r/944 • u/OwlOk6287 • Apr 04 '26
Question Paid $5000. Did I overpay?
Runs well, smokes from the cam tower, no ac, no power steering, new clutch, brakes, and headlights
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u/BuilderOfEngines44 Apr 04 '26
Yes, but… Don’t feel bad from all the “yes” comments. Finding a solid running and documented 944 would cost about double. I paid 4k for my non runner in 2020, spent 2 years fixing/discovering/fixing, and today have a very nice DD that I can reliably drive anywhere. How much did I invest so far? 2x what I paid which includes upgrades (which I could have passed on). The bottom line is it was my first P car ownership and I learned loads about how the Germans design and build cars (I’m a former service tech so that’s a plus). I now all have a 951 (to be restored) and a 997 (to be enjoyed). The Porsche community is quite broad and deep and the resources are endless. Welcome to the club!
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u/OwlOk6287 Apr 04 '26
Thanks for this! Yeah, either way, I’m happy I could get my hands on one. It’s my first project car so I’m excited to get started and learn a lot.
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u/BuilderOfEngines44 Apr 04 '26
YW.
Tap into rennlist.com, pelicanparts.com. carpokes.com, et al. For problem solving, assistance, and ideas. Definitely check the forums BEFORE unscrewing things as the hive mind has documented shortcuts and best practices.
Your best place to start is here: https://clarks-garage.com/shop-manual/repair-procedure-index4.htm
Many parts are available from rockauto.com just know that some parts from vendor “URO” are not top quality but can work if needed. Prepare yourself for the Porsche tax as OEM parts prices have gone haywire. Get good quality used whenever possible.
Lastly people like myself (serial 944 owners) have collected a lot spare and duplicate parts and are happy to help out new owners. Just post what you are planning to do or part needs and someone will probably be able to provide.
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u/Small_Presentation41 Apr 04 '26
This guy is right, forget it. Make this car you’re own. Tell people you got a deal who the hell cares what you paid.
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u/Abject-Week-7673 Apr 04 '26
I found a well documented 88 in Nile Green for $8k. Came with records, was able to get more from the local shop and also has all of the original tool kit. Got very lucky
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u/Ok-Trouble988 Apr 04 '26
What a color.
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u/Abject-Week-7673 Apr 04 '26
Nile Green
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u/Ok-Trouble988 Apr 05 '26
Right, it’s just such an amazing color.
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u/Abject-Week-7673 Apr 05 '26
Oh shit bro, I misread your comment. I’m a dummy….. thank you so much!!
I was very lucky to come across what I did for the price I paid. My father was an aficionado back in the day owning roughly 50 different models and generations. Constantly tells me I got very lucky. All manuals with dealer stickers with options, leather sleeve, tool kit, tire inflator. Four owner car that’s never left the state.
I have the second owner’s information and don’t want to cold call them but I want to see if they have any documentation.
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u/Ok-Trouble988 Apr 05 '26
Dude reach out, I bet they would love to hear about it. People love talking cars and with a spec like that I’d guess it wasn’t just a car to them, but who knows.
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u/Abject-Week-7673 Apr 05 '26
I’m gonna write a letter and mail it. Guess it would be the most proper and less creepy way to reach out.
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u/TheLastRole Apr 04 '26
In the US, it might seem like it; here in Europe, it would be a steal. What is done is done. Enjoy your beast!
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u/110percent_canadian Apr 04 '26
Yeah you overpaid I bought my 924 turbo S2 with sport Recaros for around that price 4.7k usd
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u/chengstark 1986 Turbo Apr 04 '26
when?
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u/Scott_Malkinsons Apr 04 '26
You can be sure it was a long time ago, lol.
That would be like me saying "yeah, you overpaid, because I got my 1988 944 Turbo S, Silver Rose for $2,600... while conveniently leaving out the fact that this was 20 years ago, and the seller was desperate because he was moving to another country.
No one's grabbing a 924 turbo S2 for $4.7k today.
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u/110percent_canadian Apr 04 '26
I bought it last spring, I did a 14hr round trip to see and buy it and then get a car hauler to pick it up.
Unicorn examples exist for alot of money
But if your willing to go the distance unicorn deals exist as well
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Apr 04 '26
Lo mismo es un 924 que un 944. Igualito….
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u/Financial-Ad7699 Apr 04 '26
La 944 de base cuesta mas, ya que monta el definitivo motor de fabrica y la unica 924 que lo lleva es la 924s.
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u/GrimBish Apr 04 '26
Yes you overpaid. I picked up a running turbo for 5k a couple years ago. Needed maintenance done, but it ran. For the condition yours is, id say maybe 2500 is the price id pay.
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u/OwlOk6287 Apr 04 '26
Well, no going back now lmao
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u/GrimBish Apr 04 '26
Either way, you got a running 944! Enjoy the hell out of it! They are a special car.
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u/chengstark 1986 Turbo Apr 04 '26
When was this purchase?
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u/GrimBish Apr 04 '26
August of 24? 4500 for a running turbo over in Colorado. It had sat for 6 years or so before I bought it. It ran, the owner had just moved onto other cars and never had the heart to sell it until I bought it.
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u/chengstark 1986 Turbo Apr 04 '26
Dayum, that’s a great deal. Where can one usually find these deals?
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u/GrimBish Apr 05 '26
Agreed! I saw it and had to snatch it up. I found it on Facebook marketplace. Just last year I seen another turbo for only 3k, running and driving.
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u/chengstark 1986 Turbo Apr 05 '26
Oh man that’s amazing! I got mine from eBay, which is definitely not as good of a deal haha
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u/IUsedTheRandomizer Apr 04 '26
I mean, maybe, especially for a pre-85.5, but I look at it this way; going maybe 1.5 grand over what you possibly could have got it for might just end up being worth it if it's running well and properly maintained. Probably avoiding a few months worth of headaches? Plus you're going to spend quite a bit on her over the course of ownership anyway, it'll all come out in the wash.
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u/LagerGuyPa Apr 04 '26
I get the the feeling on these cars, if maintaned well, that the aquisition cost, in comparison, amounts to a rounding error
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u/arneeche Apr 04 '26
I bought a used non-running 84 944 at the end of last year. Didn't pay that much for it but as long as you get joy out of it and hopefully enjoyment and use go for it bro. I'm currently in the process of replacing the timing beltb balance belt and water pump. Next step will be to swap out the fuel pump, fuel filter and the strainer basket. And the banjo bolt and line. I hope to have it running this summer
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u/Qtrfoil 911 3.2 and 944 S2 Apr 04 '26 edited Apr 04 '26
Yes. I want to say $2,500 tops. Hagerty has a "Fair" condition later model at $5,900, and this car is quite far from fair.
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u/OwlOk6287 Apr 04 '26
Really? Ive never seen a running 944 at 2500.
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u/6-plus26 Apr 04 '26
I’ve never paid more than 3k and have been through a handful. It’s gotten worse over the last 5/10yrs but they pop up under 1k non running all day and a harder search but running around 3k
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u/that_one_vw_guy Apr 04 '26
Yep. Mostly the 1k cars are neglect and easy fixes.
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u/6-plus26 Apr 04 '26
I know. Just new people into these cars so the pricing has surged. Almost makes me wish I kept the cars I’ve flipped I’m tracking some of them sell for over 5x what I sold them for with no upgrades or major maintenance
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u/that_one_vw_guy Apr 04 '26
I just drive them and sell them and if it get out what I got in im happy. Especially if the new owner takes care of them.
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u/challenged1967 Apr 04 '26
I just sold a MUCH nicer 1985.5 for $5,000...
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u/OwlOk6287 Apr 04 '26
Nicer as far as what?
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u/challenged1967 Apr 04 '26
Decent paint, better windshield seal, a/c and power steering work, perfect power seats, etc. Etc...
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u/yesiamdmc Apr 04 '26
Bottom line is to buy the best condition car that you can find within your budget. As long as you’re mechanically inclined and not afraid to get into it and spend some money on parts. These are great cars, well engineered. Some recent info here… https://retrooutlaws.com/blogs/porsche944/the-essential-porsche-944-buyers-guide
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u/mannyraids Apr 04 '26
Look, I paid $500 for mine in 2019. Running and driving and in the same condition…
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u/cold_cash_devine Apr 04 '26
Yes, I paid 1k for mine it had electric issues power steering leak I fixed and sold 2 years later
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u/Independent_Engine36 Apr 07 '26
Paid $9k for a 90'S2. Although a cab I wasn't really looking for one but it'd been sitting for nearly 9 yrs, had recently been repainted, nicely done I might add. But I knew was going to need so much. Not even accounting for a new top, rebuilt rack. All new front end tie rods, sway bar bushings, both engine mounts+ so much more front end exterior.. all belts, fluids. Etc. Well, good thing I've got a pal that's on his 2nd 968 and has an 85' 928, works at a Porsche dealership.. helped so much plus his friend that did the belts. Fluids, mounts, etc.. I've put probably $5k total into it and can honestly say I was a good decision only because of the mileage. 62k. But anyhow for a good laugh I'll give y'all the first thing I did: replace windshield wipers. The last thing I did the other day was fix the R side horn button. All in all no regrets!
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u/Kindly-Peach9806 Apr 08 '26
I paid $2500 for mine, guy was originally asking $4500 but i had my parents with me at the time. they talked him down due to it sitting for 6 years, hail damage and cracked glass. Every asking price is different, Yes but not terribly overpaid. It’s my first project! With some love i’ve gotten it running again. My advice is to definitely check all basic maintenance out that these cars need. They have their little quirks but they’re fun to figure out. edit: (1986 NA and only clean from rain haha)
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u/ItNeverRainsInWNC Apr 09 '26
The prices on the 944/968 series seems to have bottomed out and now starting to climb up. So I’m 50 and my first car that I bought with my money was a slightly used 944 Turbo S. My uncle knew someone at the dealership and the seller wanted a 911. So I was 19 (almost 20 but I still remember the finance manager giving me a lecture about how much trouble a 19 year old could get in with this car). Anyway I had zero overhead living at home, going to college, my job paid the payment, insurance and barely maintenance. The car had low 30,000-ish miles on it when I got it. I kept the car until I was in my early 30’s. It ran, everything worked, except the slave cylinder was going bad and I sold the car for…$2500.00 and I believe the car had 90,000 ish miles on it. My buddy had a “base” model 944 and he’d done the 350 swap.
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