The Porsche 944 remains a sought-after sports car that offers strong value in today’s market, especially compared to other Porsche models. Unfortunately, as is often the case, project-grade versions can sometimes be unreasonably priced as sellers sense an opportunity to unload needy vehicles in a hot market. That’s why the this 1987 Porsche 944 listed here on craigslist is more appealing than most recently unearthed project cars as the seller has performed some of the necessary deferred maintenance to make it a runner once again. The 944 resides in Springfield, Missouri with an asking price of $11,500.
The 944 resides in Springfield, Missouri, and the asking price is $11,500. What is the most exciting detail in the listing? The seller points out that many folks get “lost” when exploring his backyard of Twain National Park, so if you’re a scammer, don’t bother. Not that I needed a warning, but it would certainly be enough for a Yankee like me to be very serious about picking up the phone and engaging with the owner! And really, we should all have that much respect for one’s time. Thinly veiled threats notwithstanding, this 944 is said to be unmodified and features just over 100,000 miles.
That mileage is fairly low for the year, and I imagine the seller is placing a fair amount of value on that detail. The listing notes the 944 belonged to a friend of his who had it parked in a barn until recently. The friend told the seller he could have the car if he dragged it out, so the tires were aired up, and the 944 was given a shot in the arm, mechanically speaking. The seller notes he has changed all fluids, replaced spark plugs, plug wires, and the main engine computer, and the 944 now runs and drives. However, one thing that makes me nervous is there’s no mention of the timing chain, belt, or tensioners being replaced, and this 944 is definitely past the age of having this important job done if there’s no record of it.
Since the 944 was in the barn for close to 20 years before being exhumed, it really doesn’t matter if the chain and tensioner job was done the day before it was parked (which is unlikely) – you’re certainly at the appropriate time interval for changing it, even if the mileage hasn’t yet accrued to the proper threshold according to the owner’s manual. With 161 horsepower and near 50-50 weight distribution, this 944 will be a delightful backroads dancer, but it won’t be much fun with engine implosion on your mind, so get the tensioner, chain, and belt work done before you go corner carving.
Good words Jeff. The post ’85 cars have all the bugs worked out and are great drivers. Do the maintenance and you will always have a good car.
Pictures taken with the 18-year-old camera found with the car.
About same 0-60 and 1/4 mile times as my stock 2014 Focus, actually a little slower 0-60. About same G’s on skidpad.
My 110 pocket instamatic took better pictures.
I can’t buy a car from someone who is incapable of seeing that his photographic subject (the car) is a really horizontal object, and therefore maybe hold the camera horizontally. Very nice shot of the gravel though.
These 944s have a timing belt, a balance shaft belt and the truth is these belts need attention along with water pumps and the tensioner pulleys/idlers. All are a time, heat related, and wear related item. There is no timing chain. And, the engines ARE interference, so if the belt breaks at speed or even at idle, the pistons and valves will kiss resulting in a bent valve.
I own 8 of these in both N/A and turbo form; none get neglected on these maint. items nor on oil or water related schedules. Dirty oil and wrong grades of oil will really hammer on the rod bearings. Reading the owner’s manual on viscosity recommendations, change intervals, and proper oil filter usage goes a very long way on keeping these running for hundreds of thousands of miles. My highest mileage car is a bit over 140,000 and consumes no oil. These are GREAT handling cars and along with dynamic braking, are an amazing sports car. I plan on never selling any of mine, only adding more (-;
GREAT looking car here and with a few cosmetic touches added, will be in good ‘kit’. I would love to know what the interior looks like, if mice had ever been nesting in it or on the engine, and exactly what the codes for options are for it. Base cars are a bit less desired, but those with limited slip, forged alloys, sport suspension, and Recaro seating are every Porsche lover’s dream. A sunroof delete car is super uncommon and highly desired among some as it allows more headroom and in track use, helmets fit more comfortably.
Wish the seller well on his sale, but he needs to focus on a negotiable sale price. Unless there are a couple stacks of hundreds in the glove box, it may take a special buyer on this sale to pay the ‘ask’