There's an older woman I run into around town with a near perfect red 83 944 w/ 115K on the clock. Her husband bought it for her new and she still loves it like the day she got it. She told me she's taking it in to have the TB 'checked'. I asked her how many miles since the last belt job. It's the original belt. I talked her into getting the service with WP, rollers, etc. She says it still runs like new so she's never had to do anything but oil changes! Pretty amazing but I've heard scarier stories here!

 

Make her shell out the money for a new timing belt, then when she wants to sell it.. You are right there waiting. :P

 

I bet its never seen redline, or anything like that...

 

ehh original? Might wanna have the compression checked too to make sure it's not pulling 5.5:1 instead of 9.5:1 and the timing belt still has teeth. She should definitely do the belt before sale.

 

This lady is probably in her low 60's and will probably die in that car, she will never sell it as hard as I've tried. I've heard it run and it sounds just fine to me so I really doubt it has low compression or any serious problems other than old rubber. It's one of the cleanest 83's I've seen. She's not adverse to spending $1200 to keep it running well so she should be good to roll after it comes back from the shop. Makes you wonder if these cars can be nursed farther than we think...my original NA rubber clutch didn't give up until 160K but I could still drive it OK.

 

Isn't it possible that she doesn't really know/remember? Afterall, it is a female driver. Zing! Just kidding ladies!

 

I was thinking the same thing (well, not the female part, but the age part)! Maybe she paid $1,200 for "oil changes" that included the belts and rollers, etc?

 

Friend of mine bought a 1987 951 from a family after the timing belt snapped. To check the compression he put a new belt on. It started & has full compression in all 4 holes. 120,000+ on the odo.

Just thought I would share.

 

I won't go into the female comment but she said it has never been to a Porsche mechanic or specialty shop, just oil/coolant/brakes/tires at her favorite local tire dealer. I believe her actually. But then maybe you are right, anyone who still loves a car like this after 21 years must be insane right?

Believe it or not, all cars sold new in California after 1994(?) had to meet the criteria that the timing belt had to last at least 100K. I suppose some mechanic at a tireshop might have told her this idiotic fact somewhere along the line. My 95 Miata actually had the factory recommended 60K timing belt replacement statement labeled over in my owners manual. It was replaced with the 100,000 label. At the bottom of the page was another label explaining the California law. Weird huh?

 

It's amazing how long just about any car will last, and stay "like new," when the owner actually takes care of it.

 

Fletch, i totally agree with you. Any car can last a lifetime as long it is properly maintained. People just don't do it anymore, ya know? I don't want to get into my whoel schpeil(sp) on how society needs new things. Just read Brave New World. Gotta love these damn cars!!

 

My buddy just bought a 86 or 87 951 with 250k on it.. Still running strong.

 

Love your avatar Fletch!

 

My 86 had the original timing belt on it at 221k km's. I was absolutely shocked. When I got to it, it was just falling to shreds. I'm amazed it still held on. Definately time to have hers done!

 

Yeah, I have heard of a couple of instances like this myself.........