1986 Porsche 944 Turbo review from North America

The car weeps a little oil out of the oil pan gasket, and also some from the front camshaft seal. It also loses a little power steering fluid (actually, the car uses automatic transmission fluid in the power steering system) from the hose connection to the power steering pump. But none of these leaks are enough to worry too much about at the moment.

I think the 944 Turbo is one of the best performance bargains on the used car market at the present time. With some inexpensive computer chips, the car produces around 270bhp, and offers outstanding acceleration with a visceral rush when it comes on boost.

The steering is arguably the best I have ever experienced, with magnificent feel and feedback, and the grip and handling are balanced and confidence-inspiring. Of all the sports cars I have driven (and I have driven a LOT of them), there are only two cars I would want to be in if I were being chased by assassins down a winding road. One is the 1993-1995 Mazda RX7 Twin Turbo and the other is the Porsche 944 Turbo. There may be cars with faster zero-to-sixty times, or cars with more skid pad grip, or cars with shorter braking distances, but when it comes to going fast with supreme confidence, nothing runs away from a properly driven 944 Turbo. Nothing.

My car has over 200,000 miles on the original engine, and it still runs like a champ, makes proper boost, and feel like it will go another 200,000 miles. Every switch works, every gauge works, the air-con blows cold... it's just a beautifully built car.

Negatives? Maintenance is expensive, with a cam belt replacement often turning into a $2000 project, water pumps also expensive, and parts in general really quite outlandishly priced. Not as bad as a 1970's Maserati or anything, but some parts seem just crazy expensive. And it's a complex car that is often rather difficult to service yourself. I haven't fixed the slight oil pan gasket leak, for example, because it requires the complete disassembly of the front suspension to get at the oil pan bolts. Gak!

The car is also rather stiffly sprung, and it transmits a lot of road noise and harshness into the cabin, particularly when compared to a modern GT (like an Infiniti G35 Coupe or something...)

But those niggles aside, get yourself a well-maintained 951 of any mileage and you'll be happy. Every time it comes on boost, it's hard not to grin like a little kid...