924Board.org

[shaggybirdman]

need info on what to look for on a 924 4 cyl automatic to make sure i get a good car, and not a basket case. this will be my first (hopefully not my last) Porsche. i have been wanting one since i got a 911 AFX slot car as a kid. here's what i know about it as of right now. it's been sitting for about 5 years. that in itself scares me. i have played with us branded cars that have sat that long befor, and there always seems to be more needed than what first meets the eye. anyhow.... as it states abole its a 77 (i think. i forget fer sure, but...) 4 cyl automatic. he said it was having problems staying running, but it's suposidly been fixed. i'll take that with a grain of salt... that's about all i know bout it. oh ya he wants $800. the reserch i have done on it rates it at around $500.

so what are the weak points on a used 924? being a auto should i steer clear of it. i like a auto due to the arthritus in my knees. i had to stop driving tractor trailer due to it.

heres another factor. i'm 6'4" and over weight. i fit into a 911 with no probles when i was doing body work on forigen/sports cars 10 years ago, but a bit heaver now. height wise will i fit? i'll find out first hand this weekend.

well thanks in advance.

[timstar92404]

the 924 is pretty roomy so you should fit fine.

you should drive the car to see if the engien runs smoothly and doesn't stall etc. i would also make sure the auto transmission shifts into all the gears and if all gears work. Also check for oil and fluid leaks..

i wouldn't get a 77 924 because it has the lowest hp , 95hp plus the earlier cars are noisier . Later cars have air conditioning, less noisy, and 110-115 hpk, plus power windows and mirror.

Also check if the car doesn't have bad rust , earlier cars can rust badly on some parts like the roof because of sunroof leaks. press on the roof to see if you hear crunching sound but the rust might be hidden in the interior side of the roof.

Also how is the interior , body / paint. if its not in good condition i wouldn't pay more than 500 bucks or even less cus if you want to fix it up it will cost a lot and add up quickly.
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78 924 sold.
85.5 944

[Chrenan]

You'll fit no problem, not even an issue.

But, an early car combined with an auto tranny is going to be really slow. The 924 is not a fast car to start with, but the early ones are even slower.

In 1980 more of the body became zinc protected against rust than in years before, so that's always a good year to start looking from.

I would put aside $1500 and find a really nice running example, there are lots out there.
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1987 951 - M193 Version for Japan

[924RACR]

No argument with any of the points here, just wanted to chime in with some more comments on the automatic, since my first 924 was an auto.

One advantage of an automatic is durability, believe it or not! It's much harder to abuse an auto than a stick! The engine is much more likely to be in better shape in the long-term. I've never heard of any durability issues, likewise, for the transmission itself. The only thing that could go would be the rubber damper up at the flywheel, due to heat and age, which is expensive and as much work to replace as a clutch.

I would actually recommend you look for a 924S auto. The auto in that is a Mercedes sourced auto and has 4 speeds, vs. the 3-speed VW/Audi unit in the 924 2.0L. Furthermore with the 924S you'll gain the bigger motor and a more advanced chassis (better road isolation), quieter interior, more power options, and a more effective HVAC system. They can still be had pretty cheap, and especially as an automatic - still likely talking $2-3k, 4 if it's really really nice - and find-able, even if not as common as 944's. OTOH, the 924 bodystyle is less desireable than the 944 bodystyle, so you'll find the 924S's (87-8 going for about the same cost as early (83-84) 944's, but later with usually less miles.
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Vaughan Scott
Webmeister
'79 924 #77 SCCA H Prod racecar
'82 931 Plat. Silver
#25 Hidari Firefly P2 sports prototype

[tj924]

Shaggybirdman, I'm about the same size as you & also overweight. You'll definitely fit no problems as there is heaps of head room.

Only problem may be the steering wheel if you end up with a 3-spoke one at 380mm. I got hold of a 4-spoke steering wheel from a 944 which is 360mm & is a straight bolt-in replacement. Definitely made a difference. The other option is to go for an even smaller after-market one, but if you go too small you'll impair your vision of the instruments. I've heard of D-shaped wheels where I think the straight section sits horizontally over your legs & that would probably give you the best of both worlds (ie big enough to see the instruments clearly with heaps of leg room.
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TJ
Silver '82 924 NA 5-Speed Manual

[shaggybirdman]

thanks for everyones input now as i remember its a 77, but thinking about it it could be newer, but i'm sure it's a auto. how expansive is upkeep? tune up's, breaks, and such. i can do most anything on a car with the help of a manual, so that should keep my costs down. he did say theres surface rust on it, but as long as it's not rotted threw i should be able to save it. i'm localy know as mr floor board. i've done well over $5000 in floors in the past 4 years.

i have herd people talking bout front end service. they talking the suspension, or motor (sorry i'm a newbe to porsche's)?

my other thought going threw my head is i truly love 911's, and wonder if i should hold out for one. i'm starting a much better job after thanksgiving, so i will have more cash to invest. i mite even try to find a manual 924 (i have read they sell much better), and do a nice fix up to move into a 911. hopefuly i haven't offended anyone by talking about getting a 911 insted of a 924. what i want is a cool summer car, and always wanted a porsche. maybe it's my german heritage drawing me to a porsche. that's cool too

i must say this forum is realy great, and the people even better. thanks again. i hope to be able to contribute something back one day.

i'll keep everyone posted on the car as i get more info on it.

[shaggybirdman]

i'll bring my digital camera with me

[gohim]

DO NOT BUY ANY watercooled four cylinder Porsche, thinking you are going to fix it up and sell it at a profit.

The cars that you can buy cheap, all need expensive TLC. While it may be cheap to buy the car, new replacement parts are still Porsche priced, and it is easy to spend more money on the car, than you can get out.

If you have your heart set on an auto tranny 911. You are going to be looking at cars in the $20K plus range, because Porsche did not offer an auto tranny in the 911 between the 60s and the 90s.

[shaggybirdman]

no i'm not looking exclusivly for a auto, but a auto would be happyer on my knees.

a 911 has always been my favoret porsche since a kid, but what i want is (as i put it) a toy car. i nice summer car, and use my lebarron as my winter car. it's just that there aren't that many porsches avalible around me localy, and the ones that are are 95 and up, and all over $15,000. just a tad out of my price range. very bummed about that.

the only good thing is i have time to find something for summer. the snow will be flying here very soon (burrrrrrrrr i'm outside buffalo ny). i have the oppertunity to get a 87 monte carlo ss aerocoupe, but i think gas will kill me next year. gas is already at $2.15 localy. all it's going to do is get worse

how do i check the trany mount?

[madhatter]

Wow, I have to disagree with most other opinions on the fit factor. I'm and average height and weight and my 924 fits snugly, as if it were made for people with my build. If you are 6'4 and weight 250+, this is not going to be a comfortable car for you to drive any distance. Could you do it? Of course! Could you be a jockey on a racehorse? Sure, but it wouldn't be the best fit for either of you.....I have owned most of the Porsche models and IMHO the 924 is one of the tigher fits. The headroom is not the big problem, the leg position between the steering wheel is and would not be good at all. The later 85.5 944 models with the redesigned dash and tilt wheel are roomier than the older 924 and early 944 models in the steering area and were made with the auto trans. The 911's did come with a auto trans option called the sportamatic and was most popular in the 70's cars. Still, you will pay double for a 911 sportamatic than a 944 auto. If I were you I would sit in that 924 a few times to get a good idea what it's going to be like first. If you have your heart set on an auto, I would look at a 944 as they don't get the money the manual cars get and will give you more room to be more comfortable. Just my 2 cents...

Steve

[924RACR]

Another reason to go for the auto 944 or 924S - Power Steering. I'm guessing if you're at the point where you're looking for a relaxed, comfortable ride, you may wish that as well...
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Vaughan Scott
Webmeister
'79 924 #77 SCCA H Prod racecar
'82 931 Plat. Silver
#25 Hidari Firefly P2 sports prototype