[Moneyguy1]

Unique is good; reliable and durable is better. And, from my own experience as a member of PCA, and the postings on this and other lists, the 944 engine is not one I would put in the top ten of reliability. Be honest...If we, as individuals, did not keep on top of potential problems, how long would it be before real serious, expen$ive problems would put at least a temporary end to our fun? Yes, I like the power the S model and the 951 put out, but they both inherit the base problems of the oriinal design. I own a 944, and I take good care of it. Prior to relocating from Roachester NY to Tucson nearly two years ago, I had my friendly neighborhood Porsche factory trained mechanic install new belts for me. He asked if I was going to drive it cross country. If so, he said, I better find a place en route to GET THE BELT RETENSIONED!!!!!

Tell me of any other car that requires this kind of attention? Needless to say, I had it shipped.

Not looking for arguments. Simply pointing out that the vehicle could have been improved with a bit more effort on the part of the maker, given the premium price that the car originally demanded when new.

BTW..I have a VR6 Passat. Don't worry about valve damage too much....The only problem I have with it is that technical data is difficult to obtain for the mid 90s model since there were relatively few. With similar overall mileage, the Passat has yet to have any failures in electrical switchgear. The windows still work, the A/C switch still operates, and I do not have to have an advanced engineering degree to figure out how to get the defrosters to work!!!!!!

I still wonder what will be out there for us folks to wrench on after the supply of 944s dries up due to time, accidents and other things. I used to rebuild classics. The most horrific words were "No Longer Available" when looking for parts. Every year there are fewer out there for us to glean parts from, and as the number out there dwindle, interest in providing parts that the factory will not supply will also begin to fade. The 944 is not the icon that the 356 or 911 are. Every time I read a post of a broken belt or S chain destroying a head or a #2 bearing holeing a block, I think to myself "There goes another one." Supplies are limited, guys...

Cheers!!

Bob S.

Now if I had a big barn, I would begin hoarding now ;o)