1988 Porsche 944 2.5L from North America

Summary:

Simply Fantastic

Faults:

Well at about 175000 miles the clutch went out, that's a pain and expensive to replace about 1600$ if I remember...

New Brakes at 177000 miles, also a complete tune up. Make sure you take it to some one who understands these cars, I've had the luxury of having a friend who owns a shop and has had many Porsche's including 4 944's.

New motor mounts at 179000, when you mechanic tells you that you need motor mounts get it done! The fact I blew it off has caused me more headache and money!

New belts and gears for the belts at 179000 miles.

New heat shield at 179000 miles.

Now it's in for new power steering pump which cracked because the engines rattled too much with out motor mounts!

General Comments:

I absolutely love this car no doubt about it! The interior is spartan but useful, the seats are comfortable but you can't adjust the steering wheel's position. Maybe something weird about mine?

The body style is timeless, I read that Porsche was looking to design a car that would look good in 2010 when they designed this car and the 928.

Now here's where the fun starts! The engine of the naturally aspirated version makes 160 bhp, that's allot when you think that a 1979 Z28 Camaro makes 170! The engine is a beastly four cylinder, many people think I have an 8 cylinder in there by the sound and power of the car! If properly taken care of it will last forever, just treat it right and it'll return the favor.

The handling is supreme, I had a 1986 Toyota MR2 with the engine in the middle and all that jazz; this car is the only car out there that can compare to the handling of that car! It's hard to loose control of the car, you really have to try. The weight distribution is almost 50/50 so it's an awesome handling car. At speeds of 130 mph it still is easy to drive and can still take corners and the like much quicker than a Corvette.

Sense this is an exotic sports car care for it like one. The previous owner of the car didn't do that, then I messed up and took it to people who didn't understand Porsche's. Wrong coolant, not changing oil, and other little things are making me pay for as I type this. Don't get me wrong, it's a reliable, fuel efficient, and fun car; don't ignore maintenance on it or your mechanics suggestions.

I love this car and all the repairs I've had to pay for are worth the 34mpg and speed of it. Best car I've owned!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 9th May, 2008

1988 Porsche 944 Non-Turbo 2.5 from North America

Summary:

A true classic; thank you Dr. Porsche

Faults:

I have replaced the air conditioner.

I have replaced the clutch.

I have upgraded the wheels from stock.

I have upgraded the front and rear end body panels.

I have replaced an after market radio with an original radio - great sound, better appearance.

General Comments:

This automobile is truly unbelievable in handling, agility, speed, and all around performance.

The ergonomics of the original interior design match or exceed that of todays most advanced designs.

I highly recommend the 944 to any serious auto buff that wants a true "head turning - attention grabing" ride.

Love this car and it will, in turn, love you back.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 20th August, 2006

1988 Porsche 944 2.5 liter gasoline from North America

Summary:

Great to drive and own,.It may be an 1988 model, but Porsche still charges 2005 prices for parts

Faults:

Flywheel vibration dampener cracked at about 75,000 miles. Seats have started to wear badly, but one must consider the age. Engine flywheel heat scored, and the flyheel required resurfacing, and the flywheel vibration dampener replaced at 164,000 miles. Water pump replaced every 50,000 miles along with the timing belts and associated running gear. The car's alternator and radiator, thermostat replaced between 115,000-135,000 miles. Power steering rack and pinon unit replaced at approx 150,000 miles.

General Comments:

I consider this a fabulous handling car. It has been driven on winding roads, straight roads, desert reads, mountain roads and the result is always the same. The car rides like it is on rails. The 944 has been pretty reliable. I wish Porsche had just given it more power as an automatic.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 24th July, 2005