Should I buy a Porsche 924S

would make a great platform for a track car.

otherwise, I don't think you'd get a lot out of the ownership experience as a weekend fun car, and there are better daily drivers. and it will be a long time before it's worth more than the $4k asking price.

 

That's 'sort of' a sunroof... you have to remove the panel entirely (lifts out) and put it in the bag in the back.

They are not bad cars, engines have more 'issues' than the non-s cars.

Never seen an S that wasn't red/black.

Better be pristine for that price, new clutch helps, but still a bit high $$$.

 

Mine was the worst car I've ever owned. Make that a tie with an Alfa Milano. Nightmares both.

 

It is a potential money pit, so more important than the price would be a thorough PPI by a Porsche shop.

IIRC, the 87 924S used the 944 engine, not the old Audi unit from the unloved 1976 924. So it was a much better car to begin with. But after 23 years it's all down to how it has been driven, stored and serviced.

 

You can't give those things away. Forget it.

 

Yeah, any part marked "VW", "Porsche", or "Audi".

Seriously, if you must have a 924S, find a 1988 924S Limited Edition. Otherwise, your $4K will buy you an equally nice 944.

 

Are there major reasons to take the 944 over the '87 924S? I thought they were essentially the same drivetrain.

 

Same drivetrain, indeed. But the 924S weight is lighter. Looks-wise (interior and exterior), the 944 seems to be better regarded.

I sold an 88 924S for just under $4K a couple of months ago. It was an original, clean car with 80K orig miles. I wanted an automatic P car while I recovered from knee surgery; it served me well as a commute car for a couple of months. It turned out to be less expensive than getting a rental while I couldn't drive my manual tranny cars. Sold it for what I paid.

It was a well-balanced handling car with reasonably comfortable ride and noise level. The interior with its vinyl surfaces smelled like the 70s/80s. I loved the huge removeable sunroof.

 

The 924s is the same thing as a 944 minus the flared body. I had a beautiful Black one with cream interior and loved it. But at that price you can find very nice 944's which IMO look better.

 

Drivetrain was the same. Biggest difference is the "old" 924 design. Suspension bits made of steel instead of aluminum, weak HVAC, [too] low steering wheel, skinny tires, and so on.
I think former VP of PCNA sales summed it up best when he said "the 924S wasn't a mistake, but it did confuse the Porsche image"

Joe

 

Late model '85 944's switched to aluminum front control arms, early year 944's still had steel. ($28 vs $450 replacement cost I think). Early 944's had a little less hp, less weight, and still kept the 924's interior. Somewhere in '85 they came out with a new 944, more HP(exhaust manifold), more weight(suspension, interior). The late model dash was kept through to the Porsche 968. The 924S, 924, and early model 944 all share the same dash.

Personally, I like both designs, so I have both a '84 and '86 944. My '84 has LSD and several suspension options, loves corners, my '86 has more power.

 

Like others said 4k for a 924S is too much unless its pristine.

I picked up a minty red 87' 944S for 4.8k a few years ago it was a helluva steal. Not the fastest car but it still gets more looks and questions than the 911 dose.

 

Less drag than a 944 has made it a good track car choice for many, along with the aforementioned lighter weight.

 

The 924S can be a fun little car... Just make sure you find a well sorted out example, unless you plan on sorting one out yourself. It's way more cost effective to pay premium for a pristine example than to have to deal with the needs of a neglected car.

The later 924S feels less refined and more raw compared to a late 944. I'm not sure about the earlier 944 cars, IE 1983-1985.5 examples. In the 924S, you'll find yourself a late 944 engine and drive train in what is a lighter, smaller car and thinner car. More aerodynamic, though not as aggressive looking. I wouldn't say there is a real benefit towards getting a 944. It really depends on what minor details you're looking for.