I'm looking for a sub-$3000-ish toy, and since I sold my 951 years ago, I've pined for another 944. Especially in black. I've been watching since the holidays, and they pop up here and there, but this is the first decent candidate that's actually local to me: eBay listing.
A few things. First off, they claim it's a European model, and that it has a radio delete because of that. I'm suspicious of that for several reasons. One, I'm pretty sure they put radios in cars in Europe. 
Apparently there's no antenna, but the late 944s had the antenna in the windshield, and this car needs a windshield, so maybe I could add one? Also, the speedo and odometer are in miles, not kilometers. Speaking of which, it has 217k on it. I don't mind high mileage, but a car with that many is going to need a new everything, which can add up on a 944. But, it's local, it's the right color, and it's the preferred later-dash model.
I think I'm going to try and look at it tomorrow. Are the red flags I see in the listing legit? What do you see that I should specifically look for other than the usual stuff like battery box rust and the like.
Check the bumper shocks and front end sheet metal. That front bumper is pushed in on the RHS.
With the classic Porsche reflective panel between the tail lights where the US plates go I'd say it could be a Euro car. Look for holes where a narrow Euro plate would have been between the bumperetts front and rear. Do you have a copy of 'The original Porsche 924/944/968 book? If not you can borrow mine. You should be able to tell pretty quick from the Vin and option codes where it was originally sold. I don't have it here at work to check, but I don't remember when they went world wide on specs, I can't recall if 88 Euro cars got Cats or not. Cat's weren't mandated in Europe until the early 90's (yes really!!!)
It's missing the Euro side repeaters just in front of the rubbing strip ont he front fenders aft of the front wheels which says it's a Federal spec car.
As for the radio missing, you know Porsche and options, I think it was only last year they gave you a steering wheel and you didn't need to order a $10,000 optional one or bring your own with you.
It may be a car that a service member got while stationed overseas. If so it would be US spec but sold in Germany or whatever.
In reply to Rusted_Busted_Spit:
Excellent point.
Yeah, that's not a Euro car.
The rear "Porsche" plate is a dealer add-on and complete crap, IMO. I mean at least it isn't a "Turbo" panel. How many different ways do you need to say, "Porsche" on the back of your car? :)
The bumpers are US spec (and one front shock is damaged, as noted by Adrian) as is the speedo/tach.
The windshield has the antennae built-in (you can see the thin line for it in one of the pictures)
Some of those parts could have been changed if it was imported, but typically the speedo/tach stays and the Porsche plate isn't added except by dealers or by people who enjoy having holes in their rear panel and bumpers (for the plates).
At 217k, the engine has another 100K in it before it really needs service, aside from rod bearings and FOES. The rest of the underpinnings and drivetrain will likely need work, but those parts aren't bad if you shop around at places like RockAuto, Sunset Porsche, etc.
Luckily there are people parting 944's overseas that are willing to ship bumpers and the like for a reasonable amount of money ($300 for a set of Euro bumpers and brackets isn't a bad deal).
If you like it and can get it for a reasonable amount of money, go for it, but don't pay extra for "Euro" stuff the car doesn't have.
Good catch on the front bumper.
According to this VIN decoder, it's a US-spec car. Not that it makes much difference, just wanted to be sure.
Any thoughts on the condition?
Stefan wrote:
The rear "Porsche" plate is a dealer add-on and complete crap, IMO. I mean at least it isn't a "Turbo" panel. How many different ways do you need to say, "Porsche" on the back of your car? :)
Agreed, I hate the look of those. Hopefully it's easily removable and no extra holes were drilled for it.
Tom_Spangler wrote:
Stefan wrote:
The rear "Porsche" plate is a dealer add-on and complete crap, IMO. I mean at least it isn't a "Turbo" panel. How many different ways do you need to say, "Porsche" on the back of your car? :)
Agreed, I hate the look of those. Hopefully it's easily removable and no extra holes were drilled for it.
On mine, there were extra holes added, probably easily covered if you use a euro plate, not so much if you're in the US. I filled mine with fiberglass patch from the backside, prepped and painted. On that you might get away with some black rubber body plugs. The real challenge were the holes in the bumper for the plate, I ended up removing the bumper pads and filling those holes in as well.
As to the condition, it looks pretty good over all, other than the bumper. They cleaned everything up pretty well, so unless you see it and hear it in person, it will be hard to say for certain.
Here's a decent buyer's guide to help you:
http://clarks-garage.com/purchase.htm
And some repair guides for when you pick one up and start sorting out what's wrong:
http://clarks-garage.com/shop-manual/repair-procedure-index4.htm
Gonna go check it out this afternoon.
What's that about a radio delete? It has a radio right there.
Does radio delete mean someone put in a radio and didn't install it correctly? Could be a couple hours of wiring and you're done, could be you pull the radio and plug it in.
M3Loco wrote:
How did it go?
It's a pretty decent car, has some issues, but I'll probably throw out a bid on it.
