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Buying a nearly classic

  • 29-10-2010 12:44am
    #1
    The Recliner
    Closed Accounts Posts: 8,630 ✭✭✭


    Hi Guys

    I am in the process of selling my car and am looking at buying something in the €3-4k price bracket
    I don't do huge mileage around 5-8000km max a year and the car would mainly be used evenings and weekends as I don't need it for work

    Most cars in that price bracket are boring and uninteresting so I was looking for something a bit different

    I came across a couple of Porsche 944's that would be in my price range, what do people here make of them. Are they costly to maintain? Reliable? Etc

    I am happy to get my hands dirty and learn about doing work on them but do they require any specialist care?

    Does anyone have any other suggestions/advice?


Comments

  • #2
    doleman2010
    Closed Accounts Posts: 180 ✭✭doleman2010


    Lovely lookin 95 merc e220 coupe on adverts , looks like a very fresh genuine car , irish reg also .


  • #3
    Dades
    Moderators, Society & Culture Moderators Posts: 25,564 Mod ✭✭✭✭Dades


    The Recliner wrote: »
    I came across a couple of Porsche 944's that would be in my price range, what do people here make of them. Are they costly to maintain? Reliable? Etc
    Shouldn't be too difficult to keep on the road - probably avoid the turbo though as that can lead to headaches.

    I run a 924 as a second car (probably less than 4K a year) and after some teething issues with the charging system it's been a very reliable and fun car.

    Other alternatives might be a 6 or 3 series Beemer?

    Tax could be an issue depending on engine size of course. :)


  • #4
    Tommyboy40
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 629 ✭✭✭Tommyboy40


    I have a sweet 97 318 convertible looking for a good home, it needs to go to make room for another merc!


  • #5
    Dades
    Moderators, Society & Culture Moderators Posts: 25,564 Mod ✭✭✭✭Dades


    ^^ 1997 ain't gonna qualify for any classic 'perks'!


  • #6
    The Recliner
    Closed Accounts Posts: 8,630 ✭✭✭The Recliner


    Dades wrote: »
    Shouldn't be too difficult to keep on the road - probably avoid the turbo though as that can lead to headaches.

    I run a 924 as a second car (probably less than 4K a year) and after some teething issues with the charging system it's been a very reliable and fun car.

    Other alternatives might be a 6 or 3 series Beemer?

    Tax could be an issue depending on engine size of course. :)

    Sounds goods

    I haven't looked at any BMW's, a nice 6 would be very tempting

    Though it would be hard to over come my fondness for Porshe


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  • #7
    superfly35
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 380 ✭✭superfly35


    As dade said a 924 could be a good first classic.
    I went for this option about 1 year ago, I took on some projects but you can find one which drive fairy well.
    There is a good couple of them in the country.

    The engine are 2.0L so a bit cheaper on tax, than a 944.


  • #8
    The Recliner
    Closed Accounts Posts: 8,630 ✭✭✭The Recliner


    I am not too concerned about tax, I am happy to pay up to the 2.5l mark and might consider more for the right car


  • #9
    gyppo
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,649 ✭✭✭gyppo


    If you do buy a 944, make sure its a good one. Cheap ones are cheap for a reason.
    Also, don't be taken in by the blurb about galvanised bodies - they do rot, some quite badly along the sills at front and rear arches, and you really need to examine the area where the rear torsion bar joins to the chassis.
    Buy a well sorted one, with full service history, and evidence of a recent timing and balancer belt change. If its been cared for, the water pump will have been replaced at the same time too.
    A good one is a pleasure to own - a bad one will empty your pockets fast.


  • #10
    Dades
    Moderators, Society & Culture Moderators Posts: 25,564 Mod ✭✭✭✭Dades


    The Recliner wrote: »
    I am not too concerned about tax, I am happy to pay up to the 2.5l mark and might consider more for the right car
    If you're not to bothered about tax, then maybe a 944 (or a 924S?) would suit - if you can find one on your budget.

    Considering the amount of them made it's amazing how few of them you see about. No shortage of 911s, but hardly any 44's or 24s'. Of course when I bought mine a mate congratulated me on buying the ugliest Porsche ever made. :p That might explain it!


  • #11
    The Recliner
    Closed Accounts Posts: 8,630 ✭✭✭The Recliner


    Dades wrote: »
    If you're not to bothered about tax, then maybe a 944 (or a 924S?) would suit - if you can find one on your budget.

    Considering the amount of them made it's amazing how few of them you see about. No shortage of 911s, but hardly any 44's or 24s'. Of course when I bought mine a mate congratulated me on buying the ugliest Porsche ever made. :p That might explain it!

    I wouldn't consider it the ugliest anyway

    Any opinions on these?

    http://www.carzone.ie/search/Porsche/944/201040199773789/advert?channel=CARS

    http://www.carzone.ie/search/Porsche/944/TURBO.../201043200052181/advert?channel=CARS

    http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/cars/1544759

    http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/cars/1642171

    http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/cars/1564139


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  • #12
    dmaprelude
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 149 ✭✭dmaprelude


    2nd and 4th link are of the same car


  • #13
    superfly35
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 380 ✭✭superfly35


    Maybe you should not get a turbo. I think the second one is a turbo.

    After I would say get something which was serviced include the timing belt.

    Are you fix on a color? sometime it help the choice. ;)


  • #14
    The Recliner
    Closed Accounts Posts: 8,630 ✭✭✭The Recliner


    dmaprelude wrote: »
    2nd and 4th link are of the same car

    Interesting. well spotted. Could be a legitimate reason for the duplicate ads but I hadn't noticed that
    superfly35 wrote: »
    Maybe you should not get a turbo. I think the second one is a turbo.

    After I would say get something which was serviced include the timing belt.

    Are you fix on a color? sometime it help the choice. ;)

    Why do the turbo's have a high rate of trouble, I hadn't seen it mentioned as being a major issue, that aside I am not keen in the spoiler the turbo adds

    I don't have a preference for colour though white has been ruled out by the GF and she is adamant about that which is a shame as I like it in white


  • #15
    Dades
    Moderators, Society & Culture Moderators Posts: 25,564 Mod ✭✭✭✭Dades


    The Recliner wrote: »
    Why do the turbo's have a high rate of trouble, I hadn't seen it mentioned as being a major issue, that aside I am not keen in the spoiler the turbo adds
    I don't know if the 944 turbo is any more trouble-free, but I believe the 924 version is like beautiful woman who hates you.
    The Recliner wrote: »
    I don't have a preference for colour though white has been ruled out by the GF and she is adamant about that which is a shame as I like it in white
    Would agree with your GF!

    Like you though I wouldn't be mad on the extra spoilers and whatnot.
    I love the look of the last link of your list, though at that price you'd have to wonder what's wrong with it.

    The first car is very nice too though the price reflects it. :)


  • #16
    The Recliner
    Closed Accounts Posts: 8,630 ✭✭✭The Recliner


    Dades wrote: »
    Would agree with your GF!

    Damn I am the only one who thinks it looks good in white?
    Like you though I wouldn't be mad on the extra spoilers and whatnot.
    I love the look of the last link of your list, though at that price you'd have to wonder what's wrong with it.

    It also has no mention of service history which makes me wary, like the look of it though

    This one isn't too far from where I work so I think I will go for a look one of the days at lunch, again no mention of service history and I would have to bargain him down a fair bit
    http://www.carzone.ie/search/Porsche/944/2.5...S2/201040199808413/advert?channel=CARS

    [/quote]
    The first car is very nice too though the price reflects it. :)[/QUOTE]

    That one is my favourite alright, seems to have been well looked after and within haggling distance of my max price


  • #17
    Dades
    Moderators, Society & Culture Moderators Posts: 25,564 Mod ✭✭✭✭Dades


    The Recliner wrote: »
    This one isn't too far from where I work so I think I will go for a look one of the days at lunch, again no mention of service history and I would have to bargain him down a fair bit
    http://www.carzone.ie/search/Porsche/944/2.5...S2/201040199808413/advert?channel=CARS
    Really like the colour combo of black/cream. Definitely worth a look and putting out some feelers about the price.

    Have you ruled out the UK/North as a source? It is a bit of a pain but you can get good value there.


  • #18
    The Recliner
    Closed Accounts Posts: 8,630 ✭✭✭The Recliner


    Dades wrote: »
    Have you ruled out the UK/North as a source? It is a bit of a pain but you can get good value there.

    I hadn't looked into it to be honest as I thought the current market/exchange rate/VRT etc made it unviable at the moment
    LIGHTNING wrote: »
    If your going to look at the 944 check out the following:

    1) Make sure their is no smoke under full throttle

    2) Let it idle after it warms up, the 2.5 has balancer shafts so its should be silky smooth. If their is any vibrations it means the shafts have to replaced.

    3) Check for transmission whine, the gearboxes can be a little stiff when cold but should get easier when warmed up

    4) The are an interference engine if the timing belt needs doing its a trickier job than a 924.

    5) Give the brakes a good test, it shouldnt pull to either side.924/944`s have a interesting suspension setup that means that it should brake in a straight line even in the event of a brake failure on one side of the car.

    That is excellent advice, thank you very much :)


  • #19
    superfly35
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 380 ✭✭superfly35


    For the turbo story, I heard the 924 turbo was a nightmare now I am not sure the 944 turbo is a problem or not.

    Maybe you should try to find a porsche 944 club, that are genially very good for advice.


  • #20
    The Recliner
    Closed Accounts Posts: 8,630 ✭✭✭The Recliner


    superfly35 wrote: »
    For the turbo story, I heard the 924 turbo was a nightmare now I am not sure the 944 turbo is a problem or not.

    Maybe you should try to find a porsche 944 club, that are genially very good for advice.
    LIGHTNING wrote: »
    Their are two different models of turbos that was installed on the 924, the earlier KKK turbo caused issues. The later ones were much better with the Garrett turbo (79 onwards) but good luck finding a nice one.I have the engine codes for the later model ones at home if you want that info.

    The problem with the earlier ones was the turbo was taken from a DAF truck and wasnt designed for the high RPM workload. The 944 turbos were much better but I have seen a couple of ropey 944 with turbos on their last legs. Best to go for a nice long drive and give her a good run, any smoke at all walk away straight away. Their are heaps of 944`s about for decent money no point in buying one thats need a turbo rebuilt.

    I will probably be staying away from the Turbo to be honest, unless I came across a very good one

    I figure the less complication the better, much more likely to be able to keep it and maintain it that way


  • #21
    Gatster
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,413 ✭✭✭Gatster


    The Recliner wrote: »
    Damn I am the only one who thinks it looks good in white?



    It also has no mention of service history which makes me wary, like the look of it though

    This one isn't too far from where I work so I think I will go for a look one of the days at lunch, again no mention of service history and I would have to bargain him down a fair bit
    http://www.carzone.ie/search/Porsche/944/2.5...S2/201040199808413/advert?channel=CARS


    That one at Jim Rock isn't an S2. I was in the same boat as you OP earlier in the year. I started looking in April and stopped in June when I went on hols, but in that time I saw that much rubbish I became quite jaded.

    Apart from the excellent advice given here thus far I'd just say go and look at as many as possible - I may still go down the 944 route after Xmas but in the end decided to try and get a bit more cash together for whatever I get, as it will be used almost daily.


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  • #22
    The Recliner
    Closed Accounts Posts: 8,630 ✭✭✭The Recliner


    Gatster wrote: »
    That one at Jim Rock isn't an S2. I was in the same boat as you OP earlier in the year. I started looking in April and stopped in June when I went on hols, but in that time I saw that much rubbish I became quite jaded.

    Apart from the excellent advice given here thus far I'd just say go and look at as many as possible - I may still go down the 944 route after Xmas but in the end decided to try and get a bit more cash together for whatever I get, as it will be used almost daily.

    I spotted that alright, still worth a look I reckon and it is something to haggle over

    I will look at a few before deciding whether to drop it and go for something more normal while I save for something better


  • #23
    superfly35
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 380 ✭✭superfly35


    Hi guys,

    If you have trouble to find a 944 you like. You could go for a 924s, they are 2.5 engine and I think the have the same engine has the 944 of similar age.
    But I am sure LIGHTNING will be able to confirm that or not. :D

    Thanks LIGHTNING for the info about the turbo.
    If you have the engine motor number I am interested :-)

    Cheers


  • #24
    galwaytt
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 12,749 ✭✭✭✭galwaytt


    The Recliner wrote: »
    Damn I am the only one who thinks it looks good in white?

    No, you're right. Porsches ALWAYS look good in white: (my old one...)

    133487.JPG
    Gatster wrote: »
    . I started looking in April and stopped in June when I went on hols, but in that time I saw that much rubbish I became quite jaded.

    ...tut tut, the most stunning UK and RoI concours-winning turbo went for only 6900 a few months ago............which reminds me: if you can't find a good 944: but an even better one. Or two see my sig...

    Ode To The Motorist

    “And my existence, while grotesque and incomprehensible to you, generates funds to the exchequer. You don't want to acknowledge that as truth because, deep down in places you don't talk about at the Green Party, you want me on that road, you need me on that road. We use words like freedom, enjoyment, sport and community. We use these words as the backbone of a life spent instilling those values in our families and loved ones. You use them as a punch line. I have neither the time nor the inclination to explain myself to a man who rises and sleeps under the tax revenue and the very freedom to spend it that I provide, and then questions the manner in which I provide it. I would rather you just said "thank you" and went on your way. Otherwise I suggest you pick up a bus pass and get the ********* ********* off the road” 



  • #25
    Dades
    Moderators, Society & Culture Moderators Posts: 25,564 Mod ✭✭✭✭Dades


    superfly35 wrote: »
    If you have trouble to find a 944 you like. You could go for a 924s, they are 2.5 engine and I think the have the same engine has the 944 of similar age.
    Problem is, if you think it's hard to find a decent 944 in Ireland, try finding a decent 924.

    I had to move my search to the UK as what was on offer here was very limited and nearly all rubbish.


  • #26
    Gatster
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,413 ✭✭✭Gatster


    galwaytt wrote: »
    No, you're right. Porsches ALWAYS look good in white: (my old one...)


    ...tut tut, the most stunning UK and RoI concours-winning turbo went for only 6900 a few months ago............which reminds me: if you can't find a good 944: but an even better one. Or two see my sig...
    LOL...I hear you Galway TT - Was that turbo the wine-coloured one (was it yours as well?) I'm waiting for the budget (:eek:) and then may well be onto you for your Purple number!


  • #27
    galwaytt
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 12,749 ✭✭✭✭galwaytt


    Gatster wrote: »
    LOL...I hear you Galway TT - Was that turbo the wine-coloured one (was it yours as well?) I'm waiting for the budget (:eek:) and then may well be onto you for your Purple number!

    Ah yes indeed, that Turbo was special alright........I wouldn't mind having it myself........ :cool:

    1075972871_SHAt9-M.jpg


    Meanwhile, I think the 944 looks good in white btw......

    1075962195_gRP8F-M.jpg

    Ode To The Motorist

    “And my existence, while grotesque and incomprehensible to you, generates funds to the exchequer. You don't want to acknowledge that as truth because, deep down in places you don't talk about at the Green Party, you want me on that road, you need me on that road. We use words like freedom, enjoyment, sport and community. We use these words as the backbone of a life spent instilling those values in our families and loved ones. You use them as a punch line. I have neither the time nor the inclination to explain myself to a man who rises and sleeps under the tax revenue and the very freedom to spend it that I provide, and then questions the manner in which I provide it. I would rather you just said "thank you" and went on your way. Otherwise I suggest you pick up a bus pass and get the ********* ********* off the road” 



  • #28
    Gatster
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,413 ✭✭✭Gatster


    galwaytt wrote: »
    Ah yes indeed, that Turbo was special alright........I wouldn't mind having it myself........ :cool:
    Jesus, I'd forgotten how good it looked - had I had my Cooper S sold when it was on sale I'd probaby have bought it.

    There was a powder blue '80 924 Turbo on the Porsche forum for sale from a while back that I enquired about but heard nothing, cheap tax as well ;)


  • #29
    The Recliner
    Closed Accounts Posts: 8,630 ✭✭✭The Recliner


    The Recliner wrote: »
    white has been ruled out by the GF and she is adamant about that which is a shame as I like it in white

    After some persuasion, sense has been seen and white is a runner. Woo! :D


  • #30
    Dades
    Moderators, Society & Culture Moderators Posts: 25,564 Mod ✭✭✭✭Dades


    My opinion on "white" aside - that opens up a whole world of the ubiquitous white 80's Porker. :p


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  • #31
    unkel
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 66,402 ✭✭✭✭unkel


    The Recliner wrote: »
    After some persuasion, sense has been seen and white is a runner.

    Persuading a woman to change her style? At your peril ;)

    Me, I'd be afraid it'd come back to haunt me one day :D

    Lotus Elan turbo for sale:

    https://www.adverts.ie/vehicles/lotus-elan-turbo/35456469

    My ads on adverts.ie:

    https://www.adverts.ie/member/5856/ads



  • #32
    The Recliner
    Closed Accounts Posts: 8,630 ✭✭✭The Recliner


    Dades wrote: »
    My opinion on "white" aside - that opens up a whole world of the ubiquitous white 80's Porker. :p

    Genuinely curious, what is it about white that you don't like?


  • #33
    Dades
    Moderators, Society & Culture Moderators Posts: 25,564 Mod ✭✭✭✭Dades


    The Recliner wrote: »
    Genuinely curious, what is it about white that you don't like?
    I just don't think it's a colour that works on cars.... makes them plasticy looking. But what do I know! I helped a mate drive a white 928 back from the UK a few months ago, and it was a cool car.


  • #34
    kasper
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,437 ✭✭✭kasper


    most people think white is for commercial vehicles , but i had a couple of white cars years ago and think they looked cool


  • #35
    The Recliner
    Closed Accounts Posts: 8,630 ✭✭✭The Recliner


    Dades wrote: »
    I just don't think it's a colour that works on cars.... makes them plasticy looking. But what do I know! I helped a mate drive a white 928 back from the UK a few months ago, and it was a cool car.
    kasper wrote: »
    most people think white is for commercial vehicles , but i had a couple of white cars years ago and think they looked cool

    I think it depends on the car myself

    I wouldn't go for white on most cars but I think the 944 looks good in it


  • #36
    galwaytt
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 12,749 ✭✭✭✭galwaytt


    The Recliner wrote: »
    I think it depends on the car myself

    I wouldn't go for white on most cars but I think the 944 looks good in it

    ...I had an old Coupé Quattro in white.........sigh........

    Ode To The Motorist

    “And my existence, while grotesque and incomprehensible to you, generates funds to the exchequer. You don't want to acknowledge that as truth because, deep down in places you don't talk about at the Green Party, you want me on that road, you need me on that road. We use words like freedom, enjoyment, sport and community. We use these words as the backbone of a life spent instilling those values in our families and loved ones. You use them as a punch line. I have neither the time nor the inclination to explain myself to a man who rises and sleeps under the tax revenue and the very freedom to spend it that I provide, and then questions the manner in which I provide it. I would rather you just said "thank you" and went on your way. Otherwise I suggest you pick up a bus pass and get the ********* ********* off the road” 



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  • #37
    Dades
    Moderators, Society & Culture Moderators Posts: 25,564 Mod ✭✭✭✭Dades


    The Recliner wrote: »
    I wouldn't go for white on most cars but I think the 944 looks good in it
    If you got a white 944 it would have to be bereft of all the fancy spoilers and chins and whatnot that some models have. They definitely wouldn't work. :)


  • #38
    The Recliner
    Closed Accounts Posts: 8,630 ✭✭✭The Recliner


    Dades wrote: »
    If you got a white 944 it would have to be bereft of all the fancy spoilers and chins and whatnot that some models have. They definitely wouldn't work. :)

    How about this one?
    http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/cars/1544759


  • #39
    Dades
    Moderators, Society & Culture Moderators Posts: 25,564 Mod ✭✭✭✭Dades


    The Recliner wrote: »
    How about this one?
    http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/cars/1544759
    Looks in pretty good shape for the price!

    A few miles on it, but sounds like the hard work has been done. Needs a new reg plate though - that one looks like a boy-racers special. :p


  • #40
    The Recliner
    Closed Accounts Posts: 8,630 ✭✭✭The Recliner


    Dades wrote: »
    Looks in pretty good shape for the price!

    A few miles on it, but sounds like the hard work has been done. Needs a new reg plate though - that one looks like a boy-racers special. :p

    That is pretty much what I was thingking, seems well looked after which is what I am looking for

    I will stick that on the list to go look at


  • #41
    The Recliner
    Closed Accounts Posts: 8,630 ✭✭✭The Recliner


    Well the guy interested in my car has pulled out (nothing to do with the car it is immaculate)

    So looks like this will be put on the long finger until whenever the GT is sold


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