I am Thinking about buying this 1991 944 Cab

teddy944? · 02:21 PM

This guy wants $4000, says the engine was rebuilt (by Porsche although not confirmed)by the previous owner in 1999. It has been repainted. 200K miles. Top has been redone although not Porsche work. The car runs nicely. I was surprised how well it drove, no rattles and engine was very smooth. Says the timing chain new 10K ago, distributor and wires relatively new, relatively new radiator. No visible rust. tires have about 10K left.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PaBrm7yucpA&feature=channel
http://www.woodlandsonline.com/clps/clitem.cfm?adsid=160506

He may not have any records.

A/C does not work and he does not know what is wrong with it. Cosmetically (other than the paint) it is not great. Leather has no holes but is worn. Carpet need some help, dash not cracked but worn. Glove box cover gone. Window motors work but slowly. Electric top motor does not work. Door trim loose, Seals on side of top are useless. Odometer broken. No power steering and he has never had it and does not know if this car has it and is broken or just has no power steering.

This guys wife is a lawyer (confirmed), he is a school admin. This is a third car. Say to deal with the wife on price and does not car if she sells it for a $1 since it is hers.

I have always wanted one of these, is 4K out of the ballpark here and if not and I can get it for 2K is there an upside or is it all going to be trouble?

Thankk for any advice.

Ted

the · 02-02-2009, 05:20 PM

$2K? Buy it and drive it until the wheels fall off.

Monza_dh · Monza_dh's Garage

I just got sick watching that video!! was she moving it to hide the paint quality or something??

walk up with $2-3K cash and see what happens.

teddy944? · 02-04-2009, 10:31 AM

I think it was just amateur shooting. Thanks for the input, I am still thinking about it.

Ted

Sunroof · 02-05-2009, 04:38 AM

I drove a 1985.5 944 for 12-years, sold it to my mechanic for $1500 (eight years ago) and ran up 345,000 miles out of the engine and transmission with no major work (engine never out of car). To many an incredible story, but the fact is just about everything but the engine and tranny were replaced two maybe three times during ownership.

Today finding a great 944 is tough as so many are beat and cheap. If your going to dive into a 944 understand the issues with these cars and better yet know that its a PORSCHE and will cost you in parts and labor.

Water pump, timing belt, engine mounts, oil cooler, A-arms, torque tube, radiator fans, sunroof mechanism, etc, etc, are just a few things for watch for. All these parts are expensive and costly to replace.

That AC/Heat control box in that dash is a really a sophisicated mini-computer and can be repaced for a nice $500 - $700. Thats probably why the AC is not functioning. I found one in a junked 944 and was lucky to get it for $50 back in the day. They will wear out in time.

Power steering fluid leaks from the fluid reservoir hose to the steering rack, Check the fluid in the reservoir then the hose. A rebuilt rack will cost you $900.00 or there abouts. Noisy power steering pump? No power stering in a 944 is like steering a covered wagon in a tight turn!!!!!

The price is great, but I urge caution as a car with issues will suddenly drain your pocket book and an old 944 is a great example!!!!!

Best of luck

Bob

911Rich · 02-06-2009, 06:26 AM

That's a lot of car for even 4k...

Sunroof · 02-06-2009, 10:31 AM

Thats what would make me nervous. Body might be nice, but who knows whats lurking inside that could turn that 4k into 10k!!

One of the first rules in buying a 944 is to check the dip-stick and coolant reservoir. If the coolant is brown or oil on the dip stick has a chocolate appearance, then their is a breakthrough in the oil cooler seal or gaskets. This was a common problem with these cars after accumulating some miles. The oil will get into the anti-freeze and visa-versa. Porsche factory said that it will etch the bearings and therefore crank bearings have to be replaced. Its an expensive job. Some mechanics claimed that if it is caught early, no need for any repair, just replace the oil cooler gaskets, flush, refill and go. I was fortunate to have caught it early as well and got away cheap. Screwed up my head gasket later though.

Gonna buy a used 944? Educate yourself and know what your getting.

Bob

whiteSC59 · 02-07-2009, 08:37 AM

PPI...? but for 2K you couldnt go wrong. part it and make it back fairly quickly. if you dont buy, send me a PM please

the · 02-08-2009, 09:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sunroof

Thats what would make me nervous. Body might be nice, but who knows whats lurking inside that could turn that 4k into 10k!!

It can only turn into 10K if you let it.