renbo48

I'm buying a 924S from by buddies dad for like 2 grand. He's taken good care of it, regular service and all. Word on the street is that the clutch and timing belt are pretty expensive, but other than that is there a lot of unexpected problems that pop up with these cars? I don't want to have to get another job just to keep this thing rolling.

hacker-pschorr

If it's not going to be your daily driver, don't worry about it.

Look at it this way, lets say it will cost you $2k a year in repairs (don't worry, for a good car this is extreemly high)

After 5 years, you'll have $12,000 into the car. Less than the cost of a new Saturn, and you are driving a Porsche.

icat

Not trying to scare you or anything, but 2 grand might not cover the clutch and timing belt if you had a dealer service them. So your cost could easily double. However, the clutch is good for 100k if taken care of and a whole lot more if babied. The belts need to be done every 30k (this is the extra safe number - but I STRONGLY caution you not to go over 45k) and the water pump should be done every other belt change. Always check the rollers for the belts when you're in there as they are a common failure point as well. Other than that, the 924S is a blast to drive and well worth the extra preventive maintenance required to keep it running right. Keep in mind the word "preventive" though, if you don't you'll find any Porsche is a money pit of unbelievable proportions.

TonD

Clutch should be about 1200 and all belts about 600 (local prices in euros though). So 2000 will cover that. Of course, you shouldn't visit a official P-car dealership

Chris_924s

It costs about the same to DRIVE IT DAILY. I have the receipts to prove it.

I agree, have a liquid 2 grand "Porsche Fund" available at all times AFTER the car is up to date.. You may never need it- but if you do it's there.

Congrats - another 924S in the HIZZAUSE!!

renbo48

So it sounds like there are some expensive things that need to be taken care of every once in a while, but its not like something is going to be breaking every other week? I'm pretty excited to get the car, probably sometime next week. I had a '82 320is which cool until a rod bearing gave up the ghost. This should be a step up, a lot of people have said that the brakes and suspension on these cars are DAMN good.

Nabeel

They are reliable cars if well maintained, and its great fun to drive them. Of course its not in the same leauge as say, a new Toyota, but for an older car its very good. Since you've had a bimmer before, you're already accustomed to RWD vehicle dynamics, which is good. Evavate everything (suspension, brakes, road feel) up one notch and that would be the type of car you can expect in a 924S/944. With that said, be ready to have some cash set aside for any unforseen problems, and be sure to keep your car well-maintained. Its a lot easier to pay $250 for the timing belt replacement rather than wait until it breaks and pay $1200+ in repairs. Just some things to keep in mind...