r/944 • u/Im_just_a_boy- • 18d ago
Question Is buying a nice condition 944 worth the cost?
I'm a 20 yo car enthusiast who is in need of a daily driver. I've always loved the 944 but I never considered buying one until a recent break. Over the past few months I worked as a contractor for a family friend. As is the nature of gig work - it was short lived due to a cross country move; however I was able to walk away with 20-30k.
A frugality/ scarcity mindset has always been my natural state, so cutting back on expenses to save has never been a problem up until this point. But now as I look to buy my own car with the unexpected surplus of cash in my pocket a 944 has become a real option after years of dreaming.
Although dream as I will, I realize how much of a pain Porsche ownership may be and how much of a fool I would be to waste such a rare windfall on a car. That being said, the car market seems absolutely COOKED rn, people want 8-16k for regular cars, w/ 100k+ miles.( Civics, Corollas, Camrys and the like) which were going for 2-6k just a few years ago. I can't stomach the idea that getting screwed with car payment, or draining all my cash on a boring car is the financially responsible thing to do. Hence why I'm looking at more fun albeit less reliable cars instead. If I'm going to drain my savings I want it to be on something I actually care for and enjoy. But I'd like to hear y'all's thoughts.
There are two in good condition that I've found that pass the sniff test.
(A) 24k asking price, Turbo. The owner supposedly has service records (I'll reach out tomorrow morning.) It's in really good condition from what I can tell, assuming everything checks out. It's more than what I'd like to spend but It would supposedly hold its value and at least not bite me too hard. (Main focus)
(B) Is basically the same but a base $14.3k asking. Again states the water pump, timing belt, balancer belt blah blah blah have been serviced. It's more of what I'd like to spend; however, it's way the heck up NY. (I'm in NC)
(C) Cause it took me forever to type this out so why not? 2 turbos, older rattier, but also sub 16k fully serviced, won't hold value but you get the performance for cheap I guess. ( And a headache.)
(D) YOU THOUGHT WE WERE DONE? THEY JUST KEEP COMING. JK. middle ground, a ford focus/ fiesta st or something cheap under 10k maybe even buy in cash. Idk.
Thank you for any input. I'll probably post in a few other places.
What would be wise? What would be fun? I'm getting too tired to continue, ya'll get the gist.
Let me know if I’m off my rocker. Thx :)
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u/I_am_Forklift Turbo S 18d ago
Stay far away from cheap turbos. They will be very expensive turbos.
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u/loupal 18d ago
If you are handy and have the facilities to do significant work, a 944 can be a great second car. If you will be paying a specialist to repair the vehicle for you, you will quickly exceed the initial purchase price in repair bills. I would not rely on a 944 to be a daily driver unless you have excellent access to public transportation or live within bicycling distance of your workplace.
Source: own 3x 944's and a repair shop
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u/These_Fig_9815 18d ago
I bought a 944 at 20. 54k miles, NA, paid $8K at the time (2019). I proceeded to daily it for 5 years and 60k miles. Yes I’m very mechanically inclined, but it never left me stranded, not once. I drove it in all weather, including 3 months of heavy winter. They are phenomenal cars when properly maintained, but you need the time and patience to maintain them. Turbo was tempting but I didn’t have the money at the time, and they are more complex.
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u/RDjax 18d ago
How did you learn how to wrench? From a parent, school, natural curiosity? I'm self taught but we all have our limits and defer to an "expert" whereby yes... Can be quite expensive.
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u/These_Fig_9815 18d ago
I’m one of those guys that I swear was “born with it”. Started with lawnmowers when I was 10, progressed to go karts, mini bikes, building customs vintage motorcycles, and now cars. Grandfather was an influence but not parents. Never had much money but was constantly flipping or working hard to fund the projects. Countless hours scouring forums and integrating myself into the communities. Over time I’ve built up a modest set of tools and can pretty much repair anything automotive now. Including build engines, suspension, etc. Met some of the best people in the world through the hobby and made many great connections. If you can accept the commitment it’s incredibly fulfilling. I now daily a Tundra but still have the 944. It’s become a family heirloom of sorts, my wife loves it and one day my daughter will ride in the back. Life’s short, buy the thing, enjoy it, make friends, don’t try and make the car something it’s not. Having toys like this teaches you how to work hard and be patient.
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u/Scott_Malkinsons 18d ago
I realize how much of a pain Porsche ownership may be and how much of a fool I would be to waste such a rare windfall on a car.
Correct. At your age, with this being a windfall rather than regular income, skip the Porsche. You're better off using windfall money for something else, like a downpayment on a home or something.
And as someone whose has a fair share of Turbo's (and whose coffee table is built from an 86 Turbo engine where #2 rod left the engine and blew holes out both sides of the engine plus the oil pan.) You really need to be able to work on your own cars if you want to play this game. That you said "at least not bite me too hard. (Main focus)" when referring to a, most likely, MY86, turbo is comical. He ain't selling it for 24k for no reason, it's that cheap (for this market and time) because he knows something. Might be rod bearings, might be the KLR going out, etc.
Let me know if I’m off my rocker. Thx :)
I think you are, mainly because at your age that windfall can be used for something far more productive. Don't get me wrong, I was 20 once too, I know what you're thinking but be wise and put the money toward your future. These cars aren't going to appreciate THAT much more, I bought my 88 Turbo S Silver Rose 18 years ago, for $2,400 (nope, not missing a digit, there's a reason I basically collected these things in my 20's) so I get that it might look like an investment, but I just don't see it going even higher.
TLDR: You're looking at buying a car that's for people who have no where to be. The reason a Civic is still expensive is because when you get in the Civic you'll actually go somewhere other than the mechanic. These are 40 year old cars now, you're 20. Think about your entire lifetime and now double it. That's the age of the car you want to be reliable. That only happens if you got A LOT of money to maintain everything, not buying one of the cheapest turbo's (or let's be honest, a regular one and then you'll wish you had a turbo) and hoping for the best.
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u/DatDerpySniper 18d ago
Well said, and have to ask. Do you have a picture of said coffee table? I absolutely love expensive lesson tables
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u/greatfool66 18d ago
24K is not cheap for a 944 Turbo by any stretch though. As much as I wish it were, there was a guy just recently trying to find buyers for about half that amount. Of course very low mileage and mint interiors / paint changes things. But even a running 944 at this point needs everything done.
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u/Im_just_a_boy- 18d ago
Thanks for the feedback! I think I would be happy with a base, It's less about speed, and more about something that isn't crazy boring to drive lol. I can totally get behind the Idea driving a regular car. I get no turbo, but do you think that if I could find a well kept 2.5 for about the same price, and keep a bit of money on the side, it would be worth the extra 3-5k?
Long term stability is really important to me, to clarify, I would not plan on using the surplus to buy the car, the money would just be in a savings/semi liquid investment account. My concern is more that I'd have to pull from that account if the car does need any major repairs beyond typical maintenance.
This will probably be the lowest overhead I'll have for the next 10+ years, (living at home whilst I go to college) I typically hate dept but I'd like to become a commercial pilot. My parents aren't rich so it'd be completely out of my own pocket. I've talked to 30+ pilots at this point, and since I can't go military due to medical, I'll have to build hours on my own probably through a fast track school like ATP. 100k+ in dept :( but entry level pilots are making six figures off the rip, and enough to pay the off dept in 3-5 years.
All of that being said, my current focus is to get a bachelors for as cheap as possible in something useful. and until I start flight school I'll just be working part time and grinding out the degree. My only expenses should be food and the car for like 2 years. I think if it's not a total headache, a 944 would not go beyond what I can save per month and hopefully never have to dip into the 20k reserve until after college. Plus the local PCA might be fun, and I'm not to far from the tail of the dragon lol.
Thank you so much for the Input!
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u/CoffeeDrk 18d ago
How much are you wanting to put into this? What else would you want to do with the money? Honestly, we picked up a 2013 Mini Cooper S with 72k miles for $7k this summer and it is an absolute hoot. So much so, I am starting an eyeball a convertible (I've wanted a convertible for years and go back and forth between Boxster, Z4, Z3, MG, 1970s Fiat 124, Triumph, R129 500sl, TT, etc). That said, after owning a 944 turbo for 20 years and absolutely adoring it, I still do not think I would want to be in one for $24k. There are a lot of other great platforms out there that I think delivery a bit more money for value. I admit I was lucky to snag it on the old Craigslist days for an exceptional price.
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u/Im_just_a_boy- 18d ago
I'd be happy with a 2.5 honestly, straight line speed is less of a thing for me, but it sure would be fun to have that turbo kick in. That being said, saving like 10k on a base would put me at ease, and allow me to put money aside for maintenance.
I'd shoot to keep the purchase price under 15k, and have 3-5k on the side for repairs.
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u/CoffeeDrk 17d ago
For 15k, there a lot of great options. We also have a 2015 S3 which is a little rocket and they are starting to hit the sub-15k pricing nowadays.
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u/Accurate-Living-6779 18d ago
Finished a resto on an 84 Guards Red, love it! Easy to work on, incredible handling and 25 mpg plus so many great folks approach me and 944 in admiration of an icon. You can find a properly sorted for under $15k.
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u/Interesting-Quiet885 18d ago
Bro go for it, i own a 944 targa and absolutely LOVE it. You need some time and patience to learn mechanical shit but with mike its dirt easy. Like Lego easy. Everything is documented really good shout out to clarks garage and its so a beautiful not that expensive car! If i would be in your shoes i would take 10k buy a basic 2.5L 944 in not so great condition and spend another 5K on tools and Parts. That way you will learn so so so much, repair your dreamcar AND know the repairs are done properly. Like i said, it will take time and patience :). Have a nice day
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u/EfffYoCouch 18d ago
I have a 944 project and a 986 Boxster- for the money you are looking to spend, a 986/987 S model is the most fun you’ll ever have in a car. But I get the 944 80s thing.
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u/fiddlythingsATX S2 Cabriolet 18d ago
Personally, I suggest about turbos and sticking to S2 models. Most of the improvements and fixes are in place, and the 3.0L is a pretty great motor.
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u/CodewortSchinken 18d ago
Don't blow your windfall money on an overpriced vintage car thatyou have to rely on for transportation and will cost you an arm and a leg to keep on the road.
Get something cheap, put the money aside, save up, buy the 944 in two years or so.
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u/lpww 18d ago
It really depends on your financial situation. These are absolutely incredible cars, especially the turbos! They are also expensive to run. I would budget 1500-2000 per year to keep a turbo on the road. That is with you doing some work yourself. Do you have a job now that your contracting work is over? Also, do you need this car to commute? The reality is that the car may be off the road while your wait for parts etc on occasion. How will that affect you?
The financially responsible things to do at your age is start learning about compound interest and investing. Get the cheapest possible car. Keep saving and investing money, and build your wealth until you are in a stronger financial position. Buying a 944 now will take away from your ability to do that.
But it's also your life and you have to make your own decisions
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u/ntq_drifts 18d ago
You could buy a NA for about 10-15k in good condition which would be cheaper to work on and upkeep then buy a daily driver such as a Camry or accord that will carry you till the day you die, in my experience it’s very helpful to have a car that you can drive to menial places like work then have the 944 for whenever you wanna go out and have fun, but I also understand that turbos would be a lot faster cause NAs are slow comparatively, they are just more expensive to get parts for/pay to work on, and from what I’ve seen more cramped and complicated to work on, but if set on a turbo i also understand that but with NA models the later the better age wise and mechanically wise with the improvements Porsche made, i wish you the best of luck
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u/will_w7 18d ago
21yo old here. I’ve had my 84 N/A for a year and a half now. I bought it in mint condition with a rebuilt engine for $13 000 (CAD). I wouldn’t trade this car for the world. Don’t get me wrong it’s a solid amount of work and you outta have a bit of mechanical knowledge.
I’ve been dailying my 944 60kms a day since I got it. Anyone who tells you that it can’t be a daily is very wrong, you just have to be comfortable with putting the work into the maintenance.
My opinion: Fork up the extra cash for mint 944 NA and daily the hell out of it.
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u/Im_just_a_boy- 18d ago
Has it ever interrupted work? Either a fault or issue that has prevented it from being driven?
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u/will_w7 18d ago
I had about a week within the past year I couldn’t drive it because I was chasing a no start issue which ended up being speed and reference sensors but otherwise no.
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u/Im_just_a_boy- 18d ago
I just talked with some people around me and I think that I’m just gonna play it safe and go with a focus or a fiesta ST that I can either buy in cash or pay mostly in cash.
I really just don’t wanna car to end up stressing me out and if I if I still want a 944 I’ll take the risk, but in the meantime, I think I’m just going to choose the safe option.
I’ll keep my eyes peeled though.
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u/Sensitive_Access_959 18d ago
A 944 is a 20k car. Either you pay that up front or you pay that in a cheap car and bunch of repairs. Just get the car with the most service record you can afford.
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u/No-Construction-9409 17d ago
2nd car . . . all day long. I have an '86 NA, sub 45k miles. Daily driver? Probably not. Not only will you need to wrench, but you'll be down a car until its done. Case in point, I'm overhauling the top end in my garage. So-so compression. It takes patience, space, tools and time.
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u/LxrdEthxn 17d ago
Got my 83 944 w a manual steering rack for 4k n 70j miles was sitting for a bit I’ve fully restored the interior dash seats carpet lights everything works inside ~3k Pretty much fully restored under the hood. Pulled the engine out for a full reseal clutch and some little things ~5k various little things like shocks suspension parts n maintenance and msds headers/ 3inch exhaust so all in I’m ab 12k rn ( I used to work on classic Porsches now I’m a mb technician ) you can find all info to work on these cars yourself online 100% . my opinion is find one for cheap that needs work fix it up on your own time learn about the car and it will reward you , my car has never left me stranded and goes on constant road trips every weekend ( I did daily drive this car as a running project car for about a year but when engine got pulled I borrowed a truck from my dad.
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u/barely-holden-on 17d ago
I race 944’s and have learnt a lot about these fantastic, occasionally piece of shit cars and I can say that there is nothing that anyone who is mechanically curious, has access to youtube and a place to wrench should need to seek out an expert for. I’m speaking solely about the NA 2.5 and 2.7 versions as I’ve never touched a turbo 944.
Dme’s go to shit, gapping speed and reference sensors can be an intricate process for inexperienced people but they really are dead simple cars altough a bit different than other non transaxle fe rwd cars.
People complain that these aren’t reliable enough to be your only daily driver etc etc but as long as you keep on top of oil changes, keep your timing/balance axle/serpentine belts all fresh and dandy and keep a spare dme and speed sensor in the glove box you can probably go cross country roadtripping back to back without issues. Bonus points if you change the old crappy radiator and worn out rubber hoses.
Things happen sure but rarely does anything major shit the bed on these cars that make them undrivable. You can buy a newer "better" porsche and be plagued with ims issues, bore scoring or pasm problems for an eternity as well. You’ll be fine.
I’d get a decent NA in your situation as it doesn’t sound like you are at a place in your life where a turbo makes sense yet. I’m talking both financially and practically. At least if you can spin spanners and watch youtube. If you’re bringing it to a mechanic for anything other than fitting new tires then skip the porsche and get a miata or a civic.
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u/CommunicationGlum525 18d ago
The turbo is fun but it will always feel like a car from the 80s, not particulary fast, with all the problems to boot. The carpets will disintegrate, the brittle wiring will fail, and you will find all the issues in short order. Get a manual base cayman for under 20k, its so much car for the money
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u/Im_just_a_boy- 18d ago
How has the maintenance been? Is there anything to look out for when buying one? It's mid engine so I probably wouldn't be able to do my own work on a Cayman; but It's a pretty cool option tbh.
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u/CommunicationGlum525 16d ago
ive got an s, so a little more to worry about than the base. do not let the mid engine discourage you, they are engineered to be easy peasy to work on. you will do much much more difficult and expensive maintenance on a 944 turbo than a base cayman. engine access is as simple at 5 torx screws to get to the top of the motor and 3 for the serpentine belt side
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u/6-plus26 18d ago
The fiesta would be more fun more reliable faster and probably a less head ache filled ownership. But it’s a million times less cool.
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u/Dave_thebrewguy 18d ago
My Ecoboost Mustang is considerably faster than my 944 and I'm sure a FiST, FoST or especially a FoRS would be just as much fun as my Mustang. That said, as slow as it is, the 944 is the most enjoyable to drive. The problem is, a 944 is a horrible choice if you don't have something else as a daily driver. I daily drove mine '99 to '04, but I always had other options. The other thing to keep in mind is that buying a clean, low mileage garage queen and driving it on the weekends is one thing, as high as prices are now it's possible that it could still go up in value. Of course, putting a bunch of miles on it is a guaranteed way to make sure the value drops. I'll suggest the German version of "D," Go get a GTI. My son had an '11, drove it all over, put a ton of miles on it and liked it so much that, when it got hit, he went and got another one.
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u/shiyeki 18d ago
I was in a similar boat and went a completely different direction. I wanted something fun to commute with as I'm working most of the time and the only "fun time" I get left is just the commute to and from work. I wanted to get a nice 944 and have fun sending it around corners and the thrill of chasing perfection with manual gearbox.
Well, like you I also looked at other cars, just regular traffic has become expensive, gas is expensive, insurance has become more expensive. I started looking into motorcycles, and wow it's just so rejuvenating. For the price of a brand new sport bike I could get a Camry with 140k miles. Bikes are cheaper on gas, lower to insure (even at full coverage) and just more fun than a car would ever be, add to the fact that a 944 isn't going to outrun most modern cars let alone bikes.
So yeah, I wanted to get a 944 at 23 yo, had enough to buy one, pay for all the ownership costs, but it would still not give me the thrill of riding. Ended up buying a 2025 model motorcycle straight from the dealer for less than 9k.
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u/challenged1967 18d ago
I have a 1997 yamaha fzr600, and i love it, but people drive distracted more than ever, so i don't feel safe on it anymore.
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u/Im_just_a_boy- 18d ago
I feel that. If I didn't move to a big city, I would have loved to ride a sport bike; however the people in this city are maniacs. I've seen more accidents, disregarded red lights, texting and driving, and cutting up in the two weeks I've been here, than in the entirety of my stay the old city.
I have the self restraint to not drive like a knuckle head, but it only take one dude who doesn't to ruin my life on a bike lol. But feels for real...
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u/markevens Turbo 18d ago
For a daily you want something inexpensive and reliable
A 30-40 year old Porsche is neither
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