1985 Porsche 944 from North America - Comments

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.

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.

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.

I agree with the guy who said 944 problems seem mainly to be clutch, timing belt, and oil seal related. I just bought a very old one, but with barely 100,000 Kilometers on the clock, (about 60,000 Miles)

Although by modern car standards it is a brute of a thing to steer (no power steering) it goes like the clappers and I think you'd need to hit something before you'd tip one over going through a corner.

My only reservation is I think I'll need a permanent booking at a chiropractor since getting my old body in and worse, out, of the thing is so difficult.

The car will not be my full time drive car, rather it is a toy on which I shall bestow a little TLC. Readers should bear in mind these things are quite special. Just take a look at the 944's era's lesser offerings from Japan, America and elsewhere which aped the styling of the 944 Porsche almost from day one. Most of these old dungers are falling to bits, rusting faster than they can be fixed.

I'd remind anyone with an older 944 to remember these cars were built to a high standard to begin with. If you want to have the maximum enjoyment from such a vehicle you owe it to the ingenious germans who designed and built it to keep it in good condition.

Bernie.