Best car I've owned in 25 years of driving
Timing belts. Get ready for regular maintenance here, or don't buy the car.
Regular maintenance items.
Only hooked to a tow truck one time, and I told the mechanic before-hand to fix the problem - a wheel bearing froze.
OMG.
Outstanding in every way - but maintenance will average about $200 per month.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 24th July, 2007
Porsche, there is no substitute
The transmission was in need of some repair.
Fuel pump.
New timing belt (this was done as a preventive measure).
Balance shaft seals, and several belt tensioners.
I bought this car to replace my 84' 944. I was having some minor issues with the 84' that were corrected in the 1985.5 upgrade to the 944 line.
I've been a Porsche 944 fan since they showed up in the U.S. back in 83'. I'm now on my 2nd one and still loving the way the car fits like a glove.
The power curve seems to pick up at about 3800 rpm. Until then, you may just as well be driving a late 80's Camry with the 4 cylinder motor.
As stated in every other review, this car handles like nothing else. It is extremely forgiving when pushed to the limit.
The exterior design is pure automotive genius.
It does require good maintenance to keep it from becoming a huge burden. Just be sure to change the timing belt every 30K and keep your eye on the water pump and oil cooler and this car will never let you down.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 30th March, 2007
An attainable classic that needs constant care, but is worth it
The front right strut is leaking and needs to be replaced.
The rear tires are old and starting to crack, and the brakes wore out rather quickly.
Also the hood release lever snapped, although I can still pop the hood by pulling the cable.
I used to own a 1985 Honda Accord, inherited from my grandparents, and finally decided I needed something with a little more speed, style, and class. I was looking mostly at early 90s Corvettes, however, when I saw the 1986 Porsche 944 online, I had to have it. The previous owner was a member of Porsche Club of America, and took very good care of it. The paint is original, everything in good shape. I will need to put about 1200 dollars into it soon, but I don't mind. The car handles beautifully. I live on the California coast, and taking this baby up and down the Pacific Coast Highway is a dream. There is not a lot of low end power, but once the RPMs get over 3500-4000 it really starts to pull. I am about 6'2" so it is a bit of squeeze getting into the car, but once I am in I have plenty of room. Now most people say this, but I will reiterate it; just because 944s are cheap to purchase, they are still a Porsche when it comes to repairing them. I know I would have to put money into it when I bought it, but was still surprised by how much. $1200 for new front struts, tires, and front brakes. I am not very mechanically inclined, and just getting all the fluids checked, changed, etc. cost me $80.00 at a local tire and brake service shop. However, when it all comes down to it, when I walk out of my house or out of work and see my Guard's Red Porsche waiting for me, and I get to unlock the doors and be the one to get in, and drive off, it is all worth it.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 6th February, 2007
31st Mar 2010, 21:07
I completely agree. I have owned an '86 Guards Red 944 for a year now and fall more in love with this car everyday. It is an awesome handling car. True to the Porsche engineering. There are other cars out there that will out accelerate it, but few can match it in the turns.
I drove mine on the "Tail of the Dragon" in the NC/TN mountains. The road is 318 turns in 11 miles. This car never once slid or felt as if it would lose control, and that was taking the turns at about 10-20 mph above what the recommended speed was.
If you want a car that is a blast to drive as well as getting some heads to turn, then get a 944. I actually had someone ask me at a gas station if it was actually a Porsche. When I said yes, they were in awe. Well worth the money.