1986 Porsche 944 review from North America

Frozen brake caliper locked up on the rotor, which caused the rear passenger side wheel to hop (very dangerous and expensive problem) which led to extensive brake work.

I replaced the battery because the old one wasn't holding a decent charge. This worked fine up until now, however, I believe it was actually the alternator that need to be fixed. Another expensive matinence endeavor.

Various fuses have blown with the installation of an aftermarket Alpine CD player.

The oil filter gasket housing began to gush oil over the summer; I was losing a quart of oil a week with only light driving.

I can highlight the performance aspect of handling that every other owner has described. It can outrun almost every car around. The neutral, heavy steering makes it so easy to drive, especially if it begins to slide. The trottle is very adaptive and you can feel exactly how much pressure to put on the gas to get the amount of power you want. This car is great for small neighborhoods and twisty roads, and drives fairly easily at speeds over 120 MPH. Don't even think about driving it if there's any snow on the ground, it's a bad idea. It's definetly a summer car, and don't let anyone else tell you otherwise.

The downside is that there is very little power available. Off the line, this car is pathetic by modern standards. Lincoln Navigators weighing twice as much are faster off the line. You have to really push this car to get the pwoer you want; I highly recommend the turbo if you have a need for speed and more fun.

The brakes in my opinion are weak and mushy. I'm not only referring to my own car, but other 944's I've driven; I just think they should be able to stop a 3000 lb. car faster and easier.

I despise the amount of road noise and bumpy ride. The windnoise also contributes to further odd sounds. The seats and driving position are firm yet comfortable and supportive for their purpose. Mind you that this isn't a plush 928 or a bare-bones 911 or 924, it's right in between.

I'm glad to have some power options you wouldn't expect from a car of this age (the orginal check written for the car in 1986 by the first owner was $30,000). The power hatchback and sunroof are nice to have.

Now about maintinecne; it's a killer. If you treat this car with respect and normal tune-ups it will run just as good as any other car on the road, and get an amazing 30mpg at the same time. However, things go bad when you least expect them. Routine mantinece is costly, especially if you go to a dealer. I've put $2,000 in my car since I bought it, and I have to put a lot more into it come springtime. Not only are the parts signifigantly more, but labor (unless you know someone personally) is ungodly. For example, how can a rebuilt alternator for this car cost $250 and a new one even more, when a 12v AC Delco alternator which does the same thing cost $59.95 for my Buick? My silly friend paid $2200 for new belts and mantinence on a 944 with only 49,000 miles on it with one vist to a local Porsche dealer. It's ridiculous how much money you can spend in such a simple car. This is why so many 944's become neglected and end up on shady used car lots next to Oldsmobiles.

However, I can say that you get what you pay for. The image of cruising in a near vintage Porsche makes Boxster owners think twice about the $50,000 they spent. It's something different and exotic that doesn't cost you a lot of initial money.

This car is definitely a blast to drive and nothing but fun. It's a confidence builder to drive. Women like the car because they think it's cute or sexy. Guys like it because of the roller-coaster ride and deep sound it has. The sweeping lines and style is so 80's -esque, yet still looks so cool. Justifiably, it's the best Porsche around for the dollar, but don't forget that maintenance can get out of hand.