Faults:

Cooling system - replaced radiator, holding tank and hoses etc.

Air-conditioning dropped gas twice.

Tiny worm-drives in sunroof broke.

Distributor rotor cracked in two, and gouged inside of distributor cap (car STILL ran at 6,000 rpm!!!).

Cruise control unit does not operate.

General Comments:

It is outside now, cooling down after a 200km hard run through the hills near Melbourne, Australia.

It is an awesome car, delivering around 270 hp (when chipped up) in a manageable, predictable handling package. Simply lovely.

The right tyres are essential for this car. I have recently fitted type 'r' rubber (basically street legal slicks) and I have a car beyond my wildest expectations. The 944 itself has a g-force coefficient of around 0.95 - that is, it won't let go until almost 1 g of lateral force. But with the slicks I believe that has jumped to well over 1 - I astound myself (and terrify my passengers) with the acceleration I can dial in the middle of corners.

Also, consider replacing the stock wheels. I am running wheels off a 993 911, and it gives me so much rubber to the road that I am seldom experiencing any tyre-spin. Don't buy this car to dump the clutch and do burnouts - it is not designed for that, and the results will disappoint you and punish your vehicle.

Finally, be prepared to spend money on it - one day it might suddenly need $2k - $5k in mechanics (but it is almost 20 years old!!). But you will have saved 6 times that by not buying a 911 anyway...

Faults:

When purchased it, I changed the timing belt, water pump and timing gears, just to make sure I started with a clean slate.

Since then I have replaced the convertible top, replaced the leather front seats, and several misc. items from the interior.

I also replaced the clutch after it failed horribly by becoming disconnected from the center. The torque tube bearings were failing as well, and were replaced.

General Comments:

While I have seen my share of expensive bits go on the car, it has remained a most reliable sports car that still gets looks wherever I go with it.

And because it is a fairly rare car here in the states, most people have to ask what type of Porsche it is, for this reason I just can't part with the car. Besides the fact that it is so much fun to drive! Especially with the top down.

The interior, while quirky by todays standards, still cleans up nice and is easy to navigate.

Faults:

Cosmetic: rear window glass cracked (plastic), glove box lid hinge broke, fan motor relay went out.

General Comments:

Car keeps on giving when driving.

A thrill to own, a rush to drive.

Faults:

Very little hassle with this car.

The electric tailgate release mechanism was a little temperamental. It used to seize up in winter.

The drainage holes in the rear spoiler got blocked. The water built up then leaked into the car. This was cured by periodic clearing of debris from the spoiler!

I think I had the brake pads changed and the window wiper blades renewed.

General Comments:

This car is fast. The torque, acceleration and handling are better than in any car I have owned previously or since.

The interior is rather spartan and gloomy compared to more modern vehicles. This you can live with.

The galvanized bodywork is a god-send in Britain, where the gritting of roads with salt plays havoc with cars of inferior construction.

Faults:

Battery weak if left for any length of time. Otherwise this has had virtually nothing wrong in the entire time that I have owned it.

General Comments:

Owning a Porsche is never cheap, but the 944 is the exception to the rule.

Everything simply works and is reliable - what more could you want in a car?