"JR1" (type35bugatti)
09/15/2014 at 10:17 • Filed to: Porsche 944, Investment | 1 | 24 |
The Porsche 944 is a bit of an oddity in the Porsche world. Everyone here knows the 944 is a front engined car with a 50/50 weight distribution. It has a 4 cylinder making anywhere from 150hp to 250hp if my memory is correct. But is it going to be collectable?
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Some of you may be quick to point out that that the valuation tool on Hagerty says prices are going up but is that simply due to inflation or is the public realizing Porsche does make more than just the 911?
Of course an increase in price over the years doesn't make a car a good investment. One has to wonder how much money they are putting into the car over the years on maintenance. I have heard the rumors a clutch is 3k and the most expensive fix in a 944. The problems don't stop there however most 944s have been beat to hell and back therefore any owner will have to put considerable money into the car to even make it mechanically reliable right?
Perhaps the 944 is doomed to always be that odd little 2+2 Porsche made in an era when cars were underpowered. Or maybe some will survive and become collectable when the majority of them are left to rot on the side of the road due to careless ownership. At the end of the day at least they are hovering around 3500 bucks and I can afford a Porsche.
4muddyfeet - bare knuckle with an EZ30
> JR1
09/15/2014 at 10:25 | 3 |
I think I'm in the minority when I say this; I think the 944 is a great example of 80's car design, surprisingly handsome in person, and I prefer it to the 928
JR1
> 4muddyfeet - bare knuckle with an EZ30
09/15/2014 at 10:33 | 0 |
I totally agree with you it is a rather excellent looking car straight out of the 80s with a hint of classic GT design
rb1971 ARGQF+CayenneTurbo+E9+328GTS+R90S
> JR1
09/15/2014 at 10:35 | 0 |
The 944 is my 2nd favorite Porsche after the 928. They both have something in common: engine in right place! Unfortunately, I think these cars will always be the redheaded stepchild of the Porsche world.
Will perfect and rare (e.g., high end) examples of either rise in value? Sure, probably. But the average car is unlikely to be an investment to beat the general market.
Are 944 values at a place where you can get a reasonably well-cared for one and have a ton of fun for not that much money? Definitely.
JR1
> rb1971 ARGQF+CayenneTurbo+E9+328GTS+R90S
09/15/2014 at 10:37 | 0 |
They are a great example of a sports car and a car for the budding Porsche enthusiasts that understands Porsche has more to offer than just the 911. You just have to be willing to pay a little more for maintenance
Raphmoe
> JR1
09/15/2014 at 10:39 | 0 |
In general, cars are not investments. Cars are more about the pleasure we receive from them than the monetary value they are worth.
rb1971 ARGQF+CayenneTurbo+E9+328GTS+R90S
> JR1
09/15/2014 at 10:45 | 0 |
More than a 911? Or more than a similarly-priced random used car? Definitely agree with the latter, but I always say maintenance costs run like original purchase price, not whatever you pay in the used market.
JR1
> rb1971 ARGQF+CayenneTurbo+E9+328GTS+R90S
09/15/2014 at 10:49 | 0 |
Yes some people forget Porsche made more cars that are great than just the 911.
I would say in the price range on the used market the 944 is possibly one of the best sports car buys out there. It may be beat out by the Miata for easy ownership though. The maintenance is unfortunate but thats the cost of owning a Porsche I guess
JR1
> Raphmoe
09/15/2014 at 10:50 | 1 |
I agree completely but at the end of the day it is comforting knowing you are buying a car that may at least let you break even one day instead of going in the hole
crowmolly
> JR1
09/15/2014 at 11:05 | 1 |
It will be like a Firebird Formula to the 911's Corvette.
It is odd and from a low point in performance.
Will (or is) an entry level collector car.
JR1
> crowmolly
09/15/2014 at 11:10 | 0 |
That is a good way to look at it. Not the top tier of the collector car spectrum but the 944 is likely to get some love
E92M3
> JR1
09/15/2014 at 11:41 | 1 |
I don't know about an investment, but with 911 prices going out of reach for most people if they want a classic porsche the 944 may be their only option.
Manuél Ferrari
> JR1
09/17/2014 at 01:42 | 0 |
I think the more desirable versions that are totally stock and well maintained could go up by more than inflation.
The turbos could do really well over time.
JR1
> Manuél Ferrari
09/17/2014 at 08:39 | 1 |
I am going to have to agree with you. With the 944 we are going to see a similar trend we are currently seeing in the 914. The desirable turbos will increase in value causing a chain reaction across the board. Now the price of an 84 944 may never exceed 15k for an average car but I think it has the potential to get there
K-Roll-PorscheTamer
> JR1
09/21/2014 at 23:01 | 0 |
That's good news to hear for me and my '84 944 that I'll never sell. :)
What's this about you wanting a Porsche? ;)
Stef Schrader
> JR1
09/22/2014 at 00:58 | 0 |
Thirty-five hunnerd? THAT SOME KINDA FANCY PARSH. Dadgum, ya can find em for five hunnerd bucks fer a project.
Good examples—because they're so cheap—are hard to find and already commanding a premium. Especially if the words "uncracked dash" are uttered anywhere in Texas.
Bad examples—beaterz 4 lyfe, bro!
JR1
> K-Roll-PorscheTamer
09/22/2014 at 08:54 | 0 |
I have always wanted a Porsche (one of my favorite companies). The problem is buying one and keeping up with maintenance. A 944 may be cheap but it seems the timing belt and clutch cause massive headaches
JR1
> Stef Schrader
09/22/2014 at 08:55 | 0 |
Too bad some of them had to become beaters but that does drive up the value of the good examples.
K-Roll-PorscheTamer
> JR1
09/22/2014 at 09:28 | 0 |
Keep up with the maintenance intervals and there's nothing to worry about much.
The 944s originally come with and usually have rubber-centered discs. You don't have to use the rubber one to my knowledge, but I think it helps with some kinda vibration to use it. Transaxle work makes it expensive to have a shop do. Expect 16-24 hours of labor in a shop for it.
JR1
> K-Roll-PorscheTamer
09/22/2014 at 14:54 | 0 |
Keep up with the maintenance intervals and there's nothing to worry about much
Yes but how often and how much does that maintenance coast is the key question here. After all it is a Porsche
K-Roll-PorscheTamer
> JR1
09/22/2014 at 14:55 | 0 |
Are you mechanically inclined; capable of doing work yourself?
JR1
> K-Roll-PorscheTamer
09/22/2014 at 14:58 | 0 |
I would like to be. I can change brakes and change the oil. That is the extent of my mechanical inclination at the moment. But I want to be more mechanically inclined.
JR1
> K-Roll-PorscheTamer
09/22/2014 at 14:59 | 0 |
And the alternator I can change the alternator too.
K-Roll-PorscheTamer
> JR1
09/22/2014 at 15:34 | 0 |
Then take my advice: GET TO A FORUM NOW!!
If you're serious about this, I recommend joining Pelican Parts and Rennlist; they'll help you out and there are great gurus and guides to help you along the way.
JR1
> K-Roll-PorscheTamer
09/22/2014 at 15:57 | 0 |
I am semi-serious. I currently have a 59 Lincoln I am very likely going to sell I am hoping to get 2k or 1.5k from that. And then my idea was spending about 3500 to 4000 on a 944 sometime in the Spring. I would take out a loan to build my credit but I'd like to have the cash just as a safety net. The 944 would be a weekend toy.
Think I am crazy yet?