Porsche 944 | Review and What To LOOK For When Buying One

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This is the Audi 944, I mean Porsche 944 - The BEST selling Porsche of its Time! Today, I will show you why I think this is one of the best Porsches to own. After that, I will show you some of my favorite features, take it for a drive and give you some driving impressions, and in the end, I will point out some of the things you should LOOK for if you’re planning on buying one.
[Background paragraph on vehicle]
In the late 1970s, Porsche found itself in a predicament with its aging rear-engine, air-cooled 911 model. The solution? Introduce a new lineup of front-engine, water-cooled cars to run alongside it. This gave birth to the Porsche 924 and 928. The 928 took the spotlight as the brand's flagship grand tourer, featuring an impressive in-house designed V-8 engine. On the other hand, the 924 was intended to replace the aging 914 and serve as Porsche's entry-level sports car.
The initial strategy worked reasonably well, with strong sales, particularly for the 924. However, die-hard Porsche enthusiasts voiced their dissatisfaction with the 924's perceived lack of power and prestige, stemming from its Audi-derived four-cylinder engine. These concerns echoed the criticism faced by its predecessor, the Volkswagen-powered 914.
To address these concerns, Porsche took a significant step forward and evolved the 924 into THIS, the 944 for the 1983 model year. With this transformation, the 944 would finally embody the essence of a true Porsche. It received a brand-new 2.5-liter, water-cooled, inline four-cylinder engine, cleverly designed to mirror half of the 928's impressive V-8 powerplant.
The Porsche 944 is a unique blend of timeless design and engaging driving dynamics. The moment you lay your eyes on the Porsche 944, you can't help but be captivated by its unmistakable 80s charm. The sleek and aerodynamic silhouette, combined with the pop-up headlights, exudes a sense of elegance and adventure. The iconic Porsche badge on the hood serves as a constant reminder of the heritage and engineering excellence that lies beneath the surface.
Slipping into the driver's seat of the Porsche 944 is quite an event. The cockpit was built for those who live life in the fast lane. The ergonomically designed cabin wraps around you. The supportive seats provide excellent bolstering, ensuring a comfortable ride during spirited drives. While the interior may not have all the modern gadgetry found in today's cars, it offers an honest and straightforward driving experience.
Powering the Porsche 944 it’s a torquey 2.5-liter, 2.7, or 3.0-liter inline-four, mounted at the front and driving the rear wheels through a transaxle. The result is a beautifully balanced weight distribution that contributes to the 944's exceptional handling characteristics.
Owning a Porsche 944 is like joining an exclusive club of enthusiasts who appreciate the unique charm of this classic sports car. From attending car meets and events to connecting with fellow enthusiasts online, the 944 community is passionate and welcoming. The availability of aftermarket parts and dedicated specialists ensures that you can keep your 944 in top condition while customizing it to your taste.
List of issues:
Timing Belt Failure:
Cause: Lack of regular replacement.
Identification: Pay attention to the recommended timing belt replacement interval (usually around 60,000-90,000 miles). Signs of a failing timing belt include engine misfires, unusual noises, or difficulty starting the vehicle.
Cooling System Leaks:
Cause: Aging components, deteriorated hoses, radiator damage, or failing seals.
Identification: Look for coolant puddles beneath the car, low coolant levels, or signs of coolant leaks around hoses, radiator, or water pump. Overheating may also indicate a cooling system issue.
Electrical Problems:
Cause: Aging wiring, loose connections, or component failure.
Identification: Keep an eye out for malfunctioning power windows, faulty switches, or intermittent instrument cluster operation. Check for loose or frayed wiring connections and test affected electrical components for proper functionality.
Oil Leaks:
Cause: Worn gaskets and seals due to age and mileage.
Identification: Look for oil spots or drips under the car, particularly around the oil pan, rear main seal, or valve cover. Check the oil level regularly and monitor for any sudden drops or unusual consumption.
Suspension Bushing Wear:
Power Steering Rack Leaks:
Clutch Issues:
Transmission:
Content:

[@danf321]

Great review video! I inherited a 1983 944 from my father-in-law. It’s a fun car to drive and enjoy. From my experience, I found it difficult to find an independent Porsche shop that would touch the 944. Mostly it’s “We only service 911s”. On the repair side, Timing & Balance Shaft belt, with water pump and seals was about $2500. Window switches are notorious for needing replacement, but they are inexpensive and easy to replace. Replacing front shocks was quoted at $2500. Yikes! I guess, because the 944’s are old, repair is hugely $$$. Also, due to age, sunroof hinges all needed replacement, but they were easy to replace. Aside from the window switches, the other aggravating problem is the headlights flipping up and down on their own when turning them on/off. I replaced the headlight switch and headlight motor relay, so who knows. Again, with a 40 year old car and 113,000 miles, nagging problems will happen. BUT aside from that, it’s fun to drive and I gets lots of thumbs-up reactions.

[@Miguelsgarage]

Good build! Thanks for adding in te cost in your comment. Very helpful!

[@ThatOneScienceGuy]

Wonderful. Thank you!

[@davidbutler8096]

Please don't start your vids with...THIS IS... You're not Doug...5M subscribers. Suggestion..."Here's a...or "Next, we have a...right? I'm just saying...otherwise...great video...I subscribed...6K...You need all the help you can get.

[@Miguelsgarage]

Thanks for the feedback and for subscribing! I really appreciate it! I keep getting compared to Doug, which given his success, I take it as a complement. We both started our channels 6 months apart with Doug making it a career, and me as a hobby. We're both quirky people, which I can see why people would think I am copying Doug. Rest assured, I am not trying to copy anyone. I actually interviewed Doug on my channel 6-7 years ago, and after meeting and talking with Doug personally, I can see where the comparisons come from. kzbin.info/www/bejne/nXjUXquraLutp8U

[@adrianjesus4040]

Would the 944 S be better value as it has all the upgrades the Turbo version has (minus a few differences obviously) but with the reliability of the regular 944, the S version using 16 valves as well. I’m looking into getting into these cars so trust me I’m doing my due diligence. Just food for thought and wanted some input

[@Miguelsgarage]

IMHO, the S is better, Turbo is best. It will be a much more coveted car than the other trims, albeit, a much more expensive car as well.

[@adrianjesus4040]

@@Miguelsgarage I understand that but I also heard the maintenance also was more expensive because of the excessive heat the turbo made, messing with the parts around him the alternator and plastic properties of the engine suffering the most damage.

[@itoldunot2fuckwithme]

I agree. The 2.7l/190 bhp sits just perfectly between the standard 2.5l/163 bhp and the turbo. But in my opinion the S2 3.0/211 bhp is the one to go for. Amazing torque from (at the time or even still?) the largest 4 cyl engine ever produced in a "normal" road car. And with that beautiful turbo front and rear upgrade too. Here in Europe that awful rear bumper they forced on you guys in the US isn´t needed either which gives it a much cleaner look. I was also looking at a 968 but naah..it´s like what am I looking at? Is it a 944 or a Boxster and those gaps between it´s body parts is...well it just looks just f***** weird..Anyhow, happy hunting!

[@adrianjesus4040]

@@itoldunot2fuckwithme yup exactly, the S and the S2 are really just amazing in terms of performance and reliability what would in your opinion be a range of price that I should pay for a well kept S or S2

[@itoldunot2fuckwithme]

@@adrianjesus4040 With thorough searching and some luck it should be possible to find a nice one with reasonable mileage for around 15-16K$. At least here in the EU but as I understand it they´re pretty much the same cross pond too. There´s some cheaper ones listed but when you factor in a flight to e.g Spain or Italy and then gas all the way back to Stockholm, Sweden it doesn´t make much sense. Plus dealing with Italians (if anything happens to the car halfway) is not what any sane person wants to do. I´ve had to endure such a calamity it and believe me, once was more than enough. Just saying since the EU and US is sort of similar in size and there´s some rules and regulation that apply all over but others that (if anything happens) are harder to solve. Been doing this long enough now to know that if it´s not in writing before leaving the dealer whatever help you think your gonna get...forget about it.

[@davidbutler8096]

Shortening the rear bumper 3 or 4 inches does wonders for the look. It really was a great design...except those god-awful phone dials. Good video...great advice. Timing belt replacement is easy compared to my 300ZX...which is a bit sexier car...I think.

[@drunvert]

Bought one. 83 w 60, 000 miles and one owner

[@AdmiralSym]

When I got my license at 16 in 2015 I began looking at these for years. They remained cheap for a while but now they’re largely out of reach for me sadly

[@dylonabubo7513]

They're achievable bro, you can do it 💯💯💯 I'm saving up for mine rn Eh idk yet tho haha. It's either this or the mk3 supra for me 🤔

[@s1ight]

would be sweet with a bigger engine swaped in.

[@SAMMYJR00777]

porsche owns audi yup and vw and many others lambo etc.

[@Miguelsgarage]

Thanks for your comment and for watching! I really appreciate it!!! As far as your comment, that's correct, now they do own many other brands, however when this car came out, things were VERY different for Porsche. This car was actually a VW/Audi project that they later decided to kill. Porsche bought the project and built the car as designed by VW/Audi. That's why you see so many standard VW/Audi stuff on these cars, including having the ignition key on the right side of the steering column. Hope that clears up my initial comment.

[@ThatCaymanGuy]

the wife says 2 years and i can buy my 944, not sure to get an S or a turbo.

[@Miguelsgarage]

Really depends on your goals and preference. The S would be more reliable and it is a well rounded car. If you need more power, then go with the turbo. Just know that the bills will be higher!

[@ThatCaymanGuy]

@@Miguelsgarage the frosty side of me wants 220HP but the more practical wheat side says do the naturally aspirated all day. lol

[@smacdiesel]

Nine forty four.

[@Miguelsgarage]

Tomato ToMaTo

[@smacdiesel]

LOL@@Miguelsgarage

[@flea4061]

Meh, only collectors or Porsche mechanics should be buying those cars. They are not classics. They are antiques.

[@drunvert]

They are definitely classic

[@PATW0LF]

Shamelessly jacked Doug style. DUDE! copying something successful isnt an easy route to success. Auto manufactures are finding that out now because they all tried to copy Tesla. Be your best self, not a worse version of someone else.

[@Miguelsgarage]

Which Doug? This Doug kzbin.info/www/bejne/nXjUXquraLutp8U

[@mxmx2729]

@@Miguelsgarage Never mind.I see no copying in manner.Go on !