Thinking about buying my first Porsche

[SeanMcL944]

Looked at a car tonight. Red with later wheels. Interior isn't great; duct tape seats cracked dash. Rockers are shot. Lower fenders rusted away. Starts and drives but needs a battery. The guy is asking 2200.


Oh after running for a few minutes it boiled over and dropped all coolant. Possibly broke a hose.

Thoughts?

[Sebscst]

If serious pass. Im not one of those buy the best car you can afford guys but. Keep looking there are some decent cars in the $2500 range.

[pfarah]

Sean,
When you say the rockers are shot, I'm presuming that rust took over the areas... If so, you'll spend a great deal of effort restoring the exterior. You may want to find a nice body over mechanicals although I must advise you to keep looking at several other cars. Where are you located and what's your budget? Also, which model do you wish to buy? There are several to choose from the range and one can typically find a decent 944 for fairly short money although prices are creeping up. Good luck on the search!

[SeanMcL944]

I'm in Burlington MA. Have a budget of 2k for the car. I was looking at the 944 non turbo model. And yes there is a good amount of rust on the rockers and the front driver side fender is 30% bondo

[Jfrahm]

Wow that does not sound like a starting point. You'd be better off IMO finding something with crashed valves or a non-runner due to storage.

I would also suggest saving your pennies and looking for a car from a better climate. If you do buy it (for $1500) consider it a parts car for the one with a decent body you buy next.

-Joel.

[SeanMcL944]

Hey Joel. Thanks for the advice. Looking at a bunch of options and am definitely going to see a few more

[petrolhead611]

924S in the UK are usually less rusty than the 944 around the lower bodywork, same mechanicals in a lighter more aerodynamic package as a bonus.Check out base of rear quarters and battery tray as well as rocker areas,for rust.

[dgcantrell]

$2200? That's about $1800 more than it's worth with the rust issues. I bough a running 88S with a decent interior (still needed some work) for $700... No rust.

[Mr. Squid]

Hey Sean,

Run from that car! There are plenty more 944/924S cars out there in that price range. You just need to be a bit patient, actively searching, and ready to strike when you see the right car.

Will this be your primary car, or a 2nd car?

I am in Mass as well, and although I don't have tons of spare time I am always willing to help another Porsche fanatic. I've been playing with these cars for a little over 20 years, feel free to pm any questions or links to cars you are looking at and I can help you out.

Good luck with the search

Mike

[944 Ecology]

$400 car.

[v2rocket_aka944]

that sounds like a candidate for your guillotine, George.

[pfarah]

Sean,

I live in SE Mass so you're not too far of a drive; I'd be happy to help out inspecting a car when you get close. I'm out of town until Sunday so feel free to PM me and I'll reach out upon my return.

Patrick