Porsche 944 and sports car buyer's guide #1

Casey Putsch reviews his recent Porsche 944 purchase to teach the viewers what to look for and think of when they are buying a sports car. Many of the tips are applicable to any type of car and especially older sports cars.
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[@alexratchford9587]

I’m 18 and bought a roller 944 with some body damage for 340$. Luckily the interior is perfect except for the dash which is normal. I’ve spent about $2,500 so far and just got it running and driving. Still have a minor issue with the engine but I love it so much!!! **did all the work myself**

[@remy333]

Alex, your car looks great assuming it’s the one in your avatar. I’ve got a red 84. Also have some cracks on the dash. But will eventually remove it and use the 3M repair and resurfacing kit.

[@alexratchford9587]

shin_jeremy_333 Thanks, that’s her! I also plan to do that with my dash eventually. The real damage is on the quarter panel which is half fixed just have to do the rest. I also had to weld a new door frame on because it was rusted out. My last thing to fix is it sounds like there is a bolt or something rattling around in the cam area so I gotta figure that out.

[@user-cb2lz8yy9s]

Nice, would like to see it.

[@SamplesDan]

Hell yeah brother!

[@PayDro415]

Alex Ratchford I’ve literally been looking to buy this car for several weeks now any chance you could give me some tips on where to find a nice one all of them but I’m finding are around five grand

[@heanigan]

whenever I watch a video of yours, I'm always impressed with how much you listen to and rely upon your students knowledge and experience

[@mrbobsshow]

Hell yea I agree 100 percent

[@user-cb2lz8yy9s]

He’s a REAL teacher, real teachers care.

[@supercarowners]

I am a Software professional with only PC assembling hardware experience. I recently bumped into a 71 year old guy who is not able to restore a barn find Porsche 924. So I decided to take the challenge. KZbinrs like you and a couple of DIY car guys gave me confidence that I can do it. Your journey in the car industry is always my inspiration. Just took delivery of the Porsche 924. It is a rolling chassis with matching engine and some parts. I am joining coach building and welding classes to restore it. I think I should start sharing my journey in KZbin. Fingers crossed!!

[@popperbits]

It makes me smile hearing the 944 being praised as such a great car, I still remember when it was introduced it was considered such a turd in the Porsche lineup

[@ivancamacho1437]

a lot of people keeps calling them "the poor´s man Porsche" :(

[@zman1998b]

But it looks so good

[@jpdp3339]

@@zman1998b +1 even after 30 years

[@saketnaik1]

@@ivancamacho1437 hahah yeah not so "poor" anymore 😔 thought I could afford one for a while

[@glow9999]

@@ivancamacho1437 a poor man’s Porsche was the Mazda RX7.. back in those days.

[@austycup]

Bought an 83 for 1k and restored it and bought a 89 for 600$ with bbs rims, all it needed was a fuel line... love them

[@saketnaik1]

Yo where'd you get one for so cheap m

[@---cr8nw]

When buying a used car, those "extra" lug nuts often mean there is a locking lug nut on each wheel. Make sure to get the key, if that's the case.

[@stitch2k1]

Don't sweat it if they are OEM ones on the Porsche. You can unlock them with a screwdriver.

[@kenschue9345]

Thanks Mr. Casey I have been on the hunt for a guards red 944 preferably with the early dash, but I'm not picky. This will surely help me for when I go looking for my first car!

[@vikingman4614]

Pete's carport youtube channel has a guard red 944.

[@remy333]

I’ve got an early dash Guards Red 1984 with black interior. 100% the best color combo!!! Good luck finding one.

[@crosisofborg5524]

Most people want the later dash. You should have no problem finding an early dash.

[@laughingskullinc]

I love my 944!

[@blindaceg]

I loved mine too and unfortunately lost it being a dumbass. I hope someone picked it up from the impound auction for less than I paid for it and has been taking care of it.

[@markchip1]

UNLESS you have experience, or a good amount of knowledge about a particular model, join the forums and dig through them to learn the fundamentals before you start looking at cars to buy!!

[@You_Already_Know]

I’d love to have a coffee with this guy. Truly passionate! He gave me chills thinking about actually buying an old car and fixing it up.

[@Noah-vx3uo]

Noooo poor Tyler and the notorious rear hatch glass delamination. May it be easy and cheap to fix 🙏

[@pray4mysynths]

Videos like these create value for the 944.

[@marty9248]

Check the hollow spaces for rust behind the ventilation grilles in your doors ans door frames. Also check for cracks under the battery. If there are cracks, then water is able to accumulate in the hollow space underneath and do some serious damage. Check the cable harness for the starter and generator, they get hot (exhaust area) and disintegrate (even in their protective sleeve) after 30+ years. The fuel lines in the engine compartment of a 944 should be checked for cracks, fuel can drip on the exhaust manifold. Replace the aluminium fuses for brass ones. 924's have a thicker zinc layer on the body compared to 944's. 924's have a non-interference engine compared to 944's and are somewhat easier in maintenance, lots of space for belts etc.

[@m10653]

With the drain holes you need to be a bit careful if you use compressed air to blow them out. There are small connectors that can pop off inside of the car if you blow too much pressure though them. (think they are t fittings). I tend to use weed eater wire to clean them out.

[@jergervasi3331]

Looking to finally buy a 944 Turbo this weekend, after wanting one for 36 years. Thanks for all the videos, and the refreshing attitude.

[@cruelstudios798]

Did u ever end up buying one😊

[@jergervasi3331]

@@cruelstudios798 Yes! I bought the one I went to see that weekend, a 1986 944 Turbo in Guards Red. It needs a TON of cosmetic work, and the door locks, wipers, A/C, etc… are all messed up, etc etc etc… but it’s mechanically great. Lindsey Racing 270 kit, it’s a HOOT to drive! Thanks!

[@frankarmstrong5208]

Just joined. Wealth of information on the Porsche 944. Looking to buy my first one. Always wanted one since I was 21. Now 54, it's time for me to get one. Great videos

[@rrassoc]

2 years after watching this video for the 1st time, I finally pulled the trigger. I originally intended on buying an early model to fix up, but my research lead me to a 3L S2. Thanks for all you do, Casey!

[@kondor99999]

Got a beautiful example (1986, 27k miles) a couple months ago and I enjoy driving it more than my 2018 BMW M6. I love that it doesn’t have a cupholder. It’s a real sports car like they don’t make anymore.

[@ralleyquattro]

Those Fuchs look so good!

[@xcocoloco00x]

Thanks for this video I’m looking these beauties , and and wanted to learn more of them can wait to see upcoming projects of this 🔥🔥

[@capedcomics]

Awesome video Casey! Your Porsche videos are my faves. One day I hope to get myself one.

[@fredbobberts5753]

Definitely glad to see you back in the 944 saddle again, Casey, so much passion for these cars. It’s crazy to enjoy them so, but I do, too.

[@1001mugsy]

Casey, probably one of the best videos you have ever done. Simple yet very thorough, informative, and entertaining. More please with each car. Hats off from the great white north with the same 944.

[@thatfine44]

Was looking at this exact car when looking for my first 944, but ended up getting one with cookie cutter wheels. Thanks for the video and can't wait for more! Definitely will help since I'm doing all the work myself and doing a whole head gasket job!

[@jbrayman78]

This video never gets old, and was super useful when I bought my 944 a few years ago! Just sent it to a buddy who is thinking of buying one. Keep up the amazing work Casey, and hope to meet you at the 944 Fest in 2023 (we missed you this year; or was that you flying over in the chopper Friday PM!?) 😎

[@bartoszkuligowski942]

Awesome video, I bought an 85 khaki 944 1 year ago and I've been working ever since I've been doing interior and mechanical, I've replaced too many things to count, just today I got it on wheels and I can't wait to get it driving, I need to finish up some interior issues and I'm ready to go!

[@pinnacle7100]

Hi again, Mr. Putsch. Last video was a hoot. You make me want to move back to OH someday. I was from Geneva up on Lake Erie. Again Thanks for all you do for these kids, you are life changing.

[@richardcooney7259]

Well played, sir. Good purchase, I'm stoked for you! Tyler, respect for rockin the 944/ski rack combo. So much Euro....

[@jeremymtc]

Nice! Pretty useful and thorough overview! It might be noted that there should be a plastic battery cover, and it's always good to check that the battery hold-down clamps are present because the positive terminal can contact and arc on the underside of the hood pretty easily. Also the factory air compressor for the spare is equipped in an integrated ABS plastic clamshell case, but they are frequently non-op and replaced with something else.

[@johnmoser2689]

Great looking 944 love those Fuchs and the white and black is great

[@jaminwalton4223]

I’ve just started to save for a 944, cool to see your also in Ohio , and glad to hear the galvanized body’s don’t rust, although wish you would have taken more time looking underneath the car at the suspension but maybe we can save that for another video, keep up the great work.

[@gtrlad8131]

We have a naturally aspirated s2 manual 944 in concourse condition in torquoise blue with cream interior and can’t get over how low you sit

[@howardwoolley926]

When you repair the oil cooler you should change the passenger side engine mount as it softens with age from the leaking power steering pump oil the leaks with these is usually the hoses/ connection, great show my one is a 944S

[@hilanddoug]

I had an '86 944 turbo, aka 951, with white Fuchs that looked similar to your white NA. I miss that car so much....

[@LaneyMatthews]

I watched 16 candles when I was like 9 and this has been my dream car for years now. This is going to be my first purchase of a car of my own .

[@mikael2545]

Thank you! I loved this video!

[@JoeZasada]

Helpful vid. Good job

[@Porvetteracing]

The drains for the sunroof and the rear hatch locks ends upp in the compartments behind the rear wheels. Its standard to get moisture down there. Also regarding the sunroof you have 2 drains in the front corners that also clogg up.

[@danielferraro59]

love your videos! i’m Daniel from England and had a 944 lux for my first car. i have only just sold that at 38 and i now have the 944 turbo and a 986 S and i love love the 944 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@danymasi9591]

Very informative and entertaining. I had several 944s and I feel you missed out on few important culprits like RUST, especially in the rear, side sills and front sills. Instrument gauges, DME, etc.

[@ZakTheRipper18]

My first car was an '84 944. I had it for about 11 years. I had no idea how to really take care of it properly, but I learned a few things along the way. I drive an STi now, and while I love it, I still miss the Porsche.

[@user-cb2lz8yy9s]

Oh man, I love those script seats...

[@zl2859]

Really the only Porsche I like the styling of. Reallllly debating getting one to go along with my nd miata.

[@remy333]

Casey! That made in Canada compressor IS the original compressor. I have the same. The plastic on mine broke recently because I dropped it and the hinges area cracked.. so I unscrewed it from the plastic housing and stuck it in a nice little men’s travel leather bag. Still works great.

[@thorandmoljnir]

Great info. I've bought dozens of cars over the years and your points are all valid. The one I like the most is make sure you start the car cold.

[@ScottJ175]

That is a very, very nice example and obviously well loved. My preference would be to keep the Porsche script seats. More for nostalgia rather than snobbery though. It just screams my 80s teen years at me.

[@GTSCarLife]

Some good tips in there, Casey! I have 2 questions, please. What size are your tires, and what is the best way to repair the rear glass delimitation? Thanks and keep driving 944s!

[@Pshady]

Thank you! Video was just what I needed

[@stephenmichalchuk1584]

Well done Casey!. LThe car is in great shape hopefully won't blow up like one of mine did recently (Timimg belt at idle). I'm looking forward to seeing the repair on the hatch cover. The one on the 1985.5 has been broken for 20 years. Dad never woried about it!

[@jasonpickett5553]

Check the firewall for cracks if a manual 944. The had really thin firewalls and tend to crack from the pressure of the pedal. Sometimes they are hard to see but if you take a flashlight and look inside where the clutch pedal mounts you can see some if it has them.

[@laxbroflow151]

My first Car Porsche 944 1985.5 Guards Red, still have it got me so many babes including my stellar fiancé

[@bjrnrs]

Im really in love with my 89 944 S2. Such a Great and underrated car. Really enjoyable to drive.

[@gaspasser]

I used to own a 1988 Silver Rose Turbo S. Great car. Wish I still had it. Great video. I predict great things for you on you tube!!!

[@dirk954]

Wow! Outstanding Video. What do You think about the 968?

Love the Tyrell-styled six-wheel kart :)

[@zestydude87]

I've had my 944 turbo for 10 years now. Only thing I've had to fix was the alternator...it's been very reliable and I still love driving it.

[@rafayaziz3324]

Nice, yup that's the original early air compressor, rare seeing one with it's original car lol. This car is a good find imo!

[@aboutit9184]

The old BMWs (up to e90 I believe) have also the same power steering reservoir. Each and every single of them does have traces of the fluid seeping - the caps on them don't have any o-ring to seal.

[@patrickfarah6765]

Hi Casey, That is the correct tire inflator for cars prior to mid-85 and that cardboard box is the holy grail. Just about every one is destroyed so yours appears to be quite nice.

[@kewlhunter7333]

Although many blame struts for delamination I believe it's more likely to happen from closing it unevenly with one hand as that puts a twisting force through frame, that the struts don't. I replaced my struts 10 years ago and they are still strong but I always close the hatch evenly with 2 hands. Something to think about as I noticed you shut it with one hand. Great video and very helpful for new buyers, I'm sure 👍

[@jesslloydjansen]

Funny you mentioned the Ducati kickstand. I totally did that to my buddys brand new 996 in 2001. I felt like such a jack ass. But great 944 video. I can't wait to finally own one.

[@anthonidanowski9404]

on the 924/944 i always remove the battery and check for rust under it. ive owned 5 so far and only one didnt have some rust under it. my current 77 martini is absolutely rust free otherwise but had quite a bit under the battery, which i fixed with new steel and a welder. the smallest bit of rust under the battery will lead to a wet floor and steamed windows during the winter..... annoying but not a deal breaker if you dont let it scare you. btw love these cars!

[@tonyromano2391]

Thanks Casey, great video. Love my 944 as well but it has broken my heart a few times as I have put a lot of money into it. I'm hanging in there though thanks to your amazing videos.

[@fredbobberts5753]

Tony they always cost more than you think they will. But the pain of that is fleeting while the joy of having the car running is present every day.

[@CollinTiptonMusic]

My dad just got a 1985 944 and its super fun. I kinda wanna get my own now for first car lol.

[@A9XXC]

Great video, best commentary I've seen on a 944. you obviously have knowledge and passion for them. Very balanced comments, loved it. I love the 944, had 7 over 14 years, first was an Alpine White '83, but on cookies, currently have 3.x S2s (1990 Coupe in white, a red '91 coupe - my wifes daily driver and a '91 cobalt blue cabriolet). I do have a few points though :) They do rust badly in the sills (rockers), the bottom of the front wings (fenders) and behind the rear wheels, in UK it is extremely rare to find rust free ones, but that is down to our climate and the amount of salt we use.... the replacement struts do not delaminate the hatch glass/frame , its twisting it by pushing it down on one side that does it, made worse with new struts because the opposite side resists more, so there is more twist - always push from the centre....but as the power for the heated rear window and the interior lights go through the struts, you have to make sure the right type are used fitted the right side and the right way round.... There is a small breather from the cam cover to the air box that should be removed and capped off as per a Porsche Service Bulletin from about 1986. Blowing compressed air down the sun roof drain holes can blow the flexi hoses off the metal bits and reattaching is not fun, also there drains in the front corners too. fine wire is a better method, slower but safer.....Also there is a drain from the filler area that connects into that corner's sunroof drain with a Y piece that regularly seems to be disconnected, - smell of fuel after a fill up??? But overall a very good review of the 944 and I'm the Porsche Club GB 944 Register Secretary Cheers Mike Pollock

[@alexmcwhirter4131]

Nice job on the video I’ve just bought a 1997 peugeot 106 xn to fix up with my dad and have as my first car. I’m 14 and yes I paid for it with my own money

[@SportsCarAdvisors]

Great video, thanks. I didn't hear you mention that they are "interference" motors - valves occupy same space as piston, thus the importance of timing - which you did mention timing belts / cam / balance. Also useful to mention that the back glass is apparently very expensive to replace (if it cracks etc), something to be aware of cost-wise. Your car is a nice color combo white with white fuchs, really great find also with the Porsche script seats! Useful to mention, your car appears to be an early car (pre 1985.5) with the early dash. 1985 mid year Porsche made important updates "85 and a half" with updated interiors and other non-cosmetic updates that are worth mentioning in a buyer guide.

[@maikelnait4495]

My favorite Porsche model.

[@staystrange9305]

Thank you

[@Ki-yg1ds]

oh my gosh man this is great because I am in the process of buying one soon

[@Tomcat115]

Hi Casey, thanks for the upload! I’m a college student and I’m currently considering a 1983 Toyota Supra as a project in the future and this video helps a lot. The particular car that I’m interested in was mechanic owned and currently has 130k original miles on it. The tires are gonna need to be replaced as well as some of the weather stripping among some other small things, otherwise the body is straight and it runs pretty well. There is also no visible rusting. Do you have any advice for getting a first project car for someone in my situation?

[@HenryBirkettOfficial]

Just bought one with 20k miles on, really cool but need to do some welding and get the engine running. Will need a bit of paint here and there but am really excited to get it on the road!

[@johnnelson5083]

That coverlay dash cover, if you pull up the dash speaker grill will be held down nicely once you put the coverlay down, then put on the speaker cover to hold it in place in the center. I had one for about 20 years. Its a fun to drive money pit.

[@vernondyke3281]

Love the 944, though I wish you could get the turbo front end on the naturally aspirated. It just looks smoother with the integrated front bumper.

[@donaldclary846]

Promise you'll always have a 944, so I have something interesting to watch??

[@joncaseyclary]

Hello Donald. My family name is clary. Don’t see that too often. From Virginia. Best wishes.

[@donaldclary846]

@@joncaseyclary Don't see that EVER. Usually there is an "e" thrown in there somewhere. I'm from Illinois originally.

[@aprillovesgolf7042]

Mines an 87 in mint shape. Same outside color. Real beautiful car.

[@nefilimproductions9534]

Love these cars!!! You should see the 944 I just did a view about!

[@davidshaw164]

I have seen 2 of your videos... and I love them!!! Also you kinda remind me of Mike Rowe

[@robertdean3974]

best seat in that one had same in my s2

[@Daniel-lv8ze]

Those rear wheels are meaty. Really fill out the wheel wells nicely.

[@stephenoverstreet9898]

I really wish I had this video a few years ago when I was buying mine. Could you do a video repairing Tyler’s hatch, and one doing a belt service???

[@nigellacey559]

Informative and entertaining

[@rcpmac]

Not sure on the VW/Porsche but on VW/Audi, the moonroof drains are plumbed with plastic hose. While air pressure CAN open the line be aware that you might disconnect them in the process leading to chasing problems behind the pillar coverings and beyond . Consider vacuum instead. Also good to pour a few ounces of water in the drains to both test and to locate where the exit hose is. I believe there are drain holes in the 4 corners.

[@XBullitt16X]

Glad you found the 944 you wanted. P.S I didn't realise these had 80s VW handles, I hate those. I always remember struggling to opening them and them getting stuck on the Jettas and other vws my dad used to work on as a mechanic haha

[@toad0720]

Got 3 of these cars. 85.5, 86, and 87. 2 Autos, one Stick.

[@slyteen2197]

Like the car and the plane at the start of the video. I work for the company that evolved from Ruston in Lincoln.

[@anthonyrozada1980]

Thank you. I have a 1986 944 Turbo, pristine. Everything works, including the clock, cigarette lighter, A/C, no dash cracks and original Blaupunkt stereo..

[@tommorgan8053]

I went out to buy a 944s and came home with a Boxster S, both are incredible values and great cars. Boxster owners also don’t always get the Porsche love either. I notice 944 and other Boxster drivers always wave back, 911...almost never.

[@robbchastain3036]

I so relate to fans of affordable 944s and project 944s, and I commend you, Casey, for being the pied piper of this club. And while I have never owned one, I did, when I was a soldier at Fort Myer and the Pentagon, buy a new VW GTI in '84 and it was total fun, sporty and sure-footed and affordable and not all that far from a 944. Or at least that's the way I saw it and it was close, actually, a Volkswagen with a Porsche engine.

[@pala23mj]

I am currently in the market for a 944, these videos are great to help me along the way. Unfortunately I’m not finding these great deals. I have found one 1983 none turbo with 99,000 kilometres in what appears to be minti condition for about 8000.00. I am going to go check it out next week. It’s in a classic gold colour.

[@jbfinishingsjellebilliau9054]

I’m in love with your fush wheels😋💓grtz from belgium europe

[@harryhoudini3656]

Another way to check for coolant in the oil is the dipstick. Is the level too high when you know it shouldn’t be? Your engine is manufacturing oil if its too high. Also the 93 corvette hood prop is easy to break if you don’t pull the lower shaft cover toward the shaft.

[@SparkyGage]

Power Steering Fluid: Valvoline synthetic PS fluid with stop leak fixed a weepy leak in my XJ6 over the course of a year. I would top it off once a month and I think I used about 4 bottles but over time I was needing to add less and less. It's been over 6 months since I needed to add any. Thanks for the tour! High mileage cars rock!

[@A9XXC]

944s don't used PAS fluid in their system, it takes ATF, similar I know but....

[@josecortez5213]

Big 4 banger with a German engineered counterweighted crankshaft. I am a fan.

[@edgarcarranza2940]

I noticed the passenger door have different tone of color means it’s painted already from that side but still looks good generally

[@free-birdrocker8809]

I have an 86 951 and its pretty good. The gent I purchased it from spend lots of money on it, and just wanted to spend money on his classic cars. I got a good deal, It does need an alternator so thats a nightmare. I put some cv half shafts on it, 4 tires, a rad flush, fresh timing belt-balance shaft belts. Tune up, rear trans-axel is making a little grinding noise, its going to be the syncros, so thats later. It runs great, drives great, starts the 1st time, and its a fun little car...

[@25Quarters]

hell yeah old school 944 tach!

[@Evocati-Augusti]

I found one that was garaged in the Hamptons', an 83 ,low miles,showroom condition...man I miss the feel of just closing the doors...But I got a 83 911SC after I sold it.

[@stanthehandyman3719]

Im going to look at an '84 944 with 28 k original miles So says the seller and I found your video very helpful in what I should look for... Wish me luck.

[@sasha-taylor]

what are your thoughts on the FC generation RX-7, which looks suspiciously similar to the 944? I love the styling of both cars but have driven neither