What's a 924S worth as a daily driver?

[TTM]

I was following with interest Jon's thread regarding his quest for another classic as I'm finding myself looking for another hobby car.

Although the new engine for my turbo is not running yet and regardless of the ridiculous amounts it will have cost in spare time & money I am inexorably leaning towards a new project - this time something a bit more pragmatic but a lot more cost-friendly.

As of now the idea is slowly taking shape as a replacement for the Clio that serves me as a daily driver. Great little runaround car this old Clio but I can't think of anything slower this side of a snail, and as I'm 6.3ft tall it's a tight fit that's getting every day a bit more uncomfortable.

I drive about 15 miles to go to and get back from work, which means that would give about enough time to let the engine of a more proper and involving car warm up as much as it should.

As I have enjoyed the Clio rather well overall I have had a look at other French tin boxes such as the 306 GTi6, but it seems difficult to find examples that both haven't been chavved beyond the point of no return and are decently priced.

Investing in known territory such a 924S the time spent working on 944s sounds a bit more reasonable to me, and I can see apparently very tidy examples for sale in Switzerland for about £3k.

Comments?

 

[Peter Empson]

I think it's a good idea, but then it's effectively what I did when I bought the 944S and I haven't regretted it. I'm lucky to have a very good indy practically on my door step so that was a great incentive to get another Porsche too. I'd have bought a 924 if the right one had come along (fancied a turbo) but the S was too good to miss.

 

[edh]

The 924S is a lovely car to drive (I've had 2) - It's got great steering & feels very light on the road compared to the turbo.

You might find the steering wheel set a bit low for comfort - the later ones had the "lozenge" wheel which is a little smaller than the 3 spoke one that most earlier cars had. According to 944 man, later 944's had a bracket re-positioned to raise the steering column height.

'88 cars have slightly more power, and inetia reel rear belts. '88 Le Mans models are the most desirable (and allegedly collectable)

- the usual caveats apply - belts, clutch etc.. (but I'm sure you know all this already...[]) - try & find one with a good dash, most are cracked.

 

[TTM]

Ed, do you remember what mpg figures you got?

I would expect about the same as an S2 which is a bit heavier but also has a slightly more refined engine management.

 

[pauljmcnulty]

ORIGINAL: TTM

Ed, do you remember what mpg figures you got?

I would expect about the same as an S2 which is a bit heavier but also has a slightly more refined engine management.

I got substantially better mileage in the Lux than in the S2, a 924S is lighter still than the Lux so should be even better.

 

[marcoturbo]

You know what I think.

A 944 85.5+ looks to be a better choice. Driving position in a 924s will be a pain for you, the steering column is too low. I also have a lot of spare parts you can use in a 944

 

[si30boxsters]

I recently looked at a 924s whilst on the hunt for my 944...in fact it is still on pistonheads... Le mans special edition, 66k on the clockhttp://www.pistonheads.com/sales/list.asp?s=82.

At 6 2 the main problem was driving position. It was very tight and I couldn't really get into an ideal driving position. I think you might struggle

 

[mr brightside]

I have a 924s as a daily driver, it does 35 miles a day plus all my outings to the Yorkshire Dales which can get big. Yes the steering wheel position is inconvenient but other than that it's fantastic and i'm so glad i got it. I've put the 7J teledials on it with 225 tyres and it handles superbly, when it goes it either squirms a bit or slides neatly and uniformly sideways. I've never driven another Porsche to compare it to but it just feels so light and nippy it gives me the confidence to drive it right on the limit whenever the mood takes me.

As far as reliability is concerned it really racks up the miles and gives me no problems, i sniff round it regularly and don't shy away from spending money on preventative maintenance.

I would seriously recommend one to anybody.

 

[edh]

Can't remember to be honest, probably around 30 (I seem to get that with most cars.....my turbo did 30 mpg on the 590 mile round trip to Edinburgh this week.)

I like the 924 shape much more - it's a much cleaner, more classic shape.

 

[TTM]

Thanks for the comments, especially Mr Brightside.

Good point about the steering that may be too low for me - I drove the early dash 944 of a friend and yes the steering felt way too low... Hmmmm... [8|]

 

[944 man]

Im six feet three inches tall and Im far from slim now, but I can fit in a series one 944 and a 924S (I have both currently) without any issue whatsoever.

 

[944 man]

Remember too that you can easily fit a flat bottomed steering wheel, using a VW Golf Mk.1 boss which will give you greatly increased clearance if needed.