Very undervalued Porche but now that they're over 30 yrs. old, many are starting to find out these are gems. There are many parts available, many repair shops that know how too work on them and a large online support from owners. I've hardly had issues finding parts and repairing stuff on mine. Engine overhauls and transmission clutch repairs are the things that can get pricey but these cars are drivers, very reliable. I have a +200k mile 1991 944S2 with the 3.0L.
I’ve got an 87 944 turbo - California version. Bought in 1991 when free trade was coming in and the duty dropped from 16% to less. It had 17K miles on it and now has 74K miles on it. It was parked in the garage and covered for 13 years. It has the dual air bags - difference from the Canadian model. I’ve spent some money in maintenance, and from my experience, it’s worth it. I find that some parts are no longer available and have to get after market items or refurbished (with exchange). But everything you mentioned in you video is accurate except that I can put kids in the back seat. Lol. Btw, in the 90s, I had my lady friends in the back seat with my buddy up front - so you can fit adult ladies (less than 5’ 10”) in back. This car is a pleasure to drive. An incident when I went through a drive through. I got a “Wow!” for my car even though I don’t have drink holders. That’s the only thing I miss having compared to modern cars. Keep up with the great videos. Living in Vancouver, BC as 2nd owner of this car.
@Glow .. +1. Agreed.. The 944 series were/are great daily drivers; '87 944 Coupe owner of 20 years.. LY7U Stone Grey Metallic w/ Lt. Grey Beige Leather.. Fond memories!!
944 are a case of deferred maintenance. They use to be so cheap to buy that people just drive them but minimal maintenance. When buying this car always be sure the timing belt has been changed.
Black Man some engines are just designed that way. Even early 2000's Toyota Land Cruisers have a timing belt that needs to be changed every 100k miles.
Black Man 911 have a timing chain but those air cooled car have to have valves adjusted every 20-25k miles. Porsches are long lasting but require frequent maintenance.
@Black Man No Incorrect.. Absolutely INTERFERENCE engines are the 944/968 series 4 cly.. When the rollers, belt or nylon guides go .. the engine goes Puff Gone.. Service intergal is the belt replacement @45K miles or 8 years of age.. The inital belt construction used on the early production years was a mere 30K miles for its replacement.. The early belt's heat - cool cycles were the concern back in the day.. Fond memories that '87 944 coupe of ours . . .
They already went up in value. I had a 951S in Silberrossa. Sold it for $7500 in 2007. Now if I wanted to get the same car, I'll have to pay triple that at a minimum.
Very Clean Base models are getting $28k, $39k for Turbos. The pool is drying up on the pristine cars for sure. Avg condition cars but we'll maintained are getting $10k plus
One of my dream cars. However, the maintenance costs scare me off. Would love for you guys to find one of my other dream cars...a Dodge Conquest that was a "competitor" to the 944. I would love a video series on that.
I had a Starion ESIR back in the day and currently have a 944 turbo cab. The maintenance on the Starion will be 5 times that of the Porsche. I LOVED the Starion but it was the biggest POS. The Porsche is reliable!
@@davidkaehele8910 I had an 89 TSi that was absolutely gorgeous a few years ago. I had wanted one for 20 years and learned that the old saying "Never meet your heroes" is very true. The best day ever was when the new owner came to pick that POS up.
Don’t be afraid of maintenance just because it’s a Porsche. Now parts are avails about a lot cheaper and most mechanics realize they are just as easy to work on as any other car. I’ve owned many of the competitors like rx7 and station, eagle talon etc and the 944 was the best and most reliable. It can’t be tuned like the others but still amazing cars
It would be awesome if Porsche recarnate the 924 and 944 with their current power trains, tech, suspension etc. I think they have all the components to make it happen. I think getting one of these old 924, 944 might be expensive to maintain and repair.
They're not too bad to be honest. The engineering that went into them was not stupidly complex but they were very well built. I've nearly finished restoring a 1990 S2 - I got a bit lucky in the state of the rust in the rear end, but the bulk of the car just unbolted nicely and has been WAY simpler to sort out than other cars I've had. The expensive job is a clutch, but these last very well.
I just inherited my father-in-law’s 1983 Porsche 944. Beautiful original but I couldn’t find much in the way of service records, so before I drive it too much, it’s at the independent Porsche mechanic for timing belt, water pump, all front engine seals and alternator. Not too expensive…about $2300, which included full safety check. Here I go… a life of 944 ownership to keep my father-in-law’s dream alive. And of course, finding every video about this car👍
I never understood why they were so cheap? It was the car the saved the Porsche brand in the 1980’s! That speaks volumes in my mind and why real Porsche aficionado’s should appreciate this car.
People seem to forget that the 944 platform was tested at the crucible of Lemans after it's mundane beginnings. A properly tuned 944 is a track weapon. Think about this, out of a gigantic field of cars the 924 GTS race cars finished 12th overall at Lemans, not in their class, but overall against GT1, GT2, GT3, LMP, Prototypes! Astonishing. The 944 platform is criminally underated and that's now changing with their value beginning to rocket for well kept examples. About time! Respect!
About 5 years back I tried to find one of these for a weekend road trip vehicle. Only ones I could find were "track day specials" with roll cages and the AC system removed. I live in South Texas. No AC in South Texas ☠
I've had two 944s. A 1984 that I sold, missed and then bought a 1987. I've owned over 50 cars and my 944 is my favorite. I've had it 9 years now. I NEVER keep cars more than a few years.
Been feeling the same way about the 944 turbo for a long time. It's a sleeper collector car that with time will significantly gain value. Don't leave them 944's out in the pasture these cars are gonna skyrocket in value.
I think the first generation Boxsters (986) are the ones poised for drastic appreciation. Handle better than a 944 (and really the 911 too) with more power and better reliability (the IMS issue is overblown and isn't that difficult to prevent).
@@SAMMYJR00777 sure you can compare them. The mid-engine 986 Boxster S had 30 more hp, better weight distribution, and was lighter! (Depending on year, the 944 Turbo weighed the same or over 100 pounds more.)
Still kicking myself for not buying one 3 years ago for $12k. Mileage was only slightly over 100k and it was well-maintained and in great shape. Oh well...I have my own money pit now in an E36 M3...lol.
The trip reset is prone to fail. Only reset when standing still and you really need to. Why do you keep the back seat folded? Sure, when loading a lot but otherwise? Having something back there and doing an emergency stop is dangerous.
Transaxle Porsches are the next big thing. Why? Go drive one. They're amazing, and (right now) a great value. Good on you, TFL for finally discovering this.
Always liked these. Two other 80's cars that remind me of the 944 are the Chrysler Conquest, and the Mitsubishi Starion TSI. Which both are starting to shoot up in price and popularity.
I think you're a bit premature on your conclusion to tell people not to get left out, and you're also a few years late on catching the rising value of these cars. Sure, they will continue to gain in value, but I think the adjustments to the market have been made. The reason I say you are premature is because you haven't factored in the cost of your first repair or scheduled maintenance, and it will be costly whether you do the work yourself or not. Aftermarket support isn't as great as other brands and owners are usually held hostage by OEM and dealer markups. The reason these cars sit unsold on craigslist and marketplace is because the cost of getting a basketcase up and running will far exceed its value. You'll have to buy 2 or 3 parts cars to get all the parts you want for a complete one, and still end up paying those dealer markups for consumables. In the end, you can get the same or similar experience from any of the japanese sports cars from the late 80s and early 90s for about the same price and a lot fewer headaches when it comes to repairs and finding parts.
Excellent point. I agree, and the iconic 911 is just in a different league with its pedigree. I can see why Tommy feels these 944 should be riding the coat tails of the 911’s
I have a '91 944 turbo cab. My brother has a '96 300zx convert. Regular maintenance (timing belt, tune up etc) is far more expensive on the 300zx. The only thing that would be more on the Porsche is a clutch. The Porsche will require far less maintenance since it is built so much better. I admit some parts on the Porsche can get expensive (radiator overflow tank $400). All Z parts come from one or two companies. The 944 has many different venders and aftermarket products for it. The Porsche is a far better car then a Z. If you compare it to a Z of the same era it is three times the car a 300zx turbo from '89 is (I have had 10 Z cars from 240 to 300 turbo so I know what I am talking about) In many respects a 944t is a far better car then a 911.
@@davidkaehele8910 People have been saying the 944T is better than the 911 for 20+ years. The vast majority of Porsche buyers don't care. I doubt that will ever change. It is an entirely different driving experience with the motor behind you whether it's a VW Bug or a Bugatti Veyron and the 944 just doesn't capture that. I've driven both, I also own an Rx7 and MR2. I switch between them regularly, both well balanced vehicles but a trip to the grocery store is more exciting in the MR2.
"Aftermarket support isn't as great as other brands and owners are usually held hostage by OEM and dealer markups" and "You'll have to buy 2 or 3 parts cars to get all the parts you want for a complete one". Have you experienced either of these scenarios yourself? Because I haven't experienced either of those scenarios while taking care of long-neglected maintenance by POs on my 944. OEM prices are high, but this is a Porsche. And I haven't come across anything that holds me hostage to the parts counter at the dealer. A lot of parts that wear out or break easy are easy to come by in the aftermarket or from dismantlers, of which there are numerous who price fairly, ship quickly and stand behind the products (yep,, even though what they are selling is 30-39 years old). It's true, getting a basketcase up and running 10-20 years ago, would exceed the value. That's just not the case anymore. Many people are pulling cars that haven't been driven in decades out of garages, and bringing them back to life. It'll costs thousands, but what car wouldn't if it sat that long. Even then, for most, it's a labor of love, and not trying to make a buck. 80's Japanese cars are great cars and it's good to see people keeping them alive. If I had the garage space, I'd gladly park any Z-car from that era next to my 944. EDIT: Skip the Z-car, I want my '91 SE-R back! Which when new was parked next to my dad's '86 944. Two awesome cars.
Great overview, Tommy. I almost bought one of these a few years ago, but it was just too much of a beater. Now, I wish I had gone ahead. Would like to know how you would compare this to the much higher end 928k. Keep up the good “classic” reviews. PS, the back seat is for your dog. (Maybe not yours, though).
I don’t think cars today will age as well as that Porsche. The Porsche’s gauges are clean, simple and timeless. Same with the rest of the interior and instrument panel. Modern vehicles with all screens are going to look so dated (if they even work) in 30 years.
I have owned a 911 Carrera 3.0(euro) and I prefer my 1990 944S2. Both fun to drive but the S2 is more versatile and civilized to drive. Still goes like a bat out of hell when you get on the cams so a lot of fun
At @5:50 the door handle pictured is from the later year production 968.. Not original for an '87 944 series.. Yo Tommy,,, you and your dad have a gem.. Hold on to that puppy with four hands.. One word quote "balance" ... - '67 The Graduate movie.. (Truly miss our '87 944 of twenty years a daily driver) Cheers, M/S
imagine a world where the 944 and the 928 took the place of the 911... they even fixed the 911 themselves when they launched the 986/box and then the 718
I have a porsche 944,my dream was always a 911 aircooled. i love transaxle cars more and it’s because a transaxle is just better engineering.for the last 4years i live my dream with the 944.a 911 is fun and a 944 is just cool😎
Rear Seat - For one 6 foot tall bloke is fine - just use it as a if it was a couch !!!! feet on the other side... go sideways.... seen it done and work even on long journeys.
Words to the wise, if you want a dream 80's super car then be ready to shell out some coins, and find a real mechanic for it. Yes you can fix things youself, but you will need a mechanic. Yes the 80's put out some of the most exotic rides of all time. They were laughed at in the 90's, but the ones who own a well maintained one are laughing now. The 911 is a $30,000 dollar ride, why? Because you will have to spend that much to get it right. The 944 is a $10,000 dollar car and you will need to spend that much to get it running correctly. The 951 is just a shade more. How do I know? I have owened a couple. I have a 951 in the garage and its awesome. Quick run down of prices. You have to do this or else! 1. Timing belt and Balance shaft belts, $1200 + replacement, plus 1000 mi retension. You must do this every 30,000 miles and get your book stamped by a certified mechanic. If not done correctly the value will drop. 2. with the belts, you will need to do a water pump, its wise to do it so, do it..Clutch for a 951 will run ya $2,500 You have to replace it, if its original then its a safe bet that the rubber vibration dampeners will be toast. Motor mounts go, cv joints on the trans axel, oil leaks is common, and plan on replacing the alternator, or you will fry the DEE brain in your ride. Good luck!
Have a 83 944 this car drives soo Amazing I Tell you if you want one get them as fast as possible behause here in Austria a Good Basic Model costs 15.000€ and for a Turbo you have to pay around 35.000€
I almost feel they make these videos to increase the values of their classic cars they purchase, they made a similar one of the YJ a year ago and then ended up selling it. If the values are gonna skyrocket why are they selling it?
I'm glad I picked one up earlier this year. UA-cam channels and Bring A Trailer are driving prices as much as the 944 riding on the coat tails of air-cooled 911s.
Prefer my 86 turbo over my 911. Picked it up for less than 7k about six years ago. Turned down another one for the same price. Wish I’d bought both now.
They have pretty light clutches, but they are prone to slave cylinder failure. It could also need to be bled as they are tricky to bleed properly. Less likely could be the master cylinder or the firewall around where the master cyl attaches.
could have bought a 928 strosek for 3grand 10years ago but i was young with no job still sometimes regret it, but thank god i atleast own a 944 in good condition
NOPE u could not buy a good 928 for 3k 10 years ago .. but yes junk one you could had bought for 3k which is not a good idea glad u did not buy it.. only buy the good sample not junk ones.
I saw In your other video, how you guys wanted to keep the car completely stock, You know those door handles are from a 968? Id trade you guys straight up for a pair of 944 "porsche script" original door handles.
I am stuck deciding between the 944 turbo or the naturall aspirated one. For me important thing is the buying price, reliability and maintenance cost, as the car itself is pleausre to drive regardless of the power output. But please help me out as you own both variants.
I think this is to late for buy this car here in Canada i found a 1990 944 turbo for 70k !??? and for à 1986 with a good KM is like 20k no turbo !!! I think is to late !!!😮😬
Tommy if you think that Porsche is undervalued try a Porsche 928-S4 with a manual transmission from the same year. They make a 944 Turbo look like child’s play.
Challenger for worst back seat was the Nissan 280Z 2+2. I was forced to ride 300 miles in the back of one and I think I have permanent damage from the event.
Turbo will never make due to the 80’s turbo tech. I had a 968 which I liked but the maintained experience was a bitch even it was NA. I WOULDN’T TOUCH THE TURBO WITH A 20 FT POLE. 944 s or 944 s2 may be interesting but again too many issues to deal with.
@@AlanShirtsink ok sure. Lets see in 3 years where the prices are and who 'knows what they are talking about'. They are going to be the same price as now - your title says they will be crazy expensive. I call BS.
A 911 doesn’t heat up in traffic. I live in Southern California. In the summer the car can heat up in traffic. But later air cooled 911’s has a oil cooler. Also there is a lever inside the car that releases heat from the heat exchanger in the car. I own a 87 911.
It won’t y’all really trying to manipulate the market... I see it I get it ! But just nope just doesn’t feel like a Porsche. People often think it’s a celica... like folx no Porsche should make anyone think it’s a Toyota... nice car not gonna be a big collector car.
@@SAMMYJR00777 I will definitely play with my Toyotas. Toyota supra turbo that would be fun single turbo goodness. I could also play with a MR2 turbo on an track day ? or I can play with a 4 runner TRD pro on some off-road trails ? I can’t decide too much to play with ☺️
Ugly? Hmm 🤔 I have always been a fan of the Toyota Supra. Those were just cool looking. My buddy had an MR2 and that was fun as hell to drive. Some people just have their own interests…but to call a 944 ugly? Come on?
As a fairly new 944 owner im am so happy to see this car get some well deserved light. This car is so underrated coming from a more JDM background.
Ditto and I agree!
and they are a super rare sight on the road even here in germany
Very undervalued Porche but now that they're over 30 yrs. old, many are starting to find out these are gems. There are many parts available, many repair shops that know how too work on them and a large online support from owners. I've hardly had issues finding parts and repairing stuff on mine. Engine overhauls and transmission clutch repairs are the things that can get pricey but these cars are drivers, very reliable. I have a +200k mile 1991 944S2 with the 3.0L.
Agreed. I have a 90 S2 Cabrio with 36k original miles. I will never sell her. I bought her when she was almost new in 93. It was coming off a lease.
I love my 944 turbo. They haven't been appreciated in the past, but they have amazing capabilities
I’ve got an 87 944 turbo - California version. Bought in 1991 when free trade was coming in and the duty dropped from 16% to less. It had 17K miles on it and now has 74K miles on it. It was parked in the garage and covered for 13 years. It has the dual air bags - difference from the Canadian model. I’ve spent some money in maintenance, and from my experience, it’s worth it. I find that some parts are no longer available and have to get after market items or refurbished (with exchange). But everything you mentioned in you video is accurate except that I can put kids in the back seat. Lol. Btw, in the 90s, I had my lady friends in the back seat with my buddy up front - so you can fit adult ladies (less than 5’ 10”) in back. This car is a pleasure to drive. An incident when I went through a drive through. I got a “Wow!” for my car even though I don’t have drink holders. That’s the only thing I miss having compared to modern cars. Keep up with the great videos. Living in Vancouver, BC as 2nd owner of this car.
@Glow .. +1. Agreed.. The 944 series were/are great daily drivers; '87 944 Coupe owner of 20 years.. LY7U Stone Grey Metallic w/ Lt. Grey Beige Leather.. Fond memories!!
944 are a case of deferred maintenance. They use to be so cheap to buy that people just drive them but minimal maintenance. When buying this car always be sure the timing belt has been changed.
Black Man they are inference engines. You have to change the timing belt every 30k miles.
Black Man some engines are just designed that way. Even early 2000's Toyota Land Cruisers have a timing belt that needs to be changed every 100k miles.
Black Man 911 have a timing chain but those air cooled car have to have valves adjusted every 20-25k miles. Porsches are long lasting but require frequent maintenance.
Black Man what sports car is the Ford 4.2 in?
@Black Man No Incorrect.. Absolutely INTERFERENCE engines are the 944/968 series 4 cly.. When the rollers, belt or nylon guides go .. the engine goes Puff Gone.. Service intergal is the belt replacement @45K miles or 8 years of age.. The inital belt construction used on the early production years was a mere 30K miles for its replacement.. The early belt's heat - cool cycles were the concern back in the day.. Fond memories that '87 944 coupe of ours . . .
They already went up in value. I had a 951S in Silberrossa. Sold it for $7500 in 2007. Now if I wanted to get the same car, I'll have to pay triple that at a minimum.
So true, I had a mint 1990 Turbo S in 2008 paid 21k. There now selling in Aus for 80K-120K
Was gonna say, paid $5k for mine 2 years ago and saw one sell just like it for $15k
@@adammm3259 I could never understand AUS car prices. you guys pay a LOT.
@@fueledbyadventures the price of being literally a world away from everything & being an island.
Very Clean Base models are getting $28k, $39k for Turbos. The pool is drying up on the pristine cars for sure. Avg condition cars but we'll maintained are getting $10k plus
One of my dream cars. However, the maintenance costs scare me off. Would love for you guys to find one of my other dream cars...a Dodge Conquest that was a "competitor" to the 944. I would love a video series on that.
Ive had both the 944 and the conquest. Loved the conquest’ looks but there was always something breaking on it. The 944 never failed me.
I had a Starion ESIR back in the day and currently have a 944 turbo cab. The maintenance on the Starion will be 5 times that of the Porsche. I LOVED the Starion but it was the biggest POS. The Porsche is reliable!
@@davidkaehele8910 I had an 89 TSi that was absolutely gorgeous a few years ago. I had wanted one for 20 years and learned that the old saying "Never meet your heroes" is very true. The best day ever was when the new owner came to pick that POS up.
I have a 944. Maintenance is a cake walk. Learn the car, get a properly maintained one and they last and last.
Don’t be afraid of maintenance just because it’s a Porsche. Now parts are avails about a lot cheaper and most mechanics realize they are just as easy to work on as any other car. I’ve owned many of the competitors like rx7 and station, eagle talon etc and the 944 was the best and most reliable. It can’t be tuned like the others but still amazing cars
It would be awesome if Porsche recarnate the 924 and 944 with their current power trains, tech, suspension etc. I think they have all the components to make it happen. I think getting one of these old 924, 944 might be expensive to maintain and repair.
They're not too bad to be honest. The engineering that went into them was not stupidly complex but they were very well built. I've nearly finished restoring a 1990 S2 - I got a bit lucky in the state of the rust in the rear end, but the bulk of the car just unbolted nicely and has been WAY simpler to sort out than other cars I've had. The expensive job is a clutch, but these last very well.
I just inherited my father-in-law’s 1983 Porsche 944. Beautiful original but I couldn’t find much in the way of service records, so before I drive it too much, it’s at the independent Porsche mechanic for timing belt, water pump, all front engine seals and alternator. Not too expensive…about $2300, which included full safety check. Here I go… a life of 944 ownership to keep my father-in-law’s dream alive. And of course, finding every video about this car👍
I never understood why they were so cheap? It was the car the saved the Porsche brand in the 1980’s! That speaks volumes in my mind and why real Porsche aficionado’s should appreciate this car.
People seem to forget that the 944 platform was tested at the crucible of Lemans after it's mundane beginnings. A properly tuned 944 is a track weapon.
Think about this, out of a gigantic field of cars the 924 GTS race cars finished 12th overall at Lemans, not in their class, but overall against GT1, GT2, GT3, LMP, Prototypes! Astonishing.
The 944 platform is criminally underated and that's now changing with their value beginning to rocket for well kept examples. About time!
Respect!
About 5 years back I tried to find one of these for a weekend road trip vehicle.
Only ones I could find were "track day specials" with roll cages and the AC system removed.
I live in South Texas.
No AC in South Texas ☠
I've had two 944s. A 1984 that I sold, missed and then bought a 1987. I've owned over 50 cars and my 944 is my favorite. I've had it 9 years now. I NEVER keep cars more than a few years.
Been feeling the same way about the 944 turbo for a long time. It's a sleeper collector car that with time will significantly gain value. Don't leave them 944's out in the pasture these cars are gonna skyrocket in value.
I think the first generation Boxsters (986) are the ones poised for drastic appreciation. Handle better than a 944 (and really the 911 too) with more power and better reliability (the IMS issue is overblown and isn't that difficult to prevent).
I just purchased a 2000 Boxster non S model and the handling is excellent and still brings a smile on my face every time I drive it.
lol nope u cant compare them two next
@@SAMMYJR00777 sure you can compare them. The mid-engine 986 Boxster S had 30 more hp, better weight distribution, and was lighter! (Depending on year, the 944 Turbo weighed the same or over 100 pounds more.)
My Dad has a first gen Boxster S. My 944 handles better than it all day every day. It’s fast and fun to drive though.
Still kicking myself for not buying one 3 years ago for $12k. Mileage was only slightly over 100k and it was well-maintained and in great shape. Oh well...I have my own money pit now in an E36 M3...lol.
I have a 944…I kick myself everyday for selling my 91, E30, 325I 10 years ago. It was perfect with low miles. I should have held on to it.
The trip reset is prone to fail.
Only reset when standing still and you really need to.
Why do you keep the back seat folded?
Sure, when loading a lot but otherwise?
Having something back there and doing an emergency stop is dangerous.
great review , i'm so glad to see these cars are finally getting the love and attention they truly deserve
Thanks for the review. My long-time favourite classic
absolutely right ,….i’ve had one since 17 now 41 and have the turbo and it’s my favourite of all the porsche’s i own
Transaxle Porsches are the next big thing. Why? Go drive one. They're amazing, and (right now) a great value. Good on you, TFL for finally discovering this.
Always liked these. Two other 80's cars that remind me of the 944 are the Chrysler Conquest, and the Mitsubishi Starion TSI. Which both are starting to shoot up in price and popularity.
I personally love the 944 and always thought the mazda rx7 and the 944 and last years of the ford probe all look so close
nope not at all are u drunk lol
you know that the FC rx7 took heavy inspiration from the 944. its pretty obvious when they are side by side
I've always thought these were beautiful but ended up with a 987.2 Cayman instead, guards red, 6spd. Love it!
Do not forget the 968!
That Porsche 944 turbo was first introduced in 1986! It’s still a beautiful looking Porsche by today’s standards!
I think you're a bit premature on your conclusion to tell people not to get left out, and you're also a few years late on catching the rising value of these cars. Sure, they will continue to gain in value, but I think the adjustments to the market have been made. The reason I say you are premature is because you haven't factored in the cost of your first repair or scheduled maintenance, and it will be costly whether you do the work yourself or not. Aftermarket support isn't as great as other brands and owners are usually held hostage by OEM and dealer markups. The reason these cars sit unsold on craigslist and marketplace is because the cost of getting a basketcase up and running will far exceed its value. You'll have to buy 2 or 3 parts cars to get all the parts you want for a complete one, and still end up paying those dealer markups for consumables. In the end, you can get the same or similar experience from any of the japanese sports cars from the late 80s and early 90s for about the same price and a lot fewer headaches when it comes to repairs and finding parts.
Excellent point. I agree, and the iconic 911 is just in a different league with its pedigree. I can see why Tommy feels these 944 should be riding the coat tails of the 911’s
I have a '91 944 turbo cab. My brother has a '96 300zx convert. Regular maintenance (timing belt, tune up etc) is far more expensive on the 300zx. The only thing that would be more on the Porsche is a clutch. The Porsche will require far less maintenance since it is built so much better. I admit some parts on the Porsche can get expensive (radiator overflow tank $400).
All Z parts come from one or two companies. The 944 has many different venders and aftermarket products for it.
The Porsche is a far better car then a Z. If you compare it to a Z of the same era it is three times the car a 300zx turbo from '89 is (I have had 10 Z cars from 240 to 300 turbo so I know what I am talking about)
In many respects a 944t is a far better car then a 911.
@@davidkaehele8910 People have been saying the 944T is better than the 911 for 20+ years. The vast majority of Porsche buyers don't care. I doubt that will ever change. It is an entirely different driving experience with the motor behind you whether it's a VW Bug or a Bugatti Veyron and the 944 just doesn't capture that. I've driven both, I also own an Rx7 and MR2. I switch between them regularly, both well balanced vehicles but a trip to the grocery store is more exciting in the MR2.
go play w your civic 🤡hahahahha nextttttttttttttttttttt
"Aftermarket support isn't as great as other brands and owners are usually held hostage by OEM and dealer markups" and "You'll have to buy 2 or 3 parts cars to get all the parts you want for a complete one". Have you experienced either of these scenarios yourself? Because I haven't experienced either of those scenarios while taking care of long-neglected maintenance by POs on my 944. OEM prices are high, but this is a Porsche. And I haven't come across anything that holds me hostage to the parts counter at the dealer. A lot of parts that wear out or break easy are easy to come by in the aftermarket or from dismantlers, of which there are numerous who price fairly, ship quickly and stand behind the products (yep,, even though what they are selling is 30-39 years old). It's true, getting a basketcase up and running 10-20 years ago, would exceed the value. That's just not the case anymore. Many people are pulling cars that haven't been driven in decades out of garages, and bringing them back to life. It'll costs thousands, but what car wouldn't if it sat that long. Even then, for most, it's a labor of love, and not trying to make a buck. 80's Japanese cars are great cars and it's good to see people keeping them alive. If I had the garage space, I'd gladly park any Z-car from that era next to my 944. EDIT: Skip the Z-car, I want my '91 SE-R back! Which when new was parked next to my dad's '86 944. Two awesome cars.
Great overview, Tommy. I almost bought one of these a few years ago, but it was just too much of a beater. Now, I wish I had gone ahead. Would like to know how you would compare this to the much higher end 928k. Keep up the good “classic” reviews. PS, the back seat is for your dog. (Maybe not yours, though).
I don’t think cars today will age as well as that Porsche. The Porsche’s gauges are clean, simple and timeless. Same with the rest of the interior and instrument panel. Modern vehicles with all screens are going to look so dated (if they even work) in 30 years.
I have owned a 911 Carrera 3.0(euro) and I prefer my 1990 944S2. Both fun to drive but the S2 is more versatile and civilized to drive. Still goes like a bat out of hell when you get on the cams so a lot of fun
At @5:50 the door handle pictured is from the later year production 968.. Not original for an '87 944 series.. Yo Tommy,,, you and your dad have a gem.. Hold on to that puppy with four hands.. One word quote "balance" ... - '67 The Graduate movie.. (Truly miss our '87 944 of twenty years a daily driver) Cheers, M/S
imagine a world where the 944 and the 928 took the place of the 911... they even fixed the 911 themselves when they launched the 986/box and then the 718
Thank you Tommy! Great review, I like your passion for 944 :)
"Picks up it skirt and just pulls" 🤔 that's a new one for me lol
When I was growing up in the 80s my neighbor had an identical one. He'd let me sit in it sometimes.
Great review. I have an '87 Turbo and it is blast.
great enthusiasm and insights!
I have a porsche 944,my dream was always a 911 aircooled. i love transaxle cars more and it’s because a transaxle is just better engineering.for the last 4years i live my dream with the 944.a 911 is fun and a 944 is just cool😎
Rear Seat - For one 6 foot tall bloke is fine - just use it as a if it was a couch !!!! feet on the other side... go sideways.... seen it done and work even on long journeys.
944, is an Iconic car. I think you are right about values.
Words to the wise, if you want a dream 80's super car then be ready to shell out some coins, and find a real mechanic for it. Yes you can fix things youself, but you will need a mechanic. Yes the 80's put out some of the most exotic rides of all time. They were laughed at in the 90's, but the ones who own a well maintained one are laughing now. The 911 is a $30,000 dollar ride, why? Because you will have to spend that much to get it right. The 944 is a $10,000 dollar car and you will need to spend that much to get it running correctly. The 951 is just a shade more. How do I know? I have owened a couple. I have a 951 in the garage and its awesome. Quick run down of prices. You have to do this or else! 1. Timing belt and Balance shaft belts, $1200 + replacement, plus 1000 mi retension. You must do this every 30,000 miles and get your book stamped by a certified mechanic. If not done correctly the value will drop. 2. with the belts, you will need to do a water pump, its wise to do it so, do it..Clutch for a 951 will run ya $2,500 You have to replace it, if its original then its a safe bet that the rubber vibration dampeners will be toast. Motor mounts go, cv joints on the trans axel, oil leaks is common, and plan on replacing the alternator, or you will fry the DEE brain in your ride. Good luck!
Have a 83 944 this car drives soo Amazing
I Tell you if you want one get them as fast as possible behause here in Austria a Good Basic Model costs 15.000€ and for a Turbo you have to pay around 35.000€
The Euro Version of the Standard 944 Has 163 horse power
Colorado is so beautiful.
great video
Great video, great car. You guys got lucky finding this one.
TFL and Tommy single handedly create FOMO and the massive increase in price of the 944s. Lol.
I almost feel they make these videos to increase the values of their classic cars they purchase, they made a similar one of the YJ a year ago and then ended up selling it. If the values are gonna skyrocket why are they selling it?
I'm glad I picked one up earlier this year. UA-cam channels and Bring A Trailer are driving prices as much as the 944 riding on the coat tails of air-cooled 911s.
Good thing I bought one a few weeks ago :)
Prefer my 86 turbo over my 911. Picked it up for less than 7k about six years ago. Turned down another one for the same price. Wish I’d bought both now.
I drove a friend’s “new” 944 Turbo and I felt that the clutch pedal press distance was very long. Is that normal?
They have pretty light clutches, but they are prone to slave cylinder failure. It could also need to be bled as they are tricky to bleed properly. Less likely could be the master cylinder or the firewall around where the master cyl attaches.
Gosh this is a gem
could have bought a 928 strosek for 3grand 10years ago but i was young with no job still sometimes regret it, but thank god i atleast own a 944 in good condition
NOPE u could not buy a good 928 for 3k 10 years ago .. but yes junk one you could had bought for 3k which is not a good idea glad u did not buy it.. only buy the good sample not junk ones.
10 years ago 928s4 prices were at 15k and up clean ones... junk part ones 3k
@@SAMMYJR00777 Dude i live in Germany... 928 where cheap Back than, btw bought a good 944 for 5,5grand 12years ago
No F'ing way. I'd look at E36 M3 for the rest of my life before I even considered a 944 for two seconds.
I own an 87 turbo and I would gapping show you how you are wrong
Both great cars. No reason to pick a side.
I agree Randy. 944 is not a pretty vehicle. This is a vehicle you would see a teen driving and talking about how he drives a porshe.. wooowowowoow
I saw In your other video, how you guys wanted to keep the car completely stock, You know those door handles are from a 968? Id trade you guys straight up for a pair of 944 "porsche script" original door handles.
Dude... could you kindly point out WHERE IN HELL is this an 18 to 20k car (Turbo) in good condition? I CANNOT find one ANYWHERE.
Thanks :)
Such a beautiful car
Door lever and the sound of closing the door sounds soo similar to my 84 gti 🤔
Not surprising, since the internal bits of the door handle originated from VW.
@@ekuryluk I know that's what this-> 🤔 was for
are you guys in boulder?
Compare it to the new BRZ.
If you're in a pinch and need a ride for 3 you can sit in back just sideways or at an angle 😂
The Turbo is a stealth car... fast as the old 3.3 911 Turbo and around a track better!
16 Candles!
Sung by the crests.
I have an ‘86 951 and an ‘84 N/A.
So you have one turbo and one naturally aspirated 944 right?
I am stuck deciding between the 944 turbo or the naturall aspirated one. For me important thing is the buying price, reliability and maintenance cost, as the car itself is pleausre to drive regardless of the power output. But please help me out as you own both variants.
That TFL bumper sticker on the back has got to add value.
Retro is cool
I think this is to late for buy this car here in Canada i found a 1990 944 turbo for 70k !??? and for à 1986 with a good KM is like 20k no turbo !!! I think is to late !!!😮😬
Tommy if you think that Porsche is undervalued try a Porsche 928-S4 with a manual transmission from the same year. They make a 944 Turbo look like child’s play.
It's because they're notoriously unreliable. Most of the 928s I see are languishing in the back of a shop yard in various states of broken.
@@bandwagon240 that’s not really true! I drive mine regularly. It’s not unreliable at all. Requires regular maintenance which I do.
@@graemelliott3942 there's always that one guy who has a car that defies the norm.
so true and have them both.
@@bandwagon240 u are so wrong hahaha another civic owner w out any clue about 928 lol
pop up up and down headlights!
Challenger for worst back seat was the Nissan 280Z 2+2. I was forced to ride 300 miles in the back of one and I think I have permanent damage from the event.
Buick GNX blew the doors off of all Porsches in the 80s for half the price.
Only in a straight line... Have you ever watched a grand national trying to threshold brake for a corner?
@@aussie2uGA no but have you actually seen a 944 do that?
That very first turn in my 87 turbo would leave a GNX in the dust. The 944 has a top speed of 160ish mph. While the gnx was done at 120
@@fl_atv_riders4455 Yes, all day every day in my own 944.
If you crash a 944 hard enough it looks like a GNX too
The 944 turbo is a Gorilla in a tuxedo. xD
Turbo will never make due to the 80’s turbo tech. I had a 968 which I liked but the maintained experience was a bitch even it was NA. I WOULDN’T TOUCH THE TURBO WITH A 20 FT POLE. 944 s or 944 s2 may be interesting but again too many issues to deal with.
Sorry you do not know what you are talking about. Great reliable cars
@@AlanShirtsink ok sure. Lets see in 3 years where the prices are and who 'knows what they are talking about'. They are going to be the same price as now - your title says they will be crazy expensive. I call BS.
Hello there
07k swap is necessary
Cheaper parts, old Porsche 4.0L stuff will bankrupt you.
na u are to cheap next
I'd rather get a water cooled Porsche than an air cooled one. I can't imagine driving an air cooled Porsche in heavy traffic.
A 911 doesn’t heat up in traffic. I live in Southern California. In the summer the car can heat up in traffic. But later air cooled 911’s has a oil cooler. Also there is a lever inside the car that releases heat from the heat exchanger in the car. I own a 87 911.
Those are 968 door handles!!! Just sayin 😊😊😊😊😊😊
Porsha steering wheels. Ribbed for your pleasure.
The 944 is the least "porschey" of all the porsches, even more so then the 914. That is why its undervalued.
Try 924….
Most of them are junk, even the ones that seem good. I've been looking for approximately 3 years now.
It’s too heavy
Nah f that pay the more money and get the 928
Your about 2 years behind on the 944 being affordable, prices have shot up drastically
wait few more years lol u aint see nothing yet
It won’t y’all really trying to manipulate the market... I see it I get it ! But just nope just doesn’t feel like a Porsche. People often think it’s a celica... like folx no Porsche should make anyone think it’s a Toyota... nice car not gonna be a big collector car.
A turbo with 120k miles just sold for 30k on ebay guy
na u are wrong already.. go play w our honda
@@jimnycricket2322 he is clueless honda guy nexttttttttttt
I think you need a dictionary, the back being just enormous, makes me think you don't know what enormous means! Lol
Yah i dislike 944 and 928s
no one cares go play w your honda
Agreed Joe.. pure uglyness
Haha good idea
This thing is kinda ugly.
hahha go play w your toyota hahahhahaa u haters poor guy
@@SAMMYJR00777 I will definitely play with my Toyotas. Toyota supra turbo that would be fun single turbo goodness. I could also play with a MR2 turbo on an track day ? or I can play with a 4 runner TRD pro on some off-road trails ? I can’t decide too much to play with ☺️
Ugly? Hmm 🤔 I have always been a fan of the Toyota Supra. Those were just cool looking. My buddy had an MR2 and that was fun as hell to drive. Some people just have their own interests…but to call a 944 ugly? Come on?
@@P1983sche its ugly man.. big time