24th Jun 2003, 10:07

Yes, the Porsche 944 can be an expensive car to repair, but if you find one that has been well maintained (replacing stuff when it's worn, before it breaks!!) it's really not that expensive to own. Remember, these cars are at 12-20 years old, and most have well over 100K on the clock, things are bound to go wrong. I have had a 1984 944 with about 160K on it, and in the last 4 1/2 years, I have probably spent less than $2000 replacing / repairing stuff that needed to be repaired (not counting stuff that I did because I wanted to)

Buying a well-maintained car is the key to getting out of the Porsche experience without going broke.

8th Jul 2003, 19:09

Your distributor may be set on wrong timing causing your plugs to fire at the wrong time. You're engine will definitely miss and probably die out on you because the timing of combustion is off sync with where the crankshaft/piston are at.

21st Aug 2003, 22:46

Porsche's aren't cheaply made, and they aren't a small company, they are backed by the largest automobile company in the world, and they are one of the most successful racing teams in all of history. Cheap is by far the most out of place word in this whole article. My reaction. You get what you pay for. Buy a Porsche that has been taken care of and wasn't the "best deal" out there, and maybe you won't be paying for it later on.

13th Nov 2003, 20:39

I have recently come across what I believe to be a steal of a deal, where I am about to buy a very nice looking 1984/944 with about a 100 thousand miles on it for $1,200.00. This is my first experience with a Porsche at all period.However, I haven't had a chance to look at or drive the car because the person I am buying it from is about 800 miles away. From what he tells me there is nothing wrong with the car and it runs great, is this too good to be true?He was originally asking $1,995.00 for it, but I told him I could pick it up this weekend, but I could only afford $1,200.00 for it. (considering the trip to get it)

6th Dec 2003, 11:33

I own a 1987 944 Turbo that I bought in 1996 with 87K. I drive it daily and it now has 208K with no major problems. Amazingly, I still agree with most of what was said (I have plenty of friends with horror stories), but I must reiterate that which was mentioned in one of the reviews. Get a well-maintained one, continue to maintain it, and the car will serve you well. My car is a testament to that big-time. Expensive cars are expensive for a reason, they are, generally speaking, built better and with better quality hardware, so capitalize on that. If you get one that has been abused and neglected, that quality has been destroyed and will start vacuuming your wallet. If you get one that has been well-maintained, you benefit from depreciation, but still get a high quality item that you can continue to take good care of.

I also agree that this car is perfectly balanced, almost timeless in its looks, and an all-around fun car to drive. It's worth starting out with a good one and keeping it on the road!

21st Sep 2004, 10:24

Well maintained is the key. I recently picked up a 1986 944 that was previously owned by someone who could afford to take care of it (original owner). He blew the timing belt 20k ago and had the motor rebuilt. New water pump, clutch and service records the size of a phone book. As soon as I got it I replaced the fuel filter, spark plugs, oils filter, new rubber and fluids... this thing rocks! Yes, it handles like it is on rails at any speed. If the rear end ever does get out from under you all you need to do is ease up on the gas and she snaps right back into place. I want to keep this on the road for another 130k. I do need to replace the passenger side motor mount, but besides that can anyone recommend the next thing I should focus on? Thanks --- Enjoying the ride.

20th Oct 2004, 10:01

I had an '84 944, which needed a rebuild at $8000 US, not a relatively cheap car to maintain - jpNY.

2nd Feb 2005, 14:57

Puchased a 86 944 two years ago. replaced water-pump and timing-belt. replaced factory stereo and speakers. added new tires. best car I have ever owned! (and I have owned a lot!) maint is most important. replacement parts are not hard to come by. spend a little time looking and don't get in a big hurry.

17th Jun 2005, 12:36

I own a early 1985 944 Porsche. At first I was very skeptical about buying a car that was so old, but it has been, by far, THE BEST car I have ever driven. The car currently has less than 45k on it. The car sat for about 10 years, and some of the rubber seals are in need of replacing. Before we bought it, the previous owner had replaced the timing belt, the radiator and the fuel pump (we had to replace that fuel pump with an OEM part because it, too, failed). So far, we have invested less than $8k in this car (including purchase price, tax, title etc.!). This is my daily driver, and it probably the best handling car I have driven in the snow. The 50-50 weight ratio turns it into it's own snow plow (You can only imagine the looks I get). But, to be honest, as long as you keep up with the maintenance, and realize that you get what you pay for, you will not be dissapointed!!

21st Apr 2007, 21:50

The 1984 did not have a Turbo. It must be a different year or just not Turbo. Anyway, I bought my 1984 944 for 2,800. It's true that the car has not got that initial zip to it that most any car does these days, but for cruising at 35-65 it's beautiful. One big problem is when cruising over 70 there's a wind noise from both doors. My seals look fine, but I suppose I'll have to splurge on them since they're outrageously priced. If you're a decent mechanic the car is no more expensive than most imports as long as you shop around. Changing the Timing Belt yourself will save you hundreds of dollars. I've always done most of my own maintenance because 1. I like to work on my car, and 2. You will always make sure your own car is running fine more than a regular mechanic (Unless you know a good mechanic, something which is hard to find). I'm a firm believer in petroleum jelly being the perfect protector of all things plastic and rubber, so if you want to protect the dash, rubber, leather, go ahead and put that stuff everywhere. Much Better than Armor All (AKA Destroy All Vinyl). In all cool car. Shop around for all parts. Never pay dealer prices.