CBM

Hello all, I'm new here and I have been browsing these forums and everything else I can find on the 944 for the past couple of days. The more I look, the more I want one. The only thing is I can't decide what to get.

I am a college student so I don't have gobs of cash laying around, but enough to buy a decent car. I am not sure if I should start out with a basic NA 944 or hold out to get what I really want - a 16v S2. Any thoughts on this? I was thinking of starting small and eventually upgrading to a different model. I want to buy a solid car in good mechanical and physical condition but by no means showroom.

Any help or suggestions would be appreciated.

Collin

Luis de Prat

944S2 is a great option. Shouldn't be too much more expensive to buy than a basic 944NA or 944S. Good choice, now go find a nice one!

RMills944

A nice S2 should be a great car. Even the S is a great option. Just make sure you can afford maintennece. If you get a car that was behind in maintenence or if you fall behind in maintenence, it'll be some extra money to fix it up right.

97xray

There's always the Euro 944, more HP, extra torque, interesting differences in looks but essentially the same - but good luck finding one cheap!
(I love mine.)

Mongo

Get the car that you want. That's my best suggestion. If you want an S2 though be aware that it is the same maintenance as a 944 8v. However, be advised that at every timing belt change, I reccommend that the top cam cover be pulled to inspect the chain tensioner and pad; replace also if necessary the pad and/or tensioner. Good Luck on your search and welcome to the board.

CBM

I'm definitely used to affording maintenence. The car I'm currently driving (Subaru SVX) is somewhat rare thus expensive to maintain. I'm a bit of a shadetree mechanic, so hopefully I can do the majority of things myself.

The Euro sounds very interesting, if I could only find one....

Anyone have suggestions as to where else I can look for these cars? I've been checking this site, autotrader, cars.com, etc. I'm a bit weary of buying a vehicle through ebay.

97xray

Isn't there an S2 Cab for sale right now (pricey though worth it) on this site?

Nabeel

I know which car you should buy....

Seriously though, try and drive all the models before making a decision. An S2 has gobs of torque compared to the base 944, and that could make quite a bit of difference in city driving. With that said, the base 944 can still keep up with traffic quite well, and is a great car to autocross or do drivers ed with. Balanced handling, and enough power to get you in trouble but nothing too crazy. Plus they are far more affordable and available on the market. Also check out a 951 if you can, maybe you'll get addicted to the boost and never turn back. Best of luck, whichever way you go.

fastman

I purchased a '89 944 n/a a little over 3 years ago. Have no regrets. But costs lots of $ to maintain. I would recommend an 851/2 or newer. Porsche club of Am. is a good source of used vehicles. Also there is a lot of good info in Excellence Mag. They do a market update that can be very useful to aid your search. Good luck, I can not imagine not having my 944 to drive.

CBM

Thanks for the help everyone. Checked out a beautiful 86 951 at Midwest Performance cars in Chicago this weekend. I have decided that the turbo is definitely the car for me. Now to see about getting one....

Chris_924s

Be sure to check out www.clarks-garage.com - click on buying tips..

Welcome to Rennlist! (You are close enough for a 944fest roadtrip..hmmm..)