Hello, looking to buy a used 944 N/A and would like to know what are the things I need to be checking / cautious when buying one.

Thanks

 

What year 944 are you looking at? Major things to look for on ALL 944's are:
1) how long ago was the timing belt changed?
2) """""""""""""""""""""""""""""water pump changed?
3)records.
4) leaks?
5)Power steering pump?
6)clutch?
7)a-arms.
Good luck! 944's are awsome

 

the one I am looking at it's a 85 with 150K. Seller claims to have timing belt and water pump changed recently....

 

If he has recepits of the purchase, then ok. If not, I would be worried.

 

On the control arms, check specifically the ball joints. Also, listen for noise in the drive line when decelerating. A little is acceptable, a lot could indicate larger problems.

 

Even if the timing belt has been changed recently. Change it again. I fell for that, and ended up with a broken timing belt. You should really have someone who is familiar with these cars take a look at it, there is too much to list that can go bad.

 

i have a lead on a loaded track ready spec 944 for sale in phx area if you are interested, asking is 8-9k i believe

 

Look at my web pages www.cardomain.com/id/porsche924 you'll get the info you're looking for.

Ask any other questions.

 

Agree with LUIS95993's list. Note, belts are only good for 5 years, so if the belts haven't been changed within that time period CHANGEM FAST! Do the tensiors & rollers while you're at it. And as long as you're in there, do the water pump. Most of these items I consider to be a normal 30K service on any 944.
Next check these two sites out for how to buy a 944 and what model is what.
http://www.clarks-garage.com/

http://944-world.com/buying.html

Both really helped me in figuring out which 944 model to buy and how to go about it. Each model has some quirks, some more than others. I would personally go for a 85.5 or above, but many prefer the the 85 and older so you need to do some reasrch before you pull the trigger. Just get one with lots of service records.

Look at as many as you have time for to learn how to descern a good one from a bad one. The first one always looks good, so walk away and come back to it. If you really want it, take it to an independent shop that knows the 944 for a PPI before you spend your money. Cheaper in the long run

Some day I'll figure out how to do a fancy signiture with my S2?

 

Thanks for this great info.

I'm looking at a 1985.5 Silver 944 - not sure about the miles, but how expensive / hard to do is the timing belt / water pump?

p.s. - any issues related to the 1985.5 model year specific to that year?

 

Timing belt, dear god timing belt.

Dont ask me how i know either.

 

I have a 924S, In the last year, changed the clutch, slave cylinder, water pump, timing and balance shaft belts. The car has 120 K miles. All are easy to do if you have the PATIENCE, an adequatley stocked garage and good directions. I used the info from Clark's garage for all. I had so much fun, I am going to do the clutch on my 911 myself.
Good luck
J Greer

 

Check clarks Garage for sure. they have an online manual that is really good and a checklist for buying one.

I have a beauty of a 924S.
Using Clarks and some great help on chat sites I have her up and running nicely. The belts, Clutch, OC seals, and a little electrical work are all going to be done soon, prob this weekend if time and weather permit.

This car is a blast to drive. Well, at least the 10 or so miles I have put on it so far. I really don't even want to start it untill the belts are done.

Belts should be done every three years or 30K and adjusted every 10 to 15K is what I have heard. It doesn't really matter to me the car had sat for a while before I even got to it and I have no reciepts, so as good as she now runs, she is getting belts.

The clutch is post toasty, I was hoping that I could adjust it or something. I think that is the reason that the PO let her go, prob just didn't want to spend the money for a 12+ hour job and 5 bills or more in parts on a good day.

And, as i said it has all of the usual problems. All of em.

 

Replace the clutch master and slave cyl's at the same time. This could be your problem for lack of clutch pedal.

 

Thats kinda what I was thinking...I will rebuild the master and slave and give it a try before pulling the clutch apart. Although with the way the clutch slips and the howls it first made when I exercised the drivetrain (just briefly, mind you) to diagnose the problem, I am not holding a lot of hope the problem will go away so easily.

But hey, what is the sence in not doing the cyls if I am going to do the clutch anyway? And it MIGHT work. Ya never know until you try.