Ensure the clutch is good (read up on how to measure). If it needs to be changed, subtract from price of the car.
2. Get a car from someone who has taken car of the vehicle. You will want a car that you can enjoy. A car you can drive some and work some.
3. Be able and willing to do most of the work yourself. Otherwise, I would pass on an older Porsche all together unless you have deep pockets. Labor is too expensive. Buy a new one under warranty.
4. Get the manuals and read them. Read the forums. Learn about the car first. Then go buy. Sounds like you are doing this one.
5. Maintenance is key. Keep up with the maintenance. My experience so far is that staying up with maintenance has made my 944 a blast to own and drive. I just changed out the oil cooler seals because I had no record of it being changed and was concerned about the car having been idle for a decade and not mileage. Get the right tools over time as you need them. It can be fun. Look for deals - again, part of the fun/distraction.
6. I'd buy a normally aspirated 944 first and learn the car. Don't let the lower horsepower change your mind. The car is flat out fun to drive even at 150 hp. You can learn and decide if a turbo or S2 is your thing. Both the turbo and S2 have more stuff, period. The 8v, NA 944 is simple.
7. Recommend you have a garage. Have a cherry picker and if possible a lift. I hate jacks if I'm under the car. I don't have a lift but I do have a Kwiklift (look it up) and it gets the car 20" off the deck measuring from the bottom of the tires. So, the bottom of the car is about 27" and I can drop the engine and transmission if needed.

JBC

Yeah man, I mean the most inexpensive aircooled 911 out there is 911SC and I first wanted to get that but the cost of maintaining one and the initial price has gone up so crazy. I wish I bought one like 5 years ago, the price has gone up 4 times, crazy! I envy people who have 911SC that was bought for 6k hahaha...same with 912.

Thanks for the tips, I will definitely do PPI and I plan on doing the work myself unless there is something complicated or something that requires special tools or sth.
I am very interested in the first generation because I like the dash more on the early ones.

[AB911]

Originally Posted by Bukowski

You write that a 944 won't be a "daily driver" for - you personally I guess - yet, you wonder if a 944 is "expensive to maintain". In my experience it is only a DD of any breed that requires genuine maintenance - please clarify...?

I don't think so but I hope you are correct haha

[AB911]

Originally Posted by mytrplseven

Definitely start with one that has been taken care of, not a rescue car. That's a good indicator specie that the rest of the car likely was maintained. If you have above average automotive mechanical skills you'll save a ton on labor. Parts, new, "new old stock" and used can be had on line from ebay and members of Porsche 944 forums and from people like Los Angeles Auto Dismantlers and Plyhammersparts.com. If you scour EBAY daily and look for parts you'll need down the line, like I do, you'll save major bucks. I once got a complete Sachs clutch package with only 100 miles on it on EBAY for $100.

Since you've been following the posts, you'll have a handle on the most labor intensive parts and what questions to ask a potential seller. A PPI from a 944 owner is a great ideal, as John AZ says. Oil leaks from old hard rubber engine seals, out of date tires, engine belts, rollers and water pump, delaminated rear hatch glass around the top front frame and cracked dash are the most common issues. Also vacuum lines (easy one).

The basic N/A car is a great, although somewhat underpowered, selection. It gets nearly 30 mpg and is hoot to drive (avoid the automatic, they're just not sporty). The more powerful S series and Turbo models become more expensive both to purchase and more complicated and expensive to maintain.

I hope you find a good one to buy and don't be afraid to check Craigslist in areas you're not against traveling to and driving it back. I bought my last N/A in Santa Fe and fearlessly drove it back to SW Florida. Great road trip and a fun car. There's a lot of interesting posts on the forums about getting smog checks on cars in California.

Gotcha!Thanks for the tips

[WizPorsche944]

I would expect you will spend about 2K on maintenance right away. If you can do it yourself great, if not find a mechanic you can trust that specializes in german cars. I wouldnt take it to a chain or bubbas garage who sees the word Porsche and everything goes up 200%.

[v2rocket_aka944]

Originally Posted by AB911

Yeah I mean maybe he meant labor included but that won't be 3k or anything close to it either, if I get one I will do the brake job myself anyways.

I am in burbank area. Thanks, It's good to know that someone is around when there is an issue. If I end up getting one I will for sure let you know and will probably ask you for PPI but I am not in rush now so I don't wanna run out and get a 944, gotta make sure I really wanna have one.

If you want me to look one over with you sometime just let me know and I'll try to work out my schedule...

If interested down the road, I do timing belt replacements for $600 including parts, Waterpump+timing belt jobs for $900 including parts, and head gasket+water pump+timing belt jobs for $1500 including parts and machining.

I do all the other stuff too, but those are the most common things I am called to do...

[James Chimney]

Below in CAPS

Is it costly to maintain a 944? Expensive parts? (I ask this because it is a porsche but it is not an expensive model so I expect the parts to be cheaper and the labor cheaper. I watched a video where the guy says the break job for 944 is about $3k, that scared me)
AS WITH ANY 25+ YEAR OLD CAR IF IT WAS MAINTAINED WELL (WOULD COST MORE UP FRONT) IT WILL COST LEST TO MAINTAIN, IF NOT THEN IT WILL COST MORE TO GET IT AS CLOSE TO 100% AS POSSIBLE, ALL RUBBER, HOESES, BELTS, SEALS AND MOVABLE PARTS (FRONT END) ROD BEARINGS, SHOULD BE REPLACE, RECORDS ARE CRITICAL

How reliable are they if I get one in decent condition? I HAVE A BUDDY THAT BOUGHT HIS IN 1984 BRAND NEW AND STILL USES IT AS A DAILY DRIVER AND LOVES IT, AGAIN AS WITH ANY 25+ YEAR OLD CAR, MAINTAIN IT AND IT WILL NOT LET YOU DOWN.

In general how would you compare the cost of 944 ownership compared to similar cars or let's say 911 or any other car that comes to your mind and is a valid comparison?
I DON'T KNOW ONLY A 944

AND LASTLY, how does the 944 deal with Smog in California? MAYBE CHECK A SMOG PLACE AND ASK

I definitely can afford one but I want to know if maintaining one will cost more than the car or not. A PORSCHE SHOP WILL COST $$$ AND IF YOU ARE NOT MECHANICAL THEN IT WILL COST $$$, YOUR LOCAL GAS STATION CAN DO SHOCKS, BATTERIES, OIL CHANGES (NOT THAT HARD BUT MESSY), HOSES, ALL FLUIDS AND SO ONE, BELTS AND CLUTCH MIGHT NEED TO GO TO THE PORSCHE SHOP

IN THE END ONCE UP TO "PAR" THE GENERAL MAINTENANCE IS NOT MUCH AND USED PARTS ARE VERY AVAILABLE, SO IS TECH HELP HERE (YOU WILL GET TO KNOW OTHER 944 OWNERS IN YOUR AREA), ONCE IN A 944 YOU WILL MAKE GREAT NEW FRIENDS AND JOIN THE PCA (PORSCHE CLUB OIF AMERICA) FOR LOCAL DRIVES AND EVENTS.
GOOD LUCK AND KEEP US POSTED

[AB911]

Originally Posted by v2rocket_aka944

If you want me to look one over with you sometime just let me know and I'll try to work out my schedule...

If interested down the road, I do timing belt replacements for $600 including parts, Waterpump+timing belt jobs for $900 including parts, and head gasket+water pump+timing belt jobs for $1500 including parts and machining.

I do all the other stuff too, but those are the most common things I am called to do...

Thanks for the pricing. It is actually good to know from now that how much it will cost me if something goes bad and I need to fix it.

I will let you know If I decide to get one for sure.

[AB911]

Originally Posted by James Chimney

Below in CAPS

Is it costly to maintain a 944? Expensive parts? (I ask this because it is a porsche but it is not an expensive model so I expect the parts to be cheaper and the labor cheaper. I watched a video where the guy says the break job for 944 is about $3k, that scared me)
AS WITH ANY 25+ YEAR OLD CAR IF IT WAS MAINTAINED WELL (WOULD COST MORE UP FRONT) IT WILL COST LEST TO MAINTAIN, IF NOT THEN IT WILL COST MORE TO GET IT AS CLOSE TO 100% AS POSSIBLE, ALL RUBBER, HOESES, BELTS, SEALS AND MOVABLE PARTS (FRONT END) ROD BEARINGS, SHOULD BE REPLACE, RECORDS ARE CRITICAL

How reliable are they if I get one in decent condition? I HAVE A BUDDY THAT BOUGHT HIS IN 1984 BRAND NEW AND STILL USES IT AS A DAILY DRIVER AND LOVES IT, AGAIN AS WITH ANY 25+ YEAR OLD CAR, MAINTAIN IT AND IT WILL NOT LET YOU DOWN.

In general how would you compare the cost of 944 ownership compared to similar cars or let's say 911 or any other car that comes to your mind and is a valid comparison?
I DON'T KNOW ONLY A 944

AND LASTLY, how does the 944 deal with Smog in California? MAYBE CHECK A SMOG PLACE AND ASK

I definitely can afford one but I want to know if maintaining one will cost more than the car or not. A PORSCHE SHOP WILL COST $$$ AND IF YOU ARE NOT MECHANICAL THEN IT WILL COST $$$, YOUR LOCAL GAS STATION CAN DO SHOCKS, BATTERIES, OIL CHANGES (NOT THAT HARD BUT MESSY), HOSES, ALL FLUIDS AND SO ONE, BELTS AND CLUTCH MIGHT NEED TO GO TO THE PORSCHE SHOP

IN THE END ONCE UP TO "PAR" THE GENERAL MAINTENANCE IS NOT MUCH AND USED PARTS ARE VERY AVAILABLE, SO IS TECH HELP HERE (YOU WILL GET TO KNOW OTHER 944 OWNERS IN YOUR AREA), ONCE IN A 944 YOU WILL MAKE GREAT NEW FRIENDS AND JOIN THE PCA (PORSCHE CLUB OIF AMERICA) FOR LOCAL DRIVES AND EVENTS.
GOOD LUCK AND KEEP US POSTED

True, That's why I will prefer to pay a little bit more in the binning and get a well cared car rather than the cheapest out there.
And yes it will be pretty cool to join the PCA and go for rides, that's the most fun thing about having a classic car, just driving it with people who share the same passion.