944 maintenance?

[Boogalou]

I really like what I see on the 944 series of Porsche's, although I'm a little mystified by some of the threads concerning maintenance costs. I've seen anywhere from $1000-1500/month as a basis to keep your 944 running right. Does it really cost this much? I only put around 15000 miles on my vehicles a year, and the Porsche would be the second car. I understand Porsche parts are not cheap, but they don't seem that bad compared to other vehicles, and I don't see what is so "exotic" about this car that it would cost so much to maintain.

I admit it's been awhile since I've performed DIY work on my vehicles, having spent the last 15 years letting the factory warranty take care of things, but having to spend $1000/month just seems like a bit much for a "reliable" sports car.

Please understand I'm not trying to flame the 944, because it looks just like the type of car I'd like to own, and I'm no stranger to bloody knuckles or dirty fingernails.

[CJFusco]

Originally posted by Boogalou
I'm a little mystified by some of the threads concerning maintenance costs. I've seen anywhere from $1000-1500/month as a basis to keep your 944 running right. Does it really cost this much?

Ummmmmm NO.

If you are a DIY kind of guy, I would expect to pay this much per year... if that.

[pokey]

$1000 -1500 YEARLY is a reasonable figure to set aside for maintenance. That way if you have a few years of good running, no major issues, you can treat the car right and maybe upgrade some suspension bits, or get some mint leather sport seats, or what have you.

[Boogalou]

I think I may have gotten $1000/month mixed up with $1000/year...........

What would one consider to be a average annual cost to properly maintain a 944?

And would a 951, 944s, or 968 be more, and why?

[rb101]

I've maybe put $1000 in the car this year including:
4 tires $600
cv joint repack $20
odo gear $40
hatch reseal $20
injector reseal $25
fuel line $70
hoses $100
fuel filter $20
minor other things. Last year was engine reseal/belts/clutch

I don't think a grand is too bad for a 18 year old car that is just fun to drive

ps: forgot reappolistered seat in full leather $350

[Moneyguy1]

There seem to be two types of 944 vehicles out there. The first (and most common) is the type that does require a more than average amount of maintenance, and therefore soon doubles or trebles the original cost of the car. The second type (and quite rare) are those that run forever and rarely need anything but the normal periodic maintenance.

Mine is in the first category and is quickly wearing out its welcome.

There are threads outlining the basic problems with the car, from timing/balance belts to clutch removal/replacement etcetera. I have found the most difficult problems I have had are fuel and electric in nature. The electrical system is a nightmare, replete with barely adequate wire gauge in some places and connectors that, with age, become brittle and disintegrate, and switches that seem to have been purchased from the Yugo factory. The air/fuel system is a marvel when it works. When it does not, it is complex to diagnose. Replacing a clutch requires a practical disassembly of the entire drivetrain and is an excellent time to replace the hydraulics for the clutch and the flywheel sensors.

As for parts cost, most are reasonable; I have no complaint there.

The design of the body is timeless, but the rear glass also presents a problem; poorly designed and the torque placed on the fragile aluminum frame cause the glass and frame to delaminate. Small things fail and are annoying such as the 85.5 and up plastic clip in the heater system. IF broken, the heat cannot be turned off. In some areas, the factory was penny wise and dollar foolish.

I have rewired most of the important parts of the system, including relocating the window switches to the center conspole in place of the ashtray. This permitted the use of marine DP/DT center off switches, eliminating the $.25 factory nightmares. Rear lights are now a full gauge thicker, the empty spot on the rear lights now sport additional tail lights and since the car is an '84, it now sports the third brake light. Under the hood, most connectors have been replaced with mil spec connectors and new wire where necessary, generally teflon coated. The car has all new "plastic" suspension bushings, ball joints, rotors, rebuilt calipers, etc.

Despite all this, it has sat for months with a fuel problem. Fuel pump went south; NEW Bosch unit purchased, installed....new unit was bad. Returned, reinstalled. Haven't had the heart to get disappointed again. Too many other projects to be bothered.

My take: If you want a car to "play with", the 944 will fill the bill. If you want a reliable "daily driver", your chances of getting one is less than 50-50. Some assembly will be required.

Hope this helps.

[rippsey]

I think I put that much in gas a month now!! over $3 for super. Stills beats filling up the Jeep.

[livewirevoodoo]

Just made it thru my 1st year anniversary with the 944.

Detals here: Cost of Ownership (Year 1)

Originally posted by Moneyguy1
My take: If you want a car to "play with", the 944 will fill the bill. If you want a reliable "daily driver", your chances of getting one is less than 50-50. Some assembly will be required.

Moneyguy has a point. I'd dispute the 50/50 chance comment tho. It all depends how knowledgable you are going into the purchase, and what you expect out of it. With that said, you probably won't find a *flawless* example without spending more than the car is worth. While my car had some issues the first 4 months or so I opted to spend the $ to get it done at a shop (was still learning alot about the car at that point). As a daily driver, during those first 4 months the car was out of commission for about 3 weeks (spread out). Frustrating? You bet. Now she's mechanically sound and a blast to drive. Havent had any show stoppers in.... lol... I don't want to speak too soon or too loud and tempt fate.