Daily driving your 951

[dion914-6]

52 year old Porsche nut here. I’ve owned various older Porsches over the years including an 87 944S and currently own an all-original 912.

I’m thinking of looking for a 951 to use as a daily driver. I typically put 12-15k miles per year on a car and drive a 70/30 split of highway to city driving. I’m in the Louisville, KY area, so although we can see some tough weather at times it usually doesn’t last long. Driving one in the snow or bad weather doesn’t bother me at all nor does putting miles on a car.

I’m pretty well researched on all things 944 and have done my research on the 951s to know what I’m getting into. I could just go buy a new Audi or BMW to drive, but then I’d look like everyone else on the road. I’d rather drive something that stands out and has some character, and that’s where I think the 944 has always shined as one of the best looking cars ever built. I know how to turn a wrench having rebuilt a number of Porsches and 911 engines over the years, so doing my own maintenance doesn’t bother me. However, I also don’t want a car that needs constant attention every other week either.

So I’d like any opinions or input from fellow Pelicans who are driving a 951. Good idea? Things to watch out for that impact the daily driver crowd? Wish you would have done it sooner, or never done it?

Thanks,

Dion

[campbelljj]

Most any 951 that you’ll purchase will require some pretty significant sorting to daily. I drove my 89 semi daily (I have other cars I drive) for the first few years after purchase but there was a significant amount of maintenance and repair jobs that needed to be done. After all the newest are 30 years old now. Another issue I’ve noticed is that other drivers don’t see the 44 as it is low and relatively small. I defensively drive mine with the headlights on almost all the time. It’s a rewarding car to own maintain and drive. Good luck.

[zmf]

You mention a 70/30 highway/city split in a daily driver, and I think 944 S2 rather than 951, if for no other reason than leaving a stop sign or traffic light. I've owned both and thought the S2 was the better choice around town. If you're set on a 951, the first version with the smaller turbo would be best. In that case, the difference in HP between the 951 and S2 is small.

If you had said you wanted a canyon carver or part time DE toy, then the 951 might be more fun.

As far as the 944 being a classic beauty -- I couldn't agree more.

my $0.02.

[dion914-6]

Thanks guys. Zmf, I’ve thought of the S2 as a viable option as well but it also seems that the only ones I can seem to find are either ragtops (no thanks) or half a world away. I’m buying something within the next 3 months, so timing will be key for sure.

[911tracker85]

I expect to put my 86 944 turbo up for sale in the spring. I got it as a rolling chassis project a few years ago. my intent was to build a DE/street car as I was retiring my 911 from DE.

but I am finally on the uphill side of the full restoration of a 78 SC/930 conversion, and will take it to the track once done. but at my age I have come to accept I will not be putting in as much track time as in the past.

not sure my car will suite you, but has a rebuilt engine, new SPEC stage III clutch and alum flywheel, and a lot of mechanical refresh and upgrades. I did a full coil over track suspension, along with all new bushings (some polybronze and monoball), some engine / exhaust related performance upgrades. but with street tires and the dual adjustable shock turned down to the softer end of the setting, ride is form but not too harsh.

I did an AC compressor delete, but left all the other AC components in and I have all the hoses/brackets to reinstall.

my preferred daily driver is an 84 928. have you considered one of them?

I am in NKY / Covington so let me know if you have any interest.

[dion914-6]

Nice car Bob! I’m guessing it doesnt have much of an interior? Love the color too. How is the paint? And probably one of the most colorful engines I’ve seen.

I may be interested if I can take it back to DD comfort levels. Easy for me to check it out as I also have an office in Cincinnati and make it up there often. Feel free to shoot me an email with some additional details

[911tracker85]

probably one of the most colorful engines I’ve seen

you have not looked enough. PO of my 930 conversion project went overboard on this engine. been stripping the old PC and this engine will only have black as an accent color. leaving most stuff alum. totally dismantled with the case, heads, rods/rockers shipped race shop for machine work.

actually the interior of the 951 is in very good shape other than the alum racing seats. I'll drop you an email.

[smokintr6]

Check out the 968... Those cars never got cheap enough to be owned by the typical 944 dirt bag owner crowd.... I think you'd have a better time finding one where the owner paid the money to keep them in top shape. I have logged a lot of miles in 944s, but wouldn't really want to daily one... Personally I probably wouldn't want to daily a 968 either. I find the Aircooled 911s to be much less fuss to keep running, but its probably an additional $40k to step up to a 964 from 944 land.

[dion914-6]

If I could find a decent 968 that wasn't priced for a small fortune, I might consider it. But honestly, I'm one of the few people on the planet who prefers the look of the 944.

[DoctorJ]

Originally Posted by smokintr6

”....the typical 944 dirt bag owner crowd....”

WOW! Way to endear yourself to someone looking for information..

[dion914-6]

LOL. I’m used to it now in the era of the no-face social media commenters. I understood the meaning anyway, and yes there have been a ton of dirt bags over the years who failed to take care of these cars.

[911tracker85]

[smokintr6]

Originally Posted by DoctorJ

WOW! Way to endear yourself to someone looking for information..

If you're not aware that owners are the biggest part of the problem, then you're not plugged in very well. 911tracker's build is not the typical car that you'll find on craigs list or auto trader. He's done a really nice job and aside from maybe being too much of a track car, would probably actually make a reliable daily driver. The typical 951 is haggard with deferred maintenance. Once they've traded a couple times for less than $10k all bets are off.

[smokintr6]

Originally Posted by 911tracker85

I see a trend with the body colors?

Looks nice on the 928 with the updated wheels!

[911tracker85]

thinking the 930 will be either Cobalt Blue or Casablanca Beige metallic.

[dion914-6]

Bahama yellow would be nice. Just picture it with flares Bob.....

[NoYouRelax]

I am selling my garage queen during the spring, and ‘86 951, 78k. This car is nice, great inside and out....chipped and fast. I have the 951 Fuchs for it as well. The current wheels are plastidip coated. Would be glad to discuss if interested.

[nize]

i've owned a 951 since buying one new from the dealer in '88 and was immediately hooked. a 951 makes an excellent daily driver as long as maintenance is kept up. as mentioned earlier, because of the perceived affordability of the car it has historically attracted lazy owners looking for cheap thrills. ownership these days will require that you either know how to work on the car yourself or you'll need a good porsche specialist mechanic who is familiar with the 951$$$. now over 30 years later the divide is growing between 951's that have been loved and those that have been abused. get one that has been loved and take care of it and you'll be rewarded with the most enjoyable driving experience in your life.

[soxnail]

What Nize said....
I have owned mine since 1986, one owner me...
Used to drive it every day till about 10 years ago. Work and travel got in the way. Back to driving and fixing it again.
Still love the way it feels.
" I may not be as fast as I once was, but I am still as fast once as I ever was".
Sox

[TrailRider]

I've daily driven mine for awhile. Definitely can be done. Just have a backup car available.