Comments: 1-15, 16-21
Alternator.
Clutch.
Water pump.
Radiator.
All in the first 8 months of ownership!
The car handles very well and has enough power to navigate freeway driving and hills.
Taller people may find this car uncomfortable.
Don't be fooled by the inexpensive price tag, this car, like any Porsche will cost you some bucks to keep her maintained. Your love for this car will keep you shelling out cash to keep it running. A very ideal weekend driver if you have to have one and you are on a budget.
Did you know that a Mazda Miata in a good gymkhana course will blow the doors off a 944 Porsche, then you can get in and drive it home trouble free? Who would want an expensive headache when for around $8000-$10000 you can get a nice drophead that doesn't break!!! Is the "word" Porsche worth that much???
Um... doesn't the Miata have a pathetic 135HP???
Just put your puny little miata in your pocket and walk away!
Uh, lets see here, what would you rather say,
"I drive a Mazda!" or "I DRIVE A PORSCHE!!!" now come on, what sounds better, looks better, what car has more horses, hmmm I think PORSCHE!!!
I'm going have to agree and say that owning a Porsche (even a 1986) is a little more thrilling than owning a Miata. Currently, I have the opportunity to buy a 1986 944 Turbo for $4000. I've looked this car over carefully and there appears to be no leaks, rust or major mechanical problems. The only thing that has caused me to hesitate is the mileage: 171,000. Seems a bit high. I would use this vehicle simply for weekends or when I feel like I need some attention on the freeways:^) It's just that dang mileage that's got me...
Go for it, a well maintained 944 engine can last for well over 250k without major problems.
The Porsche 944 is readily considered one of the best handling sports cars of all time. With its perfect 50/50 weight distribution, it takes to the road like nothing you've ever experienced. Granted, they could of souped up the basic 944, but then again, without the temptation of that "get up and go" you save yourself wear and tear. Speaking of which, have I mentioned that my '86 is damn near perfect? Oh yeah, and the 'per/hr' maintenance is no higher than any other european car. You pay for what you get, just don't let some specialized mechanic sucker you.
The last miata I saw had a 40 year old woman at the wheel, 944 S2 with 3 liter will make 600 HP near bolt on.
I have been a Porsche fan ever since I was 6 years old. Every car has problems, yes even a mazda. In fact Mazda's have a very high labor. The 944 is probably one of the most reliable cars on the market. Plus if you spend no more than 1000 on it, it will beat any car off the line. hmm... PORSCHE 944 or a tiny winy miata. that is a no brainer. sorry if I offended anyone.
Hey.
I'm right about to buy one of these... What mods can be made for a $1000 and soup it up to beat anything?
Thanks!
I own both a primo 1985.5 944 and a Miata. The Miata is a very nice car to drive to the grocery store. As Tom Cruise uttered in "Risky Business," "Porsche, there is no substitute." People who slam Porsche just reveal a little of their insecurities of not being able to own a driver's car. I will never sell my mint 944. In fact, I have requested that my wife bury me in mine when I go to that big autobahn in the sky.
Porsche 944?
You mean Volkswagen.. Oh sorry..because last time I checked that's who put the engine together.
Save your money and instead of getting this joke (Front engined porsche... unless is a V8, not cool) get a Porsche that will actually appreciate in value, like an older 911. Oh and no worries about radiators either.
The 944 is to Porsche what the C230K sport coupe is to Mercedes: a joke.
Money not well spent!
I've been a 86-Porsche 944 owner for 20 years; it's a great driving car, but you will need a lot of cash and patience to maintain the 944. Good luck to Porsche dreams!
My '86 944 turned over 250,000 miles earlier this week. Neither the engine nor transmission has ever been apart. It still gets 31 MPG on the highway, and doesn't burn any oil. It can be a bit of a commitment to keep up with the maintenance, but these cars will give you many enjoyable miles if you do.
Actually it was the Porsche 924 which had the Volkswagen engine it, not the 944. The 944 is pure Porsche, and the front engine placement makes the weight distribution 50/50, which helps make it one of the best handling cars ever. And as far as the Miate V. Porsche debate, I'd rather spend $5-7 grand on a 944, then $8-10 on a Miata, even if the Miata's are a bit cheaper to repair.
Hi
I am about to buy a 944 turbo, at the moment I own a BMW 328is e36. I wonder if a 20 year old Porsche can perform better than my car. I found one for $5k. it runs good, the mileage is unknown the previous owner replace it and it broke again.
The car needs some cosmetic work:interior.
I just don't know what to do. Any advice.