Porsche 944 | The Good, The Bad, And The Ugly…

Hey guys welcome back to the channel and in todays video we will be going over the good bad and ugly on the wonderful Porsche 944. Let me know what other cars you’d like to see me go over and I hope you enjoy if you do please be sure to like, comment, and subscribe for more!
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[@wackaircaftmechanic2312]

Just going to make a terrible decision and ignore the bad and ugly part lol. Good vid!

[@adammm3851]

and just daily it fr

[@goodvives1038]

Hahaah every car it's a good car if u know how to take care of it

[@rrassoc]

944s are EASY to work on! I am not a mechanic, yet replaced timing belts, water pump, front seals, cam chain tensioner pads... Lots of parts & suppliers besides Porsche, as well... not so expensive. These cars handle!

[@josedias2585]

So this or miata?

[@fritzmuller8246]

Porsche

[@Maaaaaax-07]

Kinda want an 944 tho, there's too much miata

[@josedias2585]

@Maaaaaax-07 I was thinking the same. I ended up with a 3rd gen miata or the ugly child the nc miata. Best sporty car I've driven in a longgg time. Test drive 1 or do some research, you'll thank me

[@Maaaaaax-07]

@@josedias2585 The thing is I dont wanna go with a slower car 😆 My 128i is almost perfect. Just needs to be manual. I'm looking at G35 too, but they're meh. 944 is unique enough too compensate the car being slower. Miata are just miata, nothing special about a good ol miata

[@Gerrit944]

Thank you for your effort and for creating this video, which will certainly show the great Porsche 944 to some people who didn't know it before. As a 944 owner, I have to clearly disagree on a few points here! I drove my 1991 944 S2 every day from 2004 to 2015, about 45-50 miles a day and often significantly more on weekends. When you say "reliability is questionable" I can only shake my head. I have driven the car over 100,000 km and never had a technical breakdown, it just did its job. My 944 received all the maintenance required by Porsche from a specialist workshop. With the VW Polo, VW Scirocco, Ford Mondeo, Ford Fusion and Peugeot 206 that I drove, I did have technical breakdowns with each car(!) and they were younger! The 944s shown in this video look tuned and tinkered with. As for the comment "it doesn't have space"...that simply is not true! This is a sports car that has 4 seats and if necessary you can fit up to 4-6 beverage crates in the trunk! The Porsche 944 is reliable, flexible and suitable as a daily driver if it is properly maintained.

[@ethangrimborne8427]

I like it too, but the back seats aren't the best. He means it's no midsized car. It's got good space for what it is though, but reliability IS questionable. It depends on what you compare it to, and you're basing everything on your personal experience. That.Doesn't.Matter. Hard data shows the car has timing belt issues, plus all the extra stuff around it. Keep up with maintenance it should be fine but I don't understand why people buy old rustbucket 80s cars. Btw, all the other cars you drove broke down? What pieces of crap did you buy? Not breaking down or driving a long distance isn't the sign of a reliable car, it's the bare minimum. Driving a car long distances is actually healthier than really short ones. Even if a car brakes down that might not even be the cars fault. Could just need a new battery.

[@LucasBell420]

My neighbor drives one and I love watching it go!

[@markroden]

That’s awesome bro

[@LucasBell420]

@@markroden thanks :)

[@jsm0m]

I love my 86 944! She’s my fav! Always gets waves and thumbs up. No fancy electronics or gadgets just pure driving joy! 3 pedals and a stick is the only way. She isn’t my daily but I drive her at least 3 days a week she is addicting 👍🏼

[@944cruze]

Porsche 944s are very reliable

[@NudaMan]

Seriously? It’s either this car or a 03-04 Mustang Cobra as my first sports car but I’ve been driving 4door sedans for 10 years now and I absolutely hate it! I never have passengers unless it’s a girl hehe but I feel like I’m not getting the full driving experience in a 06’ Toyota Avalon aka boat 😂

[@944cruze]

@idontshopinmalls I'd say a 944 over the Mustang. I mean, that's personal preference, but practically the 944 is so agile and light sure the na cars aren't that quick, but my 89 hold 130 comfortably. I do love the 04 Mustangs, tho. It would have more power, but it would be heavy and not agile. It sounds like a 944 would be better for you just because you are going from a suv to a track beast

[@TornadoOfSouls777]

Beautiful timeless design! Love me some 944's!!😍

[@markroden]

Same here bro

[@KeithWhite-cv9cg]

"Go with a manual unless you like men" nearly choked on my beer ffs 😂

[@Workerbee-zy5nx]

The turbo is very close to super car status..the chipped and modded ones are spooky fast..dont ask why. Mine seems reliable.

[@gabem8119]

Love the 944, the modded front and rear bumpers on the red one at the beginning look really good. I wish Porsche went with something like that instead of the buck tooth bumper, the Euro bumper, or just use the turbo front bumper for all of them.

[@carterdavenport240]

Thanks for the awesome video mark!

[@markroden]

Ty for watching bro

[@stitch2k1]

As a 944 owner: This video is awful. Literally half your script is Wikipedia knowledge. As for reliability: It's a Porsche, and Porsches are the most reliable of German cars. I've driven my current car, a 1991 S2, on a 3,200 mile roadtrip from Florida to Ohio for 944Fest 2022, including doing the track day there absolutely thrashing on it, and then I drove it back home without a single issue. I think you're mistaking a car's reliability for the owner's reliability. Use cheap parts and skip out on maintenance and you're gonna fuck around and find out. As for cruise control: The only thing that happens is solder joints crack in them which need to be reflowed. Takes an hour to remove it, do that, and install it. And I'm being generous giving you an hour to do that. As for the timing belt/chain: The timing belt is 45k mi/5yr replacement. It's not surprising it breaks if you skip out on replacing it, fuck around and find out. 16v cars have a timing chain inside the head to drive the other camshaft. They have two small guides that will fail and the chains themselves are a wear item that most S1, S2, and 968 owners neglect too. Also really, not that big of a deal. The cost of doing a water pump, timing belt, all idlers/rollers, front engine oil seals, and then the timing chain cost me $800 in total for the parts. That's pretty good considering in 5 years I'll need to replace a belt that costs $30, and the rest lasts another 5 years, for 10 years in total. Please talk to people who own a car before reviewing it. You've made Jalopnik look like real automotive journalism. Source: I have owned five 944s and a 928, and I work on these doing repair and restoration.

[@finmueller7827]

Hi stitch

[@Datsunz-fr2nw]

Wow that's a lot of words. To bad I ain't readin' 'em 😎😎😎

[@NudaMan]

Very informative, thank you for your input and knowledge, it’s either a 944 or a 03-04 Mustang Cobra for me shit maybe a Pontiac GTO

[@stitch2k1]

@@NudaMan Get a 944. Way more of a fun car if you got good back roads.

[@ethangrimborne8427]

I don't think you'll respond to this so I'll keep it short: I like the 944, but there are better, more reliable options. The 944 isn't as unreliable as an RX7 or probably a Fiero, but it's less reliable than say an MR2 or Miata na. I believe you are biased because you like Porsches, which are not the most reliable German cars. If I had to pick one it would be Volkswagen, though some lower BMWs are also better than Porsches. Porsches are the high-end performance and luxury cars, so calling them the most reliable is laughable. Btw, the previous owner's lack of maintenance will reflect back on you, and considering what these cars are, don't expect it to be taken care of. You certainly didn't. You abused it on a track, like so many people. If you want it as a project or track car it is a fun option, but not a reliable daily. You said you went through a few of them, and that tells me all I need to know. Either the car was too much of a piece of junk to last that long, or you beat the crap out of it. This is also not a car people really respect, so you can't buy them for clout either. Finally, I don't think there is a lot of big stuff that can go wrong with it, but it's a cheap 80s car, there isn't much to go wrong. It's super outdated as a result. Air conditioning is non existent as are luxury features. Finally, my car's timing belt lasts twice as long as yours, and you have to replace the water pump, chain, guides, and suspension joint. That's all stuff you shouldn't have to do, in addition to the following: oil change, coolant change, brakes, tires, lights, and seals. What is there left but the engine and transmission? Plus you didn't factor in labor. Sorry, but Mark was right.

[@daviandobbs2144]

Love the consistency

[@markroden]

Ty bro

[@Vyltax]

Not trying to flex but my father had a 944 turbo S! He enjoyed it verry much but eventually sold it to buy a boxster because the maintenance became to exspensive. The 944 is a amazing car!

[@Ballistics_Computer]

A few notes from a 944 owner The sound may be underwhelming but it literally sounds like a truck from a distance, you feel it more than you hear it really. The 4 cylinder does not disappoint in terms of rumble. It's no V8 but it catches people by surprise. Handling- I have never personally experienced anything better. Mentioned in the video is its "good" handling, but that doesn't do it justice. It feels like you aren't even cornering unless you're taking a 90° at 40mph, which it also takes very well. The interior: is shit. You'd almost be better off stripping it and replacing all the interface stuff with... something that isn't 40 year old plastic. I think this point speaks for itself. Seats: you won't be finding many compatible replacements since the car is so narrow. The rails themselves don't accept many other designs, but the main issue is the center console which is a non negotiable variable. Electrical: this could just be me but this part is hell. The popups are cool, but if you live in an area which experiences icy conditions make sure you leave them up overnight or to give yourself time to preheat 💀 Also the interior door handles are made out of the same aforementioned 40 year old plastic so watch out. It's an all around great car though which is so much fun and still has some teeth to show even on today's roads.

[@mademyownway2975]

I personally own 2 944's. A 88 Celebration Edition and an 88 951. I have done all the work on them from clutches to a head gasket. I have done a few upgrades to improve performance, interior sound dampening, handling and small other items. It is a Porsche and if you can work on your own car, then it is not a bad little fun car to own. Like any car it must be maintained. Drive and enjoy them. I would take either one of mine across the country.

[@QuickshiftCars]

I loved my 944, but it was leakier than the Titan submersible 😅 I think they can be pretty reliable if you replace all the rubbers, as you should with any 40+ yr old car. I got mine for $3k, but prices have skyrocketed since then...btw, transaxle just means the transmission and differential are integrated into one unit. It's also at the back of the car which is great for weight distribution!

[@miyabi95]

i'd love to hear your analysis of the Mitsubishi FTO, any version even the later GPX. i understand they're not really your thing but i'm curious to know some details about specs and whatnot!

[@wr1ght939]

Transaxle gearboxes in FR cars are good because it means the weight of the transmission is moved to the rear axel - weight balance and stuff.

[@sargentthiccboi9333]

I’m a c4 corvette guy. I’ve looked at starions too but I saw one of these on marketplace and they look great

[@GermFreeAcron]

I have a 85 944 na, the reliability has been good ei, no new problems, and the work I have done on it has been easy and accessible. The biggest down sides about them is 1) the Turbo is less reliable, as far as I have heard, but has just enough power. 2)The NA does not make much power and is not cheap increase it.

[@oscar49198]

This was actually a fantastic video man so thank you. Cut right to the chase no bs and honest opinion. Loved it!! 👏🤌

[@NC944er]

The words “944” and “timing belt” are often said in the same sentence, but the importance of replacement is a little over-hyped because it has an interference engine. The belts only run about $20 and they aren’t any less reliable than anything else, but the replacement interval is about half that of most modern cars, and it does require specialty tools. The cruise control computers can be swapped out by removing two bolts and two electrical connectors. Used computers can be found for $70 and new ones are about $600 from Porsche.

[@tylenol0801]

Hell yeahhh love this car

[@markroden]

Same here bro

[@RancidMartians]

“Porsche never really cared about reliability”… my guy Porsche is the German version of Toyota. Reliability is in their DNA.

[@ConeFlower-gx2qk]

Dad died, got dumped, totaled my civic all in a month. Used the insurance money from my civic to buy a 944 to daily cuz I’m depressed lmao

[@Lucianocabral745]

Would this be good as a first car.

[@obamakickflip3231]

Wouldnt recommend it

[@markroden]

Would not recommend either

[@Lucianocabral745]

@@obamakickflip3231 thanks

[@Lucianocabral745]

@@markroden Thanks I was thinking about it being my first.

[@not_afina2395]

@@markrodenwhy

[@michael5455]

i feel bittersweet everytime someone makes a vid on this car cos i love it and want one so bad and am happy that more people learn about it, but it inevitably ends up driving prices, not this vid exactly obviously, but people like doug demuro making vids on it hurts my soul lol, theyve already gone up in my area compared to the last 6 months and im starting to close off my ideas of buying it, still great tho, and its a porsche still

[@markroden]

Yeah I hear you man, but at the end of the day the more ppl the better I feel like

[@reventon4547]

I'd lean into it if I were you. Get one now, spend some time enjoying and upgrading it, then when it's price is peaked, sell it high. Just be sure to keep all the original parts (for that sweet sweet resale value).

[@michael5455]

@@markroden ye i agree, hopefully it makes more people realize that they could sell their old ones, putting more cars on the market

[@calebmiller8805]

Porsche 944 goated car

[@markroden]

Facts

[@drunvert]

Yes it can be a good daily driver for a car guy. Lots of storage room and good fuel economy. And its fucking cool

[@donx7386]

what about the 924, will you plan on making a video about that one

[@markroden]

Yessir

[@TamarrionMartinez]

Can we get a video recommending cars for tall drivers? I’m 6’6 ❤

[@markroden]

Sounds good bro

[@ethangrimborne8427]

Please do the Toyota Solara! BTW, a friend of mine bought a Porsche 944 for 7k and I've heard it's stalled a couple times and he had to work on it for quite awhile. It's a shame fancy German cars are difficult to maintain, because a lot of them are pretty cool. But hey, we always have JDM cars!

[@Datsunz-fr2nw]

Great video! I've owned a 944 for 2 years now and I love it. Idk why that Stitch guy in the comments is so negative😒

[@B1GG_MILLS]

New viiiidddddd

[@markroden]

Yessirrr

[@user-kd5xk7xm9n]

"not reliable" can vary widely on interpretation. to me, if i say something is unreliable, it's breaking down every time i drive it. i hope that isn't the case because i love the 944 and i'm looking to get one soon. i expect repairs on a 35 year old vehicle

[@eggrollisgud7641]

Can you do the catfish Camaro or firebird trans am

[@93octanecarclub26]

I do believe it did inspire the rx7 fc 924/944

[@korbincody6179]

THIS IS MT DREAM CAR

[@markroden]

W

[@artmchugh5644]

You may enjoy my video of our new/old car !!!😊😊😊😊😊 go to the link!!!!

[@poke_luie4115]

I have an opportunity to buy one of these from a friend of mine for 800 with blown head gaskets Beautiful red color no rust a couple mods on the exterior Manual trans

[@JohnSmith-cd8ch]

The 944S doesn't have the same motor as the 944, it is a 16 valve engine instead of an 8 valve engine. Displacement is the same however.

[@taturtotmorrison2807]

Damn, i might get one locally but it needs the rear glass and some tlc on the body :/

[@Scoodily]

2g eclipse?? You didn’t say too much about the non-turbo’s issues the first time

[@blue_lancer_es]

Dangers to manifold

[@markroden]

Bettt

[@monkie-centurie4986]

Planning on k swapping it🕺someone is making a k swap kit and is soon going to release it for sale

[@charleetuner]

Im a Porsche owner and fan boy since the early 80s. I'm not sure where you got your info but Porsche vehicles aren't that difficult to work on; 944s included. As far as reliability; Porsches are very reliable when sorted and driven correctly. Again; 944s included. There are G body and 964s with well over 300k on the odometer. They can be finicky but they are engineered for driving not for sitting in the garage all the time like too many people do. Not hating but just my humble $0.02.

[@blechundlack5074]

Schöner S2 auf dem Titelbild!🫠

[@ExpiredWatered]

Bang

[@markroden]

Bop

[@george-a.m.75]

The 944 is very reliable, even with his actual age it is a perfect daly driver, provided you adhere to the prescribed service intervals. Seems you don't own one yourself, or you just drive it to death

[@forgedtrucker922]

Notification squad!

[@markroden]

Goat

[@db_outlaw8278]

I went with the manual and I like men 😎

[@NudaMan]

Freakin gta 4 loading screen music 😂

[@christianborgen1066]

Please do one with seat or Cupra, maybe the seat 1m or 1p.🙏🤞

[@markroden]

Ok bro

[@944geek85]

Hi Mark I am going to go along with others here and completely disagree with your reliability statement (disclaimer notwithstanding) . I have had my 944 for 18 years. Oil, filter, cam belts and a couple of oil seals. That's it! As for interior space, fold down the back seats and you can sleep in the damned thing, (Ask me how I know) There is so much interior space I have brought home IKEA Queen sized flat packed beds in it-fold down the seats and they fit into the passenger footwell and the hatch closes with room to spare.. Even with 163hp -mine has a little more) at 1170kg ii is very quick particularly for an '80s car. Think about how much horsepower a 5.0L fuel injected Mustang put out stock in 1985 ( tip 165hp) 944online, Rennlist and Pelican parts have very cheap parts for these cars. All US based companies. Put 18" wheels on it and it looks brilliant! Daily driver? I drove mine 200km a day for a year without a single issue. Drove my daughter to school in it every day for 7 years never missed a beat. As for the cruise control-take it out. Who the hell would rely on '80s tech like that? Drive the damned car! It is a brilliant handling, quick GT car with heaps of boot space for trip luggage and with the right wheels (18" BBS-(no douchey bag lowered suspension) , Summary: A great looking classic that will outhandle any comparative era 911 with ease.

[@didik121]

be sure, 944 parts in germany are NOT cheaper than in US, you have them cheaper.... I am in germany and already thought of buying my spare parts in US. But with shipping and taxes on top it is no more an advantage. so wherever you are, the genuine parts are really expensive.

[@afeudale]

Great vid! I disagree on daily driving it though - i daily mine for 2+ years that i've had it and it's just as reliable as any other car ive owned 🙂

[@davidscott4318]

Absolutely agree I have a 1990 944S2 with over 250,000km on the clock. It is rock solid reliable and has always been easy and inexpensive to maintain maintain. I used it as a daily driver for over 15 years and kept it as a weekender in recent years. The interior is high quality and stands up to 30 years of hot summers.

[@amircabrera1872]

can you do a first cars video for enthusiasts

[@TDF2004]

Please do the alfa romeo 147 or 159

[@kylerstone6577]

Toyota celica please ❤

[@reventon4547]

Late '70s to mid '80s Celicas are some of the best cars ever imo. I'm torn between buying one of them, a 944, or a 300ZX.

[@suhjested5955]

Do a vid on the jeep xj

[@markroden]

Sounds good bro

[@beamer8907]

please put the “lancia delta evolution” on the list 🙏

[@markroden]

Bettt

[@beamer8907]

@@markroden bettt?

[@thebluegrat_8522]

I’m gonna daily it

[@FreeTrapMoney]

Don't do a good bad and ugly on a car you haven't owned😂

[@theomni4115]

Do the GEO Tracker

[@markroden]

Lol ok

[@unwantedwolf8310]

Yeaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhbhhhhhhhhhhhhhhghhhhhhhhhhhhhjhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh

[@markroden]

Indeed

[@jayzooda7511]

IF you Keep dropping Videos brotha you’re gonna run out of material lls! My little nephew, rather listen to you than me. Keep up the good work love your Material frfr! (recommendation SRT four dodge neon or caliber) would enjoy your opinion 💯

[@jefffmolk9806]

im js gonna yk ignore the last two parts and buy one

[@77magnuss]

The car is super reliable, only issue is they’re 30+ years old. Don’t do a review on a car you only know about from watching other people’s videos. Interior is old but top notch, they don’t squeak or rattle at all, you don’t know what you’re talking about.

[@elpablitocuh5126]

5th gen mustang and or 2nd gen Audi A4

[@user0057r]

“It is difficult to work on, but if your a German porsche mechanic it will be easier…”

[@genebickwick3746]

Ik it’s a different car but I found a Porsche 928 for 3k that I’m going to restore an sell it at a big meecum auction

[@Johan_Du]

😘

[@markroden]

Woahhhhh but thanks

[@ThatCaymanGuy]

Parts arent really that expensive for the 944 and believe it or not Porsche actually designs their cars so they are tech friendly. compared to working on my Cayman, heck i had to take off the rear wheels to get access to the plugs and coils. and that was a job and a half! and im not a mechanic, i have decent car knowledge and im an IT guy by trade.

[@peterangelopoulos9555]

Love 944’s have two (they don’t run and haven’t for a while) if anyone wants to buy em $4000 for both of em

[@finmueller7827]

Type and year? Might ask for parts

[@peterangelopoulos9555]

@@finmueller7827 84 non turbo

[@not_afina2395]

Sell me the steering wheel

[@joshcasagrande7735]

Tbh n/a 944 isn’t hard/expensive to maintain/work on/own as you say it is just take care of your shit

[@joshcasagrande7735]

Owned mine for 6 years and it’s more reliable than my early 2000’s Toyota

[@peterpann9619]

The best 944 has an LS.

[@wandereroftheinternet]

Day 2 asking for him to make a podcast on Spotify etc

[@Varxi_]

Yo how do you know my name? You’re in my walls?

[@jeffbrander2690]

This video comes curtesy of the bed room in his Moms house

[@markroden]

this comment comes from the courtesy of a grown ass man hating on a 20 year old when he cant even spell the word "courtesy" correctly. Focus on yourself buddy im doing quite alright for my age.

[@eliyyahu]

First

[@markroden]

Goat

[@Silvia_Jay_S14]

Rx7 fc is the copy of the 944.

[@Vyltax]

It was the competitor of the 944 at the time they were produced!

[@dextervanartsdalen112]

😋 *Promosm*

[@roobzruckers7626]

Really love your videos, @Mark, but really don't appreciate the needless homophobic joke at 2:17. Other than that, keep up the good work❤

[@markroden]

You’re right, that was uncalled for. I have nothing against homosexual ppl I just grew up around ppl where saying little jokes like that didn’t mean anything. I apologize for that and I appreciate the support

[@roobzruckers7626]

@@markroden God bless you bro. We've all done something similar at some point! Stay awesome, and keep making your fantastic videos!

[@VenatorJ]

Can we get an updated list of the best American muscle cars🥲 on a budget