I'm thinking of getting rid of my current car, Impreza Turbo as it isn't fast enough or fun enough to justify it's high running costs.
As I see it I have 2 paths open to me
1. Buy a high output VAG group diesel- either a Skoda VRS, Seat Ibiza TDi 'Sport' or a MKIV Golf GTDI 150, all around the 12K mark.
2.Buy a Porsche 944 Turbo for around 10K, leave myself 2K for any repairs that need doing.
The Posrsche costs less to insure than my current car (about £300 pa more than the diesels) and compared to the diesel cars I mention is unlikely to depreciate.
Can't help thinking the amount of depreciation of the diesels will outweigh the savings to be made on fuel.
The more I think of it the more sense the 944 starts to make or am I being stupid? If anyone can point out any flaws in my logic then please let me know before I take the plunge.
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Of course the Porsche will also have appreciably higher running costs, aside from fuel. Servicing, tyres, etc.
But as long as you can deal with the lack of practicality, and you've checked that you can afford it, why not? You only live once...
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My thinking is this
The car will cost more to run but as I'd expect it to lose only a negligible amount in depreciation compared to the VAG diesel options I thought the actual cost of running them would work out about the same.
As for practicality the 944 has a big boot, the only downsides I can see are that it isn't covered and I presume it eats so much fuel that the range on a long run would be pretty poor.
Still I'm told these cars will do 0-100 in about 13seconds so I guess I can live with that :D
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Buy a good 944 and it'll only hold its value if you look after it well. If you're prepared to service it properly, garage it and not do too many miles then it may hold its value. But you can pick up a bad 944 for buttons.
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Doesn't the answer depend on how many miles you do per year?
Below 10k and I'd suggest the Porsche: above 20k and I'd go for the diesel and in between I think it probably comes down to some hard numbers.
Incidentally the 944 turbo "only" has 220 bhp, which is quick, but probably not much quicker in a straight line than a breathed on PD. Of course it's a completely different driving and ownership experience but if you don't find the Scooby quick enough to justify the running costs, I'm not sure how you'd react to the 944, which has similar power and weight.
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Yeah... perhaps a 928 would be the one to go for if you want a really fast Porsche for that sort of money. Gorgeous looking too.
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You could buy a very nice twin Turbo MKIV Supra for 12K, that'll be much more fun than the Suburu and cost about the same to run.
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The early 944 Turbos had 220bhp, the post 88 cars like the ones I'm looking at are 250bhp standard, I've seen a few Turbo S models with chip pushing 300bhp for around the 10k Mark. You have to remember that as these cars are RWD rather than AWD like the Subaru they are a lot faster once rolling, you wouldn't believe how (relativley)slow even a modified scooby is, when moving. Reasonably nippy upto 90mph or so though :D
The only problem I can think of is the mileage, I do regular 3K mile round trips (6 or 7 a year) split between my 2 cars so perhaps running an elderly car like the 944 and stacking up the miles isn't going to be ideal. Looking like a boring diesel is the way forward- with a remap though.
I'm afraid I'm sick of Japanese cars so the Supra isn't really an option. Nice cars though.
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Have a chat to some people who run a 944:
www.porscheclubgbforum.com/
People on the various Register forums seem quite helpful.
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Don't try to rationalise buying a Porsche. It's a purchase of the heart, not the head. If you really want a 944, buy one. At this rate you're in danger of becoming sensible and talking yourself out of it. :) If it was me it would be a 928 as I prefer the look and love the V8.
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It's a purchase of the heart, not the head. If you really want a 944, buy one.
Seconded, Thirded, Fourthed..... basically I agree wholeheartedly.
Buy it for your heart and love it.
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I remember reading a review of the 944 turbo where they commented on the 13 hour clutch replacement. If you don't like your current high running costs.......
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In view of what you currently drive, you may well not like the Ibiza - neither handling nor brakes can hold a candle to the Impreza. Indubitably pretty cheap to run, though - 53 mpg and group 8 insurance, road tax £115 pa. Servicing not bad. Tyres about £130 each if you can't justify a trip to Micheldever Tyres in Salisbury or wherever they are these days.
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If you go for the 944 Turbo you're unlikely to lose much in depreciation no matter what the mileage. As long as you can prove that the car has been well looked after (full history plus receipts a must), I can't see values dropping much lower than they are at present.
Before buying, get the car inspected by an expert, Porsche Club GB will be able to recommend someone in your area.
I think that the Turbo S was only an '88 model. The 'S' badge was dropped in later models but the 250bhp engine was carried over.
Assuming you get a good one and there are no hidden defects, running costs are very reasonable for a car of this quality and performance.
I owned an 'S' in the early '90's and with the exception of a new clutch at 70K (£700), the main costs were front tyres (don't expect more than 12 to 15K), brake pads and scheduled services. Engine mounts and front wheel bearings might also need attention but they're not expensive to replace. Buy a copy of Porsche World magazine if it's still in print to check service costs at todays prices.
The luggage area on mine had a vinyl roller-blind type cover.
Fuel consumption averaged around 22mpg with mostly urban driving but 30mpg+ is easily possible on long runs. The fuel tank was fairly large, about 17gals I think, so range isn't a problem.
Kevin...
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Only ever been in one and that was 20 years ago when I was young! Thought it to be the most uncomfortable thing I had ever been in. Buy a Volvo T5 or T6 etc. understated supercar (ish)
Regards.
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