While at college i fell in love w/the 944. Especially since it's in my price range.
I transferred schools, so now i commute.
PART ONE
Which of these 2 944's is the better deal?
-The one that goes for $3000 is in my town, lower mileage, hasn't been driven for 4 years. http://newjersey.craigslist.org/cto/827811142.html
-the one that goes for $3500 is in better condition,updated condition, and a bit farther away.
http://newjersey.craigslist.org/car/765888455.html

PART 2
1)is a '85 944 practical for "daily driving". i put it in quotes because i will not drive this (or any other car) every day. Only for hanging out w/friends, going to movies/concerts, and going to school/work when there is bad weather or i'm running late. helping mom w/the groceries, etc.
2) how does it drive in bad weather? (i think i saw its AWD?)
3) whats maintenance like? i read somewhere that the timing belts have to be checked/changed frequently.
4) any other problems/issues?


thanks in advance, and sorry if i could've just searched, i have a bunch of errands to do right now (i'm new :-D)

 

9 hits, and no replies??

:-/

 

Unless you are an accomplished mechanic, the maintenance costs for a 944 will be high for a student.

 

Thanks for the reply!
I know german cars have some high maintenance, but they do last.

Besides the basic maintenance every car goes through (tires, oils/lubes, brakes, belts):
do the 944's require anything "special"?
again, just for a non-turbo.

thanks in advance to everyone. for my main post, and this one.

 

Immediately you would need to do a timing belt and water pump job (interference motors with lots of timing belts breaking). Figure $550 or so in parts, and about 10 hours of your time (special tools required), or about $1500 to have a shop do it. I wouldn't touch a 944 with a 10 foot pole until I was out of school and had a good reliable daily driver in addition to the 944. Figure the first 3 years of ownership, about $1000 in parts alone (per year) just to keep the car on the road. People don't sell cars that aren't going to require some work to keep them reliable.

 

thanks for the figures and information.
its really helping w/my decision.


if anyone else has any info, please DO share!

 

I think you can managea NA (Normally Aspirated, non-turbo) 944 OK on a student budget. Get one that hasbeen properly cared for with the lowest mileage you can find and you'll be way ahead of the game. I wouldrecommend 1988 and newer if you can find/afford one. The 1986& 1987 have their share of assorted little problems in my humble opinion. I have a 1986 turbo - trust me. The 1985 and older cars have an interior that is reminiscent of a 1975 VW Dasher, so unless you really like "that '70s look" stay with the newer more contemporary interior.

Some ownersreally treat these cars like a $250 Ferrari so if you look around you'll find a nice one that is cared for and has been garaged. Good luck.

 

^^ sounds good to me, fast!
i just met a guy here in my town, that as an 86 turbo 944.
i've been eyeing it for a few weeks now, and finally met him.
we spoke for more than an hour, and he knows his 944's!
even has an '83 for sale, and is willing to teach/help me out w/it.

 

83's are probably the most fun of the NA years. Very light and nimble.