Looking to buy my first! Help!
 

I'm looking at to buy an early 85, 944. Its my first car ever and I need some advice on what to look for before I purchase. I appreciate all the feedback.

be ready to dish out a lot of money in maintenance/upkeep. My rule is if a 944's purchase price is below $5,000 then expect to spend 3x that in parts within the next few years, if above that then expect to spend 2x that. Of course that's not always the case, but it's a good rule to keep in mind so you're not caught off-guard with something expensive.

I spent about $400 this week for basically just pieces of rubber

you must own a 944!

You are correct sir!

Welcome to the Forum...!
Where are you located mate?
Why an 85.1 MY if I may be so nosy? (Dashboard or Wheel Offset preference?)

Anyway, let us known miles, asking price and maintenance records..

I joined this forum 23 months ago and it quickly became my #1 website.
( And not a naked girl pic to be found.. just knowledge and camaraderie.)

944 new guy, save your money for a 951. Believe me, siren call of the Turbo cannot be easily ignored.

Budget 5k for the 951 and another 5k for immediate maintenance, and you'll be golden. Obviously you will soon become a 944 master tech with all the DIY maintenance. But that's what's called a win-win!

Hello and welcome "first car ever",

'85 944 Purchase estimate/guess with service records= $2650
Amount of money for 1 year ownership/parts/maintenance=$2500

'85 944 Purchase estimate/guess with no service records=$1970
Amount of money for 1 year ownership/parts/maintenance=$4000

Do you have any automotive mechanical skills?
Shop fee is $125 an hour and UP.

Buy the most expensive 944 you can afford--usually better maintained.

GL
J_AZ

Well, NA has advantages to the turbo. Easier to work on, less expensive.

+1000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000 0000000

I got my car for $3200 and have spent about $3000 so far fixing it up. It's still not road worthy after all that money :eek: By the time I'm done I'll have spent enough money to buy 3 or 4 neglected 944's, or a really nice turbo...

Save your money, read everything you can about 944's, save up some more money, shop around, save more money, then shop around again until you find the one that's just right for you. You'll be glad you did.

If I may interject...
I know the car this young man is looking at. It is owned by one of our fellow "Pelicans" who has been working on 944s since his first in 1986, and has just had all of the front seals, timing belt, and gakets from the head up replaced. The asking price is $2000. The interior is in better than average condition, but the black paint has its standard wear. I felt that this may allow everyone a better point to advise from.

If you aren't a backyard mechanic, learn how to turn a wrench! Way cheaper than a dealer or shop and fun too! (well usually.... ) The guys here will help you!

Sounds like a can't miss...
Go for it OP

If you want an unbiased inspection of the car, take it to a shop and have a PPI done.

A PPI is a Pre Purchase Inspection by an independent shop.

Pelican expains in the Tech Info Section ^^^top of page.

Pelican Technical Article: Prepurchase Inspection

Usually about $100 ---but this can also help negotiate the price with the seller.

J_AZ