Can you afford a 1979-1980 Porsche 924 924 Turbo Coupe?

The 1979-1980 Porsche 924 Turbo (931.1) was Porsche's attempt to inject performance into their entry-level model, replacing the naturally aspirated engine with a turbocharged one. Initially, reviews were mixed, with some critics noting turbo lag and a less refined feel compared to its more expensive siblings, though its handling was generally praised. It's famous for being a transaxle Porsche and often overshadowed by the 911, and sometimes infamous for its Audi-derived engine core, leading to some debate among purists. Today, it's well-suited for enthusiasts seeking an accessible classic Porsche, a fun weekend driver, or a platform for light modifications, offering a unique blend of vintage sports car charm and emerging turbocharged technology.

Owning a 1979-1980 Porsche 924 or 924 Turbo can involve specific operating expenses. While the non-turbo 924 shares some VW/Audi components, making parts slightly more accessible, the 924 Turbo (931) has Porsche-specific parts which can be expensive and harder to find. Reliability concerns often center around age-related issues common to vintage cars, such as fuel system integrity, electrical gremlins, and worn suspension components. The 924 Turbo's forced induction system can also introduce more complex maintenance and potential turbocharger issues. Insurance costs are generally not unusually high for these models compared to other vintage sports cars, but availability of parts for either variant can lead to higher repair bills, impacting overall maintenance costs.