WANTED Porsche 944

[LWB250]

Because my youngest son was all worked up about a 944 last year and by osmosis got me thinking seriously about one, here I am...

While I've still got a lot to learn and research on these cars, and I'm sure there are plenty of you Porsche owners out there who can add to my knowledge, I asked Gerry if it would be OK for me to post a "wanted" message for a car. He kindly agreed - thanks!

Here's what I think I'm looking for:

1982-87 944 hardtop - no cabriolets
No automatics - I want to "row"

As with many Mercedes' I've owned, I'm looking for a solid runner with good exterior cosmetics or cosmetics like paint that may just need a solid polishing. Many of you are familiar with the work I've done on our cars, and I would expect a similar situation with this car as well. I can handle mechanical, electrical and interior work. No projects, I want a car that can be driven but isn't perfect and may need some mechanical "freshening" or minor repairs while being drivable. Color isn't a dealbreaker, although I would prefer a guard red one if possible. Being as that seems to be the most common color, I don't think that will be a problem. Mileage isn't an issue as long as there is provenance. I don't want to have to start out with major work like timing belts.

Budget is in the $5k-$10k range, ideally. This seems pretty realistic based on what I've seen over the past months as far as price versus condition and what I'm willing to compromise on. I'm not looking for a garage queen, just a nice solid driver that's been cared for but maybe needs some TLC.

If I'm being unrealistic or there are potential examples in a later year or model I'll consider it - I've researched and lurked in forums for the last 6-8 months but still have a lot to learn, so my expectations are limited by my knowledge. I don't really care about an "S" or turbo models, I'm just looking for an old school, original, unmodified example if possible.

I will travel for the right car, but ideally it would be in relatively close proximity to either Tampa, FL or Flagstaff, AZ.

Got one? Know of one that might fit my requirements? Drop me a note via conversation and let's talk!

Thanks to all,

Dan

 

[Matt-R20]

You won’t be disappointed with a 944. One of the most overlooked Porsches and one of the best driving. You might want to consider the ‘87-88 924S as well. It has the real 2.5L Porsche engine and weighs a little less than a 944, but drives the same. Price wise, I think you’d be lucky to find anything decent for $5K, probably going to 5 digits and you’ll have work to do. These need maintenance and because your kid will drive it, you may want to look at fuel lines, injectors etc to make sure you don’t get any fuel leaks/fire issues. Many of these cars are modified, I’d stay away from that and look for all stock. Good luck with your search.

 

[LWB250]

Thanks!

I’m a purist so I don’t want something that’s been tarted up or modified. This will be my car, not the youngster’s. However, I’m sure it’s presence at the Florida house will be an enticement for him to visit more often!

I’m seeing a lot in the range I mentioned, but as expected, the lower you go the more tatty they get. There’s one in Tampa a guy wants to show me for $6,800, but it’s got a sunroof that’s been “sealed” (RTV??) and an odometer that’s been broken since before he owned the car. But - “The previous owner told me it was up to date with everything!”

Yeah, I think not. This will be one to avoid.

Dan

 

[dionphaneuf]

I think the main things are the timing belt and clutch - know when those were done. Neither is a show stopper, and I think the belt is pretty straightforward on the non-interference 8v cars, but on the S/S2/968 and Turbo's it's either interference or harder bc there's more in there. Also only a 40k mi interval if memory serves. The clutch is a PITA.

As always, buy the best one you can afford, especially one that's been driven. Otherwise, rear glass delam is worth looking at. Also, 95% of these cars have broken Odo gears, and on the pre facelift cars it's a 5 digit

 

[LWB250]

Yeah, it seems ironic that these suffer from the same odometer issues that Mercedes of the same vintage do, too. I haven’t looked, but I presume there are replacement gear sets readily available in the aftermarket.

Everyone seems to be well aware of timing belts, as in many of the ads it’s a subject that’s addressed with documentation. That’s why I chuckled when I heard from the guy in Tampa. Guess he was comfortable taking the PO’s word for it. Brave man.

And yes, I’m all about buying the best I can afford - learned that lesson many, many years (and $$$) ago!

Dan

 

[Matt-R20]

There’s one in Tampa a guy wants to show me for $6,800, but it’s got a sunroof that’s been “sealed” (RTV??)

Yeah, that’s what I meant by ”modified!” Lots of DIY repairs and junk parts. Belts are not the end of the world but a clutch is a challenge. Good luck with your search!

 

[LWB250]

Thanks!

I’m a purist so I don’t want something that’s been tarted up or modified. This will be my car, not the youngster’s. However, I’m sure it’s presence at the Florida house will be an enticement for him to visit more often!

I’m seeing a lot in the range I mentioned, but as expected, the lower you go the more tatty they get. There’s one in Tampa a guy wants to show me for $6,800, but it’s got a sunroof that’s been “sealed” (RTV??) and an odometer that’s been broken since before he owned the car. But - “The previous owner told me it was up to date with everything!”

Yeah, I think not. This will be one to avoid.

 

[LWB250]

Is there any reason other than the obvious to avoid an automatic? Performance-wise are they decent? Or does going to a slush box negate the whole sports car idea?

I ask because I saw a nice one in very good condition for a reasonable price only it has a slush box. I presume this is a detriment compared to a stick as far as value?

Dan

 

[Matt-R20]

Is there any reason other than the obvious to avoid an automatic? Performance-wise are they decent? Or does going to a slush box negate the whole sports car idea?

I ask because I saw a nice one in very good condition for a reasonable price only it has a slush box. I presume this is a detriment compared to a stick as far as value?

Dan

Not enough power to push through an auto. I’d be worried about resale. Stick with manual in my opinion.

 

[LWB250]

Not enough power to push through an auto. I’d be worried about resale. Stick with manual in my opinion.

Gotcha. Thanks!

Dan

 

[maw1124]

Not enough power to push through an auto. I’d be worried about resale. Stick with manual in my opinion.

I hadn't thought about it in those exact terms but looking at the sentence it makes too much sense. Thanks for that @Matt-R20. But I also can't remember driving anything under 200hp. Now that I find myself looking at "old man cars" I guess I need to belly up to driving with two feet too.

maw

 

[Matt-R20]

I hadn't thought about it in those exact terms but looking at the sentence it makes too much sense. Thanks for that @Matt-R20. But I also can't remember driving anything under 200hp. Now that I find myself looking at "old man cars" I guess I need to belly up to driving with two feet too.

maw

Keeps you young!

 

[maw1124]

I can still remember the days... but the moment I drove a Tiptronic 540i Touring, I thought it was the best thing ever!!

maw

 

[Duh_Vinci]

Maybe a bit out of the price range, but appears to be a nice clean well kept car?

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[LWB250]

Maybe a bit out of the price range, but appears to be a nice clean well kept car?

Log into Facebook

Log into Facebook to start sharing and connecting with your friends, family, and people you know.

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Already have a call with the owner set up for 2:00 pm today after corresponding with him yesterday. Not terribly keen on it for the color, but it's a possibility. Hasn't been driven much, so it needs belts simply based on age, too.

Thanks!

Dan

 

[Duh_Vinci]

Already have a call with the owner set up for 2:00 pm today after corresponding with him yesterday. Not terribly keen on it for the color, but it's a possibility. Hasn't been driven much, so it needs belts simply based on age, too.

Thanks!

Dan

Good luck! But yeas, that's what I was thinking, lower miles, bunch of maintenance done...

 

[LWB250]

Good luck! But yeas, that's what I was thinking, lower miles, bunch of maintenance done...

Actually, a lot of deferred maintenance, as the car has only been driven about 6,000 miles since 2009 when the last set of belts were changed. 5 years/40,000 miles is the rule according to the Porsche specialists I've spoken to. Only about 100 miles driven in the last two years.

Cosmetically it's nice, but it's got a lot of maintenance required based on the age from the last (major) service, in my opinion. So before I would considering it roadworthy it's going to need a set of belts (balance shaft/timing) a set of tires and likely a tuneup. Owner says it starts no problem but "runs a little rough". I'm suspecting some cruddy fuel system components from sitting. The only things that have been done since 2009 are mostly cosmetic with the exception of the AC compressor.

I've got someone I trust who is going to put eyes on it later this week and take it for a drive. We'll see what they have to say.

I'm seeing a lot of cars with similar miles, condition and with fewer needs going for well below his ask ($10k). And they're more along the lines of what I'm looking for in Guards Red and black interior. This one is white with a maroon interior - reminds me of my Dad's Chrysler Cordoba.

More as I know it.

Dan

 

[Matt-R20]

Actually, a lot of deferred maintenance, as the car has only been driven about 6,000 miles since 2009 when the last set of belts were changed. 5 years/40,000 miles is the rule according to the Porsche specialists I've spoken to. Only about 100 miles driven in the last two years.

Cosmetically it's nice, but it's got a lot of maintenance required based on the age from the last (major) service, in my opinion. So before I would considering it roadworthy it's going to need a set of belts (balance shaft/timing) a set of tires and likely a tuneup. Owner says it starts no problem but "runs a little rough". I'm suspecting some cruddy fuel system components from sitting. The only things that have been done since 2009 are mostly cosmetic with the exception of the AC compressor.

I've got someone I trust who is going to put eyes on it later this week and take it for a drive. We'll see what they have to say.

I'm seeing a lot of cars with similar miles, condition and with fewer needs going for well below his ask ($10k). And they're more along the lines of what I'm looking for in Guards Red and black interior. This one is white with a maroon interior - reminds me of my Dad's Chrysler Cordoba.

More as I know it.

Dan

Rough idle is likely a set of motor mounts. If you apply a little throttle and it smooths out, that’s what it is. Belts you’ve discussed, but check fuel lines. The rubber end at the front of the car is where things get interesting as its a one piece fuel like all the way back. So basically the trans has to come out. New versions are 2 pieces so you can replace just the rubber end up front. likely it hasn’t been changed. Good luck!

 

[LWB250]

Rough idle is likely a set of motor mounts. If you apply a little throttle and it smooths out, that’s what it is. Belts you’ve discussed, but check fuel lines. The rubber end at the front of the car is where things get interesting as its a one piece fuel like all the way back. So basically the trans has to come out. New versions are 2 pieces so you can replace just the rubber end up front. likely it hasn’t been changed. Good luck!

Motor mounts were done in 2012. I guess they could age, but with the limited amount of miles put on the car since then I would be surprised if they're an issue. I'm more prone to suspect there are some cruddy injectors due to the car sitting for long periods of time.

Thanks!

Dan

 

[Matt-R20]

Motor mounts were done in 2012. I guess they could age, but with the limited amount of miles put on the car since then I would be surprised if they're an issue. I'm more prone to suspect there are some cruddy injectors due to the car sitting for long periods of time.

Thanks!

Dan

Could be bad fuel too or a plugged filter as well.

 

[LWB250]

Could be bad fuel too or a plugged filter as well.

Exactly. And that opens up a BIG can of worms.

Dan

 

[LWB250]

Does anyone here know how I can determine if a 1986 model is an "S" or not? I've got a VIN, but that doesn't seem to reveal it from what I can tell.

Thanks!

Dan

 

[dionphaneuf]

The NA S was 87 and 88 only. S2 was 89-91. Turbo was 86/87, then 88 models had the option to be an S. Most (all) 89s had this

 

[LWB250]

The NA S was 87 and 88 only. S2 was 89-91. Turbo was 86/87, then 88 models had the option to be an S. Most (all) 89s had this

Thanks! That means the 86 I'm looking at could not be an "S" then. Reading up on this is not terribly clear. It also appears that the "S" model had it designated on the rear hatch badge as well as some script on the front fenders "16 Ventiler".

Duly noted and more information to digest!

Dan

 

[Duh_Vinci]

Dan,

Any updates on your prospect? BTW, someone posted a neat and informative write up So You Bought a 944... I enjoyed the short read.

Regards,
D

 

[LWB250]

Dan,

Any updates on your prospect? BTW, someone posted a neat and informative write up So You Bought a 944... I enjoyed the short read.

Regards,
D

Busy day, I'll update tomorrow when I have a chance.

Dan

 

[LWB250]

Sorry for the tardy response. This week in Flagstaff has been crazy between work and house...

So I finally got back with the seller of the 944 I spoke about previously. I presented a breakdown of an in-person inspection a friend did for me as well as what came out of several phone discussions with the owner with my offer and the justification for it. His response?

He agreed with everything I said about the car, then started talking about how he was going to start fixing it up and ordering parts for it.



So I basically wasted my time and that of the person who drove 90 minutes to look at it for me. I honestly think he had no desire to sell from the get-go. Grrr.

So keep those eyes open, folks. I'm still hunting.

Thank you,

Dan

 

[Duh_Vinci]

Wasn't meant to be boss!

How about this one 登录 Facebook

1983 Porsche
$8,950
Listed a year ago in Manassas Park, VA

Message

About This Vehicle​

Driven 79,000 miles

Manual transmission

Exterior color: Grey

Fuel type: Gasoline

Excellent condition

2 owners

This vehicle is paid off

Clean title

"Seller's Description​

It's a 1983 Porsche 944 very clean . interior has redone all brakes and rotors calipers brake lines or new fuel pump fuel filter everything is new water pump new plugs wires filters coolant everything all the fluids are brand new.. types of in fair condition all it needs is a new home to relocate"

​

 

[LWB250]

Thanks - did you happen to look at the listing date? This is one of my pet peeves with Facebook. I messaged the owner, we'll see. I'm betting it's long gone.

And where are all the Guards Red ones when I'm looking everything I've seen has been white/black/silver.

Again, thanks!

Dan

 

[Duh_Vinci]

I know, right? Came in my feed today, yeah, that's frustrating for sure!

 

[LWB250]

I know, right? Came in my feed today, yeah, that's frustrating for sure!

Yeah, I have a FB search bookmarked that I check daily. Their search capabilities leave a lot to be desired. I do the same with Craigslist, too. I guess there are some Porsche-centric places to look as well, but that tends to drive the price up.

Dan

 

[ccrelan]

this is a good search tool that is little known:

Cult Cars

Classic Cars & Trucks For Sale that are unique, beloved, low-production, orphaned, and survivors!

cultcars.us

 

[LWB250]

this is a good search tool that is little known:

Cult Cars

Classic Cars & Trucks For Sale that are unique, beloved, low-production, orphaned, and survivors!

cultcars.us

Thanks!

Dan

 

[Duh_Vinci]

this is a good search tool that is little known:

Cult Cars

Classic Cars & Trucks For Sale that are unique, beloved, low-production, orphaned, and survivors!

cultcars.us

Great tool, thanks, indeed, never seen it!

@LWB250 ... Dan, stumble onto this PDF workshop manual for all 944, very very useful when you do get your 944... Engine, transmission, chassis, electronics... all right here, free to download...

Regards,
D

 

[LWB250]

Great tool, thanks, indeed, never seen it!

@LWB250 ... Dan, stumble onto this PDF workshop manual for all 944, very very useful when you do get your 944... Engine, transmission, chassis, electronics... all right here, free to download...

Regards,
D

Already have them, thanks. I've been researching this car and the various forums for over a year. I've got just about every available resource on hand, as I am pretty aggressive about due diligence, especially when it's on a car I've had no experience with.

Dan

 

[sheward]

This just popped up here, Dan. An interesting, unusual color combination. Limited slip. Looks well cared for. A bit out of your price range but notable.

1987 Porsche 944S - cars & trucks - by dealer - vehicle automotive...

Like the 944 Turbo, the 944 S has progressive springs for improved handling, larger front and rear anti-roll bars, revised transmission and gearing to better suit the 2.5 L DOHC engine's higher...

atlanta.craigslist.org

 

[LWB250]

This just popped up here, Dan. An interesting, unusual color combination. Limited slip. Looks well cared for. A bit out of your price range but notable.

????

 

[sheward]

Whoops... there's the link.

 

[LWB250]

Thanks!

Very nice, but I'm confused by the CL ad since it says the car is being auctioned. Weird.

Dan

 

[sheward]

I noticed that as well. It seems as if this is a "startup" dealer / auction, and they are testing the waters.

 

[Duh_Vinci]

@LWB250 Dan, not sure if you still on the market for on, this one popped up in VA... Don't know anything about other than what's listed, I remember you were leaning to ward red/black combo

1988 Porsche 944 - cars & trucks - by owner - vehicle automotive sale

Great condition. 114,000 miles. Manual transmission. Email if interested.

richmond.craigslist.org

Regards,
D

 

[LWB250]

Yeah, unfortunately, life has gotten in the way and I’ve been dealing with job, family and multiple houses, pushing this down the list for a bit, so to speak. Thanks for the lead, I still look regularly.

Dan