Puff Cigar Discussion Forums

czartim · 10-25-2006, 07:33 PM

I need help from someone with a Kelly Blue Book laying around. I've found someone who is interested in trading an '83 944 for my '72 VW. Can anyone tell me what the value range is on an 83 944? All I know at this point is that the car runs and drives and needs paint.

clampdown · 10-25-2006, 07:34 PM

I am pretty sure you can check online (their site) or maybe checkout NADA.org

Good luck and post some pictures if it comes through.

Mister Moo · 10-25-2006, 07:39 PM

Is there something about it you like, besides the name Porsche, if I may ask?

Scimmia · 10-25-2006, 07:46 PM

looks like www.kbb.com only goes back to 1986, but www.edmunds.com should go back further

czartim · 10-25-2006, 07:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mister MaDuroo

Is there something about it you like, besides the name Porsche, if I may ask?

At this point, it's just the name. That and it should be more of a driver than my VW. I need to do a bit of research on the car before I make a decision. I know my VW is easier to work on, parts are cheaper, and is a more recognizable car than the 944. Right now the two cars are probably worth about the same, but since my VW is a 'vert, it will most likely someday pass the 944 in value.

RPB67 · 10-25-2006, 07:54 PM

A piece of advice. They are a nice car. I had a 1984 in 1987. The maintenance is very expensive.

An example is, the alternator is under the engine and cost $800.00 to replace.

Be careful when buying a used Porsche. They are great cars but the maintenance could be a killer.

(909) · 10-25-2006, 09:13 PM

I've been a member of Porsche Club of America for 10 years and spend a lot of time around Porsches and with other Porsche people. My advise is to stay away from the 944 unless you've got a lot of extra cash laying around.

Compared to your bug(?), the Porsche will send your wallet into shock everytime that you need a part or a repair. Example:a clutch for your bug installed is $_______ , the clutch for my 911 was $1,400.00. Valve adjustment, plugs, air filter and oil change for your bug is $50.00 (you do the labor), the same for the 911 is $350.00-$400.00.

What I'm getting at is that Porsche parts are expensive, Porsche mechanics are expensive. Don't get me wrong, I love Porsches, but they don't come cheap and if it's something you are willing to invest some time and money into, it can be a lot of fun to own one.

Before you do anything with the car, take it to a Porsche dealer or mechanic and get a pre purchase inspection with an estimate of cost to fix anything that is wrong with the car. You'll save yourself a lot of headaches and cost later on.

If you buy it, send some pics, I love Porsches!!

Stogiefanatic182 · 10-25-2006, 09:17 PM

The 944 is their lowest priced model they offered. I looked at a used one once and when I test drove it, it was alright but you would never think its a Porsche. Id make sure its really what you want and make sure your prepared to deal with costly repairs like others have mentioned.

The Saint · 10-25-2006, 09:20 PM

Keep the VW.

Ashcan Bill · 10-25-2006, 09:39 PM

Just to reinforce what's already been said, stay away from the 944 unless you don't mind dropping a lot of $$ into it. I speak from experience. Porsches are not a cheap hobby.

Bugs are reliable, inexpensive to maintain, and if it's a ragtop in decent shape, it'll never depreciate and in all probability continue to go up in value.

There's a lot of people restoring/collecting/buying/driving bugs. Not so many looking for 944s.

omowasu · 10-25-2006, 09:42 PM

Maintenance on the 944's is hairy to say the least. Parts are dwindling in supply, and everything in the engine bay is engineered "differently". One of my friends a while back was a 944 (turbo) and 924 fanatic. He wouldnt suggest buying one unless you can turn a wrench (and have a lot of patience). If the AC is dead, plan on a lot of time and money to retrofit it and get it working.

But they are cool, and they do drive well. I would like to see some pics too, should you take the plunge.

Mister Moo · 10-25-2006, 10:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RPB67

A piece of advice. They are a nice car. I had a 1984 in 1987. The maintenance is very expensive.

An example is, the alternator is under the engine and cost $800.00 to replace.

Be careful when buying a used Porsche. They are great cars but the maintenance could be a killer.

(The myth of the 911 is that it is air-cooled - it isn't, really - it's oil cooled. That little "air cooled" 911 has more gallons of oil running to-and-fro thru the engine and bodywork fittings than a Cummins diesel tractor engine has in the crankcase. It's a misunderstood Porsche thing - exotic, complex and perfect in its own way.)

944 is a torquey truck-ie engine connected to the wheels with a Porsche-slightly-weird (for example) transmision linkage . What should be a simple linkage, like everything else on every Porsche, is done the Porsche way. A little different. The 944 may be as close to bulletproof simplicity as any Porsche recently made but basic service/maintenance units will still come in $1000 increments... the Porsche way. Ja. Stuttgarts finest are not ever bargains - they are lifestyles.

AAlmeter · 10-26-2006, 01:05 AM

Here's the skinny from a humble (hahaha, ok, not so humble) guy that has worked on them. If this is a hobby, especially one in which you will be getting your hands dirty/bloody a 944 (especially 944S) is the way to go. Fantastic sleeper with a poop load of go-go for the price/flashiness (if thats a word).

Bullshit about the costs aside, if you are a driver, you will never find a car that will be as rewarding to your skill as a driver. Yes, the 911 is doubly fantastic, but every asshole with more money than brains buys one. Judging by the fact that you are looking at a typical 944 and not a 911 or something really great (i.e. Italian), you are looking for some performance and a lot of name without a boatload of a bill.

Judging by what you are looking for, the 944 is the way to go.

Are there others? Absolutely! The 300Z(X) series, last gen pre-next gen RX-7s, Supras, etc all offer great handling, great muscle, and great price. But if you are looking at a Porsche, you are looking at something different all together.

As has been stated, brace yourself for the costs. The 944 is not difficult to work on yourself if you are mechanically inclined, but the parts are expensive....and Bosch parts IMHO have gone to shit lately (along with a lot of BMW and especially Merc subcontracts).

You will be driving a 20 year old car. Think of driving a 20 year old Ford, and then triple the repair costs...and you will get a fair idea of what you will be piloting. They are fun as hell, but unless you really know your shit (and judging by the fact that you're asking the value of it, you don't...no offense), there are a lot of options out there that may be better for you that can offer just as much fun.

But then again, if you have the cash and want to get into the hobby, you can't find a better starter car to thrash and work on than the 944 (especially the 944S).

Mister Moo · 10-26-2006, 09:14 AM

Funny. One bluebook value reply and no prices. You got a lot of advice you didn't ask for.

It appears we all agree - flash name, stout running car, plenty of guts and grab for a daily driver. My neighbor had one (back in '88 aprrox) and I thought it was like the man said, a sleeper/almost-screamer. We were both under it a lot, trying to save him another $1000 Porsche repair unit. Didn't hear anyone say jump all over it.

My take on 20-year old 944 is like Aal'ters; if you're healed enuff to make this a second car/project because you can't live without a 944 (in your six-bay heated ) garage/workshop, go shop hard for one making sure it has all the correct this'es and thats which give a natural Porsche it's beauty and value over time. Otherwise, VW cabrios get you there. 20 year old sports cars are labors of love, mostly.