Andy_E.

Hi,

I am looking at a local '87 944 Turbo for sale, and it appears to have been maintained quite well. However, it is the guy's daily driver, and he goes 100 miles to work each day. he got it with 30,000mi in '94, and now it has close to 235,000 miles on it. He is asking $6800 for it. What is a fair price? What key things should I look for? I was planning on taking it in and having a compression test, and a detailed check-out. Engine doesn't leak or smoke. Should I just stay away from miles this high ?? Thanks for the advice...

Toolmaster

Hi Andy -

I'd certainly be curious about the maitenence records on this car. If it looks that good, doesn't leak at all, and has immaculate records, it might be a good buy.

I'd be concerned specifically about the waterpump, timing and balance shaft belts, clutch (that's a PITA to change), and potentially motor mounts, brakes, etc. See if you can find out when the above were changed - if they have been.

With that high mileage, chances are the car's been maintained well if it looks that good and doesn't leak at all.

Personally, I'd go with a well maintained and documentedn car that has high mileage over a car with no records and less miles on it any day of the week.

Good luck!

Jay
86 951

Andy_E.

He said that the belts, water pump, motor mounts have all been changed recently. I have never owned a Turbo, is there anything special I need to know or look at for the turbo specifically ?

Dan87951

If he doesn't have receipts for the work that he is telling you has been done, then walk away or offer him less (4k). Porsches do hold up well but with 235k expect to get a lot of little thinks fixed. All them little things add up to big $$$$ fast. Don't forget if the clutch hasn't been done recently right there is 2k of work that it needs. If I were you try and find a good low mileage example for your price range. I know there out there because I have seen them on traderonline, classifieds2000, and ebay. Good Luck with your search.

951and944S

Dan, Man, I'm sorry dude, but I had to laugh when I saw your post..
Sort of knowing the situation and the trials, you've been through lately, when I saw, "All them little things add up to big $$$ fast", I could kinda imagine you in your garaGE looking at the 200k miler and a pile of receipts, and gazing out at the driveway at the low mile "Black Beuty" and just shaking your head.
Keep your head up though dude, you'll get through it...

Terry

Andy E, Kinda have to agree with Toolmaster, as far as, if he has documentation don't be scared of the car.
However there are some awesome cars that can be had with lower miles and no records. I restore salvage cars, for example, and a slight collision, engine fire, or engine damage can total one of these cars, since repair estimates are usually made with dealer parts and labor cost. Don't be afraid of a previously salvage titled car, if properly repaired...

Dan87951

Terry,
Yeah it's a little something like that... hehehe

aka 951

235k is too much for a turbo if you are paying that kind of money. Just about everything will have to be replaced if you drive it how it was supposed to be driven. I'd pay $3500 max if it was mint.

Luke

You're gonna have to replace alot of stuff either way though guy. I bought a 60k miler (86) and I am replacing the tranny as we speak. (seriously, I just got gear box goop all over the key board)

Dan87951

Luke,
you are rebuilding a 60k trans? Abusive are we?

Luke

well its an 80k now. lol. and NO actually alot of people say "HEY! you drive like an old man." or "HEY! you have alot of self-controll!" I think the PO beat the tranny.

That and I think this car has been producing closer to 300 horse for quite some time now.