Spend $500-$1000 on a beater, like a Taurus or Civic, and keep the 944 until you can do the work properly on her.

 

I vote for putting it away for a while and making do with a beater. First, it sounds like a pretty decent car. When you have the time and space available, you may find that doing the needed work yourself it not that expensive. Second, it is not a good time of year to sell anyway. Many, many nice 944s that you may look at will still need a host of preventative maintenance items (like the belts done) anyway. I pretty much counted on that while I was looking for one. I would definitely refrain from putting any miles on it before updating the water pump belts etc. As mentioned previously, if the timing belt goes, things will be very expensive.

 

Welcome to the world of 944s. Your problems are typical. A large amount of wrench-turning and knuckle-bashing is a REQUIREMENT to keep one of these running properly - either that or a bottomless check book to pay someone to do it.

I echo the advice of everyone else here - check the timing belts and other "big stuff". DO NOT under any circumstances skimp on maintenance on these cars. Park it until you can fix it right, or don't bother fixing it at all!

You'll learn a great deal from the experience and have great enjoyment / fun with the car when you get it going properly. They truly are amazing. Welcome again!

 

The clutch may be an aftermarket clutch. The stage 1 and 2 units are famous for chattering. The exhaust may be a nice one worth selling. What brand is the muffler? IT should be stamped into the bottom side. If it's a Borla or Bullet, it may be a speedforceracing system. Definately keep the timing belt in good condition though.