Do I need a second Porsche?

[Hawks911]

Our sons (sophmore and senior in college) are trying to talk us into buying a second Porsche. We bought a '78 911SC last summer. It has been a ton of fun to work on and drive. but it's currently displacing my 2005 330Xi in the driveway and it has been a long, hard winter here in the midwest. The new candidate is a 1984 1/2 944 that has been garaged for about the last 5 years with only ~1,500 miles in that period. Total miles are 150,000.

We went to check it out this morning and it appears to be in reasonable shape. Didn't take it for a drive due to the recent snow, but might do so later next week.

We believe that the owner may take $4,500. What do you think?

Mike

[Eldorado]

looks pretty clean! good price, too...
if the belt service hasn't been done on it yet, try to negotiate a bit...

[Gremlin85]

Looks really clean. Double check and then triple check and then check again when the timing belt and water pump was done.

Thats not an 85 1/2, its an early 85.

WOW! its still got the emblem on the glovebox lock! I wish mine had that

[many944s]

^+1 to elderado

You may also be in for a waterpump and front seals, but I would probably buy it. You can never go wrong with another Porsche

-Nick

[pokey]

Sport seats, mmmmmmmmm

[1978targasc]

I don't see any reason why you wouldn't want to buy this car. To me it's a no brainer...

[many944s]

Hey Mike,
I just noticed in a couple of the photos there is mildew on the side of the Pass seat, and the rear pass foot area.

You might want to make sure that the pass seat will still slide forward and back on the track. It looks like there might be a battery tray leak. I have seen a couple of 944s that the leak was so extensive, that the pass seat rails were rusted and the seat would no longer slide.

Not a big deal, but could save you a few $ if you pointed it out.

-Nick

[KY944S]

With mildew I would check under the battery and the rear hatch for rust holes (battery) or sepperating or seal around the hatch.

[shikzachaser]

Not a bad price if it's been kept up. They are a lot of fun, great handling, safe, not too fast, etc. We have loved ours. Two sets of golf clubs fit nicely in the back. That is a real problem w/ my 91 C4. There is literally 3 cubic feet of cargo space.

Steve

[Harpman2]

too much money for a car with 150,000 miles unless they recently replaced EVERYTHING. Also look as some newer years that had the new dash, so you can decide between styles.

[onZedge]

ED's simple seven:

1) Look at the condition of ALL the fluids - your Porsche's life blood:
- engine oil
- brake fluid
- coolant
- power steering fluid
- transaxle fluid
This is a relatively good indicator of regular maintenance if all the fluids look fresh.
2) Look for leaks of ANY kind:
- engine oil
- brake fluid
- coolant
- power steering fluid
- transaxle fluid
- shock absorber fluid
- battery acid
- weather seals
3) Look at the condition of the tires for signs of suspension wear or improper alignment.
4) Look for signs of collision damage, rust, wear and corrosion of ANY kind.
5) For water-cooled-front-engine-four cylinder-Porsches, look at the condition of ALL the belts.
6) Is the mileage given a reliable number?
7) How complete are the service records?

Knowing the status of all these things will give you a better idea of how to negotiate the best offer.

Print the above and laminate a wallet sized copy.

[pinetreeporsche]

Originally posted by Harpman2
too much money for a car with 150,000 miles unless they recently replaced EVERYTHING. Also look as some newer years that had the new dash, so you can decide between styles.

Totally agree! Get proof of belts/chain, and even last clutch change. Go to (ugh) eBay, and compare all the 944s there. Of course you can't see them except in photos, but, with a few emails to sellers, you can learn what your bucks should get you. Either find a different one, or talk the price down with what you learn on eBay.

[Tervuren]

The same day I registered my second Porsche, the first one got hit, and blew its motor on the way to a shop. As I have a similar trait with computers(soon as I get a new one, old one goes bye bye), I'm warry now of getting a second anything.

Not a bad looking paint and wheel scheme, same as my old '85 944. I'd definately take a closer look, under carpets, etc. Car's that have been sitting can develop organic related problems. While my '86 isn't running, I do go out and open it up on warm dry days. There was one time of three weeks constant rain and it smelled a little funny, I pulled up the carpets and dried any wet spots out, and after leaving it open for a bit, all disapeared

[Rrrockhound]

How many people on this board are looking at this car anyway?

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/showthread.php?threadid=333000

[John_AZ]

Dear Father Deep Pockets (Hawks911),
Your son or close relative, Hawkney911 posted a similiar question if you look further down the page, Worth the $$$$$$. Get a professional preinspection and let the mechanic tell you the future cost. A compression test and leak-down test may show the true engine condition. The AC will cost $1000 or more to fix if the compressor shaft has been scored. Hawkney911 has talked to the neighbor girl (friend). Show your wisdom and save some cash. Good luck and the snow does melt. Phoenix temp today 75.

John_AZ

1988 924S to show
1987 924S to go
1998 Cherokee to tow

[CJFusco]

Originally posted by Hawks911
Do I need a second Porsche?

Need? No. Could you use one? Of course. If I had the garage space, I'd have a few by now. A "beater" 944 or 924S to go along with my 951, as well as a 911 project. I've been offered all sorts of P-cars for all sorts of prices.

I am currently looking around for my next daily driver. An early-90s Volvo is the front runner, although I have to admit that during my search I had some of the following thoughts:

"Hmmm, a 914 for $1200. I could use a convertible. I wonder how they are in the snow..."

[ERAU944]

looks great! i love the color combo and the sport seats (i have in my '84) are a big turn-on. check the mildew like they said, but the car looks to be in good shape, if you can get it for four, take it and get the belts done!

enjoy!

*edit* i just looked more closely at the mildew - if you buy the car and need seat rails just let me know, i have a few sets around, and you can have one for the cost of shipping. i would take the seat out and get some good suction on that carpet, then let it air out a good deal before putting the seat back in. double check the mileage too, it doesn't look like that drivers seat has 150k of wear on it. my '84's seats looked a bit worse than that and it had about 70k on the clock when i bought it. got it in '01 and paid about 4500 then, just for the record

[944cabby]

Is the colour Metallic claret (burgundy)?

[chitown944]

$4500 is way too much money for that car. I bought an 86 turbo for $5200 with 103k on the clock. Being that its been sitting for 5 years and rarely used I'd stay away from it. There are way better examples out there for $4500. That car is worth about $2500.

[pdx944]

Yea i wouldnt pay more than $2500 either. Especially if you dont really care that much about wanting one.