M3 Defector

I know I'm going to pay for this question..

I'm interested in parents' opinions, not that these will be the sole factor in my decision.

We are a Porsche family and the 944 seems to be a great value. We are paying half and he is lobbying hard for an NA 944. Frankly, I'm in love with the idea too. In an attempt to take my emotion out of the equation I'm posing a question here.

My son has raced Rotax Challenge karts, has immense respect for road cars and is very responsible. (please just assume this is all true)

The price is right, the marque is definitely right, but is it safe enough?

I've read the long threads about 944 safety, so I'm not asking for more opinions about that.

The question is, "Is this car safe enough for your son/daughter and why?"

Thanks!
Don

Arominus

They seem to take a hit pretty well from what i've seen, get a later one with airbags if it makes you feel better. I'd say its a good choice, low power, great handling, if hes great in carts it will be a great transition for him. He can step into DEs and autocross easily.

Sterlingx2011

Well one that comes equipped with ABS and airbags will probably hold up okay in a crash. I get a lot of my spares from a wrecking yard dealing pretty much exclusively in higher end cars and I have seen 944s that have been trashed in all number of ways where the driver walked away all right.

The only thing that would keep me personally from okaying the idea would be the cost of ownership of a 944 compared to the cost of purchase.

16valver

Well, its not like these cars are deathtraps. They're well built, even compared with todays mass produced eco-boxes. With good tires and trustworthy maintenance, they are very capable of handling everyday dangerous traffic conditions with ease. Maybe even better than an eco-box. I have no objections.

Tom R.

What is the alternative? "Safe" is a relative term. Accident avoidance, or accident survival? in 1977 it was probably more survivable than many other cars available. That's 37 years ago. How safe is a 77 911 in a head on collision? Probably safer than a 1960 VW microbus...

When the Fiero came out in 1984 it was arguably more survivable than the 944. Is a 944 more survivable than an E36? I say no. In 2014 the basic Ford Focus probably offers better occupant protection the Fiero or 944, and may have more HP too!

This topic was beaten to death ten years ago, and new cars have only gotten safer since then.

BikePilot

I'd be completely fine with it. They are plenty safe and will certainly be more capable of avoiding an accident than most cars (better turning/stopping).

Justin S2

I bought my S2 myself when I was 15. It has ABS, airbags and turbo brakes (stops incredible well). It is about ~$20 cheaper a month than a regular NA 944. I have learned a lot about mechanics from it and it helped me to get into the engineering mindset.

odonnell

I bought my NA at 20 and I'm the same way - it's taught me how to work with my hands and solve problems myself (because I can in no way afford to take it to a shop!)

Also an engineering student, it's helped give me a thirst for knowledge in that area and I love seeing classroom knowledge cross over to the real world. I wrote my fluid mechanics final paper on 944 oil flow

fejjj

Tell your wife that fejjj says it is a good idea!💃💃

Paulyy

From a ex teenager point of view:

Bare in mind that the laws in Australia with probatonary licences are 1 million times more strict then the US.

I had my turbo when i was 17 (licence when i was 18)

It's a good car, you have to respect the car though. It's no DSM POS or honda..
Get him the one with the updated interior, just looks a lot cleaner.
Safety wise? never had an accident with it.. but having big brakes (Turbo) it stops great!

Just keep it maintained well and please don't skip on genuine parts!!!

LuigiVampa

I think the most important question is what is the second choice if the 944 get vetoed? Will the second choice be much safer?

As has been mentioned newer cars are safer. I hate to go against the grain but when I think about all the stupid things I did when I first got my license I wonder how I am here. Perhaps your son or daughter has more respect for their life than the average teenager.

Give your kid a year - the car will still be there and he/she will get to be a better driver in the interim. Just my opinion.

M3 Defector

Thanks everyone! Wife wants him in a Volvo 240 wagon!! Which, honestly is a pretty cool car, but I'm partial to another Porsche in the family

JimV8

Excellent point. What is choice 2. The 944 advantage is as someone said (built like a brick**ithouse) and one that handles rather well. I let both my kids take the 944 out for extended drives.

Dougs951S

My first car was a 944 I bought myself on my 17th birthday. Since then ive owned 4 944 variant cars, I think they make great machines for young pups that know how to respect a vehicle.

Eric85.5944NA

I approve. Actually, I bought my ex-1985.5 NA back for $1k for our son when he was that age. He not only learned how to work on the car, but how to drive stick as well. After a fresh paint job, new tires and stereo, he absolutely loves the car and is proud to call it his own. Not bad for a nearly 30 year old car!