Oppo, I Can't Stop Looking At 944s

"Walfisch" (walfisch05) 01/18/2014 at 00:46 • Filed to: 944

7

13

This all started when I saw a clean 944 in craigslist a few months ago. It looked really clean, and was decently priced. It's probably sold now since I don't see the listing anymore. Now everytime I have free time, I always go in CL and check out 944s there. I wonder what kind of problems these cars have? Sure it's an old car, and there are expected problems in it.

IDROVEAPICKUPTRUCK > Walfisch 01/18/2014 at 00:48

1

Massive money pits. Every person who I've ever talked to who owns one normally has the same response: "It's amazing. It's not running right now, but it's amazing when it works"

Don't be fooled by the cheap prices, you'll spend many times that on keeping it going.

Walfisch > IDROVEAPICKUPTRUCK 01/18/2014 at 00:50

1

Good to know. I guess if I'm going to be serious about owning one, I need to make sure I have the resources to maintain one. Last thing I need now is a four-wheeled paper weight.

Jay Lauer > Walfisch 01/18/2014 at 00:51

3

944 Turbo's are expensive now, and 944 NA's are just missing about 40 hp.

It has a great driving position, comfy seats, trunk space, and all. But it's a bit slow and VERY finnicky. VERY.

I'm still tempting, but I remind myself that of the 4 I've looked out, none of them worked.

Manuél Ferrari > IDROVEAPICKUPTRUCK 01/18/2014 at 01:12

1

They are damn sexy though

I've heard the same things

Early water cooled Porsches are scary

gmporschenut also a fan of hondas > Walfisch 01/18/2014 at 01:25

3

The best comment I read on oppo but can't find the original article was: "the cheapest 944 will become the most expensive 944".

Aaron Brown > Walfisch 01/18/2014 at 02:36

1

I own a 86 944 NA. Have had it for about four months. Great car, wonderful driving experience. Of course, don't buy it if you can't afford the necessary parts and service that may come with it. So far I've invested a bit over $1100 in parts, not stuff that necessarily has to be done, but if it's not done now, other stuff might be affected when it does break.

Your best bet is to get one that has had the belts done recently, and has been consistently well maintained for the past (almost) 30 years. That won't be easy.

Notes: Not a great winter car. Definitely a fun car. A decent amount of handling upgrades that can be done, not so much power upgrades. NA 944s originally did 0-60 in about 8.5secs. There really isn't much to improve this, besides from a few ECU, MAF, and camshaft upgrades that can be done. Try and find one with an LSD as well. Not all 944s were equipped with em.

Luken10 > Walfisch 01/18/2014 at 03:57

0

I have been seriously considering buying one for the past few weeks. However all my common sense is telling me not to use one as my daily driver. I should probably listen to it, but a man can dream right?

Stef Schrader > IDROVEAPICKUPTRUCK 01/18/2014 at 06:57

1

Mine's SO CLOSE to running...I can smell it!

(Wait, that better not be stupid coolant.)

TBH, parts don't seem to be more than any other make's and as long as it's well-maintained, I don't think upkeep is any more expensive. Any car that's been pounded on will become a money pit in terms of increased wear and tear, consumables, and the like. Hold out for a good example and you'll avoid a lot of the tales of woe I have from the LeMons car, heh.

Jonathan Harper > Walfisch 01/18/2014 at 09:31

1

Aaron, is that you?

Walfisch > Luken10 01/18/2014 at 11:46

0

Yes, a man can dream alright. Like you said, though, common sense is saying otherwise, and that fact is bolstered further by what everybody else already said in this thread.

Walfisch > Aaron Brown 01/18/2014 at 11:48

0

In your experience, what were the parts that usually break down first in these?

Aaron Brown > Walfisch 01/18/2014 at 14:45

1

Since I got it, nothing major has broken. My rear wiper motor died, and my speedo no longer works.
The other stuff that has been done or has to be done is all either preventative maintenance or just replacing things that have to be replaced because of age and because of lack if movement. Rubber parts and bushing, rusted shit, etc.

Aaron Brown > Jonathan Harper 01/18/2014 at 22:57

1

No!