Should I buy this 944?

How much should I offer for this 944 turbo? it is an 86, with 95k miles. It is red, and the paint job is still PERFECT. also, the interior is PERFECT. this thing is in great condition. It also just had alot of parts in the engine replaced, like the water pump, and the normal stuff, etc... I test drove it and it seemed great. It is not being privately sold, and the place wants $8995.00 for it. Apparently it was babied. But the price still seems a little steep. Should I offer 8k for it? Also, is there anything that I should look, listen or check for? I am new to these cars, and appreciate any help or suggestions that anyone has. thanks alot for your help,


Morgan.

The 86 is the first year for the 944 Turbo, I would advise against it. An 87 or 88 would be good, but the 88 S or any 89 would be preferable over any of them.

The S and 89+ cars had about 250hp, LSD, M030 suspension and brakes etc... much more desirable.

i did a ton of research when i looked for my 944 and that is not a bad price at all for a car in the shape that you describe. Check the timing belt and for leaks in the hatch. If the timing belt hasn't been replaced, that should be your first priority. Buying the first year of a car isn't always the best, but it's just a turbo version, not a whole new model, they made alot of imporovements on the 944 in 86 and I would jump at a perfect 86 turbo.

I'd check to see if it has a complete service history with it. Look for timing belt replacements and cooling system flushes. If the coolant isn't changed regularly the head can corrode from a form of electrolysis. Also look to see if the clutch has been replaced on it yet. Clutches can run as high as $2,000 for replacement by a Porsche trained mechanic. The price doesn't seem too bad if it is in as good of shape as you say. Its definately good to spend a little more on a really well kept 944 then to by a lemon for cheap. I'd say $7,500-$8,500 would be a fair price for this one. BTW, there weren't any particular problems associated with the '86 turbo that are too common. Just be aware of common second series 944 problems like front ball joint failure in the aluminum A arms.

The '86 944 is a great car, and to find the color (exterior/interior) I wanted, I flew to New York from Arkansas to pick it up, then drove back. Almost nine grand is a little steep...they're trying to play into your "this IS a porsche", perhaps thinking that justifies ripping someone off. The truth is, it probably isn't worth nine grand- I'd offer 8, but go to them with some printouts off the internet of other prices of cars with similiar mods to support your cause. Don't let them take advantage of you. I got a GREAT GREAT deal- 5k for 100,000 miles, perfect interior, new clutch, waterpump...the list goes on, dark blue ext., tan interior... new tires...the whole bit, but this guy needed to sell it really bad, so I took it. Otherwise, he probably could have gotten 7 for it. Hope this helps.