Is the 924 a practical classic?

ChrisLithgo · Jan 31, 2014

Hello all!
My name is Chris, a 21 year old electrical engineer from Teesside. I'm brand new to the forum and I'm looking for some advice.

I've always loved Porsches and now that I've got a couple of years of no claims under my belt I was hoping to buy my first. Could I expect to be able to use a 924 as an everyday runner? I live within a couple of miles from work I know that you don't buy a car like this to be frugal, but what kind of running costs can I expect?

Thanks very much guys, I appreciate any info you can give me.

colin944 · Jan 31, 2014

I ran a 924 for 9 years as my daily. Mind you that was 12 years ago.If you buy a good well looked after car to start with then there is no reason not to be able to use it every day.

p.s. Do not buy a 924 unless you are prepared to fall in love with it and then while you are loved up you will want to become bigamist and add a 44 and a 68 to your stable.

ChasR · Feb 4, 2014

I shall let someone with a 924 make a more detailed comment but I shall speak as an outsider here

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AFAIK 924 running costs are fairly reasonable. Sure there are some pricey bits but most of them are not really any pricier than what they are for hot hatches of the day. Fuel MPG is dependant on a few things. IME if you have a lead foot, most K-Jetronic cars are thirsty. But with a bit of care K-Jetronic cars have also been some of the most frugal cars I have owned, especially when in working order.

The engines themselves are fairly strong with reasonably priced spares and I would go as far to say that they are probably more fun on a day to day basis over some 944s. Upon driving an early 944 (basically the same setup as a 924) I really enjoyed its playful chassis and combination of an old school feel with modern touches

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John H · Feb 4, 2014

Hi Chris and welcome. I'm on my 3rd 924, as well as other Porsches, so speak with some experience.

First off I'd say that as a daily driver, ANY 30 year old classic car is going to be more of a challenge than a modest second-hand VW Polo. However, as long as you know that and go into it with your eyes open, the 924 makes a better daily driver than most other cars of that vintage. It was an expensive car in its day, which means it was well designed and well built. That counts for a lot 30 years down the line. The engine and drive train are robust and last well, are easy and cheap to maintain, and most parts are readily available. It is also a car from an era before computers, so no issues with expensive ECU's, although more traditional electrical gremlins are not uncommon. The usual advice applies; buy the best one you can find, the best one you can afford, and buy on condition and don't get too hung up about colour or spec. The basic 2.0 car is simpler to work on and cheaper to run. The 924 S has a Porsche 944 engine that needs a bit more skill to service. Both are good cars. Avoid a 924 Turbo, these are significantly more complex and are not cheap daily drivers.

One thing to know is that the 924 is not really a sports car, at least not the 2.0. It is more of a small classic GT car, and it makes a brilliant motorway cruiser, even 30 years on it holds it's own on a long journey. It is a very different car to a 911 or a Boxster, but it is after all the car that spawned the whole 924/944/968 family that was a mainstay of the Porsche range for over 20 years, and is every inch a Porsche, just a slightly slower simpler one. Your perfect first Porsche, and a future classic into the bargain.

John H

phil993 · Feb 8, 2014

Hi Chris
I can testify to the fantastic reliability of the major mechanical bits as my race car has NEVER let me down which when you consider the extra loading racing exerts is amazing. The only things I have learnt is the engine is not well baffled to I keep it a little over filled with oil to counter oil surge but this is only of concern if you do tracks days. Also we change the front wheel bearings after about 12 races but again this is because of track use. The concern if I was buying a road car would be rust and interior trim issues and I'm guessing you would know your way round the electrics.
Go for it and you won't regret it as long as you are picky and don't buy the first one you see,

chrismanchr · Feb 8, 2014

porsche 924 's from 1980-85 seem to be one of the most rust resistant cars ever made ,theyre reliable definatly

if ever there was a nuclear holocost then only cockroaches and porsche 924's would be left