I have the ability to pick up an 83 944 with approximately 89k miles on it for $4999. I don't know much about these cars and was wondering if this is a good price. Could someone please help me out? What are some common problems with the 83 944? Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.

 

That's a good price for the seller unless the car is in very good to perfect condition.

Common problems are that the car is 22 years old. Could need every wear part on the car replaced and have every type of fluid draining out. You gotta see it, drive it and have it inspected.

Check www.autotrader.com www.cars.com and www.ebay.com to see what these cars are going for. Here's a bunch of links to look at:

http://www.connact.com/~kgross/FAQ/944faq.html
http://www.cantonia.com/watercooler.html
http://frwilk.com/early944/
http://www.clarks-garage.com/
http://www.davidsims.ukgateway.net/944t/
http://www.btinternet.com/%7Edmsims/index.htm
http://boerger.golden-tech.com/
http://members.rennlist.org/951_racerx/

 

Thanks.

 

Check out my car, I know you're too far away, unless you like roadtrips

https://rennlist.com/forums/924-931-944-951-968-forum/206018-f-s-83-944-58000-orig-miles-sepa-6000-a.html

Do you have more info on the car you are looking at, like pictures or maintenance records?

 

Do you have experience working on cars or at least willing to learn? These cars are old and can be quite problematic. On the other hand, they can be great fun (when they run). There are better cars out there.

 

The 944 is an excellent car but I echo the sentiments stated above with slightly different spin:

Let's put it this way: $5k for an '83 is rather expensive unless the care is perfect or nearly so. Things to look for:

- cracks in the dash
- ripped seats
- non-working a/c
- rattling from the rear hatch (delamination)
- obvious stuff like worn tires, brakes, etc.

Any of these things is a rather expensive pain in the *** to fix and isn't necessarily a show-stopper, but they SHOULD result in a price reduction. If the P.O. (previous owner) has service records, that's a big plus. If they have had the clutch recently replaced, that's also a big plus (clutch jobs on these cars are a MONSTROUS pain).

Also, 944s have what is called "interference engines". If you're not familiar, it means the valves occupy the same space as the piston at different points in the engine cycle. As such, it's rather important to ensure the valves and pistons don't try to occupy the same space at the same time (as would happen with a snapped timing belt) or you'll bend the valves and be in for either a shockingly expensive repair or many hours of pulling the head off, replacing the valves, possibly the pistons, etc. In short, make sure the P.O. has maintained the timing belt (and balance shaft belt - these are contained in the same cover at the front of the engine). If the balance shaft belt snaps, it will likely cause timing belt failure because the two run so close together. So in short, make sure the belts are maintained according to the maintenance schedule. Ask the P.O. if he/she did them or had them done. If not or they don't know what you're talking about, assume they need replacing. Your choices are learning how to DIY and investing in maybe $200-$300 worth of tools & parts or taking it to a shop and getting charged about $1,500. If you DO end up having to DIY, there are plenty of people that can guide you here and lots of information in the archive about it, so don't fret.

In general, the 944 is a great "tinkering" car. This is largely due to the fact that most shops see "Porsche" and immediately triple their prices. Learn to do stuff yourself, the cars are not that complex really. You'll learn a lot and save a TON of money turning your own wrenches. They're quite rewarding to drive also.

Anyway, welcome to Rennlist and enjoy the '83 if you get it. It's in some ways the best year for 944s out there - simple, manual stuff, unpretentious, light and fun.

 

To answer the previous poster I do not know my way around cars very much but am anxious and willing to learn. I really like the 928s but I think that is to much for me to handle. As far as the 83 I don't know much about it. Found it at a local dealership. Looks like it needs a paint job at the minimum. I haven't test drove it yet. I wanted to get everyones opinion first. Still toying with the idea. I really like the 928s and the 944s. Just don't know if I am getting in over my head. Thanks for all your replies.

 

A paint job on one of these can easily run into the thousands of dollars. Get the seller to lower their price.

 

Another suggestion - if your budget is $4999, DO NOT SPEND IT ALL on the car - save about $1500 for initial repairs and upkeep. Blowing your wad on the car is probably the #1 reason for poorly kept and mistreated 944's.

 

83 944 for sale
White not the best paint job
77K
Auto
needs a home pictures coming
$1700.00 OBO

IN CT

 

An 83 944 that needs paint should not be selling for 5 grand. Consider; generally speaking, these cars were painted well from the factory. If the owner waxed it once or twice a year, it really shouldn't need paint. In my book, this is a strong clue that at some point this car was significantly neglected. If an owner doesn't take a little pride in their ride and wax it, do you think they will keep tabs on timing belts and other maintenance? I don't think the odds are good. If you can't get answers as to timing belt, clutch, water pump then I would suggest you look elsewhere. As for the 944 being a car to begin learning for DIY, I think it would be better to learn on something simpler/cheaper.

 

I have an 84 and it was a lot les than 5 grand. It also ran perfect and had NOTHING wrong with the guts, except of course dash cracks. Do not buy this car unless it is absolutely PERFECT. If you are standing on the lot and the previous owner walks up with Bruce Willis and tells you he had every detail of the maintenance taken care of 2000 miles early and show proof in writing that is notarized by Bill Clinton, Ralph Nader, and George Bush Sr. and JR., then ok pay 5 grand. Otherwise do not "flop" over for full retail dealer asking sucker price. Negotiate and pay less please. If they will not negotiate with you ask them if the car will be ok. Specificaly the rear end. After the 2500 dollars worth of gold that must be in the rear hatch under the cover, must weigh a lot and you don't want to damage the car when you first buy it. Trust me the dealer will be floored by this statement. How do know? I work at a dealer and the running joke is: If his car is worth 5 grand there must be some gold in there someplace, and of course a full tank of gas.

 

You could find a later model 944 in better condition (I assume the condition is not that great because of the paint) for $5k