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I have owned my 1986 944 turbo since June 2010. I have always done my own labor and have driven her very spiritedly. But I did something that surprised me. I think what I am about to tell you will add to the lore of the 944.
My friend and i returned home from an amazing week-long roadtrip in California 2 days ago. We visited friends in LA, and then blasted to joshua tree national park for outback camping. Then through the mojave desert we returned home. We were planning on taking his 1982 vw bus w/ kitchen and pop-up roof. However, as it turned out, the bus -- and several other cars such as a 1987 honda crx, 1987 volvo wagon, and 2001 suburu wagon -- were deemed to not be up to the task.
My beloved 1986 951, with 117,500 miles, autothority stage 2 boost, and true manual steering, meanwhile, was a sleeping beast suffering problems related to either moisture in the gas tank or moisture otherwise. We had gotten her started and running a few days before the roadtrip, and had taken her on a 50-mile run through some of the most beautiful backroads in the state. She had been out of the qustion for the roadtrip, but had suddenly emerged as the frontrunner for the journey. I said 'yes', and we filled it with gear.
The 951 performed absolutely flawlessly for the whole 1400 miles and acheieved nearly 25 mpg. It earned our trust, begged for more, and kept us comforable and happy. We were surprised at how effortlessly it flew on the highways and curves. Others were surprised to see it camping in the desert.
I can post pictures if people want to believe me!!.
when you keep up with things...this isn't any surprise.
i'd have no worries about jumping in my car and driving cross-country right now...and im due for belts in march!
This car never fails to amaze me. Its a 30-year-old sports car from germany that dominated a long roadtrip. I want whoever who doubts the capability of the 944 to read this and appreciate what is to be a Classic, inevitably. Manual steering really worked out well, making turns that much more enjoyable. I would recommend this as an upgrade to anyone. The car was so consistent on the trip, I was blown away.
When will the 944 peel off as separate from the idea that it is unreliable?
At any rate, the 944 will sooner or late become a valued classic. There is no way it won't!!
My 944 doesn't shy away from being used and is our go-to "road trip" car. Back in late 2012, I put over 2,000 miles on it in two weeks, including a weekend road trip from Virginia to Maine followed by two more trips from Virginia to Pennsylvania. Plus, some daily commutes along the way. The car took it like a champ.
BB.
(Here's a picture in Kennebunk, ME...)
Last edited by BeerBurner; 02-07-2023 at 09:59 PM.
I once made a 2000 mile trip in my 944... I bought it in New Hampshire (from a Rennlister, jharding). The DME relay went out 30 mins after I drove out of his neighborhood (my fault for not being prepared). It overheated in NYC rush hour traffic because it was wicked hot that summer and I was in traffic on a steep uphill section. After I fumbled my way through all that (I had no idea what I was doing at the time) it was a very nice drive and had zero problems between NYC and Houston.
I have an 89 S2 that is used almost exclusively for long European road trips and to go back and forth between the UK and Stockholm (about a 1000 miles). It has never left me by the side of road. It regularly does 600/700 miles days without missing a beat and according to the app on my iPhone has returned an average 30.04 MPG for the last 9 months.
I do get it serviced when due and make sure all the core things are sorted before they become an issue and when due (belts etc.) but other than that just fuel. Uses negligible oil between changes.
Is fourth 944 I've owned but the first S2. And have to say and maybe I'm just lucky I've never had a significant problem and never been left by the side of the road.
I wonder from reading the various forums etc that a lot of the horrors stories (leaving aside just bad luck which you can't legislate for) stem from the historical low prices of these cars meaning people can often afford to buy them but can't afford to keep them properly maintained. I budget heavily for preventative maintenance. My independent specialist in the UK charges approx $174 for the interim service and about $400 for the main service. My car has one of each roughly each year. I budget another $1000 for preventative work, this year it will be towards a suspension refresh. And keep another $1000 in reserve for unexpected items. For the reliability; fun; practicality; lack of depreciation and economy it is hard to think of many competing cars.
Anyway, I guess I was just surprised that people were surprised at just how capable these cars still are when looked after properly.
Images are my car contemplating road that had slipped away in Italy; a toll booth approaching Barcelona; and on top of the Pyrenees.
Since 2007 I started driving my 924 turbo on long road trips. I managed to take the 924 on a road trip almost every year since then.
I've done trips up to 2200miles.
This thread is GREAT. Wonderful pics. WOW... keep em coming pleeze!
I would LOVE to do some touring. And WILL. Would love to drive into the states in a year or two.
I travel a lot in my car when weather allows for it. About 3/4 of the year. If it isn't 944 conditions (even light snow is fine) then I have a much reduced interest in going.
So, most of my trips now are day-trips. 9 hours was the longest thus far. The about pic was taken on Sunday. An amazing drive at night into mountains from the foothills.
This pic was when my car was black. 2 years ago in another town that has the WORST parking method on a one way, made much worse by the ****ty parking, made even worse by a low car in the pickup/suv capital of the world.
The only long trip I ever took with mine was 550 miles from Charlotte to Mid-Ohio and then back again. All this was mere months after buying the car, which was in pieces when I found it.
I carried a full set of tools with me on the trip just waiting for something to happen. Needless to say the only time I needed them was when we got to 944 Fest and someone needed brake pads replaced. Overheating was always a concern driving through the mountains, but was never a problem!
Definitely the most fun I've had on a road trip by myself. Left at 4am and drove through the NC and VA mountains in the pitch black with nothing but my headlights to guide me. Cruising along at full speed (and then some!) letting the Sport seats hug me tightly.
01-24-2015, 04:08 AM
944 long distance
