1986 Porsche 944 Turbo 2.5 Intercooled turbo

Summary:

The more you drive this car- the more obsessive the ownership experience becomes

Faults:

Oil, coolant leaks abound.

Seats, dash worn badly.

Power mirrors need to be rewired.

Sunroof leaks, and partially operable.

Poor road conditions resulted in bent tie rod end.

Shifter in need of refreshing (bushings, adjust linkage)

General Comments:

Seriously fast in stock form, rivaling 90% of new cars built today.

Decent fuel consumption.

Turbo boost is addictive, with intense pull at full boost- other vehicles just disappear rapidly.

Timeless good looks, that never fails to turn heads even today- I still cannot find a single bad angle to view this car at.

Handling is what you would expect from cars costing $100,000 or more.

Extremely easy to self-service.

Build quality is excellent throughout.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 3rd January, 2005

25th May 2005, 23:23

My experience with my 1986 Turbo was that I was down $12,000 in repairs in maintenance in 2 years. Yes, it's a great car to drive, but part of the "obsessiveness" will be in regard to the amount it costs to service a car like this.

I owned mine from 1998 until 2000 - 100,0000 miles until 126,000. They were fun - and very expensive miles.

25th Oct 2005, 23:25

"Extremely easy to self-service."

What service have you been performing? This car is easily one of the most complex front-engine cars from the 80's. I have come to terms with the fact that physical injury will often result from working on my 951.

In reply to 25th Oct 2005, 23:25

14th Aug 2012, 22:39

I have a 1986 944 Turbo. I am experiencing the following problem. Sometimes it will crank up, I drive about, then stop, park and go to dinner etc., and the car will not start. I have put a good bit of money and time into this car. I am wondering if anyone else has experienced this problem? I am thinking it is either fuel pump or ignition issue.

1986 Porsche 944 turbo

Summary:

On top of the driving world... in my Porsche

Faults:

Sunroof not working.

Power mirrors inoperable.

Car overheated, due to leaking radiator hose.

Timing belt in desperate need of replacement.

Cooling fan thermo switch not working.

Dash cracked.

Seats very worn, and driver's power function was minimal.

Alignment needed.

Minor bodywork required.

General Comments:

Considering all the items listed that were wrong with the car- I was able to purchase the car for an unheard of amount of $1380USD. Plus, I was able to safely drive it home!

I purchased it- despite its flaws.. because the engine was not a tired, or very worn one. I wanted a project car to restore.

Turbo boost is a sensation to be experienced- from the drivers seat. Very few cars on the road can compete with the turbo 944... even today!

The handling of this car is that of $200,000+ super cars. Nowhere will you find such road holding finesse, for the money spent.

At 18 years old, this car still has the stance, the poise, and the looks that newer car owners still remark about today. Porsche's timeless design has made another statement!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 24th September, 2004

1986 Porsche 944 131

Summary:

A fast good looking car

Faults:

The hood struts needed to be replaced, along with the struts on the hatch.

The interior light assembly came apart.

The transmission started to slip in second gear. I am in the process of replacing the transmission.

General Comments:

As parts are expensive and some are hard to find, I still enjoy my 944. It is fast and holds the curves, as I live in the country and drive to the city for work.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 1st August, 2004

1986 Porsche 944 2.5L 8v SOHC

Summary:

Porsche on the street, Le Mans race car on the track

Faults:

The oil pump failed.

The water pump failed.

The power steering sprang a leek.

General Comments:

Considering how this car is 18 years old; I would say it held up very well.

This car is Amazing. The car has surprising mid and high RPM grunt for a 4 cylinder. The engine really starts to shine at about 2800 RPM, and it stays strong all the way to the 6500 RPM red-line. In normal everyday driving conditions, the car is great. The engine remains relatively quiet when cruising. However, when you get on it you know it. The engine starts screaming "Porsche-Porsche". The car does not have quite the pep as newer cars, but it has enough. Where the car really starts to show it's colors is in the curves. It has been said that this car is the best handling car on the planet. Now, I don't know how accurate that is; but, in my opinion and many others, that is not far from the truth. The steering is heavy and very responsive. When the road starts to bend you can almost feel the car start to smile. Because you certainly are. The handling on this car is nothing short of amazing. This is a true Porsche in every respect.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 10th June, 2004