I have been hankering after one of these for years, and it looks like the possibility of a purchase is increasing. I have narrowed the choice down to either a late 80s 924S or 944S2.
I am more interested in the handling than power, and I am also more interested in not spending too much cash on the upkeep, but I don't mind spending a bit. I'd basically plan to keep it in good condition and maybe upgrade the suspension and exhaust/ filter, that's all. It seems that 944 prices are more likely to appreciate (is this correct?) so maybe in the long-term a 944 might make more sense? It also has 0.5 litre extra engine size over the 924.... Does spare parts availability/ prices differ that much between the two cars?
Can STW please provide some input as I am NOT a 'car' person (in the mechanically minded sense anyway) - I just think they are beautiful cars.
924 is just a VW.
My brother had a 944 Turbo which was fun!
A mate had a red 944 when they were fairly new..... looked great.
944 looks a lot nicer with the flared wheel arches for on thing. IIRC the 924 was mainly VW running gear, (engine block shared with the LT van!). No way I'd choose a 924 over a 944. If that's a common opinion that would explain the likely future values.
Either or.
Buy on condition.
Wish I'd bought one years a go, and a 968...
I am sure... too much cash for good condition turbos though.
And more likelyhood of my teeth ending up in a tree.
@Munrobiker had a 924 IIRC which looked decent.
I prefer the look of the 944 though.
TBH, I'd pay a bit extra and go for a Cayman or a Boxster
Whatever you buy be prepared to throw some cash at it or get handy. Whilst it probably won't depreciate, and may gently appreciate, old Porsches cost money to run. Parts are not cheap. I have a 19 year old 911 and this year I've had to refurbish the brake callipers as they couldn't be bled, replace the electric window mechanism, the indicator and wiper stalks, crank position sensor... It already had new exhaust and suspension components as well as a full engine rebuild when I got it.
i ran a 944 s2 for a few years as my only car - chosen cos it would take a bike or 2 (or surfboards) in the back.
quick enough, felt nice, good driving position. I did a bunch of track days and a ring trip. A little tricky on the limit - I think I prefered the handling of my previous mx5 overall.
the 924 isn't really a 'vw' - thats mostly urban rumour. The block of the engine (maybe?) is shared with a van, but most of the bits are porsche specific. The late 924s has a 944 engine with the lighter weight chassis, and I think would be my choice.
I paid £2500 for mine and sold it for similar (8 years ago). A good mate bought one at the same time (think he spent £3k, his was slightly nicer). its now worth ~£10k - and he's spent probably £1-2k per year keeping it in nice condition. So yes, they are appreciating, but its not free motoring by a long way - the youngest are 30 years old, and tend to rot.
Couple of videos of mine
Well covered on pistonheads Porsche forum, now 30 years old at best lovely cars though. As with any classic don't be fobbed off by seller claiming it's only surface rust.
Have a look at glenmarch for auction sold prices.
All assets have gone up in price during covid, only pay top money for a top pampered car.
944 every day.
924 GT would be the exception.
944 is one of the nicest coupes ever made.
If you really have to I'd save some pennies for a couple more years and wait for the economic wheels to fall off. The toys are the first things to go.
924 is just a VW.
The 924 was originally designed by Porsche for VW that was to feature a VW engine, but was Porsche transmission as transaxel and longitudinal layout, but because the production costs were too high VW ditched it and designed their own car which eventually became the Scirocco. Porsche ultimately went their own way with it, initially retaining the VW engine but then built their own engine for it that was introduced in the 934S. Alot of parts are shared with VW's of the time...but that is no different to modern day Porsches with their v6 and v8 engined cars featuring VW engines albeit breathed over by Porsche. They've always been very collaborative companies through their history.
For me the 944 is the car to have, but don't discount a decent 924. The later 944 models had the face-lifted dashboard which is much nicer than the 924 dash and early 944 dash with the classic Porsche dial layout - though 4 dials instead of 5. The S2 is probably the best model. I had a turbo and loved it, but its very laggy so takes some getting used to. The S2 is probably a bit easier to drive. Also the turbo and S2's have the 'wrap around' front end which is far more attractive to my eye.
But as far as handling is concerned the 924's and 944's are a joy to drive. 944 turbo's and S2's you need to look out for corrosion around the sill and bottom of the wheel arch. They have, or had, plastic trims along the bottom that captured water and cased corrosion. Most cars have probably had those removed by now and they are hard to source from Porsche now as they are discontinued parts, but probably better off with them off the car. Not super expensive to have the body work put right if the corrosion is not too far advanced but definitely an area to look at. Other than that my car was pretty rust free as they are fully galvanised body's (I seem to remember 924's were only half galvanised but don't quote me on that).
You could go for a Cayman or Boxster of course. Probably the more sensible choice. Though I'd have a decent 944 over the early 2.5 Boxters though. A 944 is quite a practical car - hatchback, reasonable room in the back for luggage and even can squeeze in a couple of kids and I got adults in the back on a couple of occasions, but not quite the same with Boxster or Cayman. Can't really compare them other than that. Completely different cars and concepts.
No idea what spare parts are like these days. Some parts are shared with VW cars of the time, but alot are not. There used to be a Porsche breakers near me were I sourced alot of parts but hey are no longer there and their supply of 944's and 924's was drying up doing my 944 ownership 10 years ago or so now. I actually go alot of parts direct from Porsche. The dealership near me always gave me a decent 10 - 20% discount which made them more than cost effective cars to run, but some parts were out of stock and production. However alot of aftermarket companies out there re-manufacturing parts especially for suspension, brakes, engine.
But if you're not tracking the car then it'd be pretty robust and reliable. I'd get yourself onto the Porsche Club GB forum and speak to the 924 and 944 forums on there. They'll give you the real lowdown. I'm a good 10 years out of date so I'm sure alot has changed, but I think its still a strong scene out there.
I'm by no means an expert, but I ALWAYS wanted a 944, I never really warmed to the 924, I don't care about how much is VW etc, they've always enjoyed a cosy relationship and a shared history.
I couple of times I had the opportunity to buy a 944 when they were cheap, but always chickened out, now I'm in my 40s and could actually keep one as a 2nd car, I'm still too chicken and spunk all the money on a PCP instead.
I personally wouldn't enjoy a 924, I'm sure they great little cars for their era, but I can't see past the almost box arches of the 944, given the choice of any model of the 2 I've have the latest 16v S2 944 I could find that hasn't been messed about with too much, ideally without one of the wild interior colours they did at the time, no one wants a brown dashboard in 2021 do they?
That said, if I had the choice of that whole line of cars, I'd want a 968 Sport, but they're all mega money now, in fact original 944s aren't cheap. For the price of a reasonable S2, you could easily find a nice low mileage mid-2000s Cayman S which is a whole different thing, they're all protentional money pits of course.
If you really have to I’d save some pennies for a couple more years and wait for the economic wheels to fall off. The toys are the first things to go.
You mean if ?
You'll have a long wait as well. low end classic prices are rock solid and have been for years.
High end classics aren't toys either. They are pensions.
I’ve have the latest 16v S2 944 I could find that hasn’t been messed about with too much, ideally without one of the wild interior colours they did at the time, no one wants a brown dashboard in 2021 do they?
I loved the interior of mine. extremely 'of its era'..
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If you really have to I’d save some pennies for a couple more years and wait for the economic wheels to fall off. The toys are the first things to go.
You mean if ?
You’ll have a long wait as well. low end classic prices are rock solid and have been for years.High end classics aren’t toys either. They are pensions.
Don't worry about it, there are always corners of STW where 'the end is nigh' crowd like to hang.
I don't know what camp Del is a member of, but we enjoy a large number of card carrying Socialists who are praying for the day when *this* all comes crashing down and we'll beg Uncle Len and Grandpa Corbyn to save us.
If the OP was talking about spending £100k on some bit of garage queen air-cooled 911 hoping to double his money in 5 years, you might question it, but 944s are enjoying a more 'natural' rise in value as people who were kids when they were current models are getting to an age that they can buy daft cars and most of the cheap/rough ones are gone.
I loved the interior of mine. extremely ‘of its era’..
I really like that, I've seen chocolate brown with matching vinyl dash which wasn't my cup of tea at all, equally some sort of purple ones and sandy / cream sort of ones. I'm quite boring I suppose. Black would suit me.
I had a 944 S2, and I wish I still did.
Sold it to pay for a kitchen.
The only negative aspect was the lack of air conditioning which, combined with the ratio of glass to interior volume made it unbearably hot in the summer even with the sunroof open.
I nearly bought a 968 Sport for about £14,000, and I wish I had.
I would also like a 928.
so maybe in the long-term a 944 might make more sense? It also has 0.5 litre extra engine size over the 924…. Does spare parts availability/ prices differ that much between the two cars?
the 924S and the first 944 have the same engine and are virtually the same under the skin. the 944 is a re-panelled 924S if you like. the 924S is more different to the 924 than it is the 944 under the panels.
the 924 and the 924S are 500cc different if that's what you're thinking. the 924 is and Iron-block 2.0 from the AUDI 100 and the 924S and 944 are 2.5 alloy Porsche-developed engines.
the first ones were proper mules, the front suspension is 1303 Beetle, the rear suspension and gearbox is AUDI 100, the bonnet release is a rear brake cable from a tandem bicycle, the electrical system is shared with the original Golf GTI...I could go on. Those winter nights just fly by when you get me onto my subject!
You mean if ?
You’ll have a long wait as well. low end classic prices are rock solid and have been for years.High end classics aren’t toys either. They are pensions.
Agree with this. Prices of anything remotely classed as a classic is only heading one way: up. Even things like Nova's, Micra's and Fiesta's from the late 90's are rising steadily.
Personally I'd go for the 944 if you can find a good one in budget. The 924 may well be a good car but it'll forever be stigmatized by being the VW that VW didn't want.
I would also like a 928.
That's got to be the bravest of the brave Porsche buys hasn't it? I mean I know certain 911s (and Boxster / Caymans) can ruin your finances with bore score, IMS bearing issues and lots of smaller but still tear inducing problems but I'm sure the 928 is the worst isn't it?
We own a 944S2 and drive it every day. We've owned it for the last 20 years now and I doubt we'll ever part with it.
There aren't many good ones kicking around now so you'll have to be very careful when you are buying. The sills are a particular weak point and a good paint job and filler can easily hide a potential MOT failure and a serious repair bill. We've really looked after ours and its garaged every night but eventually we had to get the sills and front wings replaced and it was a hefty bill.
Personally I'd get a 944 if you can find a good one. I'm biased of course but we love ours and it still turns heads.
924 is just a VW.
They all are. 😉
As for the original question: neither. 928s. And an early one. Much classier.
I would get:
A) An early 924, chrome trim and early colours look awesome.
or
B) A late 924S has the 944 engine with the power the chassis deserves but the sleek 924 aerodynamics and lighter weight.
or
C) A 944 S2, a cut price 968 with pop up lights.
968 prices are ridiculous now. A 944 or 944S is a bit hairy chest - not enough power for the extra weight. The S engine is a bit of a lame duck.
I drove both 944S2 and 2x 968 sport about 15 years ago when they were unfashionable but bought something else instead. Shoulda bought them both and garaged them damn it.
As for the original question: neither. 928s. And an early one. Much classier.
Lol. Only an insane person would buy a 928 and throw money at it. Get a 996 over a 928.
WobbliScott covers most of it.
TBH, I’d pay a bit extra and go for a Cayman or a Boxster
Have you seen the price of decent 944s lately?
Ive owned an early 944 (1982) basically the 924 interior, the lightest 944. No power steering and least refined. It caught fire after driving it to southern Spain. Electrical fault I believe.
Also had a late 2.7 944, that had the much more refined interior, was a nice place to be. A bit dull and heavy compared to the early car, much better when I put a 968 engine in it.
Rusty sills and the offer of a cheap Turbo in bits ended that one
Still driving the 86 Turbo with the 3 litre 968 bottom end and 2.7 head. Its awesome but in bits as the 37 year old turbocharger has lost some of its newness.
I'd either go early 944 or 924S, nice and light or S2/Turbo.
The later standard 944 is a bit dull in my opinion..
Some of the parts are incredibly long lived but also very expensive, there's loads of buying guides online,
Top tip when looking:
Open the door and pop the plastic vent out.
You can then see into the sill and check the condition. Put your phone torch on with video camera and stick it in there. Don't drop it.
and I am also more interested in not spending too much cash on the upkeep, but I don’t mind spending a bit. I’d basically plan to keep it in good condition a
Boxster owner here (late 986S). So merely a 15 year old car, not nearly twice that. Expect a constant, continuous, dribble of cash. EVERYTHING seems to be £300. I'm pretty mechanically minded and do most of the maintenance myself, although I get the "proper" biannual services done by an Indy to keep the history going. If you want to protect your "investment" there's always something that needs TLC. Mine really needs new dampers - £2k in parts to stay OE; new exhaust manifolds - £800+ as the bolts seize into the block and shear off; a constant fight to stay on top of corrosion. You get the picture...
On a good day its the best thing ever. A lot of the time it's just a car (albeit one that makes a nice noise). on a bad day it's an anchor around my neck...
there's a 600bhp 944 s2 on pistonheads at the moment. I recon that'd be a bit of a handful..
Not sure 600bhp suits the car, it's not a drag racer. There's no driver aids at all, aside ABS on the late offset cars and they struggle for traction on rough roads.
Go for a 944.
A well looked after one may well be better than an cheap Boxter that's just old.
There were quite a few sitting outside Bespoke offroad in Enstone if you want to look at some.
https://www.bespokeoffroad.com/
Practical and nice to drive. If you get one that's been looked after and budget for £1000 - 1500 pa for tyres, service, etc you should be fine.
Porsche parts are not expensive for top end sports cars. For example I needed a new rear speaker for my 911, I assumed that would be an eye watering amount, it was £29.
My dad had an immaculate 944 S2 in guards red when I was growing up. He traded it in for a Boxster Just after they got released. The Boxster was nice but didn't feel anywhere near as solid or high quality as the S2. I'd definitely have one (but doubt I'd be tempted to pay the ever escalating prices they seem to be commanding).
Can STW please provide some input as I am NOT a ‘car’ person (in the mechanically minded sense anyway) – I just think they are beautiful cars.
Someone not mechanically minded fancies buying a +35 y/o Porsche - good luck!
C) A 944 S2, a cut price 968 with pop up lights
A 968 also has pop up headlight 😉
If a 944 is a face lifted 924 (sort of is but a bit more than a cosmetic facelift) then the 968 is definitely a facelift 944. Apart from the external panel changes and 16v head its a 944S2. Not saying that is a bad or a good thing it is just what it is. If you want a car to drive then get a decent 944 S2, if you want a car to stick in a garage and save as an investment then that's what 968's are becoming. Not seen a 968 out on the road for many years now but still see the odd 944 and 924 buzzing about.
Sticking up for the 924 I think they would be a hoot to drive. Probably a better option for hooning around British B roads - a bit lighter, same excellent handling. Often overlooked and underestimated, but a decent 924S might just be a little cracker. The good thing about the VW engine in the non S ones is that the engine is bullet proof. Several people have got silly HP out of them for not alot of money. Quite a few Carrera GT copies around too. Tuning the proper Porsche engine is alot more involved and expensive. Don't seem to be particularly tuneable - if that's your bag.
928's are lovely...but it would have to be a manual GTS for me. Not many of them around these days and one less since Clarkson abandoned one in Argentina. Great shame...he could have easily just got a knackered normal 928...but I guess it wouldn't have had the right reg on it.
I remember a bloke across the road from us getting a 924 brand new back in the day.
I do remember watching something saying a 924 was never really a ‘proper’ Porsche and that’s not related to VW!
How much are you spending?
I would be looking at something newer Cayman!
That's great chaps! STW always produces the goods!
I'll have a read through and respond later....
Budget is 10K-ish.
We had a 944S2 for a while as for us was the best of the bunch. Looks that age well, low end torque and high end power, to be honest 3rd gear could cover standstill to 100. Good balance and traction, not hard and skittish like new stuff.
We bought a roughish one when they were low, over £2k of work done (belts very important) and some other steering and brakes stuff. Broke even on it about 2 years later, sold it before I lost my licence or disappeared through a hedge very fast trying to find it's limit.
Check sunroof seals and motors, sills as mentioned and gear linkage slop will be noticeable if hunting for third. Ours had the optional sports seats that are really good, but you need to slide them back to get in and out past the bolsters. As an early S2 it didn't have a cat' either.
If an investment, needs to be low mileage, low number of owners and original parts. Ours was slow to sell as 12 previous owners, despite low miles, new sills and mechanical overhaul.
Can be reasonable to run if you can find a good specialist that knows where to source the parts. Never found tyres expensive as standard fitment was similar to big family cars from 2000.
There's a 924 for sale in our village which is tempting, but having had the 944S2 I think we'll just find it lacking.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/153635742@N07/51103189204/in/dateposted-public/
Late 944 2.7 lux with rotten sills. Hard to spot from the outside but a gentle thump that results in a crunching sound is the rust that's holding the Wurth stone chip in place falling away.
I cut it open and the rust went up the b Piller. As above get a camera in the vent.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/153635742@N07/50908324142/in/dateposted-public/
Early 944 turbo with missing fog lights and sills full of cavity wax.
Be handy with spanners at 10k
Can you buy a 944 for 10k? Probably.
Should you? Not sure I would tbh.
But, it’s an old car, buy on condition, don’t be seduced by the porscheness of the situation.
Suddenly the 924S is looking more appealing.....
I gave my mate a 944s years ago and had sold a 924 for peanuts.
I’d get a boxster or a cayman tbh, just got rid of my boxster 6 months ago as I left the country.
The biggest problem is that the 924/944 are really old and odd things will start failing on them. The one I gave away had the engine self destruct due to the plastic timing chain guide deteriorating.
924 and 944 were both great handling cars but the 924 was underpowered but actually a very pleasant drive but I think the boxster is a lot of bang for your buck and also has superb handling and if it does go bang your not going to be crying as much.
I think I’d throw my money at something more modern tbh, nostalgias fine but the modern stuff is great. boxster/caymans all the fun of a 911 without the price tag.
Thinking about I actually replaced the 924 heater fan which was a dashboard out jobby a lot of work involved and I wouldn’t want to pay for that.
There was a horrible hack people used to do where they just cut it out from under the bonnet 🙁
And I’m sure I used to spend a lot of time on the leccy windows.
(Also had the dashboard out of the boxster to put a leather dash and glovebox. No creaking from it after either 🙂
Stealth ad -
Anybody potentially interested in a very usable 944 S2 cabriolet in guards red, please get in touch
