1985 Porsche 944 2.5 from North America

Summary:

A solid value in all aspects

Faults:

Nothing has really gone wrong with the car yet. She was babied her whole life by the same person who had to sell her for a car she could fit her grandchildren in.

There is a rumble at idle which my mechanic said is probably a timing mis-adjustment.

She will hesitate in 1st and 2nd gear when she is cold, but when she warms up, she runs tip-top.

The rear hatch is leaking and letting water into the recessed wells behind the rear tires. Water is also visible inside of the driver's side brake light.

General Comments:

My friend, who has a Mustang, wants to race me. I told him that he would have me until we came to the first bend. Seriously, this car can take bends at tremendous speeds and maintain control all the while. This car's agility saved a deer's life the other night. :)

The leather seats are extremely comfortable.

There is ample leg-room for the tallest of your friends.

The backseat is basically for show.

I have not taken it on a long trip yet, but I look forward to when I can.

A Porsche, no matter what the cost, is not a good car for a teenage driver or someone who cannot afford to properly maintain it.

These cars will attract stares and looks, too. People will complement on how well designed they are and girls will always comment on how "cute" they are.

People in Japanese "Race-cars" will try to egg you on, but this is a beautiful 18-year old car and I want her to last as long as I can. I baby her, but once in a while I like to blow out the carbon. ;)

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 12th March, 2003

20th Jul 2008, 12:24

Hey guys. I am a teenage driver and I found a '85 Porsche 944 turbo in great condition and $3200. I think it's a great buy and I know that you said that this isn't a good car for a teenage driver, but you didn't specify why this wouldn't be good for someone like me. (could you specify why?)

22nd Apr 2009, 22:48

When I said that it wasn't a good car for a teenager, I meant that they are not cheap to maintain, and when they break down the cost a lot of money to fix. Nothing personal but I wouldn't let my teenager (when I have one) drive a Porsche.

13th Aug 2009, 14:09

I got my first 944 when I was 17, totaled it and bought another. It's an amazing driving car, and I have come to appreciate the spectacular engineering of such an old car. I feel it looks more modern than some of the newer cars today. Once you drive it, you will never want to drive another car, it handles remarkably!... and I'm a girl...

1985 Porsche 944 3.0L 4-cylinder from North America

Summary:

A beautiful and well designed machine

Faults:

- About one month after I purchased the car, the automatic transmission died. Got that fixed (for around $1600)..

- Then about 2 weeks after I got that fixed I had to get a "damper plate".. A piece of rubber that is near the drive-train, and in turn makes the car smoother. The car CAN still be driven with the damper plate being needed, but that is not recommended. Note: If you drive it while that part is needed and it starts to get bad, the whole car will start to shake. Well, for now, I haven't been driving it, because I need to save up some money in order to fix this present problem. (Cost with dealer part: $1700) (Cost with part bought elsewhere: $1000-$1100)

- Once I fix that, I will be replacing the timing belt and water pump. That being not that much money (mechanic says the timing belt looks fine, but I'd rather not chance it).

- Back hatch window needs sealing. Some say that it can't be done, but I have spoken to many Porsche enthusiasts that have said that it CAN be sealed, and you don't HAVE to buy the whole rear hatch.

General Comments:

The 1985 Porsche 944 is beautiful machine. No lie here folks. Even with the medium to high prices for parts and service, the performance will make up for it.

- For one: Handling

The best handling car I have ever driven. Before I bought the car, I was reading around on the Internet at reviews, and one person stated... "This car feels like you are driving on fly paper, the car actually sticks to the road"...

When I read this, I was wondering if the car actually performed this way. And they're completely right. This car takes turns like a dream.

- Secondly: Power

With it being a four cylinder, it is surprising on how much power it has. It could be faster though, if you wanted to drop some money into it (by buying a turbo or something). But by itself, it has more than enough power.

0-60mph: Mid to high sevens

0-100mph: Haven't timed it, but it is pretty quick.

The car itself is heavier than most recollect. Even with this issue of weight, it still has the power. For more power, I have found a site with a lot of performance parts.

http://www.performanceproducts.com

There are numerous other sites with products for this model, so just look around, and you will find what you are looking for.

- Thirdly: Drivability

All I have to under this category is "beautiful". This car, rather, this piece of art bring joy to those who are in the driver's seat.

I really can't believe how stable this vehicle is. No matter how fast you are going (ex. Going 60mph or 120mph, it is still smooth).

- Fourthly: Appearance

This car will and does turn heads. The style can be described as a 'masterpiece'. No joke, this car will get looks from a kid or an old man. (and usually you'll get a little smile from the ladies.. if that means anything to you. ;) )

I know your wondering on how many 'lys' there are. But I promise, there is only one more.

- Lastly: Interior

+ Pros

^ Front seats - Massive leg room.

^ Front Seats are comfortable.

^ Instrument panel was put together very well.

^ Back seat folds down, in turn producing more space for the trunk.

- Cons

^ Back seats are mainly just for show. You can use it for a briefcase of something. Don't get me wrong, I have fit people back there before, but I am not saying they were 'comfortable'.

^ The stereo is the best sounding. But that is understandable since the speakers are 4x6's (a tiny bit of bass, and more treble. That is how I would describe it).

Conclusion:

All an all, this car is great. If I had the chance to go back in time, I would still purchase it. And I would also recommend it to others to purchase or at least look at purchasing this car.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 27th September, 2002

28th Oct 2005, 02:34

Do you have any more info on sealing up that rear hatch? Just curious!

Ar31tu (at) gmail.com.

9th Nov 2008, 20:23

Hey, I have been looking at buying one and your ad has really helped my choice and getting my girlfriend to be on my side. What should I look out for when buying this car?