Hello,

I'm just looking for a Porsche 944 as my second car. I've had a 1989 Nissan Pulsar as "my" first car, with two other hand me downs before that (A 1994 Dodge Caravan, and a 2000 Chevy Impala).

I've really enjoyed the sportiness of the Pulsar, as well as the feel of the drive. A friend of mine thinks a 944 is a good idea for a new car for me, and I do believe I concur.

I was wondering, however, if it really is as good an idea as it seems - Assuming a reasonably well maintained car, what are common things likely to break on a car of this age (assuming the 85.5ish and later)?

I can't thank you enough for the help!

-Fred

 

Hey Fred.... 944's are great cars, but they have their list of good and bad. First thing to look for is the timing belt, water pump, rollers, etc. These are one of the main things that 944 need. If the timing belt breaks game over and time for a costly repair. Find out if the previous owner replaced those items. Also - find out about the clutch. The 944 originally came with a rubber centered clutch that tends to break apart over time. That is probably one of the most expensive repairs aside from a rebuild.

As for common things to break... Well you are buying a 20 year + old car. I would say anything could go wrong you just never know... If all the maintenance has been done (belts, clutch etc... I'd figure at least $1K per year for repairs/maintenance. Sometimes odd stuff just goes... (my radio doesn't work - no good reason... it just quit...)

If you are patient and can let the car sit for a few months if something goes wrong then it is a great second car.

If you search this forum and also visit http://www.clarks-garage.com and http://944-world.com/buying_a_944.html these should give you plenty of info to make a decision.

Hope this helps...
Rob

 

All I suspected! Thanks for the reply, I'll be sure to check out the links.

I've heard many of these things before, but validation is always a nice thing. It'll start out, possibly, as a second car.

-Fred

 

I looked at a 1986 the other day which was in great shape.

It had a bit of water in the rear hatch area, so the option codes wheren't visible. It may have a limited slip, so thats a big deal! Does anyone have a way to get the option codes some other way?

It did have, however, two dime sized pieces of rust, one on the driver side door, and one on the rear hatch. Im getting different reports of how bad that is.. is it that bad?

Thanks for the help!

-Fred

 

The option code sticker isn't anywhere that water could cover it, it is right underneath the drivers side hatch pin on the inside of the rear body panel.

If you can get the VIN, I can look up the options in PET.

 

Oh no, it got damp and the sticker came loose, folded upwards, and erased itself.

A bit mysterious, but not unsual for a BC car to be soaked. My car smells like mold on the inside just from the rainwater and snow from my shoes.

If I take another look at the car, ill get the VIN number. Thanks!

-Fred

 

If the rear interior is soaked, then that means the sunroof drain tubes are probably clogged as well as the drain tubes from the rear hatch pins, and the exit points out of the rear fender wells.

If the front floors are soaked, then the front sunroof drains are probably clogged, along with the rear firewall area drains. A rotten battery box will also cause leaking into the interior.

Shoot me the vin when you get a chance, and i'll get some option codes off it.