Find the Perfect Porsche 944 for Sale: A Buyer’s Guide to This Iconic Model

The Porsche 944 is a great way to own a classic sports car without spending too much. Made from 1982 to 1991, it has a cool design, handles well, and costs less than other Porsches.

The 944 has its engine in the front and drives the rear wheels, with perfect balance for amazing cornering. This guide will tell you why the 944 is still popular, its history, what to look for when buying one, and why it might be a good investment.

Key Takeaways

– The Porsche 944 offers affordable entry into classic Porsche ownership – Produced from 1982 to 1991 with various models including Turbo and S2 versions – Known for excellent handling, balanced performance, and practical design – Key areas to check: engine condition, rust, interior wear, and service history – Prices range from £5,000 for project cars to £40,000+ for pristine Turbo models – Regular maintenance is crucial, with timing belt replacement every 30,000 miles – Increasing collector value makes the 944 a potential investment opportunity

History of the Porsche 944

The Porsche 944 came out in 1982 to replace the 924 model. People liked it more because it performed better and looked cooler with wider wheel arches. Porsche made several types of 944s over the years:

• Original 944 (1982-1989): Had a 2.5L four-cylinder engine with 163 hp
• 944 Turbo (1985-1991): Added a turbocharger for more power, giving it 217 hp
• 944 S (1987-1988): Used a 16-valve engine for better performance, making 190 hp
• 944 S2 (1989-1991): Had a bigger 3.0L engine with 208 hp and updated looks

Porsche made 163,192 944s in total. People loved how it drove, especially because the engine was in the front but it still balanced well. The 944 also helped Porsche make money in the 1980s, showing they could make great cars besides the 911.

Why Buy a Porsche 944?

There are many good reasons to buy a Porsche 944:

1. It’s cheaper than other classic Porsches
2. It handles really well because of how the weight is spread out
3. You can easily find parts to fix or restore it
4. Well-kept 944s are going up in value
5. It’s practical with a hatchback and small back seats
6. The engine is strong and lasts a long time if you take care of it
7. It looks cool and still turns heads today

The 944 is fast for its age. It can go from 0 to 60 mph in 6.5 to 8.5 seconds, depending on which model you have. Turbo versions are even quicker. People who own 944s say they’re fun to drive and feel more modern than you’d expect for a car from the 1980s.

Key Things to Check When Buying a Used Porsche 944

When looking for a used Porsche 944 for sale, check these important things:

1. Engine and Mechanical Condition

The 944’s engine is usually reliable, but look out for these issues:

• Timing belt: Replace every 30,000 miles or 4 years to avoid big engine problems
• Water pump: Often changed with the timing belt. Check for leaks
• Head gasket: Can fail on high-mileage cars. Look for oil in the coolant or vice versa
• Cylinder scoring: More common in older models. A compression test can find problems
• Exhaust system: Check for rust and weird noises that might mean leaks
• Clutch: Should work smoothly. Replacing it is expensive

2. Rust and Bodywork Concerns

The 944 can rust in certain spots. Check these areas carefully:

• Wheel arches: Often rust, especially if stone chips weren’t fixed
• Floorpans: Look under the car for rust
• Sunroof drains: Can get clogged and cause rust in the roof
• Battery tray: Battery acid can cause rust here
• Door bottoms: Another common rust spot
• Front wing edges: Look for bubbling paint or visible rust

3. Interior Wear and Originality

The 944’s interior can show its age. Check these parts:

• Dashboard: Can crack, especially in older models. Hard and expensive to replace
• Seats: Look for wear, tears, and if they work properly
• Electrical systems: Make sure all switches and controls work
• Instrument cluster: Check that all gauges work, including the odometer
• Carpets: Feel for dampness or smell for mustiness that could mean leaks
• Headliner: Often sags in old cars and is expensive to fix

4. Service History and Ownership Records

A good service history is really important. Look for:

• Regular maintenance records: Oil changes and routine services
• Receipts for big repairs or upgrades
• Fewer owners often means better care
• Documented mileage over time to check the odometer
• Cars fixed by Porsche specialists might cost more but are often better in the long run

Where to Find the Best Porsche 944 for Sale

You can find good Porsche 944s in these places:

• Classic car dealerships: Often have well-kept cars and might offer warranties
• Online marketplaces: Websites like Carsnip have lots of 944s from different sellers
• Auctions: You might find great deals, but do your homework first
• Porsche enthusiast forums: Often have cars for sale from knowledgeable owners
• Porsche clubs: Good for finding cars and getting advice
• Specialist Porsche dealers: Might be pricier but cars are usually well-checked

Always check the seller’s reputation and the car’s history before buying. Getting a Porsche expert to inspect the car can cost £150-£300 but can save you from big problems later. Don’t be shy about asking for more photos, videos, or even a video call to see the car if it’s far away.

Pricing Guide for Porsche 944 Models

Prices for Porsche 944s can vary a lot based on condition, model, and what’s popular at the time. Here’s a general idea of what you might pay:

Porsche 944 Price Ranges (£)

944 Base

944 S

944 S2

944 Turbo

Excellent Condition

Good Condition

Poor Condition

Prices for well-kept, low-mileage 944s, especially Turbos and S2s, have been going up lately. This means the 944 could be a good investment for collectors. Things that can affect the price include:

• Originality: Cars with original paint and interiors often cost more
• Mileage: Lower mileage cars are usually worth more
• Service history: Good maintenance records can increase a car’s value
• Rare options: Special features like limited-slip differentials can add value
• Color: Some colors are more popular and can affect the price

Maintenance and Ownership Costs

Owning a classic Porsche like the 944 comes with some costs to think about:

• Annual maintenance: Usually £1,500 to £2,000 for a daily driver, maybe more for high-mileage cars
• Regular servicing: Timing belt needs changing every 30,000 miles, costing £800 to £1,200
• Insurance: Classic car insurance can be cheaper, around £200 to £500 a year
• Parts: Generally easy to find, but some can be expensive. A new clutch kit is about £600, not including labor
• DIY vs. professional work: Doing some work yourself can save money. Many owners do oil changes at home
• Fuel economy: Expect about 20-25 mpg for normal driving, less for spirited driving or track days
• Storage: Storing the car properly, especially in winter, helps keep its condition and value

While it might cost more to maintain than a new car, many people think the fun of owning and driving a 944 is worth it. The key is to keep up with regular maintenance and fix problems quickly before they get worse and more expensive.

Driving Experience and Performance

The Porsche 944 is really fun to drive, even compared to new cars. It combines classic sports car feel with surprising practicality:

• Great weight balance for good handling: The 50/50 front-rear weight split makes it corner really well
• Responsive steering and strong brakes: Gives you precise control and stops well
• Comfortable for long trips with a roomy interior: Unlike many sports cars, you can take the 944 on road trips
• Practical hatchback design for everyday use: Has more space for stuff than you’d expect from a sports car
• Smooth power delivery: Even non-turbo models accelerate nicely and are fun to drive
• Unique engine sound: The four-cylinder engine has a special sound that fans love
• Good visibility: Big windows let you see all around, which is rare in modern sports cars

Performance varies by model, with Turbo and S2 versions being the fastest. Even the base models are fun to drive. Here’s how fast different 944 models are:

• Base 944 (1982-1989): 0-60 mph in 8.3 seconds, top speed of 130 mph
• 944 S (1987-1988): 0-60 mph in 7.9 seconds, top speed of 136 mph
• 944 S2 (1989-1991): 0-60 mph in 6.8 seconds, top speed of 150 mph
• 944 Turbo (1985-1991): 0-60 mph in 5.9 seconds, top speed of 162 mph

These numbers might not seem fast today, but the 944’s light weight and good balance make it feel quicker and more agile than you’d think. Many owners say the car feels more connected to the road than newer cars with lots of electronic aids.

Conclusion

The Porsche 944 is a great choice for people who want to own a classic Porsche. It’s fun to drive, practical, and might go up in value. The 944’s good handling, cool looks, and reasonable price make it popular with both experienced collectors and people new to classic cars.

When looking for a Porsche 944 for sale, do your research, check cars carefully, and think about how much it will cost to own. Look at the car’s maintenance history, make sure it’s been taken care of, and don’t be afraid to ask Porsche experts or fans for advice.

If you’re patient and careful, you can find the perfect Porsche 944 that will be fun to drive for years and might even be worth more in the future. Whether you’ve owned lots of classic cars or this is your first, the 944 gives you a taste of Porsche history and performance that’s hard to beat. As these cars become more popular with collectors, now might be a good time to buy one. You’ll get to enjoy a classic Porsche and maybe make a good investment too.