thinking about buying a porsche.

[redhotchevy2000]

as the title states,

i detailed a porsche 944 (non turbo) the other day. I LOVE THIS CAR.

1986, perfect condition interior (other than drivers side bolster one is worn out) and there is no stereo working.
exterior, could use a repaint, doesn't need one right away i buffed it and it turned out pretty well (6/10)

5 speed manual, black interior
trunk carpet needs replaced
110,800 miles (original) - didnt look at service records, ran well, shifted smoothly, clutch felt firm and grabbed
guards red single stage paint

owner wants 2,800 dollars + tags

what do you guys think? ill post some pictures when i get them off my phone and onto my computer tonight.

more of a weekend car for me most likely, would eventually plan an LS1 swap because its apparently really really easy.

C/C appreciated

i would love to repaint this car in guards red, put on some BBS LM wheels and lower it on a bilstein track suspension.

[Mike Phillips]

Re: thinking about buying a porsche.

owner wants 2,800 dollars + tags

Cool looking cars for sure, but don't think it's like a car you own, it will become your hobby and passion.

[redhotchevy2000]

Re: thinking about buying a porsche.

oh i would love to become involved with the passion of the porsche group.

as far as swaying my opinion.

maintenance costs?
replacement parts?

obviously not cheap, but relative to what i have put into my cavalier to keep it running it cant be that bad.

it would be my first true "weekender" and only the 2nd car i have ever owned.


now that i think about it, the side view mirrors would most likely need replaced(serious rock chips)
there are no rusty pieces visible, even when pulling back the carpet exposing the floorboards.

[Hemin8r]

Re: thinking about buying a porsche.

I just met a guy who just bought this Porsche GT2 on Wednesday. He may become a potential client after I spoke to him so fingers crossed.

[03mach1]

Re: thinking about buying a porsche.

I think they look cool, but the other day I saw one on the side of the road with the hood up. Parts cost more for them than other sports cars, my brother wants one or a 928. Parts for these cars i think they come from germany or you can try to find a parts car to strip parts off of. Take it to a shop and get it looked through before you buy it.

[Michael Stoops]

Re: thinking about buying a porsche.

obviously not cheap, but relative to what i have put into my cavalier to keep it running it cant be that bad.

Oh yes, it can. It's a Porsche after all and the cost of maintenance is commensurate with the marque. Check the forums at http://www.944online.com - those guys will give you the straight scoop on what to look for, what to look out for, and what things cost to fix.

Not trying to scare you off because the 944 is a terrific car (I'd love to have one), just want you to be informed before you jump in.

[Rick McDonough]

Re: thinking about buying a porsche.

Mike's right, they are cool cars (the 944), but make sure you are informed. I worked as a service advisor for a Porsche dealership in Washington DC for several years. We had a front engine specialist on board, and some of the bills got pretty weighty. I recommend doing some research and going to a dealership that will do a thorough pre-purchase inspection on a potential vehicle.

[Mike Phillips]

Re: thinking about buying a porsche.

obviously not cheap, but relative to what i have put into my cavalier to keep it running it cant be that bad.

How about....

Nah....

[redhotchevy2000]

Re: thinking about buying a porsche.

im starting to swing back to reality. it would only be a weekend car, but seeing costs for some of the larger items (timing belt) water pump, as well as some common issues, and not knowing the cars history, it would be fun to drive and i still would love to own it, but the college budget would get squeezed a bit tightly.

if it drops below 2K though ill buy it just because. haha

[new2detailing]

Re: thinking about buying a porsche.

Great, superb handling cars *(were the barometer of handling for many manufactures in the late 80's early 90's). Check to see when the high dollar items(timing belt, clutch, etc) have been performed. While the turbo is faster, it is an absolute bear to replace. The normally aspirated model is quick enough and can be a very relaible steed for many years. Do plan ahead for maintenance costs and scour the 944 forums for advice.

[Justin A]

Re: thinking about buying a porsche.

I know that this is an old thread, but I need to chime in here. I wouldn't touch a 951 for less than $5000. Seriously, there's nothing more expensive than a cheap porsche. I'm paying $3900 for a 944 NA that's in REALLY good shape mechanically (needs some paint lovin') and that's at the middle of the range for a good example of an 944. 951s selling for less than 90% of 944s are terrifying propositions...

[agp423]

Re: thinking about buying a porsche.

944 for $2800? I'd take it any day. But I'd haggle so the seller agrees at $2500 just so I can feel good about myself a little bit.

[Justin A]

Re: thinking about buying a porsche.

944 for $2800? I'd take it any day. But I'd haggle so the seller agrees at $2500 just so I can feel good about myself a little bit.

Then you'd get to pay $1000 for belts/waterpump service, $1700 for a new clutch, clean the drains out yourself, (possibly) replace the dizzy, and a whole host of other problems that 944s are prone to. Like I said before, I wouldn't touch a $2800 944 Turbo with a stick, much less let my 944 NA near it - it might catch something . Now, if it were inspected by a shop of my choosing and the report came back and showed the vehicle was in good health, I would jump on a $2800 Turbo like a hobo to a ham sandwich.

[new2detailing]

Re: thinking about buying a porsche.

These are legendary cars with great handling characteristics. However, remember you are buying a vehicle that is 20+ years old, will need maintenance, and parts are not cheap. Quite frankly, a early to mid 90's Nissan 240SX handles just a well, has basically an unkillable 2.4L engine, plenty of tuning options, and parts are definitely cheaper. The only problem is finding one that hasn't been turned into drift vehicles.

[Justin A]

Re: thinking about buying a porsche.

These are legendary cars with great handling characteristics. However, remember you are buying a vehicle that is 20+ years old, will need maintenance, and parts are not cheap. Quite frankly, a early to mid 90's Nissan 240SX handles just a well, has basically an unkillable 2.4L engine, plenty of tuning options, and parts are definitely cheaper. The only problem is finding one that hasn't been turned into drift vehicles.

Yeah, but it's a Nissan. A Porsche is...well, a Por-sha . It also comes with leather seats and automatic climate control. And a shiny badge on the front that says Porsche Stuttgart .

My friend has an '85 Nissan 300ZX...it's a damn cool car, but looks flat and mundane next to my 944. If it had some nice prominent wheel wells/fenders, then it would be a really good looking car, not that it isn't already, but you get the idea.