1984 Porsche 944 2.5 Non-turbo

Summary:

A high performance, tire screeching, smoking civics, German wonder

Faults:

So far nothing really went wrong with the car. The only thing that needed to be replaced was the wiper motor in the front. Other than that everything is running good.

General Comments:

This is my first car. I think it was a great choice. Performance wise: very quick car with crazy handling.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 26th September, 2002

1984 Porsche 944 2.5 liter

Summary:

Handles like the tires were glued to the ground

Faults:

Wheel bearings went.

Transmission went out (my fault).

General Comments:

This car is a dream on the road. I used to have a Trans Am before this car. The best way I can describe it is: You're not gonna get a Trans Am in a straight line, but you can go around turns at 120 that he can't do at 60. This car handles like nothing else. I have laid waste to 300 ZX'S, Camaros, Mustangs, Rx7's and the whole Honda line.

Great car, I can't say enough positive things about the way this car performs. This is my first Porsche. Just be prepared to spend $1000+ if your transmission goes out.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 29th March, 2002

1984 Porsche 944 2.5L In-line 6

Summary:

High performance... High maintenance

Faults:

The car is in excellent running condition (and was when I purchased it).

The battery had been recently replaced, but after a month of driving the car I noticed that the brake fluid levels were down, and there were marks where I park. After jacking up the car, it became apparent that the clutch master and slave cylinders needed replacement. $150 later, the new pieces were installed. After that the car has been great.

General Comments:

This car is very fast and has seemingly endless amounts of cornering ability. It handles like it is on rails.

My only gripe is that the inside is black and there are almost no lights, so at night it is very hard to find things.

The tachometers are also a cheesy yellow and the speedometer is mechanical and shakes a bit.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 10th January, 2002

1984 Porsche 944 2.5 liter

Summary:

High styling at a low cost

Faults:

Water pump.

Alternator.

Timing belt and bearings.

Motor mounts.

Window switches.

Battery.

Wheel bearings.

Rotors and pads.

Radiator.

General Comments:

OK, this is a great car if you know how to manage it. It drives well, performs more than adaquately and is comfortable on long trips.

This car has been with us for quite sometime now, and has been quite reliable if maintained well. We even shipped this car to Italy for a year and enjoyed it at better than average US speeds. It even made a trip to the factory, to say hello.

It becomes part of the family and is good value for the money. Purchased the 944 for $2000 in 1992 and spent $2500 in upgrades, belts, pumps etc. and it has required minor maintenance over the years.

Just put a new paint job on her and she looks like new.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 4th September, 2001

1984 Porsche 944 Standard Coupe 2.5 liter

Summary:

A car with which it is easy to develop a true love/hate relationship

Faults:

Wow... Where do I begin?

Starter motor required rebuilding.

Electric window motors and switches required work.

Timing belt, water pump and idlers replaced.

All (4) rotors replaced and calipers rebuilt.

Engine seals leaking; required re-replacement of the timing belt - over $1,000.

Alternator destroyed the battery and both had to be replaced; the second battery in six months.

Windshield wiper motor failed as did the washer motor (the $1.98 one).

Rear wiper wiring fused and required replacement.

Speedometer failed and required a $200 rebuild.

There are a number of other faults that have developed, forcing me to join an auto club and never go more than five miles from home without a celphone.

General Comments:

Let's get the good stuff out of the way. I think the 944 is one of the prettiest cars ever built; I love the looks and the handling. The galvanneal body lasts and lasts.

That being said.. I have had four different Porsche models over the years from a 356 to a 911, not all of them old. I have found them to be overpriced when new, very expensive to maintain, and in some respects cheaply made. I will explain.

The electrical system is second only to the infamous Lucas Electric in unreliability. The gauge of wire is on the edge of acceptable, and since resistance increases with temperature, a point comes where it is inadequate and the wire overheats, the insulation hardens, breaks, and short circuits occur. Additionally, the switches utilized are under designed, either failing outright or developing internal resistance (such as the washer switch).

As time has passed, the routine maintenance expense has increased, in direct opposition to other manufacturers. Changing oil in a 993 is a nightmare, not to be attempted by the faint of heart. In the 944/968, most routing maintenance is relatively straightforward, but this is the last Porsche model for which this can be said.

The 944 engine is reliable, as long as it is properly maintained. A failure of the timing belt is a disaster, which can result in a rebuild which will exceed the value of the car. Oil seals are a problem, particular those on the external oil cooler. Ignored, water will enter the lubrication system and destroy the bearings.

One has to remember that Porsche is a small company, and therefore does not have the ability to change poor designs as quickly as larger manufacturers. Therefore, the stubborn adherence until recently to air cooling in the 911 models (left over from the Volkswagen roots.. sorry, folks) and the development of the timing belt system in the 928/944 which requires a $400 tool to adjust.

In conclusion, had Porsche not become greedy, continually raising the price of the 944/968 to a point where it was no longer an entry level vehicle, and had they developed or borrowed a more versatile engine, this vehicle could have developed into an outstanding competitor as well as a comfortable cruiser.

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

Review Date: 13th April, 2001

30th Jan 2002, 04:46

I'm not as knowledgeable nor as mechanically savvy as this person, but I agree with almost everything. Having owned an old (1983) previously-unmaintained 944, I went through a LOT of money in maintenance in a VERY short period of time. Wheel bearings collapsing, steering wheel snapping in half, distributor cap cracking, electric windows breaking down, air-con leaking, etc etc.

That said, I LOVED this car - not too flashy or showy, beautiful to drive (when it wasn't in the shop of course), power to spare, and relatively economical. Would buy another one in a minute!

1984 Porsche 944 Coupe 2.5L I-4

Summary:

Porsche mystique for less than $5000

Faults:

Mostly from my own juveile stupidity and high mileage:

Alternator died (from incorrect battery shorting against hood).

Two clutch master and slave cylinders.

Transmission gear sheared off (from stoplight race).

Two fan switches (cheap).

Sunroof drive cables (not so cheap).

Window swiches.

Parking brake ratchets and shoes do not work.

Speedometer cable broke.

Rear hatch and floor leak slightly in car wash.

Passenger's door refuses to line up properly.

Misc. trim parts fall off.

General Comments:

This is a semi-classic Porsche with sweeping lines and aggressive curves. Although it lacks any real power (Porsche solved that with turbos), it drives like it is on rails with its 50/50 weight distribution.

These cars tend to be in the shop frequently, as they are now over 15 years old.

There is just something about the car that keeps making me pay repair bills. A true Porsche through and through, it consumes the driver and makes him feel a part of the automobile. I highly recommend you try it.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 5th June, 2000

5th Feb 2003, 10:55

I have a problem with my sunroof and I believe it's the drive cables. I was wondering if you had purchased these through a dealer or as an aftermarket product. I also wanted to ask how much you had paid for the drive cables.

So if you get this, please e-mail me at mosfet1600@yahoo.com Thanks a lot,

Lars.