WANTED Porsche 944 Recommendations

[LWB250]

So the youngest son has told me he's interested in a 944. I know little of the 944s, even less about Porsches in general. For example, he pointed out this car to me today:

https://orlando.craigslist.org/cto/d/orlando-89-porsche-944amazing-condition/7066467982.html

Yeah, I saw pain all over that listing for reasons I can't even begin to describe.

I know there are a number of you who are well acquainted with Porsches. Any suggestions, opinions or guidance I can send the way of my youngster so he can make an informed decision should he decide to acquire such a car? I'm certainly no dummy and can do a fair amount of research myself, but we all know there's nothing better than those who have gone before us, so to speak...

Thanks,

Dan

 

[alabbasi]

I had a 951 (944 turbo) which I bought at a salvage auction after it caught fire under the hood. We had to rebuilt the wiring harness and replace the intake manifold, clean the injectors to get it on the road but boy it was fun when i got going.

I believe that they have cam belts which you should pay attention to. My only other area of concern is the control arms which had integrated ball joints and could not be replaced without replacing the arm itself. The arms are expensive.

Aside from that, they're nice cars. Much sportier than a 928 and really lively when the turbo spools up.

 

[LWB250]

Thank you! I would also point out the car in question was a non-turbo, hence a somewhat lower price which no doubt is what piqued my boy's interest, as he is a serious tightwad. In his mind he's frugal, but call it what you wish.

The seller took the listing down a little while ago, so the link will be dead. The guy was into some serious puffery, and the car, while it presented well, had a number of warts that were concerning. For one, 177k on the odo which had "recently stopped working" according to the seller.

The boy really wants something that's a two seater with a stick so he can row through gears. This came completely from left field, so I'm not sure if this was a whim, he's looking seriously at 944s, he wants a Porsche, or what. I'll get to the bottom of this shortly.

I suspect he wants to spend five grand for something as described. If he isn't dead set on a particular brand, I would suggest a Miata. Fun little cars, very economical to drive and maintain, and nice examples from the early 90s are well within this price range with excellent parts availability and aftermarket options.

More as I know it. Again, thank you!

Dan

 

[sheward]

I owned a 951 as well. They do have cam belts that need attention as they are an interference motor. The water pump goes along with the timing belt as a"while your in there" item. $800 - $1000 if done by a shop. The 16v and turbo motors make plenty of power. The others, not so much. One item you may want to note living in Florida. These are 4 cylinders utilizing balance shafts to smooth them out and they don't have much extra torque to run AC pumps at idle. A high strung car that will need plenty of maintenance. Motor, mounts, vacuum lines, high heat under hood with the turbo models. Cracked dashboards are common. Most have been run hard.

drew

 

[LWB250]

Good to know. I knew about the timing belt and water pump. Good point about the engine and AC.

He's astute enough to realize that a non-turbo will be less expensive while somewhat less powerful, which is something I'm guessing he's wiling to trade off.

I was just poking around looking to see what was out there and came across this one - what do you think?

Porsche 944 S 16 valve. 1987 Original Owner surviver. - antiques -...

I'm guessing the color is a big turn off for a lot of people, but it looks to be a pretty solid example on initial look.

Thanks!

Dan

 

[alfagta]

Good to know. I knew about the timing belt and water pump. Good point about the engine and AC.

He's astute enough to realize that a non-turbo will be less expensive while somewhat less powerful, which is something I'm guessing he's wiling to trade off.

I was just poking around looking to see what was out there and came across this one - what do you think?

Porsche 944 S 16 valve. 1987 Original Owner surviver. - antiques -...

I'm guessing the color is a big turn off for a lot of people, but it looks to be a pretty solid example on initial look.

Thanks!

Dan

 

[alfagta]

I bought a very low mile 944 on BaT about 2 1/2 years ago and love it.
This site 924/931/944/951/968 Forum - Rennlist - Porsche Discussion Forums will have tons of discussion for him to review.
BaT sells dozens of 944's so he could go there and read through some of the comment threads on various cars to learn more.
The one in your link looks good, but, as usual, personal inspection and PPI will help prevent disappointment.
Bill

 

[LWB250]

I bought a very low mile 944 on BaT about 2 1/2 years ago and love it.
This site 924/931/944/951/968 Forum - Rennlist - Porsche Discussion Forums will have tons of discussion for him to review.
BaT sells dozens of 944's so he could go there and read through some of the comment threads on various cars to learn more.
The one in your link looks good, but, as usual, personal inspection and PPI will help prevent disappointment.
Bill

Thanks a bunch, Bill!

I know Rennlist, as it's been around for decades as I recall. I've never looked at it in any detail as I'm not a Porsche guy, but I know of it through some crossover things like Becker radios that were shared between old Porsches and Mercedes.

Dan

 

[sheward]

I agree with your thoughts on the car posted. Low miles, one owner, looks cared for. Not a "Porsche" color as noted which may be keeping the price low.

drew

 

[dutchny]

Check Rennlist.com they have a 944 section

 

[Jlaa]

I've never owned one, but a Porsche 944 Turbo screams QUINTESSENTIAL PORSCHE to me (of course, I'm GenX) - the lines I find are graceful and timeless. On looks alone, I would prefer a 944 Turbo over any 911. (There, I said it).

 

[skikrazey]

I concur with Jlaa, the 944 Turbo is a blast to drive and would take it over a 911 as well. The maintenance costs are high. The 968 from 1991 to 1995 would be a good choice as it was the update of the 944.

What about a 1st gen slk with a manual? Drove on back in the day fun little car.

Here is a very rare MB stick. 1992 300SL/24 - Nautical Blue/Royal Blue Leather - 5 spd - 65k miles

Another fun car from that era is the Nissan 300zx Twin Turbo. Same maintenance issues, tough to work on, but wicked fun to drive! Finding one that has not been abused and heavily modified is tough but they are out there.

 

[Dunnik]

Second the 968, would much prefer it over a 944 S2. They're kinda hard to find, though.

 

[036]

5 Grand?
Wot recommendations... buy it,repair it, drive it

 

[Gatorblue92]

I've never owned one, but a Porsche 944 Turbo screams QUINTESSENTIAL PORSCHE to me (of course, I'm GenX) - the lines I find are graceful and timeless. On looks alone, I would prefer a 944 Turbo over any 911. (There, I said it).

Agreed. They are also relatively affordable and an absolute blast to drive.

 

[alabbasi]

Here is a very rare MB stick. 1992 300SL/24 - Nautical Blue/Royal Blue Leather - 5 spd - 65k miles

I have one of those. They're a fun ride with the 5 speed dog leg and like to be revved. Mine needs a fair amount of body work. If anyone would like one. I'd offer it a $19.5k discount over the that car and throw in a parts car that has everything needed to make it into a very nice car.

 

[AMG5PT4]

I had a 1984 944 back in the late 80's. Loved the car and love the flared F/R fenders (no surprise that I have a C126 widebody). The 83/84/85 cars had the early interior. The 1985.5 cars onward had the much improved facelift interior. The pre-facelight dash is boxy in shape around the binnacle while the later dash is a much smoother look. Big inline 4 cylinder. Fun car. Great looks and relative bargain with the P-car name. They made a good number of these cars (many of them Guards Red - my personal LEAST favorite color), so they can be found with lower mileage.

My 944 had the cloth inserts with the Porsche logo - liked those seats. My car had the exterior door ding strips on it that is unattractive and breaks up the lines a little. My personal preference would be a car w/o the side strips. If I were to buy another 944, it would be 85.5 onward (facelift), no door ding strips, 16 valve engine is nice, most any color except red or champagne, well maintained.

 

[Jlaa]

My 944 had the cloth inserts with the Porsche logo - liked those seats.

I know what seats you are talking about. Those cloth seats are so neat --- so 80s in that ridiculously exuberant, garish way. Manufacturers are much more droll and somber now and will never make seats like that again.

 

[gsxr]

Those cloth seats are so neat --- so 80s in that ridiculously exuberant, garish way. Manufacturers are much more droll and somber now and will never make seats like that again.

Never say never... eventually, someone will figure out they can market this as a "retro" option at exorbitant markup.

 

[Jlaa]

Never say never... eventually, someone will figure out they can market this as a "retro" option at exorbitant markup.

Ohhhhh... opportunity! Maybe Porsche will re-market it.
I had a master-craftsman duplicate the cloth print in leather (through engraving), and the upholstery pattern done up 928-style.
(many 944s, 911s, 928s, etc. all share the same basic seat frame).

 

[sheward]

That is SUPER nice! Porsche sport seats from the 80s - 90s were and still are the best IMO.

drew

 

[Heksi]

I bought a 951 (944 Turbo) just couple of months ago. Haven't driven it much since it's winter here now, but initial impressions are that it is a solid and well behaving sports car. Brakes feel really nice, just as -87 911 that I drove once. 944's were built in Audi plant in Neckarsulm, rust proofing in good, I think 944's are almost fully galvanised (if not completely).

I was surprised to find similar electrical connectors used in 944 than in 80's Mercedes. One connector (I think it was related to seat belt tensioners wiring harness) even had three pointed star stamped on it. You can find VW/Audi stamps on sheetmetal and various places.

I love the flared fenders, pop-up headlights, boost-gauge and "turbo" -script on the rear end. Very 1980's!

 

[S70/2]

They are somewhat well made cars but being frugal and current parts prices may not be the best combo coupled with increasing rarity. Get a clean rust free E30 and your engine, suspension, differential, and brake options are seemingly endless with many OEM crossovers....and no AUDI/VW parts

 

[LWB250]

Got a family member considering a 944 for a fun/weekend driver/tinkerer car. I know little about these, so I am hoping there are some Porsche folks here who might be kind enough to offer their knowledge and advice if they're willing. I'm familiar with Rennlist, so I've pointed them in that direction as a start.

If so, drop me a private message at dan@penoff.com please.

Thanks in advance!

Dan

 

[cascade]

Should a thread like this be posted to the 944 forums or the rennlist, not here?!?

 

[gsxr]

Seems like the question is more on-topic than some other discussions here in the off-topic section.

 

[Glen]

There's an earlier thread on this topic:

WANTED - Porsche 944 Recommendations | Off-Topic Discussions

So the youngest son has told me he's interested in a 944. I know little of the 944s, even less about Porsches in general. For example, he pointed out this car to me today: https://orlando.craigslist.org/cto/d/orlando-89-porsche-944amazing-condition/7066467982.html Yeah, I saw pain all over...

www.500eboard.co

 

[LWB250]

Yes, this is a continuation - I forgot I had posted here about this previously. Thanks, Glen!

Not a member at Rennlist - yet. Youngster is.

 

[gerryvz]

Yes, this is a continuation - I forgot I had posted here about this previously. Thanks, Glen!

 

[LWB250]

I'm resurrecting this thread since the youngster is once again giving this some thought. Anyone else who would like to chime in is welcome.

The car in question earlier in the thread never materialized. Not sure whether it was sold or the seller just didn't feel like responding, so we're on the hunt again...

Dan

 

[LWB250]

Thanks, Gerry. Memory can be a dangerous thing...

 

[744Brillantsilber]

I just read an article about service-costs and problems on the 944s the other day:
944 is said to be pretty solid and lots of fun to drive (well, it is a Porsche!).

Some of the weak points are:
-porous rubber on backlights and rear window => wet trunk
-injecectors can get bad/no good spraying => 4 new ones are about 800 Euros in Europe, probably similar in the US
-944s tend to wear the ball joints on the front suspension. 1st series cars use steel suspension arms (easy to change the joints), but 2nd series cars use aluminium arms (recommended to replace the whole arm)
-Changing a worn clutch takes about 8 hours. The clutch has a rubber shock absorber that most times needs to be replaced too (not that expensive)
-on the 944S the inlet camshaft is driven by a timing chain. Similar to the M119, the guiding rails tend to break with age.
-Sometimes the steering needs to be redone, because it leaks and/or the gears are worn.
-As mentioned before, the timing belt should be replace every 50k miles or every 5 years,,and the waterpump with every 2nd belt-change.

Lots of high-mileage 944 around here, not to many problems when it was maintained good...

If you find a ok one in your budget, I would say go for it!!
Hope this helps!

 

[LWB250]

Thanks a bunch!

I'm not terribly intimidated by the engine or fuel system, as they're close to a lot of other cars I've worked on over the years of that vintage. I knew about the timing belt and water pump, as that seems to be well known and quite common.

What is the break between 1st and 2nd series as far as model year? I know the binnacle changed from being quite square to a more rounded shape, but that's about all I know at this point.

The boy has found a basket case that I'm not totally comfortable with yet, as I don't have all the details. I think it's a second series, like a late 1980s model, that was donated to a charity with the head removed. From what I've seen the car is in excellent condition, but the head and related items are in boxes in the trunk. Hmm.

Dan

 

[744Brillantsilber]

Dan,
you are welcome!
I think they changed to the S2 in 1987.
An other thing I forgot to mention: interior parts can be very hard to get, a good dashboard and other interior would save quite some money!
A pulled head could be a good chance to maintain the whole engine, if the car has an unknown service history
The aluminium arms cost about 800 Euro each at Porsche-Classic (each!!)...

 

[gsxr]

The boy has found a basket case ... donated to a charity with the head removed. From what I've seen the car is in excellent condition, but the head and related items are in boxes in the trunk. Hmm.

Basket case? Donated? Head in trunk? Hope it's the cylinder head.

 

[LWB250]

Basket case? Donated? Head in trunk? Hope it's the cylinder head.

Hee. Yes, the cylinder head.

 

[AMG5PT4]

Interior styling changed mid-85

 

[dionphaneuf]

Somehow this thread popped up for me just now. I owned a well optioned S2 for three years. I liked it and would recommend, but while they won't kill you in expense, they aren't exactly cheap either. Some parts, like brakes, are way cheaper on the W124. They do run for quite some time if you keep up with the maintenance, but I also kind of always felt like while it was competent at everything, it didn't pull me in like I wanted. The motor is torquey and strong, the handling is great and predictable, the interior is v well crafted with tons of space, the pop out sun roof is fun, and the styling is great (in an 80s way), but it kinda dies above 5k RPM, it doesn't sound amazing, and you're kinda the red headed step child of the Porsche world.

If you can find a 2.5L 8v car that's in decent shape for not too much money and your son is willing to wrench (or learn) and put money into it on occassion it'll be a solid entry level sports car that he can learn to drive in without getting into too much trouble. But as noted above, an E30 (or Miata) is probably a better choice.

 

[Jlaa]

I liked it and would recommend, but while they won't kill you in expense, they aren't exactly cheap either. Some parts, like brakes, are way cheaper on the W124. They do run for quite some time if you keep up with the maintenance, but I also kind of always felt like while it was competent at everything, it didn't pull me in like I wanted. The motor is torquey and strong, the handling is great and predictable, the interior is v well crafted with tons of space, the pop out sun roof is fun, and the styling is great (in an 80s way), but it kinda dies above 5k RPM, it doesn't sound amazing, and you're kinda the red headed step child of the Porsche world.

Thanks!!!!! I love love love love the way later model 944s and 968s look, and they are the quintessential Porsche-look to me (more than a 911). Your feedback ensures that I don't waste money on meeting my hero, which may not be as spectacular as my rose-tinted-glasses is making it out to be.

 

[dionphaneuf]

I've never been as into the 968 styling. The exterior didn't work as well for me, and they deleted the v cool 944 rear lights. They did make some cool colours. The interior is literally the exact same as the 944, except the 90s P car seats vs the 80s ones, and they added a second analog clock for....reasons? The digital clock in the 944 is also a timer, how sweet is that?



I'm more interested in the turbo and turbo S cars now. The Turbo S was faster than a G Body 930 3.3 on many tracks (link to an Automobile mag article that says as much), but has 80s turbo lag (can be good, can be bad) and 80s turbo problems (hot underhood, more stuff to break) but is probably fine if treated properly. They can make big power without much work. The S2 I had did inspire a lot of confidence and felt exceptionally planted, so I was sad to lose it but c'est la vie, onto the next one as they say.

 

[a777fan]

Ohhhhh... opportunity! Maybe Porsche will re-market it.
I had a master-craftsman duplicate the cloth print in leather (through engraving), and the upholstery pattern done up 928-style.
(many 944s, 911s, 928s, etc. all share the same basic seat frame).

View attachment 93671

@Jlaa, you classy SOB! Love it!

 

[darek_u]

and they added a second analog clock for....reasons?

This is actually an outside temperature display, the digital one I mean... All you say about Turbo S is true, they are a blast to drive and still keep up with modern sports cars, especially if tweaked up a bit.
Oh and turbo lag - well, I've seen much worse ones than on 944 Turbo engine, in fact this kick in the kidneys above 3000 rpm is awesome... At least to my taste.