Thinking of buying a 1982 944

[Paul.T]

Hi all,

I'm new to this forum and to Porsches as well and looking for a bit of advise.

My son is inrerested in buying a 944 2.5L non turbo. I have and still own a couple of Jags and a Renault Gordini so I am used to cars with a difference and do most of my own repairs and restorations.

If my son was to buy this car what do we look for in the body ie- rust, damage etc and mechinicals such as gearbox engine etc. It would be his daly driver.

This is a link to the car he is interested in-

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Porsche-944-1982-2D-Coupe-5-SP-Manual-2-5L-Multi-Point-F-INJ-/271170353045?pt=AU_Cars&hash=item3f23033795

Thanks for any advise.

Paul.

[tazzieman]

The body is galvanised so rust isn't usually an issue unless there have been poor quality crash repairs and/or the car came from a rusty place e.g. UK - looks unlikely but check anyway.

The cars are pretty straightforward to work on , though some parts are pricey.

 

Some good items e.g. Fuchs wheels , plus big ticket service items done (esp the clutch).

 

For the DIY in you , much info and repair help on this website http://www.clarks-garage.com/

 

That car looks very nice and is very well priced. I reckon it will sell fast so move quickly!

If you buy it warn your son it's not designed for burnouts at the lights - a new clutch is a big expensive job!

 

cheers!

[Paul.T]

Thanks Tazzieman,

Even though I have owned many out of the ordinary cars this is a big step into the unknown and I don't want to go into it without all the info I can muster.

The info I have from the owner states the milage is original and is Australian delivered. I will ring him tomorrow and if i'm happy we might head to Sydney and have a look on Saturday.

As for burn outs at the lights, my son drives like my mother and is very sympathetic to his car so I don't think this will be an issue but thanks for the warning.

Thanks for you assistance and the link it is very helpful.

Paul.

[333pg333]

Hi Paul

 

Assuming you would come down from Bathurst to check it out. I can see that it's located on the Northern Beaches so I would absolutely advise that you get a PPI done by Buchanan Automotive that are probably no more than half an hour away from where the car is located. 

These guys are possibly the leading authorities on front engine water pumpers in Australia. Anyway, that would be my strong suggestion. 

Give Bruce a call on 9948 2651. 

 

Secondly, what Gordini do you have? I had one back in the 1980's and really loved that little car. It was the Dauphine version. I've actually been kinda thinking of looking for another one....

 

[Paul.T]

Hi 333pg333, Thanks, I sent an email to one of the Porsche mechanics in Brookvale to see if they would do a pre purchase inspection. If you fellow is closer that might be better. I'll give them a call tomorrow, thanks for the contact. My Gordini is an R1135 (R8 model) Its my second one and I am currently doing a complete strip down restoration. It should be finished by the end of the year. There are a couple of dauphine Gordini's for sale at the moment and they are available for a reasonable price that won't brake the bank. I believe there is an 1135 coming up in the next Shannons auction in Victoria in April but that will most likley sell for between 40-55K. My resto is at- www.r1135gordinirestoration.blogspot.com.au if you want to have a look. Thanks again, Paul.

[333pg333]

 

Hi Paul

Yes, the Buchanans are in the next suburb to Brookvale. I
know all the Brookvale Porsche places and with all due respect, they are more
rear engine specialists.

Not to say they can't do a good job for you either, but
if it were me, faced with the choice in the same vicinity I would go to the
guys that work on these cars 6 days a week.

Just my opinion. :-)

 

Nice R8. Wow, I never knew they would command those sorts
of prices. Do you know where the Dauphine's for sale are listed?

-Patrick

 

[Paul.T]

Hi Patrick,

There is one that pops up on ebay from time to time and there is a member of the Renault Car Club in NSW who is selling an older restored red one.

 

I rang Bruce yesterday and had a great chat with him. He is very passionate about Porsche and explained everything about the cars from the headlights to the tail pipe and every part in between and what to look for. Haven't met him but I think he would get my business.

 

The owner of the 944 in Seaforth has accepted an offer on the car which after speaking to Bruce is probably better for us. I think we will look for a later model- post 1986.

 

Thanks again,

Keep living the dream,

Paul.

[cyberpunky]

85.5 cars are a better option IMO as they made a lot of improvements from then on, including much better AC and suspension etc. They also don't look like an 80s interior like the pre 85..5 cars do.

[333pg333]

Thanks Paul. I'll look around. 

Yes, Bruce mentioned that you and he had a chat. 
If you're ever in Sydney with the Porsche, definitely drop down past their shop on a Saturday morning and you'll get Bruce's sermon from the mount. It's always an education.