sup guys new to the whole porsche seen but im gonna buy my first car and came across some 944's. well to get to the question there is a '86 turbo going for $4000, '84 with 70k for $3500, and a '84 for $3000 was wondering which car would be the better pick? oh yeah and there is a '85 going for like $7000 but its a bit pricey. any replys would be helpful thanks.

 

$4000 seems a little low for a 951(944 turbo), it may need more than what you pay for the car in repairs.

 

Ok, the turbo's price is really really cheap which would leave me to belive that there is something not right with it.... the 84's price isn't to bad.... and that has nice low milage.... I would personally go check out the 85... it might be expensive but that is for one of two reasons... One, its in really nice condition, or two, the guy is dilusional about a not so great car.... Personally I would steer away from a turbo that is under about 10k... now don't get me wrong, I definately love the bargin, but what is that guy thinking? Good luck... and just remember, you might be able to afford the car.... but can u afford the upkeep.... I learned that lesson very quickly when I purchased my 87 S.....

 

yeah thats kinda what i thouht but what about the other 944's think there to cheap to. well i gotta take a look at them later on today but just needed some advice from people that knew about these cars.

 

i would liek to say get a turbo, if its your first car it might not be your best choice. I've had an NA for almost 2 years and it has been fun all along. but at some point your going to be like.... "man i just really need a turbo".

 

sorry but one more question is there anything in particular i should be looking for when buying these cars besides the rust and dents.

 

Service records are always good to look for. Ask about belts, hoses, pumps, the clutch (master and slave cylinders).

I paid under 10k for my 951 ($8,000), but I got a really good deal for a special circumstance (PO leaving the country). No major problems since then. But $4,000 is VERY low for a 951, I'd be skeptical.

 

oh yeah sorry guys i forgot the 951 doesnt have ac does that make a big difference?

 

I got my 951 for $5500 with a salvage title. Four grand for a turbo seems really low. Go check it out tho', if it's in good shape, it's a steal. Where is it? I could use another in my stable If not, could be good for parts.....

 

Peckster put it so well "there are few things more expensive than a cheap Porsche". You can have my car for $6,500. You will not find many in better condition, with the type of modifications mine has.

Now, let me turn off "sell mode". You want to know as much about this cars history as you about the way it is now. A well maintained car is a joy to own-a neglected one can suck your will to live. The N/A cars are a little less complicated than the S, S2, and Turbo cars. Make sure the timing belt has been changed, how old is the clutch, etc.

Another way to look at it would be to find the average price for a mint car. Let's say $10,00 for an 86 944 Turbo for arguments sake. Don't get mad turbo guy's, it's an example. Look over the one you are considering-what does it need? Paint=$2,500, tires= $750-$1000, timing belt=$700-$800, etc.

Whichever type of 944 you pick-take your time and find a nice example. Definately have a pre-purchase inspection done. Buy the nicest car you can afford-not the lowest priced car you can find.

 

Ben brings up an excellent point - especially for a newbie. You will pay more dollars on the front end of the deal for one that is better maintained, PM done,service records and receipts, etc.

You will save not having to shell out 2-3 grand immediately to catch up PM.

Get a PPI from a reputable mechanic/ dealer. this should answer most of your questions as to "which one".

 

sorry guys but what does a pm and a ppi mean?

 

PM--Preventative Maintanence

PPI--Pre Purchase Inspection

 

ON THE CONTRARY, a friend bought a 944T about 4-5 yrs ago for around 5k which needed a new Turbo. Other then that, it was a sunroof-delete Red with some sort of gold fuchs option and pin-striping, brown full-leather w/ tan carpet, and sport suspension option. The car took about 2k to have running strong, and after about 3k over the years he has replaced the wastegate (upgrade) and sorted out some other issues (vacuum, dual chipped, suspension, etc.)

The car is now for sale again for double the purchase price. ~10-14k, I forget.

Not to mention, it has the only uncracked BROWN dash I've ever seen in a late 944.

 

They are both a BFD, you should get the PPI, PDQ, and i mean ASAP-that way the PM will be AOK.