is the 1979 924 porsche a good car
Okay, you're in a world of hurt if you buy one of these...depending on which engine you've got there are gasoline injector seals...I believe it has the Jetronic fuel injection system...have been told to set the cam timing is a bitch especially with the DOHC (well sideways) chain and tensioners are fussy and that you need to make friends with a mechanic to work on them constantly...my Knight bought one and was in the shop more than in service...finally bought a NEW Porsche with TONS more engineering time on that and this design lays waste to any of these previous designs~ These things are a BITCH...stay away~!
Buy the "S" model with the Porsche 2.5L engine. Anything else is an absolute disaster.
Agreed to above - The 924S has the 944 engine...much better! I used to have a 1978 924 and it needed work more than it was on the road. It left me sit many times. Not a true Porsche, as it was made with Volkswagen and Audi parts. Get a 944S or 944 turbo if you can afford one or better yet, get an early '80's 911sc...great car with a bullet proof (with updated oil pressure fed chain tensioners: $600 kit) 3.0 liter engine that will run forever. Stay away from the 924.
for the money yes the 924 is a good car, most people say its not a real porsche it has a van engine but thats not really true, the 924 is the car that saved porsche from the 70's oil crisis. its got 50/50 weight distribution and a blast to drive and the 79 has the better 5 speed tranny, i used to own a 79 it was a blast to drive!
I purchased a 1979 924 that had been well maintained including the installation of a new new timing belt, water pump and a good (smooth shifting) 5-speed for $2,700. I've driven it from San Diego to British Columbia twice (that is about 2,600 round trip) and had no significant problems. Since then I've replaced the alternator ($150), cleaned the fuel pump filter (the one in the gas tank), replaced the ignition switch ($20 part), and fixed the odometer gear ($15.00 part). If I had paid a mechanic- to do these four things the cost would have easily exceeded $1,000. So one has to be realistic- while better built than the average 1979 vehicle- these cars are still around 40 years old. So, if you are a fairly good DIY mechanic, or have some extra money for a hobby then buy the best car you can afford, and enjoy it. This is the only car I've ever owned that I'm excited to drive every time I get behind the wheel- it handles like a racing go-kart (I've driven one). Gets good gas mileage, cruises at speed very nicely, and all for the price of a used Hyundai. I just would not expect to use one for a daily driver unless you are willing to go through the car beforehand.
Ive had my 924 Porsche now for almost 30 years, it needs a little bit of TLC every now and then, but for her age she's a beauty. Ive often thought of selling it, but when the covers come off, it's always a no, i'll hang onto it for a few more years yet.
