1985 Porsche 944 1985 1/2 2.5 from North America

Summary:

A great sports car for the price

Faults:

My Stabilizing belt went out and I just replaced all of the belts and the water pump at the same time.

General Comments:

This car is a real dream to drive. I have not drove a car that handles as well as my 944.

I have actually had people think that it is a brand new car. Most are suprised when I tell them it is an 85.

I get many complements on the car.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 14th May, 2002

1985 Porsche 944 2.5L from North America

Summary:

An extraordinary piece of machinery for the price

Faults:

About 200 miles after I purchased the car, the rubber center clutch blew and had to be replaced. The total cost was $1500, $700 parts and $800 labor. This made the deal I got on the car not seem so good.

When my car gets wet underneath, the anti-theft device gets enabled. I know how to start it even if the starter kill is on, but sometimes the alarm sounds. I plan to remove the anti-theft control module since I don't use it anyways.

My antifreeze is making its way into my oil. My first suspect is the oil cooler seals, since this is a well known problem on the 944. I plan to have it serviced within the next week, but in the mean time, I can't drive my car for fear of blowing the bearings, which are probably already shot. Price should be about $250.

General Comments:

This car is an excellent car. It handles very well and is extremely fun to drive. Most of the problems I'm having are probably related to the fact that it was in an accident at one point, even though, according to my mechanic, the repairs were properly done.

The running cost is a bit depressing, but when you purchase a foreign sports car, you can expect to pay for it. However the fuel efficency is wonderful, since it's a 4 cylinder; a big plus with the current gas prices.

I would definitely suggest this car to anyone with a little money and a taste for performance. These cars can be had reasonably cheap.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 18th October, 2001

23rd Jan 2003, 14:28

Most reviews of the Porsche 944 by second hand owners neglect the three cardinal rules for any 944: 1.) replace the timing belt, 2.) replace the seals in the oil cooler, and 3.) upgrade to the non-rubber donut Turbo clutch. Once these things are done, the 944 is one of the real bargains in used sports cars.

1985 Porsche 944 2.5 Liter from North America

Summary:

An awesome car for an awesome price!

Faults:

Starter went out about a month after I bought the car, cost me around $200.00 dollars.

After about 5,000 miles the master cylinder also went out, that cost around $80.00 and took a few hours of work, but no big deal.

My ignition wires needed to be replaced, I found a set for $89.00 that have performed very well. And other than an oil change, and changing the belts on the car, I've had no other problems from it.

General Comments:

The car handles like a dream, best handling car I've ever driven and will probably ever drive.

The initial investment is well worth it, I bought my 944 at the age of 16. I have an average job, do all the mechanical work myself and I've been very fortunate with it. Anything is attainable and the upkeep on this car isn't bad at all if you maintain it.

This car turns heads, the rear of the car is a little unattractive, but there are things you can do to that.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 25th April, 2001

13th Feb 2004, 11:16

You mention things to make the rear more attractive. Can you be specific? The car is overall beautiful, but the tail lights are hideous! :)

5th Jan 2008, 14:18

To me, the rear end is pretty, and it's what others see in the corners, or cruising at highway speeds like a dream.

Seriously, you can buy a Euro rear skirt under bumper body trim, covers up the spare tire and underside, that takes away from it's clean lines.

Why Dr. Porsche didn't do this originally, is beyond me.

Almost like have a piece of your body showing that nobody wants to see...

BTW 84' handled great in the rain at 90/mph, don't do this at home.

Put good tires on it, you can tell the difference.

Work done: Clutch master, exhaust, broken washer pump and/or reservoir.