Edward

Hello all!

I'm seeking advice on behalf of my brother-in-law who's looking at 1986-89 NA 944. What is the general feeling regarding the 2.5 vs. the 2.5S vs. the 2.5S2 vs. the 2.7 ???

I'd appreciate feedback on:

1. overall reliability among these models
2. drivability/feel between the different engines
3. known issues/bugaboos/desirable features
4. reasonable price differences between each of these models
5. anything else that would help me refine my search

Thanks, all!!!

Edward

*Rothmans*

Hey Eddy:
Just like a 911, they always say this in Excellence:
Buy the latest model in the best condition that you can afford.
You will find if you drive the cars, you will notice the differences in their personalities.
Eliminate the bad ones that don't look or feel right, so when "the one" comes by, you will be happy with the purchase.
I would personally go for a 1989 944 2.7 or if you can afford one, a turbo 944 (the best bang for the buck on the planet!)
I don't like the multivalve cars, I don't know why....
Have fun! <img src="graemlins/burnout.gif" border="0" alt="[burnout]" />

JGriff

[quote]Originally posted by Edward:
<strong>Hello all!

I'm seeking advice on behalf of my brother-in-law who's looking at 1986-89 NA 944. What is the general feeling regarding the 2.5 vs. the 2.5S vs. the 2.5S2 vs. the 2.7 ???

I'd appreciate feedback on:

1. overall reliability among these models
2. drivability/feel between the different engines
3. known issues/bugaboos/desirable features
4. reasonable price differences between each of these models
5. anything else that would help me refine my search

Thanks, all!!!

Edward</strong><hr></blockquote>


Just a quick correction to help you with your search...

The S is a 2.7 liter, and the S2 is a 3.0 liter, both of which have a 16 valve head. Naturally, the S2, with the largest engine, makes the most power of all the normally-aspirated engines.

Good luck.

Jim

Michael Stephenson

This website is a great place to start: <a href="http://www.connact.com/~kgross/FAQ/944faq.html" target="_blank">944 FAQ</a> I printed out the entire site and read it several times when I was looking for my car.

Also, Peter Morgans book “Original Porsche 924/944/968” has lots of good information and real good pictures.

All 944’s have issues with the cam and balance belts as well as the front ball joints.

The “S” and the “S2” (the engine in an S2 is 3 liters) both have 16 valves and there are some issues with the cam chain tensioner located under the cam cover. This is the biggest problem with these cars, but it is only a problem if you neglect regular maintenance. For more information on this subject go here: <a href="http://boerger.golden-tech.com/images/cam_chain_tensioner_replacement.htm" target="_blank">"S" & "S2" Chain Tensioner</a>

The most sought after features are the M030 Sports Suspension and the LSD tranny. Sport seats are also nice. Not a lot of cars have these options.

The S2 and the most of the Turbo models have ABS and Air Bags. I think that the 89 944 had them as well, but I am not real sure. While the advantage having the Air Bags is under constant debate, the ABS brakes are always a good thing.

I personally like the S2 because it has the brakes, suspension, and body of the Turbo. It is also the fastest and most expensive of the non-Turbo 944’s, often costing more than a good Turbo model. For city driving, it is hard to beat as it has good torque throughout the entire RPM range.

Best thing to do is to go drive a few – even the Turbo model.

On whichever model you guys decide, be prepared to do a little wrenching as these cars need to be maintained. Also be prepared to spend about $2,000 on immediate maintenance items, such as belts, cosmetics, etc.

Happy Hunting.

rpm's S2

You should definitely buy a 1989 944S2.
Biased, me? Biased? Nonsense!

Seriously, Michael's and Rothman's advice is on the nose. When I went looking for a 944 I looked at turbos and 2.5/2.7 cars, and then wound up buying my S2, not necesarily because I wanted an S2 but because it was the nicest car I found in my price range. If I had found a turbo in the same condition I probably would have bought it.
I think that maintenance history and records, pre-purchase inspections, and gut feelings are probably more important than the differences between the various post-85.5 944s. However, if you must have the fastest 944, or plan to seriously modify your car for the street or track, a turbo is probably the best place to start.

Edward

Thanks for the feedback guys...I appreciate it!

Jim, thanks for the correction

Yeah, I know what you mean about "buying the latest you can afford" as P-cars really "evolve" more than any other marque. What I've noticed in my hunt is that the S, for obvious reasons, tends to command higher prices...even more so for the S2 (again, seems obvious why). Should I infer, then, from some of your recommendations here that the S is "worth" the extra $$, and the S2 is worth that much more, condition and PPI being equal, of course? (though I AM partial to the S2 body/brakes goodies).

I'm trying to steer my brother-in-law into a good, reliable car that won't get him into a whole lot financial hurt, and he's not a DIY-er. My point: is there any advantage, from a reliability standpoint, among the 2.5, 2.7(non-S), S, and S2? TIA, people. Again, your experience and feedback are welcome!!!

Edward

Michael Stephenson

I do not think that any of these cars is inherently more or less reliable than the others.

I think that it is more of an issue of how well the individual cars have been maintained. There are a lot fewer S’s, and S2’s and they were sold at a premium price when they were new, so I think that they tend to be better maintained than the 2.5 and 2.7’s. Of course that is a sweeping generalization and there are real beauties and real dogs in all of the models.

These are older cars and they will all have issues – I would look at the overall condition of the car (I think that the interior is a good indicator), the initial price and the results of the PPI.

Edward

Thanks all. I appreciate the input!!!


Edward

MAS

The 944S is not the 2.7 liter!

The 944s is a 16 valve 2.5 liter. The 2.7 liter was the 8 valve 944 that was produced for only one year 1989. All the 1989 "regular" 944 cars in 1989 had the 2.7 liter engine with the 8 valves.

-MAS

THE Mike D.

He could just buy mine:







I do have an ad in the classifieds that has the details. <img src="graemlins/roflmao.gif" border="0" alt="[hiha]" />

Mike D.

rfuerst

I agree with what everyone is saying here,buy the best Porsche you can find in the price range you can afford,do not be in a hurry.When I was looking I looked at many before finding my 1987-944S,I was not looking for a S but it was in good shape and in my price range.The only thing that concerns me in the statements you have made is you do not want your brother to get into a car that will cost him lots of money,plus he is not a do it yourselfer.While I love my car,if I was not able to do much of the work myself I would not be able to afford it.Regular maint. items like water pump,timing and balance shaft belts,cam chain tensioner for the 16V cars and so on can easily rack up thousands of dollars if done by the dealer.Good luck in the search. <img src="graemlins/beerchug.gif" border="0" alt="[cheers]" />