924Board.org

[jseabolt]

So I drive 120miles / 3 hours to look at that '77 924 yesterday I've been trying to test drive for over 2 weeks. I did not buy it.

The car ran OK and even had more power than I expected for a 2 liter coupled to an automatic. Cosmetically wasn't all that bad compared to other cars I've repaired.

The reason I didn't buy was because the car rattled like crazy. Imagine taking every nut and bolt loose on a car. It sounded like it was falling apart. When I would hit a bump, it felt like the car was bottoming out like the suspension bushings were shot but didn't really ride all that rough.

I told the guy, I know this is a 35 year old car but it just rattled too much. If not for that I probably would have bought it.

The speedometer was stuck at 50,000 miles. I believe it stopped working at 150,000.

My Yugo has alot of road and engine noise but doesn't rattle. If that is any indication was to how noisy this car was. Sorry hate to compare to Yugo to a Porsche but that's just my perception.

My 1968 Ford Fairlane has alot of body rattles as well but nothing like this car.

I'm not sure what was wrong with the car. Wheather it was suspension bushings or body fasteners or what. High mileage or just the way the car was designed.

I can fix rust, I can fix fuel injection, I can fix seats but can you fix body rattles?

I really liked this car otherwise and was very disappointed it did not meet my expectations.

I would like to find one for myself if I cannot find another automatic for my wife but is this the norm for these cars? Maybe I could get use to the excessive rattles over time but my wife would never get used to driving something that rattled like this.

Maybe a 944 would be a better choice for her.

[morghen]

any car can rattle i've driven a 924 that sounded like that....but for example mines dont rattle at all...they sound and feel like they are made from one piece.
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Supercharger and EFI kits
https://www.the924.com

[jseabolt]

[Cedric]

Shit happens, you probably bought an totally worn down car that have had some horrible owners. No the cars shouldnt rattle. Buying non runners is always a gamble. If you want a car in good condition you probably have to pay for it. Especially with all those horrible abused examples of toofas you can see over there

Its hard to understand if its sound from worn bushings or squeeking interior. There arent so many bushings in the suspension. Take it down and change them, should take no more than some weekend days, top mounts at the front were almost given away price wise by porsche the last time I bought a set.
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1980 924 Turbo
www.instagram.com/garagecedric/

[ideola]

In my opinion, for what you the car for, you should be looking for a 1987 924S Automatic. I think you will be much happier.

FWIW, none of my cars rattle. They're do have a lot more road noise than a modern car, but they don't sound like rattle-traps.
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erstwhile owner of just about every 924 variant ever made

[the_mad_electrician]

My $650 POS didn't rattle. It smoked, leakeds and smelled badly. No rattles though
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81 924 N/A

2004 Ranger "Edge"

2005 Mazda 6

[jseabolt]

[jseabolt]

[tyfighter123]

They did but they they brought it back in 87 and 88 with the 2.5 engine from the 944.
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Porsche 924 1977 N/A
Mustang GT/CS 2007
Porsche 924S 1987 (parts car)(cut up and recycled)
Porsche 911S 1976
Porsche 931 1980
Porsche 931 1980 (parts car)

[ideola]

The 924 2.0L was discontinued for import into the US in 1982. It continued in very limited production for ROW production through 1984. In the meantime, the 924 successor was the 2.5L-powered 944, first introduced in 1983. As tyfighter notes, the narrow-bodied 924 was reintroduced in late 1986 for ROW markets and brought into the US in 1987-88, redubbed the "924S". It has 150 BHP in the 1987 model. The 1988 model came with a higher output motor, but I'm not positive it was ever available with an automatic, as the only automatic-equipped 924S that I've seen have all been the 87 model.

I think the 924S is a good candidate for you because it is newer by 10 years than the example you just looked at (as Khal pointed out in your other thread). It is more refined and more modern in almost every aspect, although it does retain much of the early interior elements (the most notable and welcome exception being an upgraded HVAC arrangement). More to the point, the additional horsepower will be nice with the automatic.

I also think you should look at a 928. Much more refined than the 924, and many of them came with automatics. It was a bonafide supercar in its day, and will compare much more favorably to the 350Z that your wife drove previously.
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erstwhile owner of just about every 924 variant ever made

[Khal]

[jazz guy]

I think you did right by passing on the rattletrap. Buzzes and rattles drive me nuts and I'm always amazed how rattle free my 82 931 is when I get it out on the road. It sounds to me like the example you found had lead a rough life.

As some others have said, there is a fair amount of road noise. Though it's not terrible. My car has poly bushings, stiffer springs, and camber plates and even then, the noise isn't too bad.
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'81/'81/'82

[Cedric]

[924RACR]

Don't forget that the early cars - before '78 - had a different rear suspension mounting, hard to the frame, vs. the bushings added for the later cars and carried through to the 944.

So, while I certainly won't question your assessment of that car - realize that it will never ride as nicely as a later car.

But of course the a-arm bushings and strut mounts were sure to be shot, resulting in a noisy, rattly ride no matter what.

Still not as loud as a racecar, though...
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Vaughan Scott
Webmeister
'79 924 #77 SCCA H Prod racecar
'82 931 Plat. Silver
#25 Hidari Firefly P2 sports prototype

[jseabolt]