1987 Porsche 944 from North America - Comments

Clutch Just recently replaced (original rubber clutch came apart over time).

All belts replaced.

Radiator hoses needed to be replaced.

Fuel line was rotted, needed to be replaced.

Small leak from power steering rack.

Suspension work.

New brake rotors.

Stereo is old and needs to be replaced.

Enough minor things to fill a novel.

I love my 944, shes a money-pit, but shes worth it.

The handling is amazing, she tells you when the back end is about to kick out, the steering is responsive and toutchy. I can make turns and corners my brother can't dream of making with in his Pontiac Grand Prix GTP.

Engine is more than powerful enough for me, I've found that the cars more than willing to do anything I want, and it has more power then I'm comfortable using.

Great gas economy, I get about 25-30 mpg driving conservatively.

Interior is nice, fits me very well, and I'm a large guy (6'2").

This is a great car, be careful about buying them, make sure the one your getting is up to date with repairs, especially clutch work (cost me $2700 to get a new clutch installed by the local dealership).

As much as I wish I diden't have to, I'm actually selling the car. Its gotten to the point where I might as well be paying monthly payments on a new car. I still love the car, Its just finaly broken me and my wallet. Be very careful when buying one, and find yourself a good dealership or mechanic (my dealership treated me terribly, partly for my young age, partly because I wasen't driving a brand new 911).

Well, you've just proven some basic axioms that people reading this site should know prior to buying a used luxury/high performance car:

- Always get it checked out prior to purchase

- Find a reliable mechanic that "loves" the type of car you are buying (someone who specializes in Toyotas isn't going to do a good job on your Porsche).

- Join a car club for the type of vehicle you are buying. The Internet is a great place for information, but a car club is even better. I found it invaluable for the five BMWs I owned.

- Go in with eyes wide open as far as what things cost. Too many people are suckered in by low purchase prices (mainly for used and larger BMWs, Mercedes, Jaguar) and then are shocked at their first oil change.

- Understand that many of the reviews here for luxury/high performance cars are from enthusiasts who have different definitions of what "reliable" and "cheap to own" means. Many do their own repair work which significantly cuts down on costs. For example, I worked with a guy who had an eight year old 944 turbo. He told me it was the most reliable car he had ever owned, yet I learned later he had to have the engine totally rebuilt at his cost.

If you follow this basic advice there won't be any surprises and you will love your car for as long as you own it.

A 944 is often a nice looking car and they drive great on the test drive... They are well made and the body and interior will hold up well over time. You'll think your getting a great deal paying only $3000 or so for it... BUT the problem comes when the first of a long series of little things start going wrong with it.

Repairs are VERY expensive. Parts are VERY expensive.

You'll pay the first few repairs thinking that will be the end, but it's only the start of a never ending series of repairs... Eventually, you realize it cost too much to own it and you'll sell it.

A Porsche 944 is much like a Boat. The happiest day is the day you BUY it, followed by the day you SELL IT.

Owning a 944 is not for the economy-minded. They are expensive sports cars that require maintenance. The old saying that goes, "If you have to ask how much, you can't afford it" is very appropriate here. The 944 is an awesome car and well worth the effort to maintain. If you can't afford it, go get a Toyota. Those of us that love them, don't mind keeping a work of art like the 944 in good shape. I have both a 944 and a 911 Carrera.

I just bought a 1984 944 and am looking at a 1987 944. Great handling cars, and as far as parts, check out eBay. I got quite a few parts (some used, some new) from eBay sellers CHEAP! $5-$10 average for most of the parts I bought. Some of the parts I can replace myself, but for those I can't, it saves a lot over having the shop get the parts AND install them. There is almost always someone parting out a car, so if you can find one, stock up on parts you know you will need.

I own and 87 944 that is maintained to near perfect condition with the only exception being the AC. It is black with Boxster wheels, newly upholstered front seats, black leather with red piping, red floor mats and red boot on shifter. It has new brakes, new clutch and a KN air filter. With 164K miles it still runs great and handles perfect and to trade would be like getting rid of the family pet, couldn't be done.

What's not to like, a real attention getter and a hoot to drive, even to a 60 yr old baby boomer.