Buying a 944

[Hallsy]

Hi Richard, sadly, you won't find an S2 from 1988 as they didn't make the S2 until 1989. I'm on my phone at the moment, but standard check/bartering points for an S2 (and some will aplly to other models) are the following: Sill and wing bottom corrosion Cam & balance belts (also water pumps) - rule of thumb is 3 years or 36k for belts and water pump every other belt change Cam chain and chain tensioner wear pads (16v only) - good rule of thumb is say 60k for the pads, but mine at 130k were still original (but worn) Clutch Engine mounts (excessive vibration or engine movement) Fuel & brake line condition Caliper plate lift As well as the usual car related stuff, checking general body condition, all electrics working, service history, etc. I'm sure others will chime in with bits I've missed!!

 

[ChasR]

There should possibly be a buyer's guide made up. There are plenty of times where buying suggestions have been made in previous threads. In a nutshell it is best to buy the most superior example you can afford. It will save you cash in the long run. Whilst some fixer upper Porsches can be a good way into Porsche ownership it can also cost one more (in cash and hassle) than buying an already sound car. This I know now from the two examples I bought. So, what to look out for? Engine -The tappets can be a little noisy on startup as the oil pressure builds up. As long as they go quiet after a few seconds of running you should be OK. -The timing belts and idler pulleys (5 on an S2) require replacement every 5 years (some owners say 4 years to play it safe) or 48,000 miles -The S2 has a cam chain at the top of the engine - it is not a service requirement to change this chain but it is recommended that at the very least the chain slipper pads are changed either at every other belt change (so every 10 years or 96k) along with the chain. -If there are any loud noises which refuse to go away after any length of time (some owners may say it is tappet etc.) I would be tempted to walk away. -If the steering shaft is touching the exhaust manifold the engine mounts may require replacement-Porsche ones are arguably the best with pattern ones being alot cheap but also more variable in quality (i.e noise transmitted to within the car). Some Meyle branded mounts are meant to be OK. -Fuel lines can be iffy. Some are not too bad to replace, some are a nightmare and costly (the rear fuel lines can corrode, meaning that the rear beam has to be removed for the lines to be changed). Interior The interiors are long lasting (bar maybe the Sports seats where the driver's bolster can wear due to their obtrusive nature) but one should keep an eye on some areas -The clock display tends to bleed leaving you with an unreadable clock - replacement clocks are pricey (£100 secondhand) but you can get them repaired with a kit for around a 1/3 of that (albeit it being a fiddly process) -Check that everything electrical works (the heater especially with its various functions). The foglights can catch some people out, but generally you need to put the front fog lights on before the rears come on (this will make more sense when you operate the switches (they are separate on an S2). -Some trim bits (screw caps, centre console hinge etc.) are quite cheap, others (main trim bits) are not. Exterior 944s for their age are not bad on the rust front but you should still keep an eye on things, especially in these areas -Front wing lower wheelarch bottoms at the rear are a favourite rot spot ; wings are not cheap on these -check the sills all down the side, but check them especially at the very rear (1/4 panel area), and put your hand behind this area to check the condition of the inner sill (this tends to rot out first IME. -Remove the B post vents and shine a smartphone torch (or your trusty Maglite) down the sills to check the condition of them internally -Look for the jacking point divot at the centre of the sills (an arrow showing where to place the factory car's jack) . This arrow missing can indicate sill repairs or replacement (not a bad thing) or bodgery (this should be simple enough to spot). -Check the rear wheel arches and the rear of the arch especially at the bottom Drivetrain -Check once the car is warm that there is not a severe judder coming from when the clutch approaches its biting point during town driving as you are driving the car normally (i.e; moving off, crawling in traffic etc.). If it is the rubber centre part of the clutch is probably failing, with a clutch change not being a cheap process. -Check the suspension in many areas. Dampers are not much pricier than other cars (even for mildly uprated items like Koni or Bilstein), but parts can be including -Lower arm/balljoint - These are one item on the later 944s. If the balljoint fails the arm generally requires replacement. These are around £200 a side from Hartech for recon items. You can change just the balljoints themselves using a kit, but there are questions as to when it is acceptable to change the balljont (i.e if the housing within the lower arm becomes damaged, the kit may not be sufficient to do the job since the arm will require machining). -Rusty brake and fuel lines are something to keep an eye on around the rear axle area for the reasons stated above. -Plate lift on Brembo brake calliper equipped cars (So the Turbos and S2s) can be a problem, and a tricky one to rectify. Of course there is more you can keep your eyes on but the above is simply a pointer on how to go about looking at your potential purchase. It is not all doom and gloom I assure you. Think of it as going to see a car with your eyes open .

 

[Riverside]

S2 was launched in late '89, cab came sometime after that. For model year 1988 your choice would be the vanilla 944 (lux), 944S (looks like a lux but with a more peaky 16v head), 220 turbo (looks the same as an S2), or the Turbo S / Silver Rose (250bhp turbo). Like you I'd wanted a 944 for a while but had some concerns about whether I could live with it (running cost and practicality) so I bought a fairy cheap lux & ran it for a year, before buying a turbo (the one I really wanted). I learned a hell of a lot in that first year which helped enormously when looking for the right turbo to avoid a money pit.

 

[RichardCulley]

Hi all, I'm new on here and am planning on buying (if I can find one) a Red, 944 S2, Manual, Hardtop (maybe soft-top), from 1988 (year I was born).

I have loved these cars for a long time and have looked at loads of listings, I don't mind a "fixer upper" however I'd like it to be in fairly good condition. Is there anything you guys can advise me of the look out for or to check prior to actually parting with my hard earned cash.

What's your experience with buying yours?

Please help me guys!!

 

[Sandspider]

Hi Richard I was in your position some 6 years ago now - can't believe it's that long! I read up a lot on the internet (huge amounts of info here), looked at various cars - but none seemed quite right. Eventually, a black Lux popped up near me on eBay at a price that was fair. Went and looked at the car and fell in love with it on the spot. Checked it over and bought it (I also had it checked over by a 944 familiar garage to check it was a good un). Had a lot of fun with it. A few large-ish bills (hundreds not thousands), but less than any modern car would have depreciated. MOT will cost me a couple of hundred quid odd today. But my "modern" car MOT cost me slightly more a few months ago and is nothing like as fun to drive. It's good if you can do basic 944 work yourself - I do. They're quite easy cars to work on, besides some corroded screws and a few fiddly angles. Again, much help here and at Clarks-garage.com Once or twice I flirted with the idea of selling it, but always saw sense and kept it. (Once on the way to view an Alfa hot hatch when a taxi driver stuck in traffic next to me just opened his window and told me "Beautiful car, mate" - plus the Alfa handled terribly compared to the 944). Would I do it again? In a heartbeat. Will I ever get rid of it? Possibly, but if I do I'll get an S2! The only thing I regret (and not a major regret at all) is getting a black car with no air conditioning! It's currently very hot, and my girlfriend refuses to go to France in it. (Secretly, I agree with her). But then again, we get, what 2 or 3 weeks a year when the UK is really hot? Go for it!

 

[zcacogp]

If you find one you like the look of then post details (or a link to the ad) up on here. We'll let you know what looks good (or not) and you may find a local forum regular who is willing to come and have a look at it with you for some beer money! Oli.

 

[ChasR]

ORIGINAL: Sandspider The only thing I regret (and not a major regret at all) is getting a black car with no air conditioning! It's currently very hot, and my girlfriend refuses to go to France in it. (Secretly, I agree with her). But then again, we get, what 2 or 3 weeks a year when the UK is really hot? Go for it!

Don't worry. A white 944 with a Cobalt blue leather interior is just as bad. I reckon it is more to do with the glass at the back of the car. So much that I am considering (runs out of the door here) mildly tinting the rear glass panels like a few 928 folk have in an attempt to get the heat down. Saying that, my A/C is meant to be leak free, so I may get that going first.

 

[Ex Skyline]

Buy a Turbo mate. The rest are all pony [8|].

 

[944 man]

S2s were announced for the 1989 model year (which starts September the previous year), but production didnt start until February 1989 in the end.

 

[Cater_Racer]

ORIGINAL: Ex Skyline Buy a Turbo mate. The rest are all pony [8|].

Yes buy a Turbo, and you can have lots of fun repairing it. [] Or an S2 and just drive it.........................

 

[colin944]

ORIGINAL: 944 man S2s were announced for the 1989 model year (which starts September the previous year), but production didnt start until February 1989 in the end.

My S2 was first registered on the 7th of February 1989.However when I took it to bits before I rebuilt it I discovered that it was built in October 1988. So If you can find an early enough S2 you may just be able to get one that was built in 1988.Good luck with your hunt. Take your time and listen to the guys on here as there is a whole lot of experience in 944s here. If possible take someone who knows the cars well with you when you go to look( you might even get a volunteer or two on here to help you ). Try no to get too hung up on colour and model and just buy the best you can for your budget.We will argue till the cows come home about which is the best model, but the truth is that they are all great cars and none will disappoint you in terms of driving experience etc. although obviously the S2 is the best overall. ( stand back and wait for the torrent of abuse from the Turbo boys)

 

[Masher]

There are plenty of nice cars sold through this forum. Be patient and buy a car known in these circles. If a car comes with the backing of several members of this crew you won't go far wrong in my opinion. You'll need a little patience though which can sometimes be a struggle. Best of luck hunting, Mick

 

[Mike_Pollock]

Hi Richard Welcolme All the above is correct. I did it completely the wrong way - went out and bought a 1983 2.5 Lux,THEN joined the forum. However, that was 7 years ago and I've swapped the 2.5 for an '89 2.7 and I've just just got an S2, had lots of good advice from here and met lots of great people too. I'm in Leicester and would volunteer to view a car local to me with or for you.

 

[Suffolk944]

Richard - lots of excellent advice here as always for you. If your heart is set on a 1988 car then do not discount the Lux's, S and early turbos which all fall into that year even though the S2 does not. All are fine cars - I had a very early turbo as my first 944 and loved it.

 

[RichardCulley]

Thanks for all the advice on here! Surprised by the overwhelming response! I've seen a few convertibles out there which look good, any reports on these... http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Porsche-944-3-0-S2-16v-Convertible-2d-2990cc-/161256084309?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item258b9c9355 http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1990-PORSCHE-944-S2-RED-CONVERTIBLE-FULL-SERVICE-HISTORY-NEW-HOOD-/191256655440?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item2c87c8f650 This isn't a convertible but like the white... http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/PORSCHE-944-27-MANUAL-1988-F-reg-WHITE-FULL-SERVICE-HISTORY-GOOD-CONDITION-/161374909481

 

[simkin911]

There's also this http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/porsche/944/immaculate-guards-red-porsche-944-cabriolet-black-leather-with-genuine-low-miles/2619320 Those with keen eyes / good memory may recall or recognise the writing style of the seller ...... and now spot the new business name. [8|] Good luck with your search. You are certainly in a great place to get good assistance. All models have their own merits.

 

[pauljmcnulty]

Those with keen eyes / good memory may recall or recognise the writing style of the seller ...... and now spot the new business name.

Crikey, and they are proud to advertise the cambelt was last changed in 2006?? I do seem to recall a dealer who offered hundreds of pictures of every car......[&:]

 

[pauljmcnulty]

Richard, you could do worse than look at this one: [link]http://www.porscheclubgbforum.com/fb.asp?m=839808&key=[/link]

 

[Mike_Pollock]

Id second what Paul says. Claire and Tref know the car and know 944s very well.

 

[Craigybaby]

Steve, I recognise the brick wall, is that car a "time warp" by any chance?