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Considering a 944...... but am I mad?
https://forums.tipec.net/viewtopic.php?f=25&t=9919		 Page 1 of 2
Author:  PaulC4S [ Tue Nov 16, 2010 7:07 pm ]
Post subject:  Considering a 944...... but am I mad?
Hi all

First post on the forum and I find myself here due to being pointed in the direction of the 944 buying guide, which at first glance looks a really useful resource along with all the posts here too.

I’m seriously considering whether a 944 could be the answer to a current conundrum as to what car to get for my daily driver. A bit of background may help with understanding my position and answering the questions at the end of the post.

As a family we are in the fortunate position to own and run 3 cars. Currently we have a 996 C4S which is the ‘weekend’ car, bought to keep and not to pile the miles on. The wife currently has an Audi A4 Avant (soon to depart) and I run a Focus ST for the commute to work/visiting clients.

The Focus has performed the family car role since its purchase 9 months ago, the Audi being left behind for family holidays and whenever my wife can get her hands on the Focus when I’m not using it. The Audi is therefore going as it is superfluous to requirements and the wife is going to have the Ford for running around in/the nursery run.

I therefore have a couple of options – buy a boring diesel or something similar to the ST for work using the c£15k we release from the Audi or acquire something, let’s say, a bit more interesting, albeit cheaper, and with a emergency fund for non-routine maintenance (over, say, a £1k a year). The second option will also allow a small chunk to be put away for a rainy day. So.....

If I found a nice 944 S2 or Turbo would I be mad considering it for 12,000 miles per year of commuting and business mileage?

How reliable are these cars given their age? Maintenance costs won’t be a huge issue for me, and I have the luxury of a third car to use if it is off the road, but I’d get bored of the hassle of it being in and out of a garage frequently.

Would I be able to fit a child seat in the back for occasional nursery runs? (Little boy is 3 and already a Porsche fan!)

I assume as well that as with most older Porsche 911’s (where my experience lies) getting any potential purchase inspected by an expert is an absolute must?

I'd probably keep the car for 2-3 years, unless I really caught a bug (as I did with 911's).

I look forward to any views those with experience of these cars has.

Paul
Author:  tr7v8 [ Tue Nov 16, 2010 9:46 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Considering a 944...... but am I mad?
My 944 has now be owned by me for 5 years & for the first 18 months it was my daily driver on a company car allowance. It did 38K in that 18months & aside from servicing it needed a clutch slave cylinder. I am lucky in having no kids so can't answer the question about rug rats in the back.
Author:  Tabman [ Tue Nov 16, 2010 11:17 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Considering a 944...... but am I mad?
I've had my 944 cab for 10 years and done about 130k in as a daily driver.It has only let me down once ( and that was a clutch at 112k ).It gets serviced every year at about 12k with the required belt changes every 50k / 4years.It averages 26 -27 mpg on bog standard unleaded and 12k miles on a set of rear tyres ( currently Falkens , altho have tried Pirellis , contis , goodyear and toyos ).Couldn't comment on rear booster seats , altho it is listed as a 4 seater it really is a 2 + 2 amputees!!
I did not have the car inspected , just looked at it on ramp and did some research on the net.Having said that , Jims guide on this forum is pretty good , depends on how confidant you are of your mechanical skills/knowledge.
Can't beat it for smiles per mile , and the admiring glances you get.
The most important thing is ...........choose the fastest colour!!
Author:  Red Rider [ Wed Nov 17, 2010 1:20 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Considering a 944...... but am I mad?
Think you will be alright with a 3 year old in there..... Seem to remember my two boys in the back of mine when they were around 12/13. Also regularly had an adult in the back sitting sideways. Once you get to like the car - you won't want the kids in there anyway.... :mrgreen:

The 2.5 & 2.7 lux may be better daily drivers as the wheels are narrower and a bit more nifty on steering than the 3.2 which puts down more rubber. There's plenty of good 944's out there, main thing is to get a version with no rust underneath. There is a dealer advertising a 2.5 with 51k miles on the clock that I looked at, a bit over priced at 8k, considering it wasn't valeted and needs at least one wheel refurb, but not bad....

Looking at the deal moneywise, prices are relatively low to buy, so you wouldn't take much of a hit - if any- if you didn't like the car and wanted to sell it on.


Thread here on 944 seatbelts etc...


viewtopic.php?f=25&t=8992
Author:  MisterGT [ Wed Nov 17, 2010 9:23 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Considering a 944...... but am I mad?
PaulC4S wrote:
If I found a nice 944 S2 or Turbo would I be mad considering it for 12,000 miles per year of commuting and business mileage?

I have run my 'S' for the last 2 years and covered over 30k without a single hiccup

How reliable are these cars given their age? Maintenance costs won’t be a huge issue for me, and I have the luxury of a third car to use if it is off the road, but I’d get bored of the hassle of it being in and out of a garage frequently.

See above

Would I be able to fit a child seat in the back for occasional nursery runs? (Little boy is 3 and already a Porsche fan!)

I get an 11 yr old and a 12 yr old in the back of mine, although they grumble a bit on the 300 mile journey to Manchester to see grandparents :lol:

I assume as well that as with most older Porsche 911’s (where my experience lies) getting any potential purchase inspected by an expert is an absolute must?

It certainly helps to take someone along who knows what to look for

I'd probably keep the car for 2-3 years, unless I really caught a bug (as I did with 911's).

You WILL catch the bug :D

Paul
Author:  clubjoker [ Wed Nov 17, 2010 11:18 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Considering a 944...... but am I mad?
Like almost everyone on here, I'm a big fan of these, and have a 968 now as my main car. You're going to get slightly biased views here..

So long as you buy a good one and don't skimp on maintenance, these cars are reliable. But compared to a 996 or Ford Focus, it will seem very, um classic, or antiquated, depending on how you look at it. Personally, I like that, but not everyone's cup of tea.

Have you driven one yet? That's the best way to help you make up your mind!
Author:  PaulC4S [ Wed Nov 17, 2010 1:54 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Considering a 944...... but am I mad?
Thanks for all the comments.

Certainly seem to put to bed any concerns over day to day reliability and being able to cope with high-ish day to day mileage.

In respect of the feel being a bit more 'classic' than any of our current cars, eye's are wide open to that. I have friends and colleagues who run cars of similar vintage and I also tend to have older run about's when in between cars, although this is the first time I have considered a car this old for longterm day to day use.

I'm currently still doing the research on what to look out for, which model will best suit my needs but as suggested driving one (several) will be the decider at the any of the day.

For those that have commented on colour choice - I like the idea of Guards Red. I would not necessarily buy a newer Porsche in this colour as it seems not to be to everyone's liking but it does look good polished/waxed. I also appreciate to get a good car I may not be best served by insiting on a particular colour!

The Audi has a few weeks left before it gets moved on but in the meantime I'll look out for a couple of local cars (sussex) to check out for starters.
Author:  RH944 [ Wed Nov 17, 2010 2:13 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Considering a 944...... but am I mad?
Depending on location in sussex, there are quite a few 944's that turn up to club night.

Bolney Stage Pub just off the A23 south of Crawley. see details on main website.
Next meet is the Christmas meal but many club members can help with advice or drive out!

I know that the OPC in Burgess Hill can offer help and advice on cost etc.
Author:  PaulSmith [ Wed Nov 17, 2010 4:01 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Considering a 944...... but am I mad?
Of course we are all biased in here but a good S2 that is looked after properly will more than fit your bill. We've had our S2 for 13 years now and have taken it from 98k to 202k miles without a single breakdown or problem that has left us stranded without a car. It's been properly serviced every year and if you allow an extra £1000 for MOT or wear and tear issues you won't go wrong. We bought it when our boys were 5 and 8 and we've only just recently bought another vehicle (so they can learn to drive), apart from that they've been in the back with no problems.
Author:  J.J. [ Wed Nov 17, 2010 6:23 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Considering a 944...... but am I mad?
Not if you go into it with your eyes open. My '44 isn't that fast compared to modern machinery. But it sounds as though it is & it seems to be trying! Modern cars leave me a bit cold as they do it all too well. The '44 is like an oversize Lotus 7 & is remarkably similar to drive. But with torque. Don't ignore the humble 2.5's & twin cam S. The condition is the key not the model. These cars are all over 20 years & I've yet to see a rebuilt S2 though quite a few Luxs have had the money spent. I think that with todays parts prices £1500/2K is more realistic for maintenance. I've used mine as a daily drive for 4 years & have only just stopped due to rising fuel costs. Reliable they are. It always starts. You need a good mechanic. Some of the specialists charge silly money for doing very little. But if you join the club talk to some members they will point you in the right direction. Drive a few first for sure. They have great character! :)
A three year old will not need a child seat. Just a slimed down booster cushion (Polystyrene) & a harness clamp to keep the belt tight.
Author:  PaulC4S [ Wed Nov 17, 2010 7:38 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Considering a 944...... but am I mad?
J.J. wrote:
The '44 is like an oversize Lotus 7 & is remarkably similar to drive. But with torque.


Really? In which case, given the enjoyable experience of driving a Caterham down to Le Mans in June, it'll push even more buttons.

Missus has also given the ok to continue down this path, or is it now a slippery slope?
Author:  sstman [ Wed Nov 17, 2010 8:06 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Considering a 944...... but am I mad?
As a daily driver of a 968, I would say 'go for it', they prefer being driven, I had a 'japbox' as my DD, but was still using the 68 out of preference, just get one with history, and use it, cant go wrong.. :D
Author:  PaulC4S [ Thu Nov 18, 2010 4:14 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Considering a 944...... but am I mad?
I've been having a browse round the usual sites with classifieds and started pulling together a few examples of cars that might fit the bill.( Below all on PH)

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2049853.htm

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2180516.htm

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2231949.htm

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2152364.htm

Certainly seems to be a broad range of price and no doubt quality, even moreso than when I was first mulling this over a few weeks ago.

Guards with light interior seems to keep attracting my attention.

I did some research earlier on the insurance side of things and that seems to come in at a reasonable level including business use as well.

Can see us ending up with 4 cars until the Audi goes and me explaning away an early Christmas present to the other half if I get carried away!

Bookmarked plenty of reading on the web for the weekend.........
Author:  JW590 [ Thu Nov 18, 2010 4:55 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Considering a 944...... but am I mad?
Stop dithering and just go and buy one before all the good ones are gone.

I've run mine for five years as a daily driver, taking it from 139000 to 204000 miles with no major problems. Overall, and all things considered, I find it a cheap car to run. I had a new clutch (to replace the original) at 202000. Because I used it as an everyday driver I didn't seem to have any of the problems suffered by the boys who use them as a weekend or even summer only car. You've got to use them. My last tyres lasted 22000 miles, I average 26 - 28mpg, more on a run.

However, I garaged it nearly three weeks ago (first time I've taken it off the road for winter, and it's taxed and MOT'd), and I am now getting worried that I will start to have problems when I take it out again in the Spring - hence me trying to get it insured again and wanting to use it again. The other excuse is that I simply miss it, and as nice as the 525i is ..... it's just not the same. I'll keep the BMW because it's useful, but will have the S2 back on the road before the end of the month.

Every time I walk in to my garage I think "What a waste".

Go-on, get your wallet out!
Author:  J.J. [ Thu Nov 18, 2010 5:10 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Considering a 944...... but am I mad?
The last one is way too cheap. Forget it. It will cost you at least 4K to rebuild the engine & I bet the sills are rusty. Others on the money. But if they don't put you in your seat when you drive them walk away. They should be quite lively. Better to go out in some members ones first so you know what a good one can do. :)
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