I'm thinking about a 944, advise and thoughts please.

The early models are more raw, more the simple sportscar I'm looking for. There are parts though you'd want to steal from a later model if they ever come up for replacement, the stock steel A-arms are not made for the stresses of modern sticky tires. Also the early models do not have as good of a ventilation system. The car you are looking at has a light colored interior, so that will help some, but if AC is important to you, then the later model interior might be a better choice.

 

Given your list above I can tell you the 944 will be the least dependable of the lot. I've owned a fairlady (240Z) and currently have an MR2 Turbo. My father had an MX5 (Miata). I've had several friends that have had 944. Unless you're going to get a 944 Turbo your best bet performance wise is the MR2 (assuming you're talking about a turbo model). Then the Fairlady. Make sure to get a PPI for any of them though. Parts for the MR2 can get expensive as Toyota didn't make a whole lot of them.

 

Hi James,

First, to answer your earlier question, the early 944s are great cars; the later ones are better cars. Something to consider, though, as they're all old now, is that while the later cars have improved ventilation/AC, suspension, sound insulation, more options, etc. -- they're also more expensive to fix when that stuff starts breaking. Some things you WILL encounter, for example --

Early 944 with steel front control arms -- straight off of VW Rabbit; can buy all of the parts to rebuild the front suspension including the control arms themselves for under $200 USD.

Late 944 with aluminum front control arms -- If you're lucky and can replace the ball joint w/o whole arm, there's $200 USD right there; if you have to buy the arms with ball joints pressed in, they're $350-$450 each side (discount price). ...and then you have to buy all the other bushings, etc.

Another example --

Heater control on early car is prone to breaking -- cable for hot/cold lever breaks off the back. Replacement: $40 USD
Heater control on late cars is prone to breaking -- expensive electronic module. Replacement: $400-$500 USD

There are numerous little thises and thats about the later 944 that both make it a better (more evolved) car, but as a result make it more costly when something needs replacing.


Now, on to the beige car you just posted photos of --

First, with 135k miles, my thoughts are:

1) Provided it has received regular fluid changes, the engine is in its prime. I would expect another 100k-200k miles from engine and gearbox provided they are properly serviced and driven but not abused.
2) If the clutch hasn't been changed yet, it's on borrowed time.
3) Depending on how and on what kind of roads it was driven, you may be looking at control arms/ball joints. Remember that no old car is perfect, and you will have to replace SOMETHING relatively soon on any car, so don't make a big deal out of a couple or few things if the car is otherwise proper and tidy; good 944s are becoming hard to find.
4) Same as #3 above goes for struts/shocks. With 135k miles, the suspension is probably still all original, and would either be due for replacement or have maybe another 30k to go if it was driven on smooth roads.
5) Again, oil cooler seals. If they haven't been done yet, expect them to.
6) A/C compressor, p/s pump, and alternator should be fine for a while; but alternator may need new brushes -- $40 USD piece that has brushes and voltage regulator on one piece, typical Bosch alternator.


...

 

Looking at the photos,

1) Panel gaps around headlight pod(s) seem a little funky. Check for prior front end damage; very common on 944s, just make sure nothing that counts is bent out of place (no bent metal around radiator, sway bar mounts, or structural items, etc.).

2) Does the car have the clear stone guard strips at the rear of each wheelwell? Can't tell from here; looks like a repaint and they didn't install new ones, possibly? (or am I seeing poorly?) If car is recent repaint, find out why; inspect closer for body work.

3) Missing/broken center arm rest hinge/cover -- it happens to all of them that they break, but for it to be missing, to me, is the sign of a less conscientious owner than one who coughed up the dough to replace it, or used piano hinges or something to reattach it.

4) Engine looks clean, tidy and proper.

5) Interior panel warping/upholstery peeling at top of rear hatch suggests water entry. Check for more extensive damage.


Overall, looks like a typical 135k 944 that has been well-cared-for by one owner and just driven by another, kept inside by one owner and left outside for another . . .

- Tony

 

The rear glass has a tenancy to loosen from the frame, as a result of pressure from the rear shocks on the glass over time. Headliner peeling may very well be the result of a slight water leak at the top of the glass. Essentially, it's part of the way the car is designed. It's good to check for damage, but sing the leaks are usually small it is doubtful that you will find much more than some drooping headliner. The same thing happened to mine.

I'd recommend that you check for signs of a more extensive leak, but if it's just the solution is fairly simple. Use sealant to seal the glass along the area where the leak is occurring. The trim piece with the drooping headliner can be easily removed by hand within five minutes with a screw driver. Any half decent interior shop should be able to reattach the headliner to the trim piece, which should look as good as new if it's done right. Just make sure the leak is fully sealed off before you reattach the trim piece.

Mechanically, the three big things to learn the history of are the clutch, timing belts and water pump. Be sure to take a note of any record of previous replacements in a timely matter. If there is no record, it is very important to check the belts and replace them as needed. My mechanic says every 30k miles for the belts, which is a safe bet IMO. Typically you’d replace the water pump as well while the front end is off the car for belt replacement. The clutch, not as often.

Good luck with your search! They are great cars when all sorted out. Be sure to keep us updated!

 

I love 944's. I owned 3 and a 968 coupe as well. they all served me well. 4 years with the 1st one and only an idle control valve for $282 and it was my daily 7mo's out of the year. Beautiful inside and out.

 

Drive your new (to you) 944 in good health!

Post up some photos.

Cheers

 

Beautiful! Is the color Nautic Blue?

By the way, my daily driver 1985.5 944 now has about 185k miles . . . just keeps on going strong, and still comfortable and enjoyable to drive!

 

I bought my '90 S2 about 4 years ago. She's close to 190K right now and she's my daily driver. Knock on wood, I've had almost no problems except age related issues. Stay on top of the timing belt and they're hardy little cars.
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