First dally into Porsche-world.....

[Guest]

Hi all,

I'm looking for a bit of advice please. My current motor is a 1998 323 coupe (E36) which I adore. The power delivery from the straight six is a joy to behold. However, a new addition means a return to planet earth and the purchase of a more family friendly car (the 800 euro, about £550, yearly Irish road tax and 1400 euro, about £1000, insurance is another reason!). I had a spin in a mate's 911 SC a while back and loved it. I was seriously considering getting one but the road tax, service costs, parts costs and worry about toe-rags swiping it have put me off so I am now looking at either a pre-85 924 or a MK I golf GTI as a second car. My wife is after a Zafira/Picasso which, at the test drive, the sales rep was spouting on about the power of the 1.6 engine...yeah right!

My first car was a 1967 Austin Healey Sprite MK IV so I am accustomed to more rust than car, 'characteristics' of earlier cars (such as not starting and making strange noises). As far as I can see, the 924's of this period are fairly bullet proof from a rust & mech point of view which is good news indeed. What about the turbo model? I haven't had a turbo before and am a bit wary about them having heard various horror stories about turbos in general.

I suppose the next question is a bit silly, given I'm in the 924 forum but here goes: Should I get a Golf or a 924? Price is about the same, both should be mechanically sound, both are over 20 years (classic insurance) and both are extremely cool!

Cheers,
Sean

 

[Guest]

You haven't taken a 924 for a test drive yet, I guess. When I did that, I was hooked. The 52%/48% weight distribution makes it a really sweet car to take corners with; it sticks to the road. From 1981 (I think), the 924 is fully galvanised, but earlier models are galvanised underneath anyway, so rust shouldn't be a problem unless the car's been damaged.

Right now I have no car, and nothing but a 924 will do, so my search for a decent 924 (non-turbo, non-S) is on (in Sweden, though).

As for the turbo models, the only negative thing I heard is that they're more expensive to maintain and (much) more expensive to buy replacement parts for -- which I've heard is also generally true for the 924 S.

I think you should drive a 924 and -- if you haven't decided immediately -- take the Golf out for a spin. You'll make the right choice. And, anyway, chicks dig the pop-up lights.

 

[Guest]

Well it's been decided for me. The insurance company (only one or 2 will quote) will only cover a 1.8 GTI if it is over 30 years old. Odd, given that they came into existance in '81 ...

300 europeans for the 924 though but (always a 'but'), they will only insure up to a 1982....seeing as we're heading into another winter, I might wait 'till next year. I'll also have to have a word with the Minister of Finance []

I think that you are right on the turbo Vs the non-turbo. The turbos seem a lot thinner on the ground too.

Anyone know of a nice example '82/'83 going? I suppose the Porsche world mag is the best place to get straight models? My depression at having to get rid of the beemer and buy a family wagon is lifting!!