15th Sep 2001, 23:15

Uh, lets see here, what would you rather say,

"I drive a Mazda!" or "I DRIVE A PORSCHE!!!" now come on, what sounds better, looks better, what car has more horses, hmmm I think PORSCHE!!!

29th Oct 2001, 12:01

I'm going have to agree and say that owning a Porsche (even a 1986) is a little more thrilling than owning a Miata. Currently, I have the opportunity to buy a 1986 944 Turbo for $4000. I've looked this car over carefully and there appears to be no leaks, rust or major mechanical problems. The only thing that has caused me to hesitate is the mileage: 171,000. Seems a bit high. I would use this vehicle simply for weekends or when I feel like I need some attention on the freeways:^) It's just that dang mileage that's got me...

17th Jun 2002, 16:20

Go for it, a well maintained 944 engine can last for well over 250k without major problems.

24th Feb 2003, 14:44

The Porsche 944 is readily considered one of the best handling sports cars of all time. With its perfect 50/50 weight distribution, it takes to the road like nothing you've ever experienced. Granted, they could of souped up the basic 944, but then again, without the temptation of that "get up and go" you save yourself wear and tear. Speaking of which, have I mentioned that my '86 is damn near perfect? Oh yeah, and the 'per/hr' maintenance is no higher than any other european car. You pay for what you get, just don't let some specialized mechanic sucker you.

23rd Mar 2003, 15:38

The last miata I saw had a 40 year old woman at the wheel, 944 S2 with 3 liter will make 600 HP near bolt on.

1st Sep 2004, 17:34

Hey.

I'm right about to buy one of these... What mods can be made for a $1000 and soup it up to beat anything?

Thanks!

1st Nov 2005, 17:37

I own both a primo 1985.5 944 and a Miata. The Miata is a very nice car to drive to the grocery store. As Tom Cruise uttered in "Risky Business," "Porsche, there is no substitute." People who slam Porsche just reveal a little of their insecurities of not being able to own a driver's car. I will never sell my mint 944. In fact, I have requested that my wife bury me in mine when I go to that big autobahn in the sky.

9th Jun 2006, 15:17

Porsche 944?

You mean Volkswagen.. Oh sorry..because last time I checked that's who put the engine together.

Save your money and instead of getting this joke (Front engined porsche... unless is a V8, not cool) get a Porsche that will actually appreciate in value, like an older 911. Oh and no worries about radiators either.

The 944 is to Porsche what the C230K sport coupe is to Mercedes: a joke.

27th Jun 2006, 15:45

Money not well spent!

I've been a 86-Porsche 944 owner for 20 years; it's a great driving car, but you will need a lot of cash and patience to maintain the 944. Good luck to Porsche dreams!

29th Jun 2006, 11:12

My '86 944 turned over 250,000 miles earlier this week. Neither the engine nor transmission has ever been apart. It still gets 31 MPG on the highway, and doesn't burn any oil. It can be a bit of a commitment to keep up with the maintenance, but these cars will give you many enjoyable miles if you do.

6th Feb 2007, 23:36

Actually it was the Porsche 924 which had the Volkswagen engine it, not the 944. The 944 is pure Porsche, and the front engine placement makes the weight distribution 50/50, which helps make it one of the best handling cars ever. And as far as the Miate V. Porsche debate, I'd rather spend $5-7 grand on a 944, then $8-10 on a Miata, even if the Miata's are a bit cheaper to repair.

25th Feb 2007, 15:12

Hi

I am about to buy a 944 turbo, at the moment I own a BMW 328is e36. I wonder if a 20 year old Porsche can perform better than my car. I found one for $5k. it runs good, the mileage is unknown the previous owner replace it and it broke again.

The car needs some cosmetic work:interior.

I just don't know what to do. Any advice.

4th Oct 2007, 01:07

I have a rare Pastel Beige 86 944, with less than 70,000 miles on it. love it, Never given me a bit of trouble. My bestfriend drives a Miata, cute car, fun to drive, not to expensive to fix, Put them side by side and the Porsche stands out.

I'd rather drive my Porsche any day. Its still a turns heads 22 years later. I have people stop me almost daily, complimenting me on my beautiful car. You can't go wrong with this car.

10th Sep 2008, 22:40

I have a 86 944 Porsche that I purchased for 150 dollars, and spent 300 getting it running. The only thing I have to say is it was my best investment ever.. this car is now my daily driver and has 220,000 miles and runs as good as new... I plan to drive this car till the day I die, and if not I'll buy another.

2nd Mar 2009, 10:04

Hi,

For my first car I brought a 00' Focus, and put cold air, race chip, and full exhaust. It is still really slow, but I haven't had any major problems with it...

But my friend has a cherry 944 for sale and I want it... will it cost a lot of money to maintain? Is it worth it?

11th Aug 2009, 19:31

To the guy who implied a 944 is a Volkswagen:

1) Designed by Porsche

2) Built by Porsche.

Which of those two, admittedly quite complex & confusing, facts has accidentally lead you to believe Volkswagen had anything to do with 944s?

27th Oct 2009, 02:17

I am looking into buying a 86 944, but it has 180,000 miles. Should I buy it, the car is really more of a fun time car. I also have a 07 Kia that I drive daily. I just want a fun project car, and at $2,000 I don't want to turn down a Porsche.

22nd Jan 2010, 23:24

The 944 is cheap to get into, but can cost more than a 911 to maintain properly. You need to be aware that the timing belt must be replaced regularly, along with the balance shaft belts and water pump etc. Also the clutch is an involved job that can take 10 hours to do. Combine these jobs alone and you will more than double your 2k investment.

On the other hand, you will have a sportscar that gets 30 mpg, can carry 4 people (sorta), handles and brakes as well as almost any car made today, will not depreciate and has excellent club support.

Your choice, but to compare it to a Miata is an apples oranges thing at best.

5th Feb 2010, 17:17

I read a comment on the other page about the guy who has a BMW 328is who thought about getting a 944 turbo. I have the same car and SAME situation. I see no one answered. I love the ride of the BMW and how tight and fit the interior is. It is a quality car. But the turbo? I know it drives well, but what about the interior panels and hatch rattle noises?

28th Jun 2011, 13:19

Everyone is entitled to their opinion about any and everything, but it grips my butt when individuals start spouting off about things they have no knowledge about, which includes Porsches. Most people don't even know that the 944 was the car that saved Porsche from filing bankruptcy. Not too bad for a car that is supposedly an embarrassment to Porsche according to some. I am happy to say I own one of these embarrassments which is a pristine 1983 model with only 54,000 miles.

12th Aug 2011, 10:45

Hi, I just bought a 1987 944 Turbo 3 months ago in Maraschino Red with Cream Leather interior (sorry to make you green!). However, I've just discovered that it may have a head gasket problem, but I love the car so much, I believe it's a 250bhp model, that I'm willing to spend a bit more on it to keep it sweet, as it keeps me in line with the modern traffic and excels most sports cars on the roads... Fingers crossed it will not cost me too much more in the future!

29th Nov 2012, 13:43

Buy it!!!