944 for a kid's first car?

[SCWDP911]

My oldest child (daughter) turned 15 today. Aside from feeling old, and wondering where the heck time is being sucked off into, I have been thinking ahead a little. She thinks Dad’s car is cool. But she also likes 944’s. I have been thinking about helping her buy a 944 sometime in the next year before or around her 16th birthday. I thought about a 911, but too costly I think for a first car overall. I want my kids to appreciate money and what it can do for you if managed well. I also want to make sure they keep the mindset that if you take care of things, they will tend to last, and give you more bang for your buck. My dad proved this to me by making me foot the bill for all of my car expenditures as a youth. He was a streetrodder and helped with mechanical aspects, but I had to pay for things. Only took one set of tires destroyed in about 2 months of burnouts to realize tires can be really expensive! I do not want to have to dump thousands of $’s into a kids car if something does go wrong (topend, etc.). I digress…

I have driven the 944, but I do not really know a lot about them as far as dependability, etc. I can do a lot of the mechanical maintenance and upkeep on it for her. But I do not want to have to work on it every weekend either(after it is up and going - depending on what we purchase). I am going to part with my dad’s philosophy a bit and do a match to what my daughter has been saving up. She is a good girl and is very industrious. Besides babysitting money, she sells homemade gourmet tortillas and has a few loyal customers… I am thinking of something in the $3000 or less category for a first car. Then she’ll have money left over for other items that will surely come up… I also do not mind buying one to fix up a bit if needed over the course of the next year. I have been watching the market a little and there seems to be a few of the 944’s in this price range.

Sorry, I just read through the above. Hope I am not rambling too much… tired from a long week, and it’s only Wednesday.

I just wanted to know your opinions on this idea. Are they decent dependable cars if well maintained? Is there something I am not thinking about clearly?

Thanks,
Shane

[piepoli]

I'm in same place. Split the cost of an E Bay 944 for my son's 1st car, then split paint job. At 17 he appreciates the car, gets plenty of admiration from peers and it's been very inexpensive to maintain thus far. Has 150K on the clock. Go for it.

[SCWDP911]

What year did you get? I had a guy on rennlist suggest 87+ NA car to be best bet...

[AaronM]

Look at a 924S. Same engine and running gear as a 944, but they run a little bit less on the market.

The cars are reliable, but the clutch replacement is a pain in the ass (mostly just time investment though, not technically terrible) and it's absolutely imperative that you change the timing belt every 30,000 miles, but the cars themselves are pretty sturdy when taken as a whole.

[Terrh]

I've convinced several people to get 1st and 2nd gen rx-7's for a first car and they've always been great. 944's are very similar.. They have enough power to be fun and handle well but don't "bite" or have enough power to get people into trouble. Easy to drive, roomy enough interior while being small enough that they aren't a taxi.

I'd say go for it. Just make sure it's stick.

[looneybin]

I had an 85 RX-7 GSL-SE & an 88 turboII. Both were great cars (& stupid fast), but i'm a 944 advocate now.
I had a Highway Patrol friend tell me once that the only cars they would not even try to chase after were the RX-7 turboII & the Porsche 944 turbo (951)

[piepoli]

We bought an 83' on E Bay for $799. They said it passed NJ inspection then died. After trailering it to upstate NY I found a bad fuel pump fuse. Paint job and some upholstery and voila, great daily driver. Get post 83 though to get power steering.

[Aslet]

I bought my '84 944 over a year ago now at the age of 17. I used all my own money and did the research/found it by myself. I personally think if she wants a 944, have her find out all the things that can go wrong, i found knowing about my car was the best thing I did. Also having paid for it, and having her pay for part of it and hopefully some future expenses, she will be less likely to drive it like an idiot (not that she would, I just know I treat my car alot better then I may have if I didnt buy it). Also, I do think that it was good I drove for about a year before I started to drive a standard. When you first start to drive I think its easier to focus on the road and other drivers if you dont have to worry about messing up gears.

Now that I have said that, it is a sweet ride ! I bought mine from the original owner with 204K miles on it for $2300. The miles are high, but we also knew the mechanic from our local PCA and he said the owner had never been cheap with fixes, so I got it. Since then, I have put another $2000-$3000 into it (some being gifts from my parents). Most of that was un-needed items I wanted. Like I put on new tires, installed a new stereo, and upgraded the sway bars to Turbo ones. The only money I have spent in the shop was a timing belt check/re-tighten ($150ish) and I recently needed a new A/C compressor that cost around $550. If you know how to do the rest of the maintenance it doesnt rack up a huge bill though. (illegal to work on A/C yourself due to the chemicals, and I dont wanna buy a $400 tightening tool).

OK, thats what I have to say as a now 18 year old with my 944 for over a year. The only other thing I would say that you should do is, take her to some local auto-crosses! Its not good to learn your cars limits on the road, in a set up parking lot is alot safer, and fun!

-Randy

[SCWDP911]

Originally Posted by Aslet

I bought my '84 944 over a year ago now at the age of 17. I used all my own money and did the research/found it by myself. I personally think if she wants a 944, have her find out all the things that can go wrong, i found knowing about my car was the best thing I did. Also having paid for it, and having her pay for part of it and hopefully some future expenses, she will be less likely to drive it like an idiot (not that she would, I just know I treat my car alot better then I may have if I didnt buy it). Also, I do think that it was good I drove for about a year before I started to drive a standard. When you first start to drive I think its easier to focus on the road and other drivers if you dont have to worry about messing up gears.

Now that I have said that, it is a sweet ride ! I bought mine from the original owner with 204K miles on it for $2300. The miles are high, but we also knew the mechanic from our local PCA and he said the owner had never been cheap with fixes, so I got it. Since then, I have put another $2000-$3000 into it (some being gifts from my parents). Most of that was un-needed items I wanted. Like I put on new tires, installed a new stereo, and upgraded the sway bars to Turbo ones. The only money I have spent in the shop was a timing belt check/re-tighten ($150ish) and I recently needed a new A/C compressor that cost around $550. If you know how to do the rest of the maintenance it doesnt rack up a huge bill though. (illegal to work on A/C yourself due to the chemicals, and I dont wanna buy a $400 tightening tool).

OK, thats what I have to say as a now 18 year old with my 944 for over a year. The only other thing I would say that you should do is, take her to some local auto-crosses! Its not good to learn your cars limits on the road, in a set up parking lot is alot safer, and fun!

-Randy

You sound like a "well-sorted" 18 year old Randy. Thanks for chiming in and giving another perspective.

Shane

[Brando]

Originally Posted by Terrh

[...] They have enough power to be fun and handle well but don't "bite" or have enough power to get people into trouble.[...]

You might want to rethink that statement. Every 944 I've driven has had enough power and "bite" to get the operator in trouble. Early, late, turbo, 968 -- 924S. Those engines are very torquey in the lower gears. Give it too much gas in 2nd or 3rd in a hard turn and you'll easily be going sideways.

To the Original Poster - I would definitely reconsider getting a 944 or 924S as the first car for your kid. If you do, I HIGHLY recommend getting your kid enrolled in a few Driver's Education events. Your local PCA or POC group will have one of these every month or so. Get them enrolled in defensive driving. Drop $80-$200 on a good helmet and get them some track time so they can truly learn how to handle the car -- and how the car handles. With that knowledge they will be 5 steps ahead of any person being an idiot on the road -- and they'll know the limits to which they can push the car should the need arise.

And, I'd suggest a late 944 (post 1985˝). It has the better looking interior, better climate control system, aluminum suspension pieces, spring-loaded tensioner for the T-Belt (one less 15k maintenance issue) and a little more power. Go post 1987 and you get knock sensing, about 180hp (190 with a chip and header).

****, get her interested in wrenching on the thing too. That'd probably make you a more proud parent too

[SCWDP911]

Originally Posted by Brando

You might want to rethink that statement. Every 944 I've driven has had enough power and "bite" to get the operator in trouble. Early, late, turbo, 968 -- 924S. Those engines are very torquey in the lower gears. Give it too much gas in 2nd or 3rd in a hard turn and you'll easily be going sideways.

To the Original Poser - I would definitely reconsider getting a 944 or 924S as the first car for your kid. If you do, I HIGHLY recommend getting your kid enrolled in a few Driver's Education events. Your local PCA or POC group will have one of these every month or so. Get them enrolled in defensive driving. Drop $80-$200 on a good helmet and get them some track time so they can truly learn how to handle the car -- and how the car handles. With that knowledge they will be 5 steps ahead of any person being an idiot on the road -- and they'll know the limits to which they can push the car should the need arise.

And, I'd suggest a late 944 (post 1985˝). It has the better looking interior, better climate control system, aluminum suspension pieces, spring-loaded tensioner for the T-Belt (one less 15k maintenance issue) and a little more power. Go post 1987 and you get knock sensing, about 180hp (190 with a chip and header).

****, get her interested in wrenching on the thing too. That'd probably make you a more proud parent too

yeah, but... you called me a poser...

[Stutzdriver]

I purchased a low mileage '84 locally off an Ebay ad. Paid $3500.00. Car had a new clutch and radiator, all hoses replaced and a new timing belt. Call the mechanic who did the work and he gave me a 6 month verbal guarantee and told me all the small problems with the car. PO was tired of spending money and I hit him at the right time! Everything is now fixed including all new brake hoses and rebuilt calipers and new rotors. Great car and my 17 yo son loves it and some of his friends want one just like it! We have spent some quality time working on it together.

Good luck!

[tnporsche]

I think the 944 is a great 1st car.

My 15 year old daughter and I have restored a 944 auto 1988. Its been a good dad daughter project. She likes the fact its auto, and hey they are cheaper. In addition simpler to operate and still has the looks. As I slowly hand the reigns over to her we have taken it on several spirited drives. (Fun and we learn what its limits are) And hey its a "Porsche" We have yet to make it break loose, and it appears if it does it will enter a slide/skid remaining neutral throughout.

As far as maintenance goes. Yes the belts of course,do yourself for about $200.00 @30 to 50 K miles. Other than that no more than a nissan or other brand at the same age. (My experience)

We did these for safety
Hand held fire extinguisher mounted behind passenger seat in the floor.
Really check the fuel lines at the rail, change or upgrade
Check seat and belt bolts (some may be missing)
Brakes Brakes Brakes (Check for "Straight line" panic stopping) Teach brake then "maneuver" technique.
Completely disassemble and check the front end arms and components.
Keep the original size wheels and tires. IMO

[Aslet]

I agree, the stock wheel/tire setup is a good safety feature almost. Unlike all the new low profile tires, the stick ones will "talk" to you. You will hear alot of tire squeal before the tires actually let go. Some tire noise is good, a chirping tire is a happy tire, but you will hear when the tires are about to loose traction, they give off a loud squeal. Another safety thing is to check the seat belts. Both my front ones were showing signs of use and age (slightly frayed on the edges) so i replaced them. It is an easy fix and I got some good used ones for $50 each if i remember.

I cant think of a better car for the price range though. It may be old, but Porsche technology from the mid 1980's is current technology on many cars today, so it is not a "old" car. It also is a good mix of power (not too much though), amazing handling (with almost 50/50 weight distribution), and good braking. Just make sure you go over being a safe driver and not speeding (and what will happen if she does speed and gets a ticket). I got a ticket on the way to school last year, i fought it and was able to get it nulled, I also just got a warning about 2 weeks ago. Its hard to be an angle in this car, just know that! Teach her how to not get caught

[Schumi]

For a younger person I had considerable time in other vehicles before purchasing my 924S. Including a toyota sports car, a 911, some track cars, kart championships, formula car racing, etc. So maybe my view on the issue from a driver standpoint isn't the best. But putting that aside in my mind...

I think a 944 would be a great first car. Pretty reliable, handle well, not too quick, teaches responsibility/care for an older vehicle, etc. As far as sports cars go, the only better alernative I would see would be something a little less prestigious as in an gen 1 MR2 or gen 1 supra, maybe an rx7, etc. Something japanese. Not because of reliability, but for the factor that a Porsche can be 'high profile' at times and possibly lead to a little peer pressure to showboat. Just guessing on that but am sure it happens.

But teach her to have a level head and get a well sorted car and you both will have nothing but fun with it I am sure.

[toolboy62]

I would suggest an 85.5-86. Has the nice later dash but you can still use the cheaper struts and steel control arms. I'm discovering just how expensive it is to collect all the parts for the front end for an '87-88.

My real pick though would be an old VW GTI, either A1 (83-84) or A2 (85-?) almost as much fun as a 944 but WAY cheaper to run. an 8V is a non-interference motor so no danger of valve crash from over-revving or busted TB. The early GTI engine is simply an earlier, solid-lifter version of the same 1.8 that was used in just about every damn VW through the 80s. Suspension can be done with only two special tools (cutaway socket for the strut nut and a set of spring compressors) aftermarket support is pretty good albeit dwindling. My first "real" (non-project) car was an '84 GTI which I eventually replaced with an '84 Scirocco, I beat the whee out of both of them and they just said "thank you sir may I have another." I would say they are 80% the fun of a 944 with 20% of the headaches. Only mod I would do is add an oil cooler if it doesn't have one, and brakes from a 16V GTI or Scirocco and 14" or larger wheels. (I've actually got a set of 14" BBSes if you take my advice, I'd be happy to sell 'em to you. Also a full set of leather seats for an 82-88 Scirocco.)

If your daughter has an appreciation for old-school German cool, see if you can find a round-headlight (pre-82) Scirocco. An '81 Scirocco S would be perfect. I've never had one but would buy one in an instant if I found one in good condition. Nerdy but sporty at the same time. If she's really into it, you could drop in a 16V engine or if you wanna go for massive overkill there is a kit available to drop in a 1.8T engine with the 02A transaxle (which you'll need, with that much torque.) I think an early 'roccet with a 1.8T might be a little too much go-fast for a first car though... (I however would find it just right )

Another option would be a VW Cabriolet - it's basically an early GTI with a soft top. Very girlie, but she might like it.

Under no circumstances buy her a Corrado. You'd think it'd be just a bigger, faster Scirocco and in one sense you'd be right, but the Corrado makes a Porsche look positively cheap and easy to keep running.

A compromise between a 944 and my old VW recommendation would be a 924 - a real one, not a 924S. Same engine (basically, I think it is actually the Audi version) as the VWs I'm referring to above but with the Porsche transaxle and chassis.

good luck,

nate

(still trying to remember why I sold the Scirocco. Dumb, dumb Nate.)

[fliphkd7]

An S2 was my first. No joke, waxed it everyday for the first six months I owned it. So many yards mowed to save up enough...

[diverdan]

944s and even 924s are grossly underrated vehicles. I currently have several 911 and 911 Turbos as well as a few 928s. What do I usually drive? The 951.......I love that car as it does so much very well. The basic platform is still a masterpiece. The car can be as docile as a stock 924 or as fast as a 911 Turbo with just a few mods with hatchback practicality. With low cost and the potential to personalize the car at bargain basement costs to the availability of reasonable used pieces it is a no brainer that us stuck up 911 owners have very sadly neglected. Open up your minds 911 fans.

Diverdan

[callmethewander]

The 944 is a great car and a good candidate for a first. However i feel there are some very important things to consider. I believe, Getting one with an airbag is very important, it's almost innevitable that a young inexperienced driver will eventually be involved in some sort of mishap, (my first two were, my 3rd now has her learner's permit). The 944 is a very crashworthy car and although my 88S ended up pretty smashed, i'm glad my daughter was in it when she wrecked. She didn't get a scratch on her. See my thread "my daughter wrecked...".
Another thing to consider is that you want a car that you'll not be worried about your daughter breaking down somewhere, so you would need to get one that was well taken care of, or that you can bring into top shape, that being said, none of my three '44's has ever left me stranded and i used them as daily drivers, until the accident of course.
I like the idea of a 944 as a first car but it think you may have to pay more than 3 thou. for one that is suitable, you could get lucky tho.

[Minicup20]

Trust me, as long as she doesn't run it hard it will be great. but soon as i started doing dumb stuff(teenage thing, just can't help it) it broke down on me and has a consistent pattern of breakin down everytime i run it hard, so just cruising from now on is how im gonna go.