[integra00]

I'm thinking of picking up a 944 as a project car. Only problem is they are old cars. What are some problems you have to deal with when building up a 18 year old car? What are some tips when buying a car this old ? i'm very used to dealing with newer cars hoping some of you guys with experinces will share

[tweakmonkey]

As long as it's a project car and not a daily driver you'll be fine. I don't know much about those cars, but I imagine they're a lot like any other German car (specifically Porsches) around that age. It'll have random sensors under the hood go out and electronics in the interior from time to time, but it's a Porsche. It's well-built and the motor will probably last a long time. Make sure you get one that's fuel injected (not carbureted) if that's even an option.

If you have another means of transportation as a backup, you'll probably really enjoy that car. If it leaves you stranded without a ride you'll hate it. Like most other cars, you'll have warning signs generally before something needs to be replaced and the reliability will depend a lot on the upkeep and electronics (or carburetor).

BTW - Even though it's not that fast, it'll still be a really fun car to throw around corners. Also, they're dirty cheap now.

EDIT - Also if it's turbo that changes everything. Personally I'd stay away from an 18 year old turbo German car unless I had a lot more time and money.

[smirnoff]

Sounds like a cool project, much more challenging and therefore interesting than say just some mustang blah.

The only experience I have in doing any real restoration work is with upholstry. And let me tell you, it's pretty easy. I reupholstered my old Nissan Micra (for the experience of it). Carpets and Seats, black fabric and vinyl and red stiching. Cost me about 125$ in materials. I'll don''t think I still have pictures of it anywhere still but it looked just fine. There is really no need to pay someone to do it imo. Take your time, think it through, and you should have good resaults.

[sims]

cool cars, decent potential, but I'd stay away myself.

they aren’t cheap to maintain, the parts are pricy and in good shape with low K they are still worth a decent amount of coin. They handle very well for the era but the none turbo is very slow and the turbo leads the a whole other world of headache and bills. I’d personally try and find a more modern car myself, by today’s, or even the mid early 90’s standards they aren’t very impressive performance wise.

unless you have your heart set on owning a porches, but you better have the bank account that goes with it.

There are TONS of awesome project cars out there, tell me what you’re looking for in a car and can make some solid suggestions for you.

[BrentN]

European cars are usually shitty project cars ONLY becuase the stealership charges so much for replacement parts.

Gaskets, vacuum hoses, moldings, anything that must be purchased through the dealer to save great amounts of time will cost you an arm and a leg.

I supose the handier you are, the less it will cost you to restore.

[integra00]

i was on a porsche forum and read that you can swap in a vette engine for the porsche one ... and those are cheaper so that would solve some money issues hehe