Should I buy an early 944?

early 911 · Oct 31, 2003

A question often asked no doubt . . but . . .

I've currently got a Mark 1 golf GTI (standard BTW) as my daily driver, but the poor old gal has done 220,000 miles and I'm worried she's going to go pop soon . . . "˜trashed to an inch of her life daily driver'. I've had the car years, and apart from regulary changing the oil, it's cost me very little.

To be honest I love the car, but I'm pondering with the idea of getting a cheap and cheerful 944 (even thought of a stripped 924). I understand that the S2's or turbo's are the ones to go for, but what about the real early cars in the £2K+ region . . . are these past their sell by. I don't need extreme speed, just something that handles well, is reliable and has enough umph (go) to overtake. Doesn't have to look pretty, not worried about colour.

Any ideas . . . anyone know of any cars, or want to swap for 2 1971 914's (not concours).

A run down of the pros and cons of the various models/years would be useful (i.e. buyers guide)

Regards

Phil

hotblack944 · Oct 31, 2003

Hi Phil,

http://www.connactivity.com/~kgross/FAQ/944faq.html is a good place to start if you are new to 944s.

Jim.

John Sims · Oct 31, 2003

Phil,

Re: £2K Lux

Not a bad choice as a daily driver by a long way. Comfortable, well for the driver at least, handles well and has a bit of go, but I wouldn't try racing anything.

The down side is that it is a Porsche, and even if it only costs you £2K to buy, it is going to cost as much, if not more than a 944 that cost £10K to run/keep running.

Crittical ellements like cam belts must be done regularly, 3 years max, and will relieve you of £500+ to have done as part of a service. The engine management is awsomly complcated and if that gives problems your otherwise reliable car will become a nightmare. £2K car is liable to need a clutch £650. Bushes and dampers are likely to be shot, and if you drive with and level of enthusiasm brake discs will disapear as fast as tyres, but the discs are pretty cheap.

If it has a sun roof it will leak and the passenger footwell fill up with water.

It's a Porsche, so every other road user will hate you, whon't let you out and will cut you up.

Not the best shape in tight traffic as you are lowish and the bonnet and pointy nose sticks out a long way in front.

All sounds realy bad so far doesn't it?

Plus points:-

Assuming the heating works, it is wonderfull, the best car heating I have found and heats up realy quickly in the winter - toasty within a mile.

It's a Porsche

Spares both new and second hand are pretty readilly available, some of them aren't that expensive.

If looked after it shouldn't loose money, aside what you spend in keeping it running.

Many of the parts are interchangeable so whilst starting with a £2K car it could be made up to the same, or better specification, as a £4K car over a period of time.

The ballance of the car is fantastic, provided you don't over tyre it (as I did). They are massive fun round corners and roundabouts etc and great on a run.

At the end of the day, I think I would opt for a well looked after £4K car with all the bits sorted and a good recent service history with recent belt and water pump changed etc, rather than a £2K car that you may spend the same on again within weeks of purchase.

wedgepilot · Nov 6, 2003

For a 'cheap and cheerful' daily driver, it might also be worth looking into 924's. 2K would get you a good one, and parts are generally cheaper. Early ones can rust, but later ones are better galvanised. If it doesn't provide enough ooomph, try a 924S (the one with the 944 engine).