Very Low Mileage 924s

[JohnC]

I have read in a magazine article that very low mileage 924Ss (and presumably 944s too) can have potential problems if they have been left standing for low periods as the cylinder bores will have dried out then become badly scuffed after each re-start.

Can anyone shed any light on whether this is is a concern and a reason for not buying a 924Ss which has covered a very low mileage for it's age?

John Cooper

 

[924nutter]

There are way too many variables to consider, and the magazine cannot be seen to offer bad advice so they probably discuss the worst possible case.

I have just bought a 27,000 mile 944 turbo cab, and at some points in its life it has only covered 500 miles per year. The service history shows an oil change every year irrespective of mileage, and all I can say after a month of ownership is so much for the theory. No smoke no rough running.
A car that has been started, and driven a mile and a half to the shops, stopped then driven back would indeed suffer from the bore wear you suggest, whilst still recording a low overall milage. Factor in bore washing from fuel enriched starts if the engine gets cold, chugging along in a low gear ( which would equate to proportionately more engine rotations for the given milage). I am sure you will begin to see there are a plethora of different circumstances to consider. You pays your money.....

 

[924nutter]

While counting sheep further thoughts occured to me. The 924 has drilled big ends which squirt oil onto the piston skirt as the hole in the journal lines up with it, and this very quickly re-lubricates the bore. This is not a particularly comomon thing so there is a chance that this wasn't considered when compiling the article.

My 924 turbo sat in my gagarge for 18 months and I got it out last year for the festival at Brands Hatch. Coming back from the MOT the second time the cam belt went bending three valves. When I had the head off there were no scuff marks or signs of any other bore damage, and this car has been idle a lot. I had only covered 4,000 miles in 5 years up to the time the belt went.

I would have thought that the same would be true for the 944 engine but there are some better "experts" than me on this forum. Try a post on the 944 forum and see what you get.

 

[red924]

I aquired a 1987 924S 18 months ago with 16000 miles on the clock, and a full service history!!!
After having another full service and belts change and replacing the cracked tyres the car now runs like a new one.
I have since added 6000 trouble free miles.

Keep looking for a good 24 they are out there.

 

[924nutter]

I thought I'd done well buying a 27,000 mile 944 turbo cab. I take my hat off to you. The bargains are there, you just have to keep looking. I have since added 585 trouble free miles.