|
|
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 3,867
Hard-core CEG'er
|
Hard-core CEG'er
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 3,867 |
Originally posted by Phil Rohtla:
While in my experience a cheap Porsche is NEVER inexpensive, the rewards are quite nice. And places like Pelican Parts make it easier.
And just think how this sounds: "Honey, I think that I'll take the Porsche today...." 
That said, from your description, I would wait and find a better example. The 1986 has a VASTLY improved interior, and likely won't need as much work.
And watch the insurance: I looked at a 928 a while ago, and when I checked the insurance it was $2000 Cdn. A little much for a toy.
A 928 is a whole different animal. Figure on relatively cheap acquisition followed by at least $1500-$2500 a year on regular maintenance, and that's for a nice one that's been taken proper care of. I love the 928, but prices are low for a reason.
Porsche 944 maintenance is cheap for a Porsche. (Unlike the 911 that takes many quarts of oil...). Change the timing belt every 30k, and swap out the water pump "while you're in there." The "rate" down at the Porsche dealer is probably high, but if you can do the simple stuff yourself, you'll save a lot of money, and the 944 is easier to work on than the 911 or 914. Some parts are expensive, but overall the car and the drivetrain are pretty durable if you take care of the maintenance.
I'd take one in a heartbeat, but the lesson that was imparted to me was "spend the extra couple of grand on a 'cherry' version, rather than try to save a few bucks by getting one that 'just needs a little work.'"
Most desirable models are probably the 1989 Turbo, or the S2. Turbo (951) was around earlier than 89, but Porsche improved it every year. Turbos are less rare than the S2, so also less expensive (usually). They also have an 8-valve, low-compression, non-interference engine, so in a strange twist of fate, the faster car is less complex and more forgiving.
Function before fashion.
'96 Contour SE
"Toss the Contour into a corner, and it's as easy to catch as a softball thrown by a preschooler." -Edmunds, 1998
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 1,361
Hard-core CEG\'er
|
|
OP
Hard-core CEG\'er
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 1,361 |
Thanks everyone for your responses. Appreciate the CARFAX Tisby. It doesn't look too bad! RogerB, you're right about the 944S. It's not an S. It's the 8 valve 2.5 944. Don't know why I typed the S.  Maybe wishful thinking? That Buyer's Guide is excellent reading, thanks! Unfortunately the car does not run, but I think I'm paying $500 for it, so I expect to do some repairs. Big B, checked out the V8 thing. I'm a Chevy guy anyway, so this would be a no brainer! Check this out: http://www.560sec.com/bulletinboard/I have to check out what a replacement motor will cost, also have to get an estimate on this one. The oil is already milky.  I'll keep updating this thread if anyone is interested... 
'98 SVT Contour, in at least 639 pieces 
4 Speed MTX...synchro and shift fork replacement in progress 
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 1,687
Hard-core CEG\'er
|
|
Hard-core CEG\'er
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 1,687 |
Hey, 944 maintainance is much less than "traditional" Porsches because the family of cars the 944 belongs to originally slated to be for VW, designed by Porsche. This makes the parts cheaper. Those cars have much potential, but I don't know about a 350. Maybe try 302 or a 318.
J.T.
2002 Chevrolet Silverado 294ci V8. Custom CAI, headers on the way...
1997 Mercury Mystique Zetec ATX
Deceased February 2006
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 2,097
Hard-core CEG\'er
|
|
Hard-core CEG\'er
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 2,097 |
I had an 87 944 turbo (951) the one I had sucked. I sold it to get the SVT. It just never ran quite right, but it was kind of thrashed.
Supposedly they can be pretty good cars...one guy I knew had an 89 turbo and an 83 or 84 944...said he never had any problems with them.
So who knows!!! Maybe you'll be lucky
98 E0 SVT with some stuff
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 5,882
Addicted CEG\'er
|
|
Addicted CEG\'er
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 5,882 |
Originally posted by stilov:
one guy I knew had an 89 turbo and an 83 or 84 944...said he never had any problems with them.
So who knows!!! Maybe you'll be lucky
the one thing i learned from a former Porsche owner is that they will never complain about the maintenance or cost of owning a Porsche. instead they love to ramble about how wonderful they are and how much they love them.
Originally posted by Tourgasm:
Sometimes you can mess up a word so bad that spell check doens't know what the hell you're talking about.
|
|
|
|
|
