balefire

Current relatively happy owner of a 996 40th, but the miles are climbing as well as the maintenance.

Now considering a well maintained 944 NA with 125k miles to offload some miles from my 996 and use instead as my DD.
Ive read a bunch of threads here.
Is this idea crazy?

laneskelton

I commute in my 944 NA one day a week and love it. My commute is about 120 miles round trip.

Van

They're great cars. But, they're also 30 years old. Are you the type that embraces "adventures" when they come your way? Because, things will always happen to older vehicles.

EliteThink

Not crazy, drive it forever.

BeerBurner

What's your repair budget? Also, do you do your own work?

I love my 944 and it is the most reliable car that I currently own but I cannot deny that it is an antique and antique cars tend to be more prone to having things break. I also accept that my 944 is probably more reliable and better cared for than the average one.

My 944 isn't quite a DD but I put about 40-45% of my annual mileage on it, including multiple road trips as it is our road trip car. (And, for the record, back in late 2012, I put 2,004 miles on it in 14 days, including two weekend trips to Pennsylvania and another weekend trip to Maine so I have complete faith in the car.) I don't mind it because I can do any needed work myself and I have another car to drive should it break. Since you have the 996 as a potential backup, that would go a long way towards making DD'ing a 944 more practical.

Anyway, if I already had a 996 and was willing to either turn wrenches or pay someone else to do it, I'd have no issues whatsoever DD'ing a 944. The key is to make sure that you get a solid one because one that has been subjected to defferred maintenance can be painful. It'll still be more expensive than a Civic or something, but I'd gladly spend the extra to stay out of a Civic...

BB.

V2Rocket

Been DDing mine since 2006...
problems and hiccups along the way, but the last 4-5 years have been nearly trouble-free.

biggest problem i currently face is making it quieter on the highway.

odonnell

Do it, you're already ahead of the game by doing your research. It's a gas saver too... I average 30-32 highway in my NA with manual steering, AC delete, 16" rims and a long 5th. Daily driven to class and to work.

Phantoms

Not crazy! I've been DDing my S2 for 5 years and 26,000 miles on a highschool/ college budget. I do most of the maintenance my self and I have never once broken down. Take care it and it'll take care of you.

Dougs951S

Been DD'ing various 944 variant cars for coming on 5 years now. Do it.

MAGK944

We are all a little crazy here daily driving 25+ year old cars. Crazy is good! Join the crazy clan!

I actually prefer driving my 944na to my 996. Yes the effortless 300hp of the 996 is great to have but I like how the 944 makes you work for it and rewards you when you get it right.

StoogeMoe

The best part is the 944 engine doesn't have an IMS bearing and 5 chains to control the valves!

Sterlingx2011

I was putting 250 miles a week on mine before replacing the radiator with little or no problem. Now I'm putting 250 miles a week on it and considering doing a little light autocross on the weekends.

Arominus

I've put 10k on my s2 in 10 months with just an oil change. The Cars are reliable if they are up on maintance

Erzengal

They are good fairly simple cars that would work well for a daily depending on how many miles you plan on doing each year.
The Timing Belt interval I like to do every 36k/3yrs, so while I do DD mine, if you do a ton of miles you might want something different.
If you are driving <12k/yr It'll work well, just make sure it's checked out first, and up to date on maintenance. I'd also make sure you have a newer DME relay in it as well.

mazdaverx7

If the 944 is properly maintained it will be a very reliable daily driver. They are no harder on maintenance than many other cars their age and the reward the enthusiast driver with an excellent ride and performance with reasonable fuel economy.

I would recommend looking at and driving some examples in your area and seeing if they are a good fit for you. I drive my early 85 almost daily and I maintain it myself. I have never been stranded in the car nor has it broken down on me.