Iggypop

Being a rennlister I know you guys get this a million times a day but I'm going to throw it at you anyways, don't shoot me. (btw, yes I've tried the search, and yes, it sucks.)

Thinking about getting a 944. I'm in the very early stages, and I'm looking for a car that's not perfect so I can have a little fun wrenching on it, but like I said I'm very early here so I'm not sure exactly what I want yet. I don't really know anything at all about 944s, but I found a couple craigslist links and an autotrader ad...

I emailed a few people but I dont know what to ask for really. What specific questions should I be asking?

Thoughts on these...

http://westernmass.craigslist.org/car/552288363.html

http://boston.craigslist.org/nwb/car/576840634.html

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...000&cardist=26

xsboost90

well the first two look like killer deals- the 89 2.7 does not have the S type engine but rather an 8v motor w/ larger pistons. The red car is an s2 that does have 16v and the same size pistons as the 2.7 w/ different crank so its a 3.0l engine. S2 also has the bigger brakes, swaybars and cooler nose and rear valance. Both look like they need alittle work and i would recommend belts on both and a camshaft jumper chain and guide on the s2 quickly! The 83 eh i never was much for early cars and being older would prob. need more work and is worth less. No offense.

Voith

s2 ftw

Stien

The first two don't list mileage, so ask those. Garunteed the S2 has a buttload of miles because of the price. The '89 isn't S, it's just an '89, they had a 2.7L. S's have 16 valves. The timing belt being done is a definite plus, but ask for maintainence records. The '83 has basically nothing listed about it, you oughta do a PPI anyway after seeing the car in person. How much do you have to spend?

moorepower

An '89 S2 for $2900? That sounds too good to be true.

Always ask about service records, specifically front of engine service (belts, rollers, water pump). This is vital on these cars, and it costs a buttload of money, unless you do it yourself (then it's only half a buttload).

Potomac-Greg

Spend 45 minutes at Clarks Garage.

http://www.clarks-garage.com

Iggypop

I am looking to spend not more than $5k. I emailed both of the craigslist ads asking a few basic questions, ie mileage, have the cars been driven or been sitting, etc.

bad_monkey

S2 - I have the 2.7 and it's a fair improvement over the 2.5 (original engine in my car)... s2 however has even more ponies :-) This is known as a Good Thing.

I have the early car with a late engine, and while I dig the retro interior (man), with it comes problems - it's all falling apart. Plastic gets brittle.

Early car also has early offset, which narrows down your wheel choices if you don't like running big spacers. However, according to most sources, the early car was marginally lighter

Oh, and for the price you get them for in the US - buy 'em all.. :-D

Iggypop

awesome site, thanks

Pcar944

Wow. i'd go for the white one, at least it hints that work has been done on it. I'd want to see reciepts.

If the interior is reasonable and the dash isnt cracked and its under 200k miles then go for it.

Cone_eater

Doesn’t look too bad.

Ask:
Manual/auto, miles, what doesn't work, documents on new parts and labor, clutch, tires, if its all stock, anything can't hurt.

Also ask about anything he put in the ad and look for inconstancies. Even small ones can tell the character of the seller.

My $0.02
good luck

Pcar944

There's nothing more deflating than finally making the call and finding the car has 300k miles, hasnt been driven in 10 years, the dash is cracked to hell, the dog has eaten the seats, and its been dragged out of a flood.

...and its an auto.

you have to kiss a lot of frogs...

Jfrahm

I'd bet the S2 is a scam. I have seen a lot of ads like that with Gmail, Msn, etc. email addresses embedded in the ad and low low prices. Same vertical list of options like that too.

-Joel.

Deansk8flip

if the s2 isnt a scam then it probably isnt very well taken care of

someone who has nothing to say about there car except a list of options isnt the kind of person that is gonna really care for a car and make sure its in good condition

then again its only listed for 2900 so you shouldnt expect it to be in good condition

GuardsRed

I purchased my S2 from a PCA member in MA, for $12,000.00 with 32k miles and receipts. If this helps...moved up from '89 944 N/A auto - highly recommend the S2 - can go real fast on off ramps