| Author |
Message |
Kenny Herman (Kennyh)
Member
Username: Kennyh
Post Number: 1000
Registered: 8-2001
| | Posted on Saturday, June 14, 2003 - 11:35 am: | |
Bruce, great thanks! |
Bruce Wellington (Bws88tr)
Intermediate Member
Username: Bws88tr
Post Number: 2011
Registered: 4-2002
| | Posted on Saturday, June 14, 2003 - 11:22 am: | |
KENNY
THERE IS A YELLOW 944 RIGHT NEAR MY HOUSE..ILL GET THE PHONE #, EXACTLY HOW MUCH AND HOW OLD I DONT KNOW..BUT ILL TRY TO GET YOU THE INFO OVER THE WEEKEND..
BRUCE |
Kenny Herman (Kennyh)
Member
Username: Kennyh
Post Number: 999
Registered: 8-2001
| | Posted on Saturday, June 14, 2003 - 11:05 am: | |
WTF! I just got off the phone with the guy who originally offered me the 944-S for 6800- he told me that "My pops doesn't want to see the car to an arrogant New Yorker".. I was obviously stunned by this comment so I asked him to repeat it- I heard him right! He told me "You're •••• out of luck"...
???
|
Eric Eiland (Eric308gtsiqv)
Member
Username: Eric308gtsiqv
Post Number: 877
Registered: 11-2001
| | Posted on Friday, June 13, 2003 - 1:48 pm: | |
Kenny H...sounds like the 944-S model for $6,800 is a very good deal. Noelrp pointed out some very good items to check out. Furthermore, Chris is right on about the 944 being an excellent daily-driver sports car.
The previously mentioned '86 / 55k mile and '86 / 115k mile cars for $8k and $4.5k respectively are ballpark as well. Keep in mind that the general consensus is that these engines are usually due for an R&R at around 130k miles, and this can cost nearly $4k.
Depends upon your price range, condition of the car, etc. There are many online sources for parts, technical forums, etc. out there, so running and maintaining these cars is not that difficult nor cost prohibitive. Ebay is an excellent alternative for sourcing out hard to find, good conditioned parts from parted out 944's (especially items like door panels, dashboards, retractable trunk covers, wheels, window glass, rear hatches, seats, engine parts, etc.).
All the performance upgrades, interior improvements, etc. can be done over time as your budget allows. Just be sure to keep up with the regular routine scheduled maintenance, and the 944 will run like a champ.
Regarding the paint / bodywork -- I was initially quoted around $2,200 for a pro job (included completely stripping the car...paint, emblems, mirrors, trim, bumpers, and all). During the course of the work, I had the bodyshop replace all weatherstripping, seals, molding, and gaskets...along with a few additional items like new tail-lights, marker lights, passenger mirror, etc. which brought the total (parts & labor) to over $3k. Just to give you an idea.
Just did a quick search for model year 1985-1990 Porsche 944's at www.collectorcartrader.com (click on "BUY" to access the search page), and it returned over 4 pages of 944's for sale. Also, to give you a reference point, Buxton Motorsports has a very nice '87 944S 16V N/A with 20,500k miles (see http://www.buxtonmotorsports.com/17.htm) for around $12,900 obo.
I have quite a few links to many online sources pertaining to the 944 series -- let me know if you'd like me to e-mail them to you.
Hope this helps. |
Chris Tanner (Ctanner)
Junior Member
Username: Ctanner
Post Number: 59
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Friday, June 13, 2003 - 12:14 pm: | |
Guys,
I was speaking of the NA when I said it wasn't fast. I had a '87 944 NA, which had a 0-60 time of about mid 8's. Porsche says my 1990 S2 is 6.8. Pretty quick, but the big German sedans go that fast these days.
The Turbo S is the cream of the 944 crop. While the output is indeed up to 247 hp, its combined with an upgraded suspension package that makes is a great handling car. Unfortunately for Kenny, a Turbo S is way out of his price range, probably $15-20K.
As far as Porsche's performance numbers for '89 Turbo S, they seem a little over-optimistic to me. Not only did Porsche claim 5.5 0-60, but also 13.5 in the quarter. Pretty much the numbers for same model year Testarossa. There is no doubt that the Turbo S is a fast car, but I don't think a stock Turbo S can achieve these numbers. My rides in regular 944 Turbos were fast, but not that fast. My 348 is significantly faster than a Turbo on the road, yet has slower numbers. However, a 944 Turbo can be easily modded to go wicked fast for not much $.
Kenny,
I am a big 944 fan; bought my first 944 in 1989. The 944 is a great, inexpensive sports car. In my mind, for $5K, there is not a better sports car choice. |
Noelrp (Noelrp)
Member
Username: Noelrp
Post Number: 270
Registered: 8-2001
| | Posted on Friday, June 13, 2003 - 11:58 am: | |
I had an '86 944T. Fast car but if you're in a market for 944T get '87 or above. 944tS & 944S2 are the desirable models. Also, dont let the rear seats fool you. You cannot fit people in the back.
944S came out in 87-88. Good engine, 16V ~190 hp. Add an Automotion chip & K&N and you're in the 200HP area. And I believe it has hydraulic lifters(a plus).
For $6.8k here's my opinion. PPI is a must. Pay attention to leaky shocks, clutch, loose shifter, interior trims, AC, windshield nicks, make sure that the dash board has no crack. Check if frame is straight. Check for excessive door dimples. Check alloy wheels for corrosion. Radio will always not sound good. Walk away if it needs a paint job.
Good luck. |
Kendall Kim (Kenny)
Junior Member
Username: Kenny
Post Number: 133
Registered: 9-2001
| | Posted on Friday, June 13, 2003 - 10:52 am: | |
Kenny-
You're much better off going to a Porsche message board like the one www.roadfly.org has. They even have it broken down by model etc... They will help you with everything you want to know... |
Kenny Herman (Kennyh)
Member
Username: Kennyh
Post Number: 998
Registered: 8-2001
| | Posted on Friday, June 13, 2003 - 10:38 am: | |
I just got off the phone with a guy who has an 86 (or possibly 87) 944-S model, 6X,000 miles, red on black interior- "mint condition"- for around $6800.00... I'm going to go visit the guy tomarrow with my dad. Worth it? |
Kendall Kim (Kenny)
Junior Member
Username: Kenny
Post Number: 130
Registered: 9-2001
| | Posted on Friday, June 13, 2003 - 9:33 am: | |
Porsche was weird about that in the 80's.. Dual airbags only came out in the 944 turbo in 87, it wasnt offered in the 928 until '89... and the 911 never had airbags until the 964 body was offered..
I don't think airbags are a reliable feature on a 15 yr old car.. Theoretically, the lifespan of an airbag is really 10 years or so... When a car gets older, the sensors on them can go bad or erratic.. I doubt if any owner actually goes out to re-install a new airbag..
|
Jeff (Jeff_m)
Junior Member
Username: Jeff_m
Post Number: 149
Registered: 9-2002
| | Posted on Friday, June 13, 2003 - 9:28 am: | |
I would go for at least an 87. I think the dual airbags came out in 87 and they make the interior look much more modern, especially the steering wheel. |
Kendall Kim (Kenny)
Junior Member
Username: Kenny
Post Number: 128
Registered: 9-2001
| | Posted on Friday, June 13, 2003 - 8:56 am: | |
Roel-
217 HP for the 944 Turbo 0-60 6.1 sec. (manfuc. claims)
247 HP for the turbo S 0-60 5.5 sec.
That is still pretty fast by today's standards. |
Jens Haller (Jh280774)
Member
Username: Jh280774
Post Number: 818
Registered: 9-2001
| | Posted on Friday, June 13, 2003 - 8:55 am: | |
Kenny,
The 944 Turbos are really fast! Drove some 944 S2 and a 968 Cab. The 968 are the best of this series, look better IMO (=More modern) and have around 250hp as far as I remember. Great cars although their interior looks a lot like Audi (Most parts from them).
Good luck with your chase!
Con saluti cordialissimi,
Jens Haller |
Roel de Fouw (Spawnz)
Junior Member
Username: Spawnz
Post Number: 199
Registered: 6-2002
| | Posted on Friday, June 13, 2003 - 8:50 am: | |
Chris: don't underestimate the power of the Turbo, or Turbo S for that matter. I don't know if the specs are the same in the US as they are here in Europe, but those cars are very fast. even by today's standards.
ps: the 928GT is a beauty and a true GT in my opinion |
Tony Roberts (Pantera)
Junior Member
Username: Pantera
Post Number: 141
Registered: 6-2003
| | Posted on Friday, June 13, 2003 - 6:33 am: | |
What's a 944! |
djmonk (Davem)
Member
Username: Davem
Post Number: 298
Registered: 1-2002
| | Posted on Friday, June 13, 2003 - 6:19 am: | |
Kenny try Bargainnews.com |
Kenny Herman (Kennyh)
Member
Username: Kennyh
Post Number: 997
Registered: 8-2001
| | Posted on Friday, June 13, 2003 - 6:01 am: | |
Thanks guys- hopefully JRV will see this thread and respond about his car (otherwise I'll get in touch with him later).
I know even in the turbo form the 944 won't be any faster then the car I currently drive- but thats not a big deal- no car for the money I spend will (with the exception of a hotrod (which truthfully doesn't interest me much)...
What would you rather buy, an 86' with 55k miles for 8k or an 86' with 115k miles for 4.5k? |
Chris Tanner (Ctanner)
Junior Member
Username: Ctanner
Post Number: 58
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Friday, June 13, 2003 - 1:30 am: | |
Kenny #1,
Kenny #2 has identified the key issues with the 944 series. Just like Ferrari's, this car needs its timing belt changed. Manual says 60K, but 30-40K is more like it. I have a 1990 Cab, timing belt and tensioners (plus regular work) ran $750 last time it was in the shop.
The 944 is a nice car; attractive, well built, can be used as an every day car. But, it isn't very fast by today's standards.
Unfortunately, I'm on the west coast, so I can't point you to a car to buy, I just wanted to support you choice. |
Kendall Kim (Kenny)
Junior Member
Username: Kenny
Post Number: 125
Registered: 9-2001
| | Posted on Friday, June 13, 2003 - 12:49 am: | |
Kenny-
50k-60k miles is the magic number on Porsches.. It's at that threshold where owners have to decide whether to spend big $$$ to get sorted out or sell it on the market and let the next owner worry about it... If the water pump, belts and radiator service has not already been done recently, you can use that as a bargaining leverage in negotiating a good price.. Good Luck... |
Taek-Ho Kwon (Stickanddice)
Intermediate Member
Username: Stickanddice
Post Number: 1075
Registered: 11-2002
| | Posted on Thursday, June 12, 2003 - 11:39 pm: | |
Jeff,
Agree about the 928. One of the cars in my growing list is the 928GT. Fast and fun. A lot of value, but maintenance can be costly.
Cheers |
Jeff (Jeff_m)
Junior Member
Username: Jeff_m
Post Number: 148
Registered: 9-2002
| | Posted on Thursday, June 12, 2003 - 11:32 pm: | |
I used to have a 87 turbo back in the day and that was one fast mofo. One of the best bangs for the buck. Definately not maintenence free though.I think 928's are one hell of a car for accord money these days also. |
William Huber (Solipsist)
Intermediate Member
Username: Solipsist
Post Number: 1072
Registered: 9-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, June 12, 2003 - 11:01 pm: | |
I know JRV has one for sale but its here in Houston, TX. It runs like a champ & just got a new paint job. I think it's a dark charcoal color. It's in the price range your wanting.
|
Taek-Ho Kwon (Stickanddice)
Intermediate Member
Username: Stickanddice
Post Number: 1071
Registered: 11-2002
| | Posted on Thursday, June 12, 2003 - 10:37 pm: | |
http://www.rennlist.com/
Cheers |
Kenny Herman (Kennyh)
Member
Username: Kennyh
Post Number: 996
Registered: 8-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, June 12, 2003 - 10:32 pm: | |
Kenny, checked it out- some nice cars there- I found a nice 86 NA with a turbo front fascia, koni springs, a new stereo and 55k miles for 8k (in red). I think if I can get the owner down to 7,500 I'll do it.. |
Kendall Kim (Kenny)
Junior Member
Username: Kenny
Post Number: 123
Registered: 9-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, June 12, 2003 - 10:12 pm: | |
Kenny-
a 944 turbo in the $3500-$4500 range is a joke.. You will be hard pressed to find any decent non turbo 944 in that range worth looking at... These cars a $$$ to maintain, that's why they're in your budget purchase wise... A water pump, belt job will run $1700... Check out www.roadfly.org under Porsches for sale, and you'll get a general idea where the market is at... |
Kenny Herman (Kennyh)
Member
Username: Kennyh
Post Number: 995
Registered: 8-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, June 12, 2003 - 10:06 pm: | |
Alright to make the story short:
I am looking for a 944 NA or Turbo, whatever- preferably red, silver would be my second choice. I don't have alot of money to spend- the blue book value for these cars are anywhere from 3500-4500k in excellent condition. I know that the BB isn't accurate all the time, but I can't justify spending double it for a decent car.
Does anyone know of any 944 (85.5+ please, I like the 'new' body style) on the east coast (I live in Westchester, NY) for a reasonable price?
Thanks!!!
You can email me here:
[email protected] |