944 buying advice + cost of ownership
Discussion
Hello.
After some careful deliberation I have decided to buy myself a 944 S2.
I intend to use the car for commuting a very short distance to work about two days a week and for weekend fun. As I understand it the 944 is quite a high insurance group. Does anyone know if classic insurance will allow commuting?
I also understand that these cars can be a bit of a money pit if they need lots of work doing. I intend to buy a decent one. Can anyone advise me of running costs? Will they be ridiculous or reasonable providing the car is in decent shape to begin with.
Finally, does anyone know of where I could find a decent buyers guide. I understand that the belts must be changed every 30k. I've also heard something about camshafts needing to be changed. Are there any other weak spots to look for?
If anyone can help me with any of these areas or direct me to where I might find answers I would be very appreciative.
Thanks, Matt
After some careful deliberation I have decided to buy myself a 944 S2.
I intend to use the car for commuting a very short distance to work about two days a week and for weekend fun. As I understand it the 944 is quite a high insurance group. Does anyone know if classic insurance will allow commuting?
I also understand that these cars can be a bit of a money pit if they need lots of work doing. I intend to buy a decent one. Can anyone advise me of running costs? Will they be ridiculous or reasonable providing the car is in decent shape to begin with.
Finally, does anyone know of where I could find a decent buyers guide. I understand that the belts must be changed every 30k. I've also heard something about camshafts needing to be changed. Are there any other weak spots to look for?
If anyone can help me with any of these areas or direct me to where I might find answers I would be very appreciative.
Thanks, Matt
Hi Matt, do a search on these forums as the 944 question has been asked loads of times and there is loads of good stuff. You're right to think they can be money pits if you buy the wrong one, it's better get the best you can, belts, water pumps clutches and rust all have to be looked at and are quite expensive, (check that everything works as small things can end up costing you). I've just returned from a long weekend in france in mine without any trouble at all, I did 80 most of the way and managed mid 30's MPG (over 1000 miles) seats are really comfy and the cars are very reliable if they have been looked after, but you do have to remember even the youngest is 16 years old!
I've just renewed my insurance using confused.com and got fully comp for just over £300, I could'nt get classic as I think the milage allowance was too low or something.
Get a good one and you'll struggle to find cheaper more enjoyable performance for the money, I'll be advertising mine on pistonheads next week (probably), as I fancy something else, it's a very late S2 with bridge spoiler, grey leather FSH and 120,000 miles.
Good luck.
Andy.
I've just renewed my insurance using confused.com and got fully comp for just over £300, I could'nt get classic as I think the milage allowance was too low or something.
Get a good one and you'll struggle to find cheaper more enjoyable performance for the money, I'll be advertising mine on pistonheads next week (probably), as I fancy something else, it's a very late S2 with bridge spoiler, grey leather FSH and 120,000 miles.
Good luck.
Andy.
Edited by SilverS2 on Monday 30th April 10:50
Agree - you must get a good one - don't be tempted by a cheap one and think the money saved can be put into repairing it.
I owned a 944 Turbo for 5 years and apart from diy servicing etc cost very little to run. I also got within £5 of what I paid for it when I bought a 993 two years ago!!
Look very carefully for rust as the tinworm is currently causing owners some distress and expense now.
I owned a 944 Turbo for 5 years and apart from diy servicing etc cost very little to run. I also got within £5 of what I paid for it when I bought a 993 two years ago!!
Look very carefully for rust as the tinworm is currently causing owners some distress and expense now.
Sorry, but I don't agree with some of the comments.
There are only 2 ways to be sure you get value for money - (1) pay a good price for a good car from a reliable source - which means someone has not just serviced it properly and regularly but also recently fully inspected it and repaired any age related and wear and tear faults. In my experience, from inspecting cars that have recently been sold by some competitors, although some are good and can spot and sell good cars, many are not or do not know the difference and you cannot tell the difference from the adverts, publicity or premises etc.
(2) Don't pay too much for a car that looks OK and has good history but clearly may need some work doing to it and get the work done - that you can now afford - and be sure of the condition that results.
Most reputable dealers will not bad mouth competitors but will confirm the worth of their own competitors that they know do a good job - rely on such reputation if ever offered - we don't mind confirming those specialists that we recognise as doing good quality and fair work.
Just paying a lot of money will absolutely not guarantee a good car but does generate a lot of unworthy but rich dealers.
Baz
There are only 2 ways to be sure you get value for money - (1) pay a good price for a good car from a reliable source - which means someone has not just serviced it properly and regularly but also recently fully inspected it and repaired any age related and wear and tear faults. In my experience, from inspecting cars that have recently been sold by some competitors, although some are good and can spot and sell good cars, many are not or do not know the difference and you cannot tell the difference from the adverts, publicity or premises etc.
(2) Don't pay too much for a car that looks OK and has good history but clearly may need some work doing to it and get the work done - that you can now afford - and be sure of the condition that results.
Most reputable dealers will not bad mouth competitors but will confirm the worth of their own competitors that they know do a good job - rely on such reputation if ever offered - we don't mind confirming those specialists that we recognise as doing good quality and fair work.
Just paying a lot of money will absolutely not guarantee a good car but does generate a lot of unworthy but rich dealers.
Baz
Gassing Station | Porsche General | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff