[Moneyguy1]

DJC911

I have worked on 'em all over the years: older 911s, 912s, 914s and even a 356 or two..

My take? The 944 is one of the prettiest cars ever designed.

Mechanically, it is typical German. Both over and underengineered at the same time. When everything works as designed, it will start with the slightest twitch and run like a bear. The "however" is the smallest thing can leave you stranded. Read the posts here about belts, seals, computer failure (lousy solder joints) fuel pumps/systems, clutch replacement difficulties, ring and pinion and the like.
One has to take into account the age of these machines and simple things such as metal fatigue, especially in aluminum. The 944 is tricky re: emission inspection. Do a search on this BB just on past problems people have run into. No matter what I have done in the past to mine, it passes, but at parts per million many times that of our Passat.
My 944. About a year ago developed a sudden "no start" condition. All steps were taken system by system (I am very methodical)...Spark? check...AFM working? checked, modified per FR's instructions..check..flywheel sensors...check...injectors (checked with home made noid) check..fuel flow...nada...check pump....not working....removed and checked at dealers...kaput....new pump...installed with new filter(s). Started...ran five minutes or so..stalled would not start again...back to square one...got to fuel pump step...new pump not working....return to vendor get new pump...car still sitting in garage. It has been sitting so long I will not drive it until I get new belts installed. Can I find someone to do this job in Tucson? SO far, the answer is "no". Now you have a 911. If you belong to the local PCA, that may help you find someone since you are "acceptable" and "mainstream.

Since you seem to farm out the work, a typical 944 CAN (but not necessarily will) nickel and dime you to death.
There are those who have been fortunate enough to find a 944 with all parts on the + end of the tolerance spectrum. Wish I were in that select group!!

Without going over the car personally, it would be possible that, in order to put it in top notch condition will cost big buck$. You need to know when certain systems were repaired/replaced such as clutch/pressure plate, engine oil seals, brake discs, steering rack, to mention a few. ANd, the age is not that much different than your 911 so the "unobtanium" sickness will be setting in soon and looking at the recent post re the unavilability of a specific brake line, it already may have begun.

Good luck whatever you decide. The 944 is fun to drive when everything works as it is supposed to.