About to buy a 944 maybe...questions

I really want to buy a 1986 944. I found one 180 miles away and went and looked at. The interior is incredibly clean. Exterior is beautiful too... looks well cared for. The odometer is stopped at 60k. I did a carfax and the odometer has been stopped since November 03. I the owner told me it has about 68k. Also, the rear hatch needs readjusting (it was replaced and wasnt put on straight). The sunroof is only operable through the crank. The trunk hood release has lost it clip but still works.

I assume that the car is ready for new belts/water pump. Any suggestions on what I should offer for this car? Also, anyone have any guesses for what insurance will run for a 21 year old.

How much is it?

Is it in as good of condition as mine ( http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=4523944611 ) I would use that as a reference to sort of see what price you're getting verse how much mine sells for sense they are about the same year.

But price is going to make a difference on what I would say about buying it.

Yes, whats the seller asking?

You car has more miles, but has had a lot othings replaced recently. I have a feeling that the one I looked at is probably going to need similar replacements shortly.

He was originally asking 5600. He said 4900 on the phone. When I looked at it, I pointed out that the blue book was 3,040 for private party and 4,245 for retail. He told me he he could meet me around there somewhere. I was thinking in between private and retail: 3,643.

I would get an estimate for the whole T-Belt, balance belt, water pump, & see if the motor mounts, pw steering leaks, tires, brakes, A/C & cable ect. will cost to do and say $3,000, unless he makes the repairs, then do his price...

Ask if a clutch has ever been replaced? That alone is about a $1,600 job...

I got my 86 944 with 94k miles 3 years ago for $3,000 and everything worked, even A/C was cold...

Let us know how it goes...
Good luck/skill

Only you can decide if you want to pay the price. Get the car checked out by a guy who knows the cars and if he says "go" then think about what you want to spend. Always save some for the unknown problems. And keep up on the maintenance. If you are looking for a little speed and a nice sound, then go for it. If you are just after the body or the "P" on the car, then get an 82 924, it's not as fast but it's easier to work on and won't cost as much to fix up and if yuo should lose a belt, the 924 won't need a full rebuild. If I get another 924/ 924S/ 944 series car, it will be a 944 or a perfect 924S. Good luck.

If he is just after the body then the 924 is not the way to go, the 944 is far better looking than a 924.

If the car is incredibly clean I'd say get it looked at and then offer. I never use Ebay as a bluebook, that's not real intelligent seeing as cars always seem to go cheaper on ebay and often times have hidden problems. Even the actual bluebook isn't particularly accurate. I would say though that if the car needs work then 3600 is more than fair, I purchased a 1988 944S with slight body damage (a large dent on the passenger side door, easy fix) for $2500 on autotrader..although I can't say that that is normal.

for 2650 i purchased an 84 944 on ebay with 117,000 miles, body in gread condition, chrome cookie-cutter rims and a nice set of tires. Aftermarket audio system. Engine in fantastic shape with aftermarket air intake. Interior wasn't really rough, just worn. The shift boot leather had been worn, which i replaced. the visors had been ripped up, which i replaced. the steering wheel is worn, which i will replace, and the drivers side leather seat is missing a small patch, which i will have repaired by a friend of a friend... overall, it's such a great car, i get looks and compliments everywhere I go, the Porsche name alone draws attention. The engine sounds fantastic and I have so many ricers wanting to race me =P

I really couldn't ask more for the price i paid!!

Congrats on your new 944!
Do you know when the last T-belt service was done?
Don't forget this vital service...
Good luck/skill!