Learn me Porsche 968

As a 944S2 owner I find it really hard to justify the price premium (30%?,40%?) of a 968 over a similar S2. Sure it makes a bit more power, has the 6 speed box and arguably is a little more modern looking but not enough to justify the extra $$$.

I haven't found maintenance to be that big a deal, except for Porsche pricing on their parts ($300 for a water pump, $120 for a damn breather hose). Timing belt is pretty easy once you've done it a couple of times. Clutch was a bear, but no worse than on my Saab 9000.

trirod wrote: As a 944S2 owner I find it really hard to justify the price premium (30%?,40%?) of a 968 over a similar S2. Sure it makes a bit more power, has the 6 speed box and arguably is a little more modern looking but not enough to justify the extra $$$. I haven't found maintenance to be that big a deal, except for Porsche pricing on their parts ($300 for a water pump, $120 for a damn breather hose). Timing belt is pretty easy once you've done it a couple of times. Clutch was a bear, but no worse than on my Saab 9000.

You're absolutely right, from a practical perspective. Since when were Porsches about practicality? The 968 is rare, and that's why it brings the bread. 964s are about the asplode, too.

I wouldn't hold out for M030 unless you really want a rare option. The sway bars are the big deal there, and Lindsey Racing sells better bars anyhow. You can also go to Ground Control for coil overs. I wasn't aware that the 968 got bigger front calipers with M030, but there are lots of brake upgrades available.

I personally think they will appreciate more than 944s too.

Sure, you can add the swaybars, coilovers, bigger front and rear rotors and calipers for a ton of money, or you could just buy a car with the M030 package.

I wouldn't hold your breath on the 968's appreciating. They're still a water cooler front engine Porsche and as such are basically ignored. Plus they just look awkward in comparison to the 944's.

Prices for 968s never dropped to the lows that 944 prices dropped to. 944 prices for the special models like S2s and turbos are already increasing and I don't think that creampuff 968s are going to stay at similar prices to where they are now for much longer.

I have not looked at 968 in about a year but the S2 have definitely been on the rise.

Gotta disagree with you Tim. You can buy a 951 for $5k all day long, same as ten years ago. $10k buys you a really solid one, same as ten years ago. $15k buys you a minty turbo s, same as ten years ago.

A super low mileage, perfectly maintained silver rose turbo s will bring more, but only to the right person and there aren't many of those out there.

Didn't know these existed!

Pretty neat car, but I think I fall in the '944 looks better crowd'

Now I'm off to search classified ads and Craig's list for 968s to see what's out there

docwyte wrote: I wouldn't hold your breath on the 968's appreciating. They're still a water cooler front engine Porsche and as such are basically ignored. Plus they just look awkward in comparison to the 944's.

Something something about rising tides and lifting boats...944 prices are relatively stagnant because of the production numbers. When butts>seats, prices go up.

docwyte wrote: Gotta disagree with you Tim. You can buy a 951 for $5k all day long, same as ten years ago. $10k buys you a really solid one, same as ten years ago. $15k buys you a minty turbo s, same as ten years ago.

I disagree with your disagreement. At least, I haven't seen an asking prices that low in a long time. It seems like the ask for a 951 is usually closer to $10K and I am talking about a car with some warts. I haven't actually seen a truly clean unmolested one even offered for sale in a while...

I agree the 968 is the prettiest of the front engine Porsches. IMHO it would take just a light re-freshening on the outside to make it sale-able today. Very good looking car.

I suggest looking on Rennlist and the 944/951 facebook groups then. They're listed there, quite a few under $10k, several around $5k.

docwyte wrote: Sure, you can add the swaybars, coilovers, bigger front and rear rotors and calipers for a ton of money, or you could just buy a car with the M030 package. I wouldn't hold your breath on the 968's appreciating. They're still a water cooler front engine Porsche and as such are basically ignored. Plus they just look awkward in comparison to the 944's.

I think there are a handful of collectible water cooled front engine Porsches. Top of the list for me would be the 928 GTS and euro only 968 turbo s (and club sport), followed by the 928 GT.

Porsche made 4 968 Turbo S cars. They weren't for public consumption. The 928 GTS was a freakishly expensive car to buy brand new, more than a 911 turbo at the time.

Not really apples to apples there...

In reply to docwyte:

Considering the 924, 944 and 928 were originally created to replace the 912, 914 and 911 in Porsche's lineup. The price discrepancy between the 928 GTS and the 911 Turbo isn't surprising.

Yeah, but by the time they released the 928 GTS it was firmly established that the 911 wasn't going to be dropped from the line up anytime soon.

In reply to docwyte:

Yep and in typical Porsche fashion the last models go out with a bang with all of the bells and whistles as long as they are selling.

I had a 87 928s4 that i purchased new. Bar non one of the best cars I have ever owned. Sold it 1990 for what I paid for it and purchased my first house. To be young with no responsibility's and making good money. Then wife and kids happened.

docwyte wrote: Porsche made 4 968 Turbo S cars. They weren't for public consumption. The 928 GTS was a freakishly expensive car to buy brand new, more than a 911 turbo at the time. Not really apples to apples there...

Hey I'm just saying there are collectible front engine water pumpers apples to apples or not lol. I'm fully aware the AC stuff is where it's at.... I have 3 ac 911s and only one front engine water pumper, but a 928 gt or GTS is for sure on the list and I'm not planning to lose money...(hopefully).

dean1484 wrote: I had a 87 928s4 that i purchased new. Bar non one of the best cars I have ever owned. Sold it 1990 for what I paid for it and purchased my first house. To be young with no responsibility's and making good money. Then wife and kids happened.

The s4 is a great car. Must have been a hell of a feeling to buy something like that new.

Kind of like purchasing a very expensive toaster. . I was sharing an apartment with a friend. I was making really good $$$. I had saved for a couple years as I was going to get a 911 but the s4 was on the showroom floor. Being from the school of American muscle but also loved euro handling I was hooked as soon as I started the motor. I did not know what saving for retirement was. Investing????? Never heard of it. Like I said to be young and not having any responsibility's.