Re: Board's thoughts on Miatas and 944's... (archive)

I have a lot of porsche experience, the 944 is a pretty good car, but you can get hit with some pretty big bills. Clutches are expensive, timing belt replacement, water pump replacement, engine mount replacements are things that are common and pretty expensive if you don't do the work yourself.

If you get a good one you'll be reasonably ok, but if you get unlucky, you can pay. Overall, I don't consider it an inexpensive car to drive (it is to buy) and maintain, esp. now that they are 12+ years old.

Finally, I think the 944 is a good car, but its definately not a "real" or traditional porsche. It is a competent, fun to drive car, but it lacks the personality of, say, a 911. (A Nissan 300ZX is also a competent, fun to drive car, for instance).

The Miata is a safer choice, I think, because it doesn't really have any surprises, if she likes the way it looks and drives, its a good choice.

Happy New Year everybody!

The girlfriend and I have been kickin' around the idea of what her next car should be. Currently she has a '91 Civic si hatchback. It is a fantastic car with a few performance mods. (Suspension, intake, exhaust, wheels & tires, ...)

She has narrowed the list down to a Miata or a Porsche 944. The years vary from anywhere in the late 1980's for the Porsche to the late 90's for the Miata.

At this time, there is really no set ceiling for cost but I am hoping to see what input anybody has with either of these 2 cars.

Thanks,
Darin S.
'87 535is

Follow Ups:

[ Follow Ups ] [ 5-series (E28) Message Board ] [ Msg. Board FAQ ]

Questions, comments, or problems, please visit the Roadfly help desk.