[jvns1022]

Hello, I am new to Dorkiphus in hopes that I will purchase a 944 soon. After doing a lot of homework I have decided on the 83-85.5 version to keep things cheaper. I just wanted to get everyone's take on a 944 that I am thinking about purchasing. I would appreciate anyone's thoughts on the below info that the owner has provided me. I have been looking on the internet and I don't believe that there is a Porsche shop in the area that could do a PPI (car is located in New York-5-6 hours away). I plan on tracking the car starting with some simple safety modifications - seats/harnesses/rollbar. Thanks in advance and I hope to maybe meet some of you 944 owners in the near future.

1984 Porsche 944 - owner is asking for $6500
97,000 miles
-2Nd Owner, Non-smoker, Stored for winter (never seen snow) Very clean interior, Well maintained, Runs & drives great, Good tires, New paint (2yrs ago),This car has been babied , must see and drive to appreciate.
-The Timing Belt, water pump, radiator, and air conditioning components as well as front and rear brakes and rotors were all performed Feb or March of 2007( less than 1,000 miles ago)I have the receipts for the work performed. Vestal Import replaced the clutch master cylinder 10/2006 and last summer Schultz Service in Vestal replaced the alternator. Paint was replaced due to fading (two years ago). Just put in new battery.
-Since my friend moved to PA I have been using Schultz’s Vestal Service Center almost exclusively. Jerry, the owner works on all makes of vehicles but appears to have a pretty good background on the 944. I can tell you this one starts and runs very well and does not leak any fluids. It performs better once it warms up but it does not misfire or idle improperly at any time. It appears operate best at higher rpms .

[jvns1022]

Here is the link for the car:

http://autotrader.autos.msn.com/fyc/...e&rdpage=thumb

[John]

First of all, welcome to the board. Hope you've got thick skin, especially since you're interested in 944s. There is a lot of good 944 knowledge here, but the FEWC crowd definitely takes a lot of sh*t around here for our choice of automobile.

Out of curiosity, what about the first gen cars makes them cheaper? I know both have their strengths and weaknesses, but I'm not aware of anything specific that makes one version less expensive to run than another. They're all hopeless money pits.

I don't have a lot of time right now, but number one, you definitely want a PPI. And number two, keep in mind that the early cars had 5 digit odometers, so that 97,000 may or may not be true. Thirdly, any information on whether the car still has the original clutch? In my opinion, unless that car is truly pristine, and has full documentation of all work, including a new-ish spring-centered clutch, it is overpriced.

Be sure to check out www.clarks-garage.com if you haven't already. It is one of the best sources for 944 info on the Interwebs.

There's lots, LOTS more, and I'm sure others will chime in. Either way, welcome, and best of luck finding a car.

Oh, and since someone will bring it up, put your first name in your signature so we know who we're talking to.

[Darryl]

John P said it pretty good. It looks as though the owner is asking a premium for this car due to the mileage (assuming it is correct), and looks like it may be in pretty decent shape. Someone added phone dial rims which were not on the early cars and since they mention no snow, non-smoker, etc, they're selling this as a "nice car".

Since you're looking to track it, I'd be less concerned about finding a "nice car" and more concerned about getting one mechanically sound as the bills can add up quickly when you start doing mods for the track. You should be able to find something much cheaper.

- Darryl

[smo]

Originally Posted by Darryl

John P said it pretty good. It looks as though the owner is asking a premium for this car due to the mileage (assuming it is correct), and looks like it may be in pretty decent shape. Someone added phone dial rims which were not on the early cars and since they mention no snow, non-smoker, etc, they're selling this as a "nice car".

Since you're looking to track it, I'd be less concerned about finding a "nice car" and more concerned about getting one mechanically sound as the bills can add up quickly when you start doing mods for the track. You should be able to find something much cheaper.

- Darryl

+1 on everything they said, keep looking for a better deal...

[BlackTalon]

The track debut of many 944s has results in a return home via flatbed due to spun #2 bearing. And clutch replacement takes a lot of time and/ or $$. So finding one w/ a relatively new clutch and motor that's been made more track-worthy should be #1 on the list.

[VaSteve]

WAY too much money for a first gen car. Or a seconf gen, really.

I'll look at the ad when I get home, but that's redunkulous.

[jvns1022]

John, I had heard/read that the 83-85.5 model might be a little cheaper when it came to repairs.....not sure if this was just due to the cheaper control arms or one of the other differences between the two sets of years. My priority is mostly to find a 2.5L whether it is an 83 or an 86 or something in between. I hear ya on the premium price. It seemed a little higher compared to others I found in my searches, but it seems as though I can't find one with both lower miles and documented repairs for the timing belt and water pump, etc. I am waiting to hear back from the seller about the clutch. I will advise.

If the asking price is too expensive....what would you guys suggest would be more appropriate? And what price range should I be aiming for, for a decent weekend fun and beginner track car? How many miles is too many?

Thanks for all the input!

[jvns1022]

Ok, the seller says he has no idea when the clutch was last replaced. Not since he purchased it anyway. If I could get him to come down $1000 would $5500 still be too much money for this car....assuming that it is in good condition inside/out?

[VaSteve]

At that age it all comes down to maintenance....how is iut maintained. The control arms are wear items (sort of) but I wouldn't base a decision solely on that! You. Don't replace them that much and everything else costs the same.

IIRC first gen interior has about an inch of space more WRT the steering wheel if you're tall. I've had no issues with my two late models... I'm 6' tall.