Can you afford a 1982-1985 Porsche 944 Coupe?

The 1982-1985 Porsche 944 Coupe, a front-engine, rear-wheel-drive sports car, was praised for its balanced handling and comfortable ride, often reviewed as a more accessible Porsche. Famous for its transaxle layout and pop-up headlights, it offered impressive performance for its era. While not infamous, some considered it less pure than rear-engine Porsches. Today, it's well-suited for enthusiasts seeking a classic, engaging, and relatively affordable sports car for weekend drives, track days, or as a collectible, appreciating its unique design and robust engineering.

Owning a 1982-1985 Porsche 944 Coupe generally involves reasonable operating expenses for a vintage sports car. Reliability is often considered good for its age, but common issues include timing belt and water pump failures if not regularly replaced, which can lead to significant engine damage. Unusually, these early models used a transaxle design, so clutch replacements are more labor-intensive and costly. Suspension components and bushings may also require attention due to age. Insurance costs are typically moderate, often less than perceived for a Porsche, as parts are relatively available and the car is less prone to theft than newer performance models.