Advantages: Great handling and reasonable running costs Disadvantages: Can attract unwanted attention
The extravagant claim in the title is based on the fact that these cars no longer depreciate noticeably, and can be driven on classic insurance. They are also very long lived and generally reliable, and don't do too badly on fuel. Essentially you can run an old Porsche for a fraction of the cost of a new Mondeo!
The text below describes the features, weaknesses, and benefits of the 944 model variations.
First a bit of history. The Porsche 944 was introduced in 1983 based largely on the earlier 924 model. However the 944 included many changes and upgrades compared to the earlier model, the most obvious visual clue being the flared wheel arches to cover the wider track of the new model, the air dam and the rear spolier. Perhaps the biggest change however was in the engine department.
The 924 used a VW derived 2 litre engine, but ...
peteshone 10.05.2005 (23.02.2007)
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Ciao members have rated this car review on average: very helpful Review of Porsche 944 Coupe
Advantages: Fun to drive-decent gas mileage Disadvantages: expensive to maintain
I have had two 944s over the past few years. This little review is to forewarn any prospective 944 buyers as to what they might be getting into. I loved these cars. They are fun to drive and somewhat entertaining to work on. If you don't know anything about auto repair or don't want to learn you better have a very good paying job or a sugar daddy. These cars are not cheap to maintain. If you plan on letting a Porsche Shop take care of your maintenance you better just buy a new car. Labor rates on these cars are extremely high and Porsche OEM parts are out of sight.
If you are thinking of buying a 944 you definitely want some documented maintenance history on the car. These models have rubber timing belts and have Zero valve clearance. This means if you break a timing belt the pistons crash into the valves virtually destroying ...
stable.
The price of parts can vary, oil filter, spark-plugs and fuel filters cost the same as most vehicles and can be bought from discount part shops, or from main Porsche dealers for only a small premium. Some none service parts, can however be a lot more expensive. Control arms cost up to £300 per side and need replacing if the ball joints fail. It is also worth pointing out that the cam belt should be replaced every 4 years and the tension checked every year, a job that can not be done at home and will cost about £60 to have an independent Porsche dealer carry out.
If you are buying the car for the badge, go for a 924 2.0 litre as its much cheaper to run, but if you want a 944, simply make sure you get a nice interior, avoid white and look for recent sevice history, oh and also check that the engine builds up oil pressure ...
