Getting a 944 soon
05-08-2002, 12:48 AM
#1
Getting a 944 soon
Hello everyone. In about a month or two I should be purchasing a post-85.5 944 NA. I just had some general thoughts, concerns, or questions I hope you guys might be able to answer.
A lot of the 944's I've seen in my price range (3-6k) and area have been over 100,000 miles. I know Porsches are solid cars that will last quite a while, but what about 944's specifically? I've read some info on these cars and know to look for specific things, such as timing belt, water pump, leaks, etc., but what other concerns might there be on higher mileage cars?
One thing I definately want to get done is a PPI. About how much should I expect to pay for one at a dealership? an independent shop?
I know these cars aren't known so much for their straight line speed (NA's anyways) but for their cornering abilities and overall handling. But are they still decently quick? when answering this question, keep in mind that I currently drive a chevy lumina, a speed demon by no means.
How big is the interior? I'm a taller guy, around 6'2" or 6'3". I'll fit comfortably right?
Feel free to add any other important info that I didn't ask about.
Thanks in advance for any advice/answers that you could pass on to me.
A lot of the 944's I've seen in my price range (3-6k) and area have been over 100,000 miles. I know Porsches are solid cars that will last quite a while, but what about 944's specifically? I've read some info on these cars and know to look for specific things, such as timing belt, water pump, leaks, etc., but what other concerns might there be on higher mileage cars?
One thing I definately want to get done is a PPI. About how much should I expect to pay for one at a dealership? an independent shop?
I know these cars aren't known so much for their straight line speed (NA's anyways) but for their cornering abilities and overall handling. But are they still decently quick? when answering this question, keep in mind that I currently drive a chevy lumina, a speed demon by no means.
How big is the interior? I'm a taller guy, around 6'2" or 6'3". I'll fit comfortably right?
Feel free to add any other important info that I didn't ask about.
Thanks in advance for any advice/answers that you could pass on to me.
05-08-2002, 01:20 AM
#2
Thinking outside da' bun...
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First, convince yourself that you're buying a two seater because the back seats are strictly ornamental to give you a pence or two off on insurance premiums. Second, front seat room is very good and since nobody will be sitting behind you unless you're into mutilation and torture, leg and head room is very good, espec. when you take off the sunroof and go Dino-style. Seriously, Im 5-9 and with the seat completely back I cant touch the pedals.
An inspection cost me $60 or so from an indpendent place I trusted. I'd always look at least two vehicles though before spending money so you have something to compare them to. Who's to say you found a good one on yout first try unless you have a crappy second one to compare it to and vice versa. It took me 7-8 944 Turbos before I found one I felt was well taken care of. God rest my soul had I bought some of the other ones I initially thought were in fairly good shape at the time even with the inspection. With 2-3 cars, you acquire a reference point to base everything on, at least I did. It helped me a lot and the $300 on inspections I spent probably saved me thousands.
944NAs are great handlers. Dont get too cocky at stop lights though as most standard fare jobbers from Nissan and Mitsubishi will take you unless you modify. In the twisties though forget it. And you just look cooler, smarter, and more legitimate in a nice 944 anyway. Not to mention the car is just plain gorgeous.
Most Porsche engines are very durable and 944 exhausts (at least in my case) feels like its built from titanium off an M1A2 -- its 16yrs old and looks brand new. You are buying a lifestyle though so be prepared to pay the price for that lifestyle. If you want complete sensibility, thats why they make Honda Civics.
When you get one, enjoy it and have fun. But drive safely. A true Porsche driver knows hot-******* is for tennyboppers in IROCS and Firebird Formulas who have a terrible case of ***** envy. You need prove nothing, other than you have impeccable taste.
Just my .02
An inspection cost me $60 or so from an indpendent place I trusted. I'd always look at least two vehicles though before spending money so you have something to compare them to. Who's to say you found a good one on yout first try unless you have a crappy second one to compare it to and vice versa. It took me 7-8 944 Turbos before I found one I felt was well taken care of. God rest my soul had I bought some of the other ones I initially thought were in fairly good shape at the time even with the inspection. With 2-3 cars, you acquire a reference point to base everything on, at least I did. It helped me a lot and the $300 on inspections I spent probably saved me thousands.
944NAs are great handlers. Dont get too cocky at stop lights though as most standard fare jobbers from Nissan and Mitsubishi will take you unless you modify. In the twisties though forget it. And you just look cooler, smarter, and more legitimate in a nice 944 anyway. Not to mention the car is just plain gorgeous.
Most Porsche engines are very durable and 944 exhausts (at least in my case) feels like its built from titanium off an M1A2 -- its 16yrs old and looks brand new. You are buying a lifestyle though so be prepared to pay the price for that lifestyle. If you want complete sensibility, thats why they make Honda Civics.
When you get one, enjoy it and have fun. But drive safely. A true Porsche driver knows hot-******* is for tennyboppers in IROCS and Firebird Formulas who have a terrible case of ***** envy. You need prove nothing, other than you have impeccable taste.
Just my .02
05-08-2002, 07:32 AM
#3
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Read up on what to look for. Don't just buy one because its cheap, you'll be sorry. Check Bill's site for more info: <a href="http://944-world.com/" target="_blank">http://944-world.com/</a>
05-08-2002, 08:09 AM
#4
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Also look for a car with good maintenance records,I thinks the cars are relativly fast.Most important its REAL fun to drive 
.If igh mileage see if cluth has been replaced,they are quite expensive, 2k.look at as many as possible.
.If igh mileage see if cluth has been replaced,they are quite expensive, 2k.look at as many as possible.
05-08-2002, 12:42 PM
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UD, hit on the head... But I would look at no less than 4-6.. and if you can travel abit that opens it up.. I did the 2 car thing.. bought a clutch... but the engine had been gone thru for seals and belts... once had a friend say that this is a machine. not a car. He was right. machines have tight tollerances for preformance. cars get you from A to B.. Tight tollerances require care...
05-08-2002, 01:12 PM
#6
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[quote]Originally posted by UDPride:
<strong>First, convince yourself that you're buying a two seater because the back seats are strictly ornamental to give you a pence or two off on insurance premiums. </strong><hr></blockquote>
That is NOT true. Why tell lies? The back seats make EXCELLENT 2nd and 3rd glove boxes!
Tell it like it is!
<img src="graemlins/bigok.gif" border="0" alt="[thumbsup]" /> <img src="graemlins/roflmao.gif" border="0" alt="[hiha]" /> <img src="graemlins/yltype.gif" border="0" alt="[typing]" />
Good luck in finding one. Make sure you take your time and look properly, and don't emotionally fall for one (which will probably happen to the first one you find) and let that cloud your judgment.
-Matt
PS
The second you get your 944 register as a FULL member of Rennlist - will be the BEST investment made in your new Porsche, hands down (I think I speak for us all).
-
<strong>First, convince yourself that you're buying a two seater because the back seats are strictly ornamental to give you a pence or two off on insurance premiums. </strong><hr></blockquote>
That is NOT true. Why tell lies? The back seats make EXCELLENT 2nd and 3rd glove boxes!
Tell it like it is!
<img src="graemlins/bigok.gif" border="0" alt="[thumbsup]" /> <img src="graemlins/roflmao.gif" border="0" alt="[hiha]" /> <img src="graemlins/yltype.gif" border="0" alt="[typing]" />
Good luck in finding one. Make sure you take your time and look properly, and don't emotionally fall for one (which will probably happen to the first one you find) and let that cloud your judgment.
-Matt
PS
The second you get your 944 register as a FULL member of Rennlist - will be the BEST investment made in your new Porsche, hands down (I think I speak for us all).
-
05-08-2002, 01:21 PM
#7
Thinking outside da' bun...
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Matt - I completely dropped the ball. Thanks for correcting me. I use my two seats quite often as well. One of them holds my camera bag and the other holds my coat. Who needs a trunk??? <img src="graemlins/c.gif" border="0" alt="[ouch]" />