968GTA Posted 24August, 2014 Report Share Posted 24August, 2014 Hi everyone, I'm new to the forum (and to Porsches) and have been looking for a 1986 and onwards 944 or possibly a 968. Here's my situation: I have only one garage, so the Porsche will have to live on the street or in the driveway. So this pretty much precludes any major disassembly or repairs in general and it also means that the car I buy will have to be in good running order from the start. That doesn't mean that I won't be able to do some work on it at some stage in the future. Because it will likely live on the street, it can't look too pristine cosmetically, as I don't want it to attract too much attention from passers by. I've read some of the buying guides posted elsewhere and am aware that comprehensive maintenance records are essential and out weigh most other considerations. So I think I need to buy a car with probably less than 200,000kms, that's drive-able, with most of the important maintenance items done and cost no more than $20k, but hopefully closer to $10k. So, the question is: Should I consider a cheaper/older 944 that will need a bit of work, or go for a slightly newer, lower km 968 at a much higher price that (hopefully) won't need many $ spent on it (for a while)? You comments/help would be much appreciated. Cheers, Laurie Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pauly Posted 24August, 2014 Report Share Posted 24August, 2014 944's and 968's will cost roughly the same amount to maintain. The way i've seen it, most older 944s, the cheaper ones are more neglected, bought by dumbasses who want a cheap porsche and cant afford maintenance, cheap out and the car will cost you a fortune to fix. a 944 turbo or s2 go for more money and usually well looked after. same goes with the 968. I personally would look at a 944 s2 or a turbo. or a 968. i would pay more for something with papers, lower ks and well looked after. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BJM Posted 24August, 2014 Report Share Posted 24August, 2014 I would just buy the best car (condition wise) you can afford regardless of the model. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
968GTA Posted 24August, 2014 Author Report Share Posted 24August, 2014 Thanks Guys. Sounds like good advice. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hugh Posted 24August, 2014 Report Share Posted 24August, 2014 Where's Barry? Do you still have your 944 for sale - that's your new car! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MB911 Posted 24August, 2014 Report Share Posted 24August, 2014 G'day Laurie, I think the guys have provided some great advice already, I've got 2 cents as well that is hopefully helpful. Definitely buy the best one you can afford, budget $17 to $22k and buy a 944 S2 or a turbo. A 968 in any decent condition will cost you about $23 to $28k. The plus for the 968 is that it "should" hold its value a bit better than a 944. But, saying that I don't think 944's can fall much further in price, well not good ones anyway. Turbo Vs S2, just do your homework and see what suits you best. The Turbo is definitely faster and can be modified to be a real beast, but the S2 with its 3.0 litre 4 cylinder, turbo looks and charm is no slouch I can assure you. I have owned an S2 for 3 years, two as my daily driver. I love it, it is really torquey and great fun to drive. Good luck with it all, they are all great cars. But spend more now and save more later, they are still Porsche's and an S2 or Turbo cost more than $100k new in 1990 so major parts can hurt. A well maintained one though is like a Swiss watch, beautiful, reliable , and well made. I would not recommend anyone buy a cheap neglected Porsche of any model. Cheers, Mark Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
968GTA Posted 25August, 2014 Author Report Share Posted 25August, 2014 Thanks for your advice too, Mark. One would think that a 986 might hold it's value better, seeing as there weren't many built (compared to 944s) and I guess there probably aren't many in Oz. The common advice I'm hearing is: Don't buy a cheapie; Buy the best I can afford with good maintenance records. Cheers, Laurie Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
michel Posted 25August, 2014 Report Share Posted 25August, 2014 Call Spencer at RRR His 944 may be what you seek Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Airhead Posted 25August, 2014 Report Share Posted 25August, 2014 Where's Barry? Do you still have your 944 for sale - that's your new car! It sure is. Send me PM cause this car is CHEAP! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BAFE Posted 25August, 2014 Report Share Posted 25August, 2014 It sure is. Send me PM cause this car is CHEAP! this is the one... if it wouldn't cost me my marriage i would already own it Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
withers Posted 25August, 2014 Report Share Posted 25August, 2014 Buy Barry's 944! It's been sooo well looked after and is exactly the car for you! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Peter M Posted 25August, 2014 Report Share Posted 25August, 2014 Here's my situation: I have only one garage, so the Porsche will have to live on the street....Not wanting to be a killjoy Laurie but I think this is a problem, especially if you are getting a good one. I would cry if mine were "outside" cars. Can't park the other car outside? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
michel Posted 25August, 2014 Report Share Posted 25August, 2014 Car cover and or temp car garage in the driveway.. I'm certain' worse has been done Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tazzieman Posted 25August, 2014 Report Share Posted 25August, 2014 Keep it well waxed Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cyberpunky Posted 25August, 2014 Report Share Posted 25August, 2014 I would agree with all of the above but probably say an s2 is a good option for you. The turbo is awesome and I love mine but is more complex and can be more expensive if you have to pay to get work done. The S2 is a little simpler to maintain and doesn't give away a lot in performance, as has a lot of torque, and many believe it will be quicker around a track in a lot of cases, as it doesn't need to kept on boost to get the most from it. The 968 is a great car and as the end of the 944 line, is probably the most solid and well engineered but the down side is due to it's rarity, parts can be hard to find and/or even expensive. Due to the abundance of the other 944 models, it's easy to source bits for them and so can be a lot cheaper. Also much easier/cheaper to modify relatively, although that is a slippery slope at the best of times. It's just there is a lot more aftermarket support due to the number of cars out there compared the 968. What ever way you go, get the best you can find/afford and you will love it Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cyberpunky Posted 25August, 2014 Report Share Posted 25August, 2014 I have driven Spencers(Harrisons RRR) S2 and although not quite as fast as my car, it would definitely be a great track day weapon as already well sorted. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1st Posted 26August, 2014 Report Share Posted 26August, 2014 I drive a 968CS daily, it's brilliant. It's got icy cold air, is cheap to insure, easy on fuel at suburban speeds and every drive is a pleasure, something to look forward to. I've never seen another on the road here in SA, and Porsche folks love "discussing" it should ever I bump into one in the wilds. I did all the preventative maintenance upon purchase, and since, and other than a few "consumables" it's been most reliable. I've owned 911's (still do) 356's and this, my 2nd CS. Mine's a Factory 2+2 which makes it very practical, and the cavernous boot will swallow an inordinate amount of gear. Highly recommended. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SteveF Posted 26August, 2014 Report Share Posted 26August, 2014 Might be of interest... http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Porsche-944-Turbo-1989-2D-Coupe-5-SP-Manual-2-5L-Turbo-MPFI-/171435107464?pt=AU_Cars&hash=item27ea542488&_uhb=1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SteveF Posted 26August, 2014 Report Share Posted 26August, 2014 Nice looking 968..... http://www.carsales.com.au/CarStockGallery.aspx?R=SSE-AD-2962545&TabID=304744&enq=6093892&ad=6088323&gal=6093857&wt=0&ladt=6093861&adpvEnq=0&mode=popup&cw=555&ch=370&index=1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
9fan Posted 26August, 2014 Report Share Posted 26August, 2014 Laurie, have driven T,S2 and 968. Given what you stated the S2 fits the bill. Low maintainence,performance and cost effective. Similar in performance (do NOT get an auto) to 968 and plenty of parts. Should be able to get one $15-18k (buyers market),won't get a 968 near that. Get low milage maintained model and later it is straight forward to upgrade M030 suspension, LSD will increase both handling and performance (if not already modded). Value wise in any model do not hold expectations, just enjoy the drive. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
968GTA Posted 26August, 2014 Author Report Share Posted 26August, 2014 Thanks for all this info, Guys, I'll follow up on some of these leads. Laurie Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Archived
This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.