i used to have a 924s (virtually identicle to a pre84' 944); highly suggest a later 944 (go for a turbo if you do!). so damn reliable and so much fun.
ALSO!
might want to look into a 914. BEFORE you look away see if you can get a drive. i was recently talking with a 914-6 owner who has had many porsches and thinks this one is still the most fun for some reason.
-a