[Sunroof]

I owned a 1985.5 (many new changes this year model) for over 12 years and managed to drive 345,000 miles before I sold it to my Porsche mechanic for a whopping $1500.00 back then. What was interesting is that the engine and tranny were never pulled and the only engine work was a new head gasket! I attribute Chevron Techron to its longevity. Yes, the engine mounts were changed out several times, the front of the engine resealed several times, the oil cooler gaskets changed, A-arms changed, belts, expansion tank, radiator cooling fans, etc, etc, but NEVER major engine or transmission work! I drove the hell out of it; throughout the Georgia and Carolina Mountains (one of the best balanced cars I have ever driven), up the east coast and to the Florida Keyes many times. It was my daily driver. I have owned four Porsches now and the 944 is a great and reliable Porsche.

Unfortunately as owners tended to part with them over the maintenance issues younger folks eager to be Porsche owners bought them for under $5,000 and soon leaned that Pep Boys and Goodyear/Firestone stores were not the place to have your 944 fixed. Afterall, 944 parts are just as expensive as the 911 or 928 and the 944 for too many was no bargain with mechanical issues. Many dumped them back on the market, and many skilled enough went the hot rod route. Today, finding a well cared for low mileage 944 is rare but they are out their and to me, well worth the money. The 944 is a very comfortable cruiser, much more comfortable then my 911's. You will not get the head jerking performance of the 911's, but still on balance the 944 is a beautiful and enjoyable car to drive. If your new to the 944 understand its weaknesses and the maintenance requirements before jumping in. Learn about the 2.4 engine and the counter rotating valves (Lancaster principal taken off the Mitsubishi Sterion for engine balancing), the oil cooler gasket and fluidized motor mounts, the timing belt replacements, A-arm ball joints, noisy torque tubes even down to the right way to raise and lower the rear deck window. Their is a ton of info on the 944 so read on and understand its issues, but also realize its great performance, comfort and handling so you know your getting a great car. That's my 2-cents.

Bob
1973.5T 911
1974 911
1979 911SC
1967 Triumph TR-4A IRS
1958 Austin Healy Sprite
1972 Fiat 850