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