924Board.org

[9fitty1]

Hey all,
I am thinking of purchasing an 88 924S. Its going for just under 2k, red, tan interior, 5 speed, around 100k, nice paint...thats all i know. I need to drive it but I was wondering what all i should look for...Any problems with them? Any weak parts...suspension? thanks

[edh]

maybe get an engineer to inspect it for you? - it could be expensive making a wrong choice on a 924S

- search the FAQ's & previous posts for more info, but IMO the main issues are:

timing belts, engine mounts, electrics,

if the car has been standing then it's more likely to have niggly little problems - cars driven evry day tend to be better

sounds a good price (if it's OK)
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current - '90 944S2, '00 986S,
ex - '90 944 turbo '86 924S, '88 924S

[gohim]

If you have not owned a 944 engined car before, you are going to need the advise/services of either an experienced owner, or a professional mechanic.

With these cars, the parts that will kill you are not visible. The most important being the maintenance history. The 944 engine that these cars are equipped with require critical maintenance which must be performed every 3 years or 30K miles, without which severe damage (even more expensive) can occur.

Are there any maintenance records with the car? What you are looking for is positive confirmation that the "front of engine" service has been performed recently, and that it has been performed on a regular basis. The front of engine service includes the replacement of the timing and balance shaft belts, front of engine oil seals, belt and pulley rollers, and the water pump. This service will cost $1500-$2500.

The 1987 model 924S engines are prone to head gasket failure (original head gasket, is this an asselbmly problem?) for some reason between 80K-100K miles. Is there any documentation that this has already happened on the car you are considering?

What is the condition of the exterior and interior? Do the cosmetics show that the owner cared for the car? How about CarFax to confirm the mileage? The odometer only goes to 100K before rolling back to 0. Does the odometer even work?

[Stu2j]

[Porschephile]

ah! 9fitty1! glad to see ya came to the smaller, more knowledgeable about 924's board...

Pretty much the same deals as your 951 in terms of engine...timing belt, water pump, etc all very important. PPI good, suspension upgrades are great fun and easy, makes the car handle like a dream. Snow tires make it an awesome winter car... My one issue with mine, is the fact that the wheels aren't that big, and you don't have a lot of options for upgrading due to fender size. I've got 15x7's right now on mine, I forget the tire size but it fills the well...didn't have to roll the fenders yet tho. Good luck man!
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werd B.

[924guy]

there also good at making oil/coolant milkshakes... if the oil cooler line seals havent been changed out within the past couple years, plan on that as well..and if they have been, make sure it was preventative and not corrective..if theres been coolant in the oil, and they havent changed the main bearings, could mean trouble ahead..

good cars,i really liked my 87 when i had it, even despite its auto trans.. just listen , err.... read,err.... do what they say, above and youll be okay..
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Eric
78 924
82 931 SE "smokey"
99' VehiCross
Y2K Honda Insight
http://www.cardomain.com/id/924Guy
Performance by Pasha

[The Fife]