1986 Porsche 944 review from Australia and New Zealand

Since I have owned the car, I have had nothing go wrong with it (touch wood!). I know the previous two New Zealand owners, and they have not reported anything major go wrong on the car either.

The only thing that did happen, indirectly, was a rat found its way into the car via the centre console and ate through the leather gear shifter. I had it re-upholstered very cheaply, and it looks better then new.

As far as handling of the vehicle is concerned, I can't add much more to what has already been said... Its phenomenal.

Some people have pointed out that the 944 should not be driven in snow or icy conditions, but I have found that its not a problem whatsoever with my particular car. I have good Dunlop rubber 16 x 8 and 16 x 7 rims. I have routinely driven in these conditions without incident. Naturally the normal precautions should be taken, and every good driver knows to drive to the conditions! If my car did happen to loose control, I would say that it would have happened what ever car I was driving.

The brakes are awesome, and 'brake fade' does not even rate to mention.

I find the seating arrangement to be very comfortable. I'm a medium build and 5'8". People always comment about the lack of a back seat, but I gently point out that I didn't buy the car for my friends to ride around in, I bought it for me.

Its not so quick off the mark, but once you get it rolling, you can really get it to boggie. The roads in New Zealand are not the best, but the lack of traffic on the numerous back roads with the endless curves makes the 944 a dream to drive.

My car is actually an import from California, and has been converted to right hand drive in New Zealand. There is no visible evidence that this car was born with the steering wheel on the other side. I had my reservations initially about purchasing this car because of this, but after weighing the pros and cons of the other 944s I had lined up, my one came out miles ahead. Remember that its not a new car, and all of them will have many pluses and minuses to consider before making the purchase.

The cabin is a little noisy with annoying plastic squeaks, but there is hardly any wind noise. You can really notice the amount noise that's cut out when you open the door and hear the exhaust purring away.

Theres nothing like the reassuring click-klunk of the solid engineering when the door is closed on the 944.

I have kept up with the maintenance record, and its just like any other car to service. Basically the Porsche engineering is very good... if you look after it. Preventative maintenance is the key!

The 944 is not a dime a dozen in New Zealand, and they tend to hold their price. In some circumstances they actually gain a little. I paid $14,000 N. Z ($8,800 U.S) and spent another $1000 ($625 U.S) on polishing and repainting the Fuchs mag wheels.

If you live somewhere that you have the luxury of choice, I would recommend that you don't rush into it. Drive them, I mean take it for a good run, and look at its maintenance record. Also look at its current owner, is he an enthusiast, or is it just simply his every day driver?

Every day that I drive the car, it's a real pleasure. After I wash and polish it, and its sitting proudly on my drive, I'm constantly gawking out the window to admire it, (much to the displeasure of the girlfriend)... They don't understand!

I guess that if your reading this, your already doing you homework. I hope that if your considering buying a 944, it will bring you the pleasure to own as it has done for me.

You can see my car on the following links, the first one being a good resource for 944 information.

http://www.cardomain.com/memberpage/630675.

Www.tonyduffy.info.

Good luck and happy driving!