Thoughts on a 968

[MoparBoy72]

Thoughts on a 968:

I test drove one this weekend and I was mildly surprised at the following;

-Vario-cam
-The seating position
-The suspension
-Ease of shifting (when compared to a 915 )


Comments...

[dmundy]

I love them. I am looking for a very nice to outstanding 89 944 Turbo as we speak!

The 944 Turbos had more (and if you want to modify them LOTS more power) than the 968. The 944/968 is still one of the best balanced cars ever made, they are a joy to drive.

Changing clutches is a chore. Some parts from the Audi parts bin can be hard to source, but for people used to older cars, nothing to bad that I know of.

Because they have been cheap to buy people who can't really afford to maintain them have had some, and you need to be careful of deferred maintained. Timing chains must be done on time on these cars or they make a very expensive noise.

On the 944 the front control arms were a weak point if you are going to track the car. For normal driving not an issue. I don't know if they fixed them for the 968.

That's all I remember off the top of my head.

[Sacto S]

I have the model just before the 968. My '91 944 S2 really handles well. The 3L has lots of torq and plenty of top end for my needs. This is my second 944. I find them to be very comfortable and not too pricey if you stay on top of things.

[BBausser]

Had a 93 M030 I sold a year plus a few months ago. Loved it. First of the 924-944 style cars made entirely at Zufenhausen by Porsche. Something like 86% of the parts are unique to the 968 despite similarities that are obvious. The Variocam would spook most cars including the 944 TurboS. All you had to do was keep it in the power band at about 4,200 rpm. Timing belt changes at 45K not the 30K like the 944's and the clutch replacement is $500 to $600 less than a 944. Does have some problems especially the rear pinion and the cam shaft gears which tend to loose teeth if not adjusted properly. Great car. Heard that Porsche stopped making them because the entry level 968's were making the mainstay 964's dust. They made 11 thousand and change worldwide, about half were cabrolets and the entire run including Coupes were row and remainder US so they are relatively rare. There used to be a very active owners group called the 968 Registry. I went to one of there gatherings in 05. A good group of guys. I'd buy one again if I could find the right one.

[dmundy]

Had a 93 M030 I sold a year plus a few months ago. Loved it. First of the 924-944 style cars made entirely at Zufenhausen by Porsche. Something like 86% of the parts are unique to the 968 despite similarities that are obvious. The Variocam would spook most cars including the 944 TurboS. All you had to do was keep it in the power band at about 4,200 rpm. Timing belt changes at 45K not the 30K like the 944's and the clutch replacement is $500 to $600 less than a 944. Does have some problems especially the rear pinion and the cam shaft gears which tend to loose teeth if not adjusted properly. Great car. Heard that Porsche stopped making them because the entry level 968's were making the mainstay 964's dust. They made 11 thousand and change worldwide, about half were cabrolets and the entire run including Coupes were row and remainder US so they are relatively rare. There used to be a very active owners group called the 968 Registry. I went to one of there gatherings in 05. A good group of guys. I'd buy one again if I could find the right one.

The timing belt change is at a longer interval on the 968's but it is every bit as critical that it be done on schedule or a bit early.

If you are going to modify the car, and want a really fast car, I'd go with the 944 turbo. If you are not a turbo person, I'd go with the latest, best kept car you can find. In other words a 968.

On the clutch, my issue isn't the cost, I'm just saying that it's a pita to do yourself.

I'd avoid a tiptronic for 2 reasons. 1 I thought it was a rotten transmission in the 968's, 2. a lot of the internals are pretty hard to source, or they were the last time I was looking for them anyway!

Let us know what you do!

[MoparBoy72]

Thanks for the input!

I am on the fence in regards to the 968 that I looked at; I feel it is priced to high in its current state of imperfection.

The last price posed was 15k; no maintenance records presented; I am waiting for the dealership principal to email me back as it is/was his car.

Excellence buyer’s guide is out this month with $8,237-$12,538 listed. I know the guide fairs low for our cars but 968s too? KBB is also $8,275-$11,850.

These do seem slightly rare as you guys mention but do they really command these prices?


Issues,

-Rocker welting shrunken (both sides)
-Headlight housing damaged
-Rear deck seal seemed flattened (old)
-Drivers side seat wear
-Drivers side carpet pulling away from door threshold
-Light door dent
-Front lower valence not fully fastened
-Rear bumper seal shrunken
-Drivers side taillight loose
-Airbag light on Dash
-Single dash crack
-Possible oil/PS leak passenger side
-Possible exhaust leak cold
-Had to be jump started from sitting (battery)
-Rear brakes had decent wear (I think it had Pagids all around; quite loud)


Option Codes

C02-Catalytic Converter (USA)
220-Limited Slip Dif
231-Choice of Tires
331-AM/FM Cassette
403-Cast 17” Wheels
437-Comfort Seat Left
454-Automatic Speed Control (Cruise Control)
850-Sunroof