HSB

Hi Guys
I am looking at 1 1983 944 with a manual trans. It has not run in 15 month's-- supposedly a bad battery, driver seat needs refinishing and it needs tires. Otherwise it is rust free and fairly complete. I was just wondering what you would pay for it and what to watch out for in this model year. It has 120,000 miles. Thanks in advance. HSB

Peckster

Bad battery, eh? Do you trust the seller? If the engine isn't running, you have to look at it as a parts car. Either that or get a PPI, although that's not easy when it has to be towed.

If I was selling a 944 in half-decent shape, I'd spend the money to get a battery so the buyer could at last hear the engine running.

Few things are more expensive than a cheap Porsche.

Eyal 951

<<...Few things are more expensive than a cheap Porsche>>

Amen...

except for some exceptions, like matt H's car...
~Eyal

Jonas Goldsmith

I would pay between 1000-1800 for one thats not running... Then again, when i had a blown motor in my S, the best offer i got was 1500 (rare color car, in great condition) and was told that it was a freaking gift... I would think that you could even get this car for under a grand if you tried?

HSB

I was kind of thinking the same thing. According to my limited research I shouldn't spend more than about $800.00 for it in that condition.

Bhj0887

Just bring a battery and make sure that it actually runs. I wouldn't pay more than 1200 for it, I paid 1650 for my 87 N/A but it ran (buyer took the battery though), Minor body work and a paint job is/was needed. If the engine is f*&#ed then you should look at spending a couple more g's for another one, or a rebuild.

Granite 944

What is the seller looking to get out of it? Can you look in the hole on the cam gear cover and see the timing belt is still on? I'd take a good battery with me also. Also a plug socket and compression gage (in case it does run). Look for seat anchor tear out in it, mickey mouse wiring under the dash around the relay/fuse box and to the cooling fans, battery box rust out, list goes on and on.
I paid $750.00 for an '83 with a grenaded engine (timing belt broke). I bought it mainly for the 16" Fuchs and almost new Goodyear F1 tires on it. (worth more than I paid for car)
I paid $950.00 for an '85/2 that runs (oil smoker though, I did’nt do a compression check like I KNEW I SHOULD HAVE), automatic, 97k miles on it, crappy paint, so so interrior, lots of good parts though. I guess it depends on what you want this car for, and how much sweat and money ya feel comfortable with risking on it. Good Luck!

Friendan

Unless you're getting it for parts, from what you describe I think you should steer clear. It hasn't been running, so already you need a battery, timing belt and water pump, new tires and new seats or slip covers. Right there those things alone will run you at least $2500...far more if it were in Canada.
These things don't rust so don't be too happy about that, and "fairly complete" indicates to me that you have a few other things to replace. It sounds like too much trouble than it's worth.
I also bought an '83 with high mileage, paint problems, leaky read hoses and on and on...I had trouble keeping up, and found my 86 with 73k km...I paid double than for my 83, but now I have very few things to worry about
I like that quote so much, I'm gonna repeat it just you (and I) remember:

slevy951

Just my .02.....

My partner, Tom, has a similar car in his shop now. Hasn't run in a while. Guy bought it cheap (don't know price for sure but I feel it was under $1k). Looks ok. Auto. Found oil/water mixing. Wasn't the oil cooler seals. He pulled the head. Gasket ok. Found 2 cracked cylinders. Buyer beware!