marlinspike

Anybody have any thoughts on a 1987 Porsche 924S? Particularly how it stacks up against an e36 BMW 325is or MB 190E 2.6? I am in need of a second car, and it seems like these are all in the same price range. I'm a Benz guy, but it doesn't hurt to branch out. Basically, this car would be doing the duty of providing me with transportation while I wait for parts for my rolling restomod. This could be as much as 2 weeks at a time, but I don't want something that I'm going to have to sink a lot of money into (I'm willing to let things like A/C go).

M758

It all depend on the condition of the car to start with. These cars can be rock solid or junk. How much do you have to spend up front?

BTW... A 924S is really the same as a 944 with narrow fenders. Prices tend to be bit les and sometimes there are fewer options.

marlinspike

I'm going on the cheap...on the real cheap. I sorta know what I'm getting into with that side of things in general, but some cars just have quirks (like with MB, if you buy a 300E you WILL be doing a headgasket at some point). He's asking $1900. Haven't seen it yet, so not sure what I'll offer. As far as he tells me, the only non-cosmetic problem is that a mechanic told him it has bad synchros and the end-result is you have to pause when shifting into 2nd and 3rd.

I_am_imprezed

my 924s was very reliable when i first bought it. Aside from the clutch going bad, and balance shaft seal and massive power steering leak..nvm i guess it wasnt so reliable. Heres the deal, get one thats been drivin and not just sitting around and you should be fine. When these cars sit all the rubber goes bad and then you're in trouble. The synchro thing would bother me to the point of not buying the car. Anything major with engine/tranny/steering would push me away. Suspension/brakes/tires etc is not a big deal for an old car but it needs to be solid. You can get a solid 924S for $1,900 btw..just gotta keep looking.

marlinspike

Re: solid 924S for $1900, not around here you can't.

I figured I could just match revs to help the synchros, and eventually replace the trans.

It's a moot point now anyways...now that I see my rent check hasn't been deducted from my account yet.

white924s

I've had mine for about 4.5 years so far. As far as reliability, it has only really stranded me twice - once the battery died and once the reference sensor connection came loose and I couldn't fix it due to a broken hood cable. For a (almost) 24 year old car, I think that that's not bad.

That being said, I've also done a lot of work on my car since I bought it, which helps reliability. I would suggest that you definitely get one that's driven regularly and also do a PPI on it first - these cars can have nasty, expensive "surprises."

M758

This car will be junk. Most 944 or 924S uder 3500 need work. Some more than others, but if you but it and drive it without doing anything it will be a POS. Maybe not right away, but it will be.

Buy a nicer car or buy an ok one and put some time and money in and it will be rock solid.

marlinspike

See...the thing is...I have a nice rolling restomod. What I'm looking for is something to use for that 1-2 weeks at a time when my nice project is waiting for parts. I started out with a $1k cap, moved it up a bit but not a whole lot...basically think Top Gear vintage challenge car.

thirdgenbird

get an e21. it will be much more reliable than a cheap 924s or 944

genikz

I bought my 924S for $1100. A simple tune-up and it's been going strong for 3 years running now. 164k miles and counting...

i did have to replace my fuel pump relay once, but that's par for the course and only cost $15.

Jay Gratton

You will spend a lot more then $$$ if that is what he is selling it for. Buy Matt Romanowski's 924 and it is ready to go and it is set up for AX/DE too. Take a look at the ad on this forum.

Todd951968

I bought a '90 325is BMW E30 with 140k miles that has been remarkably reliable for the past 3+ years. I added racing springs and sport shocks and it handles fantastic on the track. It shares time on the track and is often my daily beater. Its easliy as fast as the contemporary 924S/944's , as fun to drive, and has more room.


oops! didn't realize how old this thread was. What did you end up getting?