zerokreap

The first Porsche I ever drove was a 944S2. It was a buddy's, and he let me drive it on a couple of road trips we took back in college...I love it! Of course, I thought that if I liked the 944 I would love the 911 even more. After 15 years of saving up and studying the 911, I drove an 89 3.2 this weekend. Well, I was not impressed. I didn't feel like I had enough leg room and I was not impressed with the torque. It was a high mileage (128k), and judging by the oil pressure gauge it was probably in need of some major engine work. So I have not given up on the 911 all together...although the cramped nature was a deal-breaker on the 3.2s (are the 964s any roomier?). I am going to drive a few more (a 964 in particular), but I got to thinking that perhaps I just like the 944/968 platform more. I know that probably sounds crazy, but I drove a nice 968 example today. Man, I really liked it. The problem is that I just do not know much about these cars. Can anyone give me the lowdown on problem areas and things to consider when purchasing?

Thanks in advance for any advice!

mikemyers924s

If you loved it then, you'll probably love it now! I bought my 944 for almost the exact same reason, a buddy owned it for a long time and I always lusted after it. When he had to sell, I was happy to buy. It's nice having an affordable dream car! It's common practice to get a pre purchase inspection done. It will save you headaches in the future. Some things to look for:
Timing belt (a pain to replace)
Clutch life/if it has a rubber center or spring center clutch (I am in the middle of a clutch replacement right now and it has been a very unpleasant process, so a newer -non rubber center- clutch is nice)
Check that all the electronics work properly or at least to your satisfaction.

Those are the only 3 major things I can think of right now. I love the 944 and it's worth the occasional headache imho. If I was you I'd do a search on this site for other threads regarding what to look for before you buy. I've seen dozens so they're out there if you look. Good luck! Keep us posted on what you decide on!

J Berk

Definately do a search and get a PPI

alsoneed to check the timing chain tensioner pads... They can fall apart if old and tear up your head.

Van

Go with the one you love more - things break on old cars, and if you love it, you're more likely to forgive it's little idiosyncrasies/faults.

pontifex4

This is so true. Also, Van made a lot of great videos on common maintenance tasks that you can find here and on YouTube. The S2 is a terrific car.

mytrplseven

Rule of thumb on these cars: If you see an oil leak coming from the engine, 99% probability it's a rubber seal. Ergo all the other rubber seals are the same age and have hardened as well. Expect more oil leaks in the near future. On two of the 3 944's I've owned, I've gone through the engine and replaced all the rubber seals at the first sign of a leak. Never regretted it. That includes the little ones in the throttle body shaft (vacuum leak source).

zerokreap

Should a lower-mile (55k) example of a 968 need a transmission or top engine rebuild?

Van

Not if it's been well taken care of.

zerokreap

Thanks for the feedback everyone. I have my eye out for a good example. I will definitel ypost pics when the purchase it made!

Cheers