Models · Porsche
Porsche 944 and 968 buying guide
The front-engined, rear-gearbox four-cylinder Porsches: the 944 from 1982 to 1991 in 2.5, 2.7, 16-valve and Turbo forms, then the 3.0 S2, and the 968 from 1991 to 1995. All use a large four-cylinder engine with balance shafts.
The versions
- 944: 2.5, 163PS (160PS from 1988); 944 2.7 (1989), 165PS; 944 S 16-valve, 190PS
- 944 Turbo: 2.5 turbo, 220PS, then 250PS; 944 S2: 3.0 16-valve, 211PS
- 968: 3.0 16-valve with VarioCam, 240PS; Club Sport (from late 1992) and UK-only Sport (1994 to 1995)
- 5-speed manual on the 944, 6-speed manual on the 968; automatic options on some models, including Tiptronic on the 968
- Coupé and cabriolet (S2 and 968); 944 Turbo cabriolet in 1991
What to check on a 944 or 968
3 model-specific things to look at when you view one. They're a starting point, not the full inspection.
Cambelt and balance shaft belt history
What to look for: Look for invoices showing when the camshaft belt and balance shaft belt were last changed, with date and mileage. Ask when the water pump, rollers and tensioners were last done.
Why it matters: Both belts should be changed every four years, more often on hard-used cars, and the water pump, rollers and tensioners every other belt change. A long gap is a reason to plan a belt change straight away. A recent, documented belt job is a sign of a car that's been looked after.
Oil in the coolant
What to look for: With the engine cold, open the coolant header tank and look for an oily film or a brown, creamy residue.
Why it matters: Oil and coolant mixing points to a failing oil cooler, a known item on these engines. It's put right by renewing the oil cooler seals and flushing the system.
Oil pressure gauge
What to look for: Watch the oil pressure gauge on the dash once the engine is warm. It should read about 4 bar at speed and 2 to 3 bar at idle.
Why it matters: These cars have a built-in oil pressure gauge, so it's a quick read of the engine's health. Readings well below those figures should be investigated before buying.
Also in the full guide
- Torque tube bearings
- Cam chain rattle on 16-valve engines
- Pop-up headlamps
- The cold start, test drive and paperwork checks for the exact version you're viewing
The full guide to the 944 or 968
The CrankSight guide walks you round the car on your phone at the viewing, with every check for the exact version you're looking at: what to look for, where to find it, and what anything you find is likely to cost. As you go it builds an assessment of that car, and if you view more than one, it lines them up side by side.
£29 for the model, used on as many cars as you like, delivered within 72 hours or your money back.
General points for the model, last checked October 2026. Every car is different, so treat this as a guide to what to look at, not a verdict on any car. CrankSight is independent and has no connection with Porsche.