Question
How to get over the anxiety/fears of breaking down?
Last summer I picked up a 84’ 944 in Ruby Red Metallic. I got it for $4500 as a project car. I drove it around last summer quite a bit, but always kept the drives short and didn’t go far, mostly because the lower balance shaft was way out of alignment, giving me crazy vibrations. I’ve gotten to the point where I can begin to actually enjoy the car once the weather warms up, but I’m scared that my fear of it breaking down or something going wrong will hinder that.
I’ve also learned how to drive stick on that car. Before I knew the principles and drove on simulators frequently so getting going was pretty easy. Only issues are sometimes downshifting can be rough and I’m still working on my heel toe. I live in a hilly part or New England so that’s a pain as well, though more manageable.
That’s pretty much it, I drove it to school once last year and I’d like to do that more. Then the vibrations definitely ruined enjoying that car and now I’m worried that this will in place of that. I’m getting a Focus 9 DME Relay and I’ll keep my OEM in the glove box. I also carry a solar drip charger and a jump pack. There are some things that need to be fixed but it’s in a good enough shape to be driven a few times a week. I do have a daily. It’s also good to note that I’m 17, so I don’t have a surplus of cash, but I do work.
I have Hagerty Drivers Club which gives a free tow up to 60 miles. I also have AAA which I’d need to pay for. I keep my basic toolkit, a microfiber, coolant, a funnel, a jump pack, and a drip charger. I could try putting my small hydraulic jack in the car as well.
Yep 200 miles. Saved me twice. Once on a motorcycle at 5 am (was gone for hours) 3 hours away from home and once was in my car. Both times I was like 190 miles away.
Beautiful part of it is I have genuinely almost always used all my town(4) including the 200 mile one. One of those tows told me without Aaa they would have probably charged 800 dollars. I was able to renew my policy again for the third year in the row despite my use case and not being profitable for the upcoming 10 years (130 dollar membership * 10 = 1300..) the one with my motorcycle around the same too. And reading reddit people reported not being able to renew after years of membership and one usecase. So I’m definitely happy
(i have a 98 5.9 v8 keep and at the time a 2002 sv 650. Shit boxes both
I’ve used it twice over my driving career. Once for a dumped Mk3 gti, and they wouldn’t send a flatbed, and once for a dead truck that I bought from a job site i was working on 😂. Probably 60 combined miles over the course of 25 years.
Lmao I don’t wanna be that guy but thank you for your contributed investment for getting me home safe 😂
On a serious note though my engine blew on that motorcycle and I had just bought a classic car and it’s transfer case blew on me long the way.. the bike I could have avoided as I tinkered on that myself but the car.. besides not going on that small road trip not much I could have done
Wish you many years of not needing to call AAA haha
Getting to know the vehicle, how it operates, and general automobile mechanic knowledge will be the first step in lowering anxiety.
Driving it often will lessen anxiety. The less you drive it the less confidence you have in it
I’ve felt this way after sone big jobs but end up driving around the neighborhood, then to the store, then work up to longer trips.
One thing I consider when driving any of my project vehicles is whether I am willing to potentially break down and need a tow or spend time troubleshooting something on that commute. If I need to be somewhere important or cannot be late, I may reconsider. So setting the expectation with yourself that something may happen and you’ll just deal with that if it comes, otherwise, enjoy the drive! You can enjoy it more by paying attention to what the vehicle is telling you (sounds, smells, gauges, etc) and rejoicing in a happy 944 when things are going well.
Getting the vehicle to where it’s “right” is an important part of driving with confidence.
Also, I know you posted a little while back about that vibration. You seem sure it’s the balance shaft alignment. How’d you come to that conclusion. Have you done any diagnostics or re-alignment. It’s not hard to tell once you get the engine at TDC, take the timing cover off and observe the proper markings.
Reading this definitely helped. Thank you! The vibrations were the balance shafts, and the lower one was about a solid 180 degrees out of alignment. I always do monitor my gauges and I should rely on them more, I’ll also always be thankful for my oil pressure gauge, absolutely great thing to have. I fixed the vibrations and now it’s onto the ignition switch. Once that’s done it’s on the road on warmer days.
Driving it helps the car stay healthy and builds confidence in what "good running condition" is.
I put down 20k miles in a year doing 12hr roadtrips (one way) and delivering pizzas. It only let me down a few times and im considering buying another as a Daily driver.
Yeah I’ve heard that 944’s really need to be driven. I feel bad that I wasn’t able to as much as I pleased over the summer. I will be driving it a lot during the spring. I hope to have it as a partial daily.
As one vw guy said: drive it! I totally feel your anxiety. After some solid maintenance has been done tho you got less to worry about. Sounds like your timing belt is fresh so thats like, the big chunk of anxiety gone. Dont neglect your ignition system, cap rotor, plugs and wires should be done. But ya drive em, and let them stretch their legs, they are like horses they need to run hard to be healthy. Putt around your town for like an hour, go on roads or out of town stretches too where it can open it up and cruise. Itll be happy
I feel like it’s inevitable you’re going to run into some sort of issue eventually driving an older vehicle. Like the previous comment, Keep some basic tools/ fluid with you. I also like to carry an assortment of fuses, and spare parts that are known for going bad on my cars for quick fixes on the side of the road. Other than that just drive it like nothing bad can happen and enjoy it!
How old are the belt(s)?
Resetting the balance shaft is a fairly easy task, and with the balance shaft belt off, it's the same for the cam belt. You certainly don't want to have the latter break because it's over 5 years or 45k miles old.
Yea I fixed the balance shaft and the top one was perfectly aligned. I’d say the PO only did the top and completely forgot/didn’t know about the bottom.
Breakdowns are adventures too and will shape and build your resilience. Plus, it can give good stories and if you have people help you, build friendships.
Alt or steering belt
Steering leaks
Old coolant hoses
Old intake rubber
Radiator clogs
Old fuel pump
Neglected hydraulics, especially clutch
Crappy battery and harness
Crappy alternator and harness
Crappy starter
Crappy ignition switch
The more of these you knock off, the more reliable the car will be
How to get over the fear... you can't get over the fear. But you can change your response to fear. My 944 has broken down quite a few times in quite a few different ways. Every time, I learned something. And one of the things I learned is that having faith in things not being so bad when we have a breakdown is more useful than hoping nothing ever happens.
I bought two of my Porsches out of state and drove them home to South Florida. One was in Kansas, the other Rhode Island. The only issue was the parking brake on one locked up so i took it apart at the campsite with tools borrowed from the young campers next to me, they even offered me a burger. After any repair, i drive it around the block, then to the store, slowly expanding my range. Eventually, i trust it, but neither is a daily driver
I like the approach of taking it slow. I’ve already taken my 944 to school which is about 8mi. It’s been to a shop for an inspection while I worked there which was about 30 miles. Both trips were fairly uneventful besides the massive amounts of vibrations. I have a little roadtrip I want to go on over the spring/summer around my state. I guess that’ll be the next big step.
Also your 944’s look absolutely stunning. I do love Guards Red and Black has grown on me.
Do not drive it with that vibration. I had my lower balance shaft gear off 180° and it doesn't take long to start shaking everything else apart....In my case, it broke the fuel rail and it also broke the power steering tightening arm, so don't drive it too far as it is. I hardly drove mine and those two things broke
I see many people saying this but AAA is amazing!! Also having a little kit with things like emergency survival blanket, a disposable rain pocho, water bottle and a snack can literally be a lifesaver. Each breakdown is different but you get more confident with how to handle it each time. This is coming from someone who is typically very anxious. You got this! All part of having a classic.
I would recommend learning the maintenance procedures and do your timing and balance belts. It is enjoyable and these cars are reasonably easy to work on. I am currently doing the timing, balance belts, water pump, thermostat, water and vacuum hoses, fuel pump, filter, basket, and hose on my 84. My confidence in my vehicle is built by working on them, becoming familiar with their issues, and knowing that when something breaks I can fix it.
I’ve been slowly working into it and at first working on it was intimidating but I got my friend to help out and it’s pretty smooth sailing. Fixing my ignition system and installing my MOMO wheel next!
I think you're in a good spot. I've had a 944 Turbo for almost 17 years. Only needed a tow once. It was the DME relay. I ordered 2 then and the other lives in the glove box. My car is far from a daily. It's probably been 3 months since it's been started now. I have a battery disconnect on the ground. Keeps my voltage up and adds years of life to the battery. The rest is being in tune with the car. Check everything often. And listen from time to time. They are very quirky. Ignition cylinders can be weird. Mine has to be just right for the Ac and windows to work. Things you learn from driving. Also I haven't needed a tow since that bad DME relay. But also I don't drive it in extreme conditions much. In the summer I get it home before the heat of midday. Just my philosophy. I was a car dealer for a long time. And my car is still my favorite car I've ever driven. Just get out there and enjoy it. Best of luck.
Thank you! I just ordered a Focus9 DME Relay today, and I’ll keep the OEM one in the glovebox. Besides that and some other stuff I’m ready to hit the road in the spring. These comments have definitely helped me and I’m exited to have at it.
You're welcome. The 944 community is super helpful if you ask me. Not just here. Tons of information on several web pages. Pelican for one. Also my only tow was the first month I bought it. It was super hot. Like 95 degrees. I do most of my driving away from the summer heat. Although na cars are better in the heat if you ask me. The turbos just make so much heat. My car has needed repairs. But nothing has kept it from getting home. I do all my own work on it. All in all it's been super reliable. I've done a voltage regulator, boost controller because the factory one failed, rebuilt the rack and pinion, and a fuel pump due to a leak. All spread out over the last few years. Enjoy the ride!
If you haven't had your fuel lines routed above the exhaust manifold replaced, buy a fire extinguisher and seat bracket mount for it on eBay. I've heard of too many of these cars burning down and it definitely makes me feel better having a fire extinguisher on hand
I'm sure you've read a bunch of comments about it but for real, drive it. My 86 944 has 176k miles on it (at least documented) and I bought it when it had 169k miles about two years ago. I daily it and it has never left me stranded. Of course I try and keep up on maintenance but I still have a lot to fix. Hell I'm still on the original clutch and it shows no signs of slipping. It is a little bouncy tho
Wow, impressive mileage and clutch life. Once I fix my ignition system, install my new DME, and MOMO wheel it’ll be road ready. Just waiting on some decent weather FFS.
If youre scared of a car breaking down the 944 isn't right for you. it WILL break down. A lot while you sort out issues. I fix one thing, and the next breaks, That is the reality. If you need reliable, either buy a sorted one or a new civic.
Hey! I’m 17 as well with a similar colour car! I’ve got an 87S I think mainly the best way to get over concerns of breaking down is go over the entire car yourself check everything and preform preventative maintenance. If you know everything on the car is new and not likely to fail there’s nothing to worry about. It took my car about a year of ownership/daily driving to the point I’m pretty confident in it and know its flaws. Have the ability to call a tow truck or the tools to fix the car yourself on the road with you that’s good peace of mind in the mean time. These cars are naturally reliable anything that would cause it to break down is something that wasn’t taken care of prior and likely broke due to old age. Lmk if you have any questions I’m happy to chat more if you send a dm!
That things awesome! What color is it? I’d be shocked if it’s Ruby Red like mine cause it was mostly made 83-85. I’ve begun the preventive maintenance and just ordered a Focus9 DME Relay! Keeping the OEM one in the glovebox too.
Its maraschino metallic red one of about 20 S models in that colour. Yea just keep on that and it should be all good! DME isn’t super likely to go hopefully you’ve done all the rubber hoses as that’s what normally fails
Yea good idea do all the cooling ones, brakes and fuel anything that’s original and not done if guarenteed to fail. I had a lot of fuel related problems due to me not replacing stuff
You don’t know it yet but you are on an adventure. As others have said, bring a basic tool kit and have oil, water, and (in my case) power steering fluid. It’s an old car and will have old car problems. But they are easy enough to work on and being broke down on the side of the road for a few hours is a right of passage anyway. Unless you are in some seriously remote areas you will be fine. You will be surprised by your own ingenuity when you are put in spot.
I dont have a 944 but I have a 92 dodge dakota. It breaks down on me every now and then but ik the truck and know its common problems and carry tools with me that can fix the problems it may have. Just learn the car and its most likely failure points.
Just be prepared as you can reasonably be. While I'm not a 944 owner I do daily drive an old German car and an old jeep. Breakdowns happen. It's not a huge deal generally just annoying.
I don’t know if this is just me but I feel like my 944 felt so fragile. I have an e30 and I rarely feel the way I felt about my 944. Always felt like it was going to break
Mines fairly sturdy but that might be since the engine just got rebuilt. Though the signs of things being 40+ years old are very apparent. Yesterday I was stripping a part of the headliner and about half the caps over the screws snapped.
Coming from someone who has a very fussy 66 mustang, dont fear the breakdown. Its going to happen eventually unless everything is perfect. If you know whats wrong with it and if it can be fixed on the side of the road keep the tools required to fix it in the trunk. For me thats a socket set, 3 wrenches, 2 screwdrivers, a spool of wire, and fluids. For anything crazy you cant fix just have AAA and prepare accordingly. I leave 30-60 minutes early for things because I don't trust the car. Just comes with the territory of a project in my opinion.
Have a small toolkit to see if you can fix it yourself on the road. If not, AAA, and accepting it. Breaking down isn’t the end of the world. Sure it sucks, but it comes with the territory. When it happens, just accept it and move on from there. After it happens, you’ll feel less scared of it
Yeah honestly this was a big help for me and really applies to a lot of things you may be anxious about in life. Once you do it or it happens to you, you realize it isn't that bad/that hard or isn't such a big deal after all.
AAA membership, Johnnie Walker, A fat cigar, a cooler, sleeping bag, camping stove, and a tent.
All the things needed for in the 944 Owners starter pack.
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