Will a 968 make a good daily driver?

[bob/ft.worth]

Hello everyone I am thinking about buying a 968 as a daily driver and have a few questions. Most of the cars I've seen advertised have ~100K+ which seems perfectly normal. Are any model years more desirable than others. Years to avoid? What kind of mileage can I expect (never thought I'd be asking that question) Cab vs a coupe? Do these suffer from dash cracking? How is the air conditioning system (this is Texas)? Any nagging mechanical issues that should have been sorted out by now? My first p-cars where a couple 924's back in 79-80. Always liked the updated styling of the 968 and I'm looking for something fun to drive Thanks!! bob

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[flash968]

well now - that's the beginning of a nice list of questions

you have a p.m.

[heeltoe914]

I have helped my buddie work on his from time to time its a great DD fast, good handling and it looks great. All function seem to work great and he is happy with it for the four years he has had it.

[IAPorscheDoc]

The 968 can be a great daily driver. If the AC system is functioning properly, then it will be nice and cold.

Yearwise, they are all about the same. Keep in mind you are using a 13-17 year old car as a daily driver, so expect some nickle and dime stuff to keep it on the road.

Dash cracking happens similar to the 944's if the car has been sitting outside. With that being said, you see far fewer 968's with dash cracks, as the values have been high enough that people usually take good care of them and keep them out of the elements, instead of rotting in a driveway or parking lot.

Cab vs. Coupe: I prefer coupes, but the cab system on the 968 is virtually indestructible.

Mileage: I am assuming you are talking MPG. Driving conservatively, you should make upper 20's without a problem on the interstate, probably higher on long trips with minimal stopping. I know the 8V 944 NAs and even the 944 turbos (if you could keep your foot out of it) would make mid 30's on long trips on the interstate, and upper 20's with a mix of city and hwy driving.

Maintenance items to be aware of in a higher mileage car:
Clutch: The 968 has a bellhousing designed so that you don't have to drop the tranny to do the clutch like the 944. It books for about 4 hours is all (versus about 14 on an 944 NA, and about 18-20 on a 944 turbo), but if it has been done recently, then even better.
Rod Bearings: Anything over 125-130k miles, I would want to have the rod bearings changed if they haven't been done
Waterpump/Timing Belt/etc: Very important that the waterpump and timing belt are recent. 10 hour job, and about $600 in parts. Failure leads to major head damage
Cam tensioner, pads, and chain: Again, anything over 120k should have the cam chain and tensioner (including the pads) replaced. Failure will not only ruin the cams ($$$), but will also again lead to major head damage. Anything below 120k miles or so, I would at least go in and inspect the pads, and replace them if they haven't been done recently.

I have heard that some 968's have had a noisy pinion bearing issue in the transaxle, but I haven't seen many of them personally. Usually noises in the rear I was able to solve by replacing the rear wheel bearings, and was not something in the tranny.

[bob/ft.worth]

Thanks Doc and others! I don't see any showstoppers yet. Guess I need to start shopping around a bit

[flash968]

while i agree that the cars are mostly the same year to year, there are a few differences year to year - the 92s fall short in a couple of key areas:

they have R-12 Ac systems (unless they have already been converted)

the connecting rods are not as good of a design - not an issue for a street car, but could be a problem if you plan to drive the car hard

other than that, the differences are pretty much cosmetic, with different emblems and trims and things here an there

quite a few cars for sale right now - not sure what you are looking for exactly

my best recommendation is to decide exactly what you want - nail down the colors, necessary options, etc - then search for it and don't settle - you'll be a lot happier in the end

also, go drive one if you haven't already

[Jasil]

They have some years on them now, but I remember when someone stuffed a 454 blown chevy in the back of one.

[flash968]

in the back? i'd love to see what the did there, as the logical place would have been the front - i am having a hard time imagining where the trans would have gone, what they would have used, i'm not even sure where to begin with that list of "what the heck did they do? questions

i guess if you flipped the gearbox, and dropped in in the back seat, maybe....

i dunno - my head is spinning on that one

[944 crazy]

968's make great daily drivers, provided they have been taken care of... It's a Very nice cruiser car

[BlueTT]

I had a 968 for several years. And yes they make very good daily driver cars. I think they are much more practical than any of the 911's. The 968's have much more usable storage space and are very comfortable cars. Personally though I prefer a 911 AND a sedan. But if you have to have 1 car, the 968 can certainly do it.

[Casey@TPCRacing]

I dd my '89 944 2.7 I love it. Miss the comfort of my S4 but it handles great and brings a smile to my face when going through nice turns.

[rhudeboye]

Hard to beat the looks, comfort and feel for the money. Strong 3.0 L engine, great balance (50/50) and plenty of room for clubs, bags etc. Not a whole lot by way of upgrades but it sounds as if that's not your intention anyway.

Be sure to post pics when your get it and PM me if your looking for a site that provides support.

[968inVA]

If you like to work on your cars then a 968 could fit the bill as you can save money by doing the wrenching yourself. Otherwise, the cars can require a lot of money in repairs if they haven't been maintained properly, just like any other Porsche, but you probably knew that already .

[flash968]

not sure i agree on the lack of upgrades - easy moderate power upgrades, suspension stuff is nearly limitless, brake upgrades, chassis stiffening - lol - what else do you want?

[spine911]

I used to have an daily driven 88 944. It was one of the MOST reliable, enjoyable daily drivers i had. Easy to maintain, regular synth oil changes.
I sold it to a close friend a couple years ago-and he is still enjoying the ride. Make sure your run a full inspection prior to purchase. The only major i ssue i had was the failed oil cooler.