Why The Porsche 944 Turbo Is One Of The Best First Cars!!

[@DIYDanCars]

Purchased my first 944 turbo when I was 18 and one has always managed to stay in my garage since. A lot of cars have come and gone in my garage but the 944 turbo always has a spot in my garage! Great cars that are built well!

[@shadowsnlights]

JR. My first car was a 1975 Ford Granada. In a very bright red. I had bought it with a blown motor for $500.00. I had the V8 engine bored out to 30 thousandths and added a hot cam to it. It only cost me $500.00 to rebuild the engine. It had about 350 hp after all was said and done. I had so much fun in that car. It was a total sleeper car and was very fast for the day. I used my own money for the build. I was 17 when I bought that car. I remember the 944 turbos. I dreamed of owing one. But they were so expensive.

[@eric106071]

I've had 2. it's the best handling car. definitely timeless and underrated.

[@travisprince7770]

+Eric I am currently considering one, there is just one question I can't seem to find enough opinions on; Is it reliable? I have fair wrenching skills (my dad's a MAC Tools salesman and has taught me the basics), but I can't budget much more than $1,000-$1,500 per year maintenance wise. I really love the car, but I am unsure of whether or not it is truly the right option for a first car. I was wondering if you could speak from experience on whether or not it holds up to daily wear-and-tear?

[@zestydude87]

Just thought i would chime in and give you my opinion being that i have had my 944 turbo now for almost 5 years. If at all possible buy it from a Porsche owner who has owned other Porsches in the past. As long as it doesnt burn any oil, then 1,000 a year in maintenance is easily doable. Ive had mine like i said for almost 5 years and the only thing that broke on it was the alternator. Best used car ive ever had imo.

[@travisprince7770]

Thank you sir! I appreciate the comment!

[@jpcia260]

ive had one for ten years, completely restored, if you have no mechanical skills, dont buy...high maintenance!.

[@wildwoodmiami]

I owned an 86, then the 89 for 23 years. Absolutely loved the car. Would still be driving it if it didn't catch on fire. Replace your rubber fuel line with stainless steel.

[@JR-cs4hg]

I get that fuel line issue. But what if the fuel line looks solid. I heard stainless steel lines can have it's problems too.

[@serenityyang7210]

1986 944 turbo for $4500 with 88k mile, very clean car. Is it a good buy?

[@TheFinnishYoutuber]

Hell yes

[@drownedgod]

I would agree

[@JR-cs4hg]

F yeah.

[@P1983sche]

All day long...

[@MultiMacmonster]

hell ya

[@TekMoliGy]

my first car was an 85 944 and it as an excellent first car. I wish i still had it. the maintenace costs aren't really any more expensive than any other car as long as you take it to a normal mechanic instead of a ripoff porsche dealership. Also it gets good gas mileage, looks awesome, and is fast enough for most people. I got mine up to 140mph one time on the interstate. I also fit my 350lb plus friend in the back along with another person and me and another person up front. Sure they might not have been comfortable but it worked and we got to where we wanted to go.

[@mrbobtheburger]

Thinking about getting one. Did a lot of things go wrong in it?

[@TekMoliGy]

@@mrbobtheburger no it was the most reliable car i've ever had

[@succ519]

Got my 924s for 600usd. Amazing deal, love the car, drive it every day.

[@imnotverycreative9137]

How’s It treated ya

[@TheTardis157]

I own the 944's big brother, the 928 as my first car. Bought using money from selling cookies and brownies when I was 15. Similar to what you were doing, but to Sony Pictures instead of a lemon-aid stand. Still drive it 5 years later as a daily in college too.

[@ChristynaPumaRacing]

everyone saying no kid can afoord this. I am 16. Just bought a 1987 944 S with 78,000 miles. All the maintenance was updated already. I bought it for under $5000. It is very achievable. Do not get a Turbo though. They only imported 3000 S models in 1987 to the US. It is the second most rare 944 in the US as far as production numbers go. Find one and they are cheaper.

[@JRGarage]

Right on! 944s are a great option if you get a good one. They are such awesome cars. How are you liking yours?

[@ChristynaPumaRacing]

+JR Garage I love it! it is a great car! learning the 5 speed but it is great! I am very impressed with the handling. They feel like a go cart!

[@ChristynaPumaRacing]

+JR Garage And by the way...because you replied to my comment I think I will subscribe!

[@JRGarage]

+ChristynaPuma Racing thanks! The 944s do handle like go carts. A blast to drive in the twisties!

[@Toxicsock15]

It's a cheap car to buy initially, yes. The expensive part about the car is the maintenance.

[@TheOrientalBoyz]

My first car, had really good time with it. Very nice car!

[@surn0m]

Nice 944T. Good review, thank you boy! Indeed, the 944 and more the 944 Turbo has been a long time forgotten. At his time, the 944 Turbo was compared to Ferraris. This year was the 40th anniversary of Transaxle in STUTTGART, this is a huge car, as now in Europe its price going up day after day. You won't find a proper 944 Turbo less than 20 000€, and that's just the beginning of his come back. I'm affraid this is not anymore a first car. More a collection luxury sport car.

[@GUNPLASHOP]

I bought my 924 in 1996 and I have still drive on the road until now. I think that the 4 cylnder front engine 9 series are one of best handling car in the old Porsche.

[@anthonychua4004]

WHOA WHOA WHOA. Let me stop you right there (even if your video is old). Porsche 944 Turbo owner here, and an immaculate 1986 near-stock example I might add. The car itself is a beauty to look at, awesome to drive, and a very unique addition to my own collection, but ghastly with maintenance and reliability, which is why I keep it in a garage for most of the time (minus select days when I think it's actually a good day to bring it out). Seriously. This car should stay in the garage. Thankfully for me it's a 5th car, but shouldn't be anyone's go-to daily. I don't disagree that the 944 Turbo is an amazing deal and perfect for an enthusiast, but that's given said enthusiast has a mechanical background already. It's not overly difficult to work on, but still a challenge navigating, not to mention imminent electrical failure is a thing because '80s. The problems that stack up will constantly confound new car enthusiasts. Parts are expensive because it's a Porsche. And if you don't have time to work on them yourself, expect a hefty bill. If you're A) not mechanically inclined, B) not financially stable, or C) neglectful to your cars, the 944 Turbo is automatically not for you. I don't think I even have to mention that '80s cars have a very different safety standard than modern cars. I wouldn't doubt that if I wrecked mine, I would probably end up folded origami-style in a hospital bed. Let's not forget part of the reason why that's the most likely outcome is because the 944 Turbo doesn't have airbags or adhere to the new overlap test. A good amount of new car enthusiasts will abuse and drive recklessly in their cars, and as responsible as we can be with our studies, extracurricular activities, or even our love for the car itself. Then again, I'm being pedantic. Many great first cars also don't adhere to modern safety standards, so I guess this is a classic case of "exercise with caution." Let's be fair though. Most teens just getting into cars would love something fun-to-drive, so if you'd still like a Porsche right at the time you get your license, a 944 NA would be a much better choice. Otherwise, there are alternatives that either won't suck your soul or your hard-earned minimum wage earnings: 1. Acura Integra, anything DA1 and newer. Front wheel drive on rails. My top pick at a first car since FF isn't much of a sacrifice here, and any Honda veteran can build this thing into a track slayer. 2. Toyota MR2 NA, any generation (though AW11s and SW20s are appreciating so act NOW). Goddamn, I love this car enough that I'm considering a 2nd. I choose this any day, even over my 944 Turbo. Try to go for 1993+. 3. Mazda Miata. Fun to drive and whip around, but also very forgiving. I'd say this is a perfect 1st enthusiast car, even Jalopnik agrees (but it's not first because it isn't). 4. Volkswagen Golf GTI. Might as well go for the hot hatch legend. 5. Honda Civic Si, really any year. Or if you don't mind not having an Si, any Civic with a manual before the EM generation (the EM2 coupe is meh, but okay).

[@Murica_gaming]

Screw it im buying a porsche

[@alektimmons4471]

I think a 944 Turbo is a TERRIBLE IDEA as a first car. don't get me wrong I LOVE the 951 ( I own one) ... but this is NOT the car a teen should be getting.. maybe a run down 84 944 NA or somthing beaty but not a turbo. they are SO unreliable and cost SO much to maintain (most or second most expensive old porsche to buy parts for ). the poor kid would either never get to drive the car or always be spending their last dollar on it! plus... first cars are future wrecked cars.. go get a honda civic or a corolla.. those are great first cars

[@dannyboy768]

Actually a good first car would be a Bugatti. They're cheap and easy to drive

[@RafitoOoO]

944 NA is much easier to maintain or doesn't change that much?

[@zhihuang9049]

My first car is 2006 Chevy Cobalt SS. I love that car, as an international student, finally go to school on four wheels, not on foot.

[@zdharder]

My first car is a 1973 Dodge dart. Sounds real mean, and is pretty damn quick

[@jeanmaranello3365]

Law of attraction. .. I cant begin to tell you enough about this car. I am working on a car channel, just to talk about cars like this. I am tuned. Great.

[@YohanBlake-hy7gb]

Nice

[@michael987s2]

Great video! I've owned many 944s of all ages and packages and always daily drive mine. Still own and drive a few but I daily a 987S now =/ but my 951 still out performs my 987S any day. Great video keep them up

[@chrisyoung7131]

National Champion! SCCA E Production Several times 👍😎🍀

[@jawnske]

a local guy is selling one for $2,500. someone just hit my NA miata so im thinking about trying the 944T life

[@tommulligan8525]

I bought a new 944 in 1989, and I had more attention and compliments than any other exotic. The car was 36,000 at the time. Porsche should bring it back as an entry level. Was Red and black too.

[@internet_best]

and one of the Best Cars ever

[@BradKwfc]

My dad's first car at age 18 was a '66 Corvette (in 1973) He let it sit since '88. Last year I finally convinced him to give it to me. In about two years (hopefully) it's going to be one bad ass car!

[@LILAnti5.56]

my dad s got a 1991 vette and has let it sit since he bought it has 2000 miles on it trying to get it from him.

[@BradKwfc]

+Little Bill Good luck man, keep trying. Took me years for my dad to let go of his.

[@lookmomnobrakes9549]

Good look with the project mate

[@christophersantiago5327]

My first car was a 89 Turbo still have it! Got it for 7 grand off this old guy in a gated community in New Jersey, great car but you need to replace the water pump and belt every 30,000 miles, a lot cheaper if you get the service done at a independent mechanic

[@MrPatrickWhitehouse]

A 16 year old kid will never be able to afford the up-keep... After the timing belt, water pump, and head gasket... youre already into it for 4k....Good Luck Kids!

[@onekidneystan4330]

Who the fuck can afford insurance for that as a first car?

[@Tomas1pc]

well a lot of people do, but honestly that is such an old car that you wouldn't feel like spending a penny on it

[@funnymakeslifesunny]

Your channel is growing ridiculously fast, congrats!

[@patricoprice8389]

What about insurance ?

[@brocklewis8356]

That e93 m3 at 9:29 lookin pretty fresh

[@CarsonmyMind]

Couldn't agree more ;) it's a real headturner

[@travisprince7770]

Hey folks! I am currently considering one that needs a bit of help. I have decent wrenching skills (my dad's a MAC Tools salesman) but can't budget much more than $1,000-$1,500 per year for maintenance. Therefore, I have two questions (for previous 944 owners only, please!) that could make or break my decision: 1. Is it overall fairly reliable? 2. In general, how much does insurance even out to be? Thanks to any answers! Feel free to put any extra advice, tips, or tricks in with your response.

[@antoniomccartney1461]

buy one that's well sorted and you will easily come in below your mx budget. a well maintained version is reliable. Insurance is very cheap, in the US at least.

[@travisprince7770]

+Antonio McCartney Thank you sir! I appreciate the advice. The one I was observing is sold now, but I am continuing the hunt for one regardless. I'll take your input into consideration for future listings. Have a great day!

[@zestydude87]

My insurance is pretty cheap but then again, im 46 years old lol A lot will depend on your driving record and your age.

[@travisprince7770]

Thanks for the tip! Sadly, I am 15. I guess I'll just have to be real careful to avoid accidents/tickets. Have a wonderful day, sir!

[@aDIYCarGuy]

✓✓

[@admiralfloofz658]

Turbo S was only available in 1988. But 89-91 used the same turbo so it has the same power. Doubt theres any 951s thou thats only running 220 hp. Its very common to put a chip and a different wastegate spring to make more boost. Thatll give the normal 220 hp car around 275 hp and the later 250 hp cars will get around 300. It should bring the 0-60 time under 5 seconds.

[@zachbell1531]

does it got an aux cord tho??

[@angryfishmonger]

IMO one of the best looking cars of the late 20th century. Get a good pre-buy inspection and you'll know what you'll expect to have to put into it over time. No emissions on a car that old, another plus. Tag is cheap. Timing belt is like a just lot of modern cars so is clutch and other wear items. A lot of people are using boxter parts, with little modifications, to add upgraded breaks, seats, etc. Just be picky and take your time. Take note that the 944's are going up in price because the 911's have taken a big jump.

[@hudsondonnell444]

The best looking Lamborghini Countach I've ever seen was a black '88 model with gold wheels that look similar to the 944 wheels on your car.

[@robertthetire3035]

You should make a video about cars that look and sound more expensive then they are because I would have never thought I could get a porshe for as cheap as i can get them in my area (all under 5k) maybe a top 10 video?

[@lennart2389]

Nice vid im thinking about buying one (also as a first car).

[@dookieday1]

These are a specialist car not a first car..... always loved this car

[@FlawHawk]

everyone's complaining about how expensive these are in the states when you can get a nearly immaculate one in the UK for under £4k (insurance would probably be about £15k tho at 17)

[@JWGARCIA79]

My first car back in 1997 was a 1990 mustang GT 5.0

[@godislove712]

You should do an exhaust video on your 944

[@WaterwalkersofAmerica]

That one is in really good shape tbh

[@namdude0373]

I drove one and a week in the throwout bearing died :( I cannot recommend it as a first car because its an older german car.. You can find them for more like $2-4k! in Minnesota at least where a 944 is a silly year round car lol

[@chrisyoung7131]

I've Actually had 3 personally... The can be Tuned & Tricked Out to 400 bhp

[@spacepodstudio]

In the real world your first car costs about £500 and isn't a porsche.

[@danielpastrana3322]

Ikr

[@ThaHammieJaassee]

i just bought one 2 days ago for 900$

[@yoitskane6353]

The 944's aren't expensive at all. Google it up.

[@spacepodstudio]

It would be near on impossible to insure any age 944 in the UK under 30 years of age. I guess you guys can get an assault rifle when you're aged 10.

[@alektimmons4471]

yes.. to buy, but as any old car goes, they need tons of up-keep and maintenance. so replacing parts and labor can really add up. and DID YOU KNOW? The 944 is the most expensive (or second most) porsche to maintain and buy parts for, for the older generations. buying parts for a 911 is cheaper by a long shot.

[@Apollo_s2k]

A C3, C4, C5 corvette is around this price range as well.

[@artmchugh5644]

Yeah but you just have a corvette !!!!!😎😎😎😎😎😄😄😄🇺🇸🇩🇪🍺🍺

[@austondoughnut6232]

My first car is a 1978 Buick skylark with a built 403

[@datsungofast]

Your right on all the stuff but you forgot to cover how much it cost to maintain one. Cause ya you can buy them for cheap but it cost alot to do tune ups and stuff. but other then that great video. I have 2 of them and i wouldnt trade them for anything.

[@lucacorelli6829]

To me, is the best ever, not only the best first! LOL

[@anthonydejesus3919]

im 15 and ghinking about getting it

[@fatnoob]

Ayy gotta love the Porsche

[@dehayninmaxime5278]

In france you can't have a more powerful cars than 130hp... for the first cars i mean... With the obligation of have and assurance... i have a 60hp cars and i pay 450€ per years... a friends want a 90hp and its 1200€ per years because the cars don't have more than 10 years........

[@verygood7155]

This is still a beauty

[@mr.goldfish5154]

i got one a little bit after this video came out

[@chrisyoung7131]

My buddy Joe Cogbill in Norcross Georgia Owner of PAP... = Porsche Audi Parts!

[@lucasl276]

where is the consumption of the engine at 944? (in liters pls)

[@gerardov.9716]

I wouldn't do anything to it, it's perfect.

[@davidbrooks7741]

I just bought an 84 and the timing belt broke on start up how doomed is the car

[@15buggie]

The rear gearbox freaks me out a little. Otherwise I wouldn't have a problem with it. However, a first car for an unexperienced driver. I'm not certain a old turbocharged car with peaky boost would be good..

[@juliobello4561]

Theirs a local dealer that is selling one exact same one but the difference is gemballla beautiful and use I wish I had the money to buy it not to expensive but I'm a big Porsche fan

[@tomwoods1269]

Gemballa? Holy Shit

[@gtgeek]

how do you think this would compare to a 2003 Audi TT 180 HP? I have the TT now and considering switching to the 944. NA is cheaper and heard Turbo maint cost could be much higher.

[@isaacfouts8520]

What about insurance? Big car enthusiast and love old cars like this 944. Could afford to buy one but worried about the insurance, after all I am 16 and starting to drive.

[@masterzeb318]

Wouldn't the insurance be to high for a starter car?

[@Oliver0200]

pretty much, ya

[@tchapps1]

Not if you live on the edge covering only liability, but otherwise yeah totally unworkable.

[@zachogdahl210]

i wish that was my first car XD i have a mitsubishi eclipse gst :P im definately looking for a new car as it has nearly 290k miles on the original engine XD. needless to say its a little rough around the edges

[@rrs1912]

Aren’t those rims originally from the 928?

[@ticholasnoth]

There is one for sale in my town in my budget, but what is the insurance on a car like this?

[@TakeFlightGarage]

Where I get those heat shields for the engine bay???? I like the print on that 86.

[@TakeFlightGarage]

Also where'd you pick up that aftermarket wheel? Hahaha

[@JRGarage]

+Jacob AbuKhader The special hood pads came off some aftermarket Porsche guy on Google, I forget the name at the moment. The steering wheel is a momo that I bought from a friend. Nice clean look!

[@TakeFlightGarage]

+JR Garage very cool! keep posting more porsche videos!

[@meep6188]

what kind of steering wheel do you have? looking for one to replace my original

[@PeteProfessionalDad]

You obviously know your cars, but I was wondering if you do some of your own work, if there is any. I noticed some parts like the brakes are stock. How has this car been modified since you got it. I know from personal experience that balancing school, work, and hobbies can be difficult.

[@33Initiative]

Anyone know how much would this cost to insure in the states? In GB it would be ridiculously expensive

[@licidity7598]

Late, but the Turbo model isn't very reliable and prone to problems. Go for a standard 944.

[@trevorjaster4072]

How do you feel about the 928 as a car who would you say that is for

[@timothystark4181]

Someone with either very deep pockets. Cost of a water pump replacement is probably $2000. It is enormously expensive to repair.

[@ItsKapow]

I don't understand why these cars are cheap in Australia. They sell for $4,000 to $10,000

[@sharifabul8829]

I agree

[@Bistocracy]

Dude, I ride a 944 Turbo 300cv, and I think is too much for a first car.

[@BombetoGin]

unleaded fuel? i always put 91 on my 88 Porsche 951

[@hudsondonnell444]

I prefer the 944S or the 968.

[@Jerrand]

Also a car in this condition is not a cheap buy! This is a 10k plus car easy! More on the 15k plus!

[@Zyntherion2202]

what about Ferrari Mondial? it's more practical...... i guess....

[@helloby791]

Not that cheap and you'll be up the wall in repairs.

[@drewway9599]

Hello. I currently have a Porsche 944 for sale near me for about 3-5k. 70k miles and it has sat but it runs. Do you think I should buy it? I do have more mechanical skills than the average person.

[@Oliver0200]

sounds good

[@dukerozen]

I think you should buy it. Nice car.

[@drewway9599]

dukerozen Forgot to mention, it is the automatic which I don't particularly like. Could I do a transmission swap, and if yes how much do you think it would cost?

[@Oliver0200]

+AvGeek201 ya but like 4k

[@johnpatch2460]

you in sixteen candles bro ?

[@anthonygambitta6220]

Yeah, reading some of the comments. My car was always in the shop for some crap breaking (A/C, Fuel pump, water pump, clutch T/O bearing, switches, lights. Piece of VW junk (not Porsche.) Get a 911 or 928 instead, you'll be better off.

[@bwest6275]

Anything is better than my first car which was a beat down Chevy Cavalier. To put things in perspective, even a brand new Cavalier sucks lmao.

[@bwalton1968]

the 944 was my first 2 cars... and I wouldn't recommend it for a first car. Unless you have a couple grand to spend and a huge knowledge of how the car works. I had the know how, it just broke my bank.

[@allenjackson2846]

No 16-year old will be able to have this car. Honestly, how would you convince your parents to buy you this, or save enough to buy AND maintain it AND pay for outrageous insurance costs.

[@ridge9066]

I bought mine when I was seventeen. I set aside $200 a month for repairs and upgrades and do all the work myself. Less than the payments of a new car.

[@TakeFlightGarage]

How long have you had it?

[@ridge9066]

+Jacob AbuKhader I'm 20. I've had my 944 for three years. I daily drove it for two years. I drive a lot of miles, so I daily drive a motorcycle now. Do you have a 944?

[@TakeFlightGarage]

+Caleb Warner Yes I do. coincidentally I bought mine when I was 17 as well. I daily my car since I don't really drive very far. At least for now. I've had it about 10 months.

[@playstationguru27]

I'm with you Allen, my parent's didn't have enough money to help me buy a first car, my first car was $500 when I was 15, but even if they did have enough money, If I went to them and told them I wanted an 80's Porsche for my first car, they would have checked me into a mental facility. I do like these cars though, I have a 924 that's kind of rough, yeah it's got a van engine, but it's still a pretty fun little car! And a bit cheaper to repair than a 944

[@mr.goldfish5154]

i got my 1984 non turbo for $2,700

[@jules7544]

Mr.goldfish I just got mine for 4750 euro... 86k miles

[@StephenASmithIsanL]

I found a 944 2000 91k miles should I buy ut

[@HeyhitmeBAM]

A what?

[@kenthall2290]

A Porsche 944 Turbo for 5000$? Good luck finding one for that price? Any 944 Turbo for that cheap is going to be a trashed track car that brobably has some major mecahnical and cosmetic problems. Please so your research first.

[@JRGarage]

Like I said Kent, a nice decent one is going to be $10,000. A pristine one up to $20,000. If you want one for cheap with some problems, they can cost as little as $5,000. However, you would most likely want to avoid these due to the problems they may have.

[@trevorjaster4072]

I have seen some nice ones fore like 4,000 but the 924 can go for like 1,200

[@seanfinnegan6873]

Now these are like 30k ☹️

[@bladerowe]

50\50 split cause of the transmission is behind you\

[@johnathandoe5357]

Um, if that is a manual where on earth is the hand brake. Or parking brake, whatever you want to call it.

[@Ninjas_In_A_Bag]

It's between you and the door, odd place to put it I think.

[@alancozzolino3990]

What about insurance

[@sharifabul8829]

944 VS elise

[@heatmizer1212]

i thought those were 6 cyls.?

[@PassThroughRevenue]

Reliability?

[@JRGarage]

I forgot to include that section in the video. But for anyone who is wondering, this car is pretty solid. Not too much to break, but parts are more expensive because it carries the Porsche badge. Luckily it is an easy car for most people to work on themselves; saving thousands!

[@timothystark4181]

Far, far too much car for a newbie. Expensive (really expensive ) to repair. At 300 HP it is a 13 second car, I don't want to be on the same road as a 17 year-old in one. I have a supercharged 944 S2, it runs mid-high 11's, race suspension, and it has cost me over $60K so far. I love it, but a kid would kill himself in it. I'd recommend a fox body mustang with the 4cylinder!

[@kingcarsont157]

350z