Three Porsches for $8,000: Learn About Them Here

I have always wanted
a Porsche and possibly
you have also wanted
a Porsche.

To be honest, in
many many instances,
I simply put it out of
my minds as being too
expensive. Is a Porsche
too expensive for you?
Not necessarily!

As the financial crisis has shaken up the automotive world and some vehicles
that may well have been considered quite untouchable.

So what Porsches are available for about $8,000? Actually, there are a number
of the cars from Weissach that are available for you.

While you can actually buy some used Porsches for as little as $5,000, spending
a bit more means getting one that is in reasonably good condition. After all,
excessive repairs and maintenance are to be avoided but rather focus on driving
pleasure is the goal.

The three Porsches for the $8,000 consideration include a great daily driver, a fun
weekend car, and what is considered an alternative offering.

As a great daily driver, consider the front-engined 944 of the 80's. As the 944
will always be overshadowed by the iconic 911, such makes the 944 now available
at a reasonable price. Regarding this Porsche, Excellence - The Magazine About
Porsche states, "Driving enthusiasts love the 944 for its smooth, all-Porsche inline
four and its superb handling balance - both of which inspired rave reviews when
the car was new."

The first 944 made just 150 hp from its 2.5liter engine. The 1987-1988 944S
put out 190 hp from its 16 valve engine that performs well at higher rpms. With
options like cruise control, climate control, and a good sound system, 944S makes
a comfortable long distance cruiser and the car performs well in all situations. The
fuel economy of 944s is reasonable at 25 mpg on the highway.

The 944s have proven to be robust cars as their engines are well built and their
bodies were made from galvanized steel. Rust is usually an issue in only the
worst claimants.

The 944 was improved in each year of production. In 1985, the car gained
power steering and in mid-year, the car's dash was completely updated. Im-
provements in engine oiling were introduced in 1986 and the steel suspension
components were replaced by lighter weight aluminum pieces from the 944
Turbo. In 1987, anti-lock brakes were an option. Concerning the turbo, it is
best to stick to the naturally aspired 944s to avoid possible expensive repairs
to the turbo.

Another Porsche to consider is the early 928 from the late 70's and mid 80's.
The 928 is a larger grand touring car. Thus, it makes a great long distance
cruiser. With its 230 hp 4.5-liter V8, the car's performance is good and its
handling was considered best in class. Regarding the 928, Excellence - The
Magazine About Porsche states, "If you compare one to a contemporary grand
touring coupes from BMW or Mercedes, the 928 seems decades newer. There
is a certain 'ultimate German Camaro' aspect to driving an early 928, but it's
something that puts a smile on your face because Porsche took the V8 ponycar
idea and made it what it should have been all along." Additionally, the 928 is
a good looking car.

In 1983, the 928's engine was increased to 4.7-liters but the horsepower
increased only slightly to 234 hp. In 1985, Porsche introduced the car with
a 5.0-liter 32 valve engine moving the horsepower up to 288 hp.

Last, but not least, for $8,000, consider the Porsche 914 from the 70's.
The 914 is a mid engined (air-cooled) sports car. The 914 is characterized
by light weight and it focuses on simple driving pleasure meaning balanced
weight and good handling. The 1970-1976 914 was designed to be an
economical entry level Porsche. During 1970-1972, the 914 was available
with a flat 6-cylinder engine. Thus, the car is a capable long distance cruiser.
However, the 4-cylinder 914 provides all the fun of a vintage sports car.

The 914 is characterized by clean lines and overall simplicity. It has a cleaver
hard top that comes off to be stored in the trunk. Speaking of trucks, the car
has two - one at the front and one at the back. Regarding the 914, Excellence
- The Magazine About Porsche, states, "The 914-4 is a classic momentum car,
one with little power but big rewards for good driving. The smoother you are,
the more you'll appreciate the 914. Its mid-engined design makes for great
balance. The cars have a long wheelbase, place their wheels far out to each
corner, and offer shocking room inside for tall drivers. The interior is austere,
but the materials used were durable." If you obtain a 914, it is a Porsche
that has collectable status meaning it may well become more valuable in the
future.

So there you have it. Three Porsches to consider for about $8,000!
Regarding any of these Porsche, it is an absolute must to get a good
independent pre-purchase inspection (a Porsche specialist would be
best) to be sure your money is indeed being well spent.

These Porsches prove that a great driving experience is available for
reasonable money.

Have an auto question or comment? You can email it to me at
Kbusch3@verizon.net. Kyle Busch is the author of "Drive the Best
for the Price..." www.DriveTheBestBook.com.