Is there a time when we all need to just get over our disdain for automatics in sports cars and enjoy a cheap, fun ride like this 1992 Porsche 968? I’m torn. One could argue that it’s worth spending an additional $15,000 to get a 968 with a manual transmission, but how do you equate the additional smiles per dollar against the Tiptronic model? That comes down to the evangelists who love the so-called transaxle Porsches and whether the 968 is enough fun to drive that the gearbox ceases to matter. This 968 wears rare Amazon Green paint and is listed here on eBay with an opening bid of $9,000 and the reserve unmet.
I will admit to being smitten with the 968 for many years. The styling really got my attention, combining the tidy proportions of a 944 with the beguiling headlight design of a 928. This really is just a 944 with updated cosmetics, but don’t think that makes it a slouch: it has a beefy 3.0L inline-four under the hood, and has near-perfect weight distribution thanks to the transmission being moved to the rear of the car, helping to offset the mass of the engine over the front wheels. Here, you can see evidence of the car being resprayed owing to the surprisingly shiny center panel between the sun-faded taillight lenses.
When I was 16, there was intense peer pressure in high school to own a car with three pedals. You would face some genuine heat if not outright disdain if you owned an enthusiast car that lacked a proper manual gearbox. These days, that sentiment seems to have died down significantly, owing to a mix of factors, such as fewer teens driving and a general lack of cars available for sale with a stick. The Tiptronic automatic in the 968 was considered a highly advanced transmission when introduced, but these days, it likely feel rudimentary compared to modern gearboxes. The gray interior pairs nicely with the exterior, but the seller does note some wear-and-tear.
The 968 has seen some use, racking up just over 194,000 miles. Mileage doesn’t spook me like it does some enthusiasts who only deal in low-mileage cars; for me, I appreciate the discount that comes with high mileage and the irrefutable evidence that the car has proven reliable enough to rack up those miles. The seller notes the must-do timing belt service was completed in 2021, and the seller reports there are no outstanding mechanical needs. With a Buy-It-Now of $12,000, the opening bid isn’t far off from where the seller wants to be. Would you buy an automatic 968?
3 liters is a big 4, I presume it uses balance shafts. Not knowing much about a 968, this one still looks really good. And an automatic makes perfect sense if you’re living in anywhere like a well-populated suburbia. Forget the naysayers, rowing a shifter gets tedious for everyday stop and go driving.
Used to cruise ocean boulevard back in the day in a tr-6. I put it in second gear and at idle it went along with the cruise traffic with only a light tap of the brakes every now and then.
Couldn’t do that in a jetty or mom’s sirrocco.
Always thought these were nice cars. Only thing I didn’t like was the minute size of the gauges in those big empty circles. My Ford chassis motor home has the same setup and it’s irritating.
Love the colour on this. I kinda consider these to be the successor to the 928, moreso when they’ve been given an LS swap.
This may be unfair, but I have always equated the automatic transmission with the big floaty barges that my parents drove in the 70’s. Today I cannot imagine a fun car like a Porsche, BMW or any other sporty car with one and would ask “what’s the point”? I understand the people who counter with: automatics are quicker, easier in traffic, etc, etc, but sorry, they are not as enjoyable for me at least. If I had no alternative but to drive an automatic I see the wisdom of my parents choice which is clearly at the other end of the spectrum car-wise. Just my 2 cents.
190K?
It’s a 3500$$ car. Nightmare.
How do you decide whether something is cheap or a waste of money?
I had a few 928’s and one was good, they are a trouble car….the 968 is cool but they too worry me and with so many miles???
I’m just going to throw out one word: timingbelt.
The double coged timing belt that turns the counter rotating balance shafts isn’t necessary, I’ve run many miles and years without that troublesome belt, no problem
You’re just fishing , right?
I have owned three Porsches. A 1958 356 Speedster, A 1972 914 and a 968 Tiptronic. The 968 was the best road/Touring car I have ever driven. The Tiptronic is no ordinary transmission. After a few miles it can sense the way you are driving and adapt. Higher rpm shifting points for sporting driving and low & slow when Grandma drives the car. If you really have to drive with one hand on a gear shift knob you can flip the “Tip” into “Sport” and shift whenever you want.
Now …. “Coming onto the track …..” you take a different technique. Breaking with the left foot. After the first two tight turns with heavy braking the “Tip” signals the engine “we are on a track … GO” From there on it will shift just before red line. Going into a tight turn, you start braking and the Tip starts downshifting to the exact gear you need to accelerate out of the turn. It takes a little practice but it sure beats clutch pumping. A Porsche factory engineer told me that the Tiptronic transmission can usually out think most drivers.
I believe him.
That car is BLUE not green .
@Jay Dugan Thanks for your informed input. As the Packard slogan used to say, “ask the man who owns one”. I’d take a high mile 968 manual or auto with one caveat-documented maintenance history. As for Euro sport coupes with slush boxes my C30 performs quite well with it. I was skeptical at first.
If it was in my area, I’d be looking at it.
Love the color and style.. auto doesn’t bother me.
Just would need a little research on it.
I had a 968 convertible with Tiptronic. OK driving. I now own a 1990 944 S2 Cabriolet with a five speed. Boy, is that fun to drive. Nothing like working the clutch and driving a five speed. Fun down shifting. That’s what driving is all about.
At 200k miles even the ask might be a bit much.