So I'm juggling options for my next car to replace the void left by my CTS-V. I've been considering a lower end 911 or more recently, a 944 Turbo. I rode in one a couple years ago and it definitely had a good feel to it. Anybody with personal experiences? Things to look out for?
They are fantastic cars. Great fuel economy, go really fast, are easy to make go faster and the hatch with folded down back seat is great for hauling stuff.
Clutch jobs are a major pain in the butt. Oil starvation to the #2 rod bearing also sucks.
On track, its a hoot. With pretty minor upgrades, you can keep up with almost anything once you learn to drive the thing. Hint: left foot on center pedal.
If I were buying one now, I'd shoot for an '87 or '88 as the suspension and brake components are more readily available. The '86 model has a lot of unique stuff that was later upgraded, although they are lighter. The turbo S model also has unique $tuff. I would only buy one from someone that knew the car intimately and actually cared for it and drove it. You want to know that it has been run on Mobil 1 15w50 or similar. You want to know that the belts, rollers, and front seals are in good shape. Ideally, you want one that has little to no power "improvements".
Great Cars as with all porches get the best maintained (not necessarily the lowest millage) one you can afford.
Surf over to Clarkes garage and read up over there on what to look for when purchasing one.
Turbo S is nice but it's not necessary i'm sure you could find a lot of regular turbos around with similar upgrades. However if you want a car that's completely stock it is very nice.
turbo S had 928 brakes, koni adjustables, and a larger turbo as well as a 10 speaker system.
Don't discount the S2. 3.0L, twin cam, 16V, and 208 HP. Also has the 928 S4 brakes mentioned on the Turbo S. Only made 1989-91, and comes in roofed and topless 
versions. Make sure the cam chain pads have been replaced and timing belt and clutch have been done. I use mine as a DD, and have driven it on trips of 8+ hours with no issues. Most fun, easiest, and reliable car I've ever owned.
ToplesS2 wrote: Don't discount the S2. 3.0L, twin cam, 16V, and 208 HP. Also has the 928 S4 brakes mentioned on the Turbo S. Only made 1989-91, and comes in roofed and topless
I have had every 944 variant except the 968 and I test drove an s2 (have not owned one) and this was by far my favorite of the bunch. The 951's are a boat load of fun and having the ability to get 300 easy HP is so tempting but the s2 was a much better all around driving car. This is going to be my next 944 once my 24s dies
the S2 is what I look at every couple of years...
The 86 951 that I had is still the car that haunts my dreams more than anything else. But mine was kind of rough and had some issues. If I were to do it again, I'd spend a bit more for a nicer, better-maintained example.
I've had two 87 turbos and have used both as DDs. Great cars and not too hard on the bank account if you do your own work.
As far as 911 vs 944t there really is no comparison because they are so completely different. I currently own an 85 911 and 87 944 turbo and both are great, but if I were forced to part with one it would be the 944.
Spend the money and get a pedigreed car. One with service records and all maintenance done. A rough example of one of these will bury you very, very quickly.
As mentioned clutch jobs are a PITA and expensive, as is resealing the oil pan gasket. A timing belt/water pump/front oil seal job at a shop can easily run $2000.
So check the rod bearings, oil pan gasket, front oil seals/timing belt/water pump and clutch.
Unlike newer cars the Turbo S IS worth the extra money. The car comes with a bigger turbo, better transmission with limited slip, oil cooler, hardened gears, better/bigger brakes and front coilover suspension. It also comes with the much desired 10 speaker door panels.
Fairly certain I'd want the turbo, but for those that have driven NA vs Turbo, how do they really compare?
Going just by the numbers it seems like the NA would be a complete dog, but I know of a lot of people that are really happy with them. Is there more to the story?
Tom_Spangler wrote: The 86 951 that I had is still the car that haunts my dreams more than anything else. But mine was kind of rough and had some issues. If I were to do it again, I'd spend a bit more for a nicer, better-maintained example.
This sums up my thoughts pretty well. It's probably the only car I've owned that I truly miss. I bought mine cheap too and it cost a fortune to correct it all, but once done it was pretty reliable. And as bad as it was, I'd do it again in a heartbeat. But I'd start with a nicer one as well.
I've had a couple of NA examples, and the turbo or S2 is definitely worth the extra money. There really is no comparison. The turbo was like a supercar, the NA's were like a nice sports car. The turbo does everything better
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