potential new 944 s2 owner

[matt_s2]

I am looking to buy my first porsche asap, as my cherished corrado vr6 has now been written off. i have seen a nice guards red s2 with a full main dealer history and 57k. however it is due a service and the belts need replacing. anyone know any reliable specialists in the sussex area (i've spoken to paragon but obviously have no experience of them). How much should i expect to pay for this work to be done and what should i look for when checking the history and condition of the vehicle??

any help gratefully recieved.

matt

 

[edh]

Matt - I'm sure you'll find plenty of threads discussing buying pointers for S2's (and 944's in general)

Have you got a link to the S2 you're looking at - sounds nice (is the mileage really that low? - these cars are built to do high mileages & most of them are much higher than 57k)

If it is a very nice example, then maybe you won't have to worry to much, but just in case -you should find plenty of threads on the following:
Camshafts / sprockets / chain / tensioner - need checking for wear / damage & can need replacing (specific to the S and S2)
Rust - inside sills, bottom of arches
Clutch is an expensive replacement, so recent clutch is good
Caliper plate lift
If it hasn't been used much recently, the electrics could be a bit dodgy - check all switches, windows, sunroof, mirrors etc..
Vibration at idle usually means engine mounts are shot
Check for damp carpets & water in the boot

Belts should cost around £3-400, but you probably want to get the waterpump done at the same time, & may need oil seals & rollers replacing.

However good it looks, make sure you have some cash for the inevitable jobs a 20 year old car will need. they are great cars though. Drive a few & you'll soon see the difference between a good one and a tired one [] (and then drive a turbo & see if you really want an S2 [] )

Ed

 

[Alpine]

Matt

my advice is to get it checked out by an independant porsche specialist - they check it for about £150 and it is money well spent. These cars are best used so a low mileage one is just as likely to have "issues" that you don't know about as a high mileage one.

 

[Diver944]

Ignore the mileometer unless it has every MOT and every 6 monthly oil change invoice as these cars are very easy to clock and hide stellar mileage very easily. Buy on condition and check the sills and wings for signs of rust.

If it has only been looked after by an OPC then when you are having the belts and waterpump done make sure they also take the cam cover off and change the cam chain and slipper inside the head. It was never part of the official service schedule and they do stretch and can destroy the cams £££££££ []. OPC's still don't seem to know this but independant specialists are only too aware becuase they see more S2's than OPCs do.

I've never heard good or bad about Paragon but they do specialise in Porsche which is a start