Faults:

When I bought the car, it needed an new head gasket, which after seeing what a dealer or reputable dealer would charge, I decided to do it myself, and it wasn't easy, but at the same time, completable by the home mechanic with some general car knowledge!!

Also the brake wear sensors went bad; easy fix, but for a 25 year old car, nothing unexpected has gone wrong. As with any older car, some things will need to be replaced.

General Comments:

Overall, it's been a great car. If you take care of it, it will run good for you.

I can't tell you how many comments I get from strangers almost every day on the styling of the 944; it's truly a beautiful car!

Unless you get the turbo model, you won't beat any American V8's in a straight line, but you will beat any car in the curves, I've had new C5 Vettes that couldn't hang with me in the corners, and I'm not joking; buy one, and you'll see that a rear mounted trans and the engine up front, gives the car perfect balance.

You can't go wrong with a Porsche 944!

You can easily get 28-32 mpg.

Faults:

Nothing unusual.

General Comments:

1985 944. Car was a one owner Euro. Paid $4K. Owned for 8 years now. Took the state of North Carolina 2.5 years to give me a title because it's a Euro.

I drive the car semi~daily for a grocery getter and make semi~regular trips of 650 miles round trip in one day to pick up my daughter from college for long weekends. I also use the car semi~frequently for short business trips, 300 miles and cross country excursions to my parents home 920 miles each way, through the middle of nowhere!! Best time to date 11hrs 45 min. Including stops, traveling alone. You do the math.

It's just a joy to have around. These are great cars if maintained and kept up. Pay me now or pay me more later. Great enthusiast car. Don't buy junk so you can tell your neighbor you have a Porsche because it is not a $50000 status symbol, buy the best one you can get with service records, know what to look for ie timing belt, water pump, seals, bearings, R134AC, ETC, and don't plan on taking it to the Porsche dealer for service. If you can afford that, you can afford something else.

Buy it because it is a bargain and learn to maintain and enjoy it. The reason there are junkie ones out there is because they get bought by people that don't know what an old car is all about. Otherwise leave them to those that like them and buy a Honda, Jetta, or Vette or just keep your SUV.

Faults:

Previous owner didn't really take care of this car, the interior is a mess, a cinder block fell onto the car but luckily it hit the windshield and that absorbed the impact and the top end of the hood took very minor damage as a result. Rest of the body was surprising in very good condition for a car of this age, I don't think I found any rust actually. Engine in good condition.

Dash is cracked.

Sunroof motor malfunctioning.

Haven't discovered what's wrong but power transfer at first gear is very poor and limiting how much I can enjoy this car.

Hood and trunk lift don't do any lifting.

Needs a battery box. Didn't have one when I got it.

Hand break is in a rather annoying spot.

I haven't really done much on this car yet, I'm only 23 so I don't have that much income for costly repairs which I expect this car will need. However, all should be taken care of by end of the summer. :)

General Comments:

Lots of room for driver and passenger, back seats aren't for anyone over 4 feet tall. Was much more comfortable to drive than the Miata since I'm a pretty big guy.

Definitely a head turner, people won't tell you that your car is heterosexually challenged like my '89 Miata. Everything on this car looks good, I planned on getting new rims but the stock one still look amazing and is making the decision harder.

Handles very well for such a heavy car. Very stable at all speeds.

Car can be expensive to maintain if you just bring it to a dealer, a lot of minor problems are DIY and will save you a bundle, this car is definitely worth it however.