911 Gone - 944 Questions
 

Sold my 74 targa back to the PO I purchased from....you can probably see it on pelican now for sale. But not here to discuss that transaction. Looking for a DD and headed toward a 944. What are the major issues with 944 that I need to be careful about? I just missed Ted's by less than 24 hours...not looking for a track prepped car, just a solid DD so I can park the pick-me-up for a bit.
Thanks for any info you guys can throw my way.

>The killer....Find out when was the clutch last done. Difficult work for a DIY and high labor cost for a credit card mechanic like me.

>Timing belt and tensioner

>Sloppy shifter (fairly easy/cheap fix, but a bargaining point)

>Leaky radiator - old plastic end tanks are getting brittle if they are still original

>Oil leaks - oil pan gasket, rear main seal, oil pump (under timing belt cover)

>Power steering rack leaks

>Broken/barely working sunroof - plastic gears wear out. Cheap to replace, but another bargaining point.

>Hatch leaks at the top\hatch misalignment - pay attention to the metal surround to the glass. They tend to leak at the top Look for notches in the glass near the top. This is where the metal surround used to be. If the hatch is tough to open or shut, it's likely that it leaks.


Do as I say, not as I do...get a PPI. My car is the poster child for why you should get a PPI. It was a beautiful, clean car that was a pandora's box if you knew what to look for. I didn't know what to look for, and I've paid dearly for it over the last 11 months.

Beware of cars that have had the motor rebuilt by an owner. As I've learned, there are several mistakes that are commonly made if you've never rebuilt one of these motors before - mistakes a shop won't make, but a DIYer will. Misaligned bearing cradle being a notable one.

Not so much on this one. But would add that the rod bearings are 100K items that usually last forever on the street but not if car is tracked. Check out VaSteve's '44 in the "for sale" section. Has had all that and more done in the last year. And he installed his cradle and bearings right.

PS I suspect the cradle issue is actually a bearing alignment issue since the cradle only goes on one way but the bearings can be FUBARed several different ways don't bother asking how I know I'll just lie anyway :oops:

Kirk, You must have a really " BIG PAIR " to post that you sold a 911 to buy a 944 on this board :lol:

Depends on how everyone feels... did you notice that just trading up for a 911 hasn't bought creds for some :p and others what got them too ;)

I knew I was opening up pandora's box when I posted that. I'll get another 911 eventually but need a DD and my 74, which really put a grin on my face everytime I drove it and didn't have a lick of problem with, is not a DD. It's a fair weather car. I can't afford to have a car sit and purchase another for a DD in addition to the truck and 3 motorcycles. Hmmm...I think I have some "toy" issues going on here. At least I'm staying with the same marquee!!
Thanks for the info guys...

Get a Boxster before you get a 944.. They are so much newer and faster and more fun. A 20-25 year old car as a DD vs an 8- 10 y/o car? Just a thought...

That sounds like a matter of budget. For the price of a ragged out, RMS-leaking, early Boxster, you're getting a pristine, well maintained 944.

If I had the budget for a nice Boxster as a dd, then yes, I'd do the Boxster over any 944/968 variant.

<$6K - 944
$6-8K - Very good 944 or decent 951
$8-11K - Very good 944S2
$12-20K - 968's in varying condition
$16-20K - 2.7L Boxster
$19-28K - early 3L Boxster S

Newer does tend to be nicer/better. 968's are great for the right price (6speed, clean body lines, newer bits & pieces, easier clutch removal (or so I've heard) and still has rear hatch utility).

Boxster are fast & fun. But they also have their own littany of issues.

...Unless you are me.

Heaven help me, who ever gets this car after me is getting a brand new 20 yr old car.