924Board.org

Volvo_nut · Joined: 29 Jan 2003 Posts: 1

I am a Volvo person mainly for saftey and reliability. However I would like a fun car for my wife and I and want to know what years and models are good to look for. I would like a non interference engine that is easy to work on and has good part availability that I won't have to take out a loan to buy, a body that is resistant to rust, handles like a porsche and is reliable and fun to drive.

teo · Joined: 07 Sep 2001 Posts: 637 Location: Hungary, Europe

Posting this question here I think you already know the answer!

1. Q. Non-interference engine
A. Get a 924NA

2. Q. Easy to work on
A. Get a 924

3. Q. Good part avaliability
A. Get a 924

4. Q. No need for a loan
A. Get a 924

5. Q. Body resistant to rust
A. Get a 924

6. Q. Handles like a Porsche
A. Get a 924

7. Q. Reliable
A. Get a Volvo (or a 924 in a good shape)

8. Q. Fun to drive
A. Get a 924

So if you don't mind working on her a little bit to bring her back to shape, or you can find one in a good shape, owning a 924 is definitely a fun way to have a Porsche.

As for year and model:

Non interference engine leaves you with the 924NA, as the Turbos and 924S's are interference engines. The year is not as important as the general shape of the car, the more cared for the better. Of course later models have some improvements, but if you don't intend to race you may not need the disc brakes at the back, etc.

gohim · Joined: 02 Nov 2002 Posts: 4459 Location: Rialto, CA

I have owned 924s since 1981.

As Teo noted, the only non-interference engined cars are the (76-85) 924.

But having owned early and late examples (early 77 and a 81), I would recommend a 80 or later car (cleaner engine compartment with improved electronics, fewer vacuum lines under the hood, five speed audi type transmission) unless you come across an early car in perfect original condition (not restored, or crashed and repaired).

The early cars are lighter, and turn better, but are not as well made, and will probably rattle a bit more that the later car which have sound deadening materials, and have more Porsche made parts, and less VW parts bin components.

Of course the best of the 924s are the 924S cars... With 150-160hp, they has much more power than the 924 (95-115), without the Turbo replacement costs of the 931 (you get mandatory belt replacements every 30K or 3 years, instead).

Lizard · Posted: Wed Jan 29, 2003 9:14 am Post subject:

get a late style 924 80 or later as they have better rust proofing, but IMHO the 924 is a very reliable car, if you do regular matenance
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3 928s,

924RACR · Posted: Wed Jan 29, 2003 9:16 am Post subject:

One thing you guys forgot - safety.

The 924 is just as safe as a Volvo - many crash stories out there (and a few of my own) show the 924/944 series hold up incredibly well to hard impacts. They were designed to be totaled at over 100mph on the autobahn...
_________________
Vaughan Scott
Webmeister
'79 924 #77 SCCA H Prod racecar
'82 931 Plat. Silver
#25 Hidari Firefly P2 sports prototype

Stu2j · Posted: Wed Jan 29, 2003 9:22 am Post subject:

If this is anywhere close to you, here is your wife's new car:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2401506497&category=6431

It is very unusual to find a 82 924 (last US model year) in this condition with these features. This is a steal.

Add a Blaupunkt CD player and your wife will be in heaven.
_________________
-Stu
924 owner since 1988
924S owner since 2002
Click here to view them:

924RACR · Posted: Wed Jan 29, 2003 9:31 am Post subject:

Yeah, rather nice car, looks well taken care of...
_________________
Vaughan Scott
Webmeister
'79 924 #77 SCCA H Prod racecar
'82 931 Plat. Silver
#25 Hidari Firefly P2 sports prototype

Lizard · Posted: Wed Jan 29, 2003 9:49 am Post subject:

you are correct vaungan that Porsches are extremely safe and well built, however from the research that I have done Volvos are THE safest car built.

but in terms of the safest sports/exotic Porsche takes the gold
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3 928s,

Roger · Joined: 06 Jan 2003 Posts: 1235 Location: Cordova, TN

How about comfort? If you want a big car with P/S, P/B good climate controls and a back seat Volvos are good. My 924 is loud, the steering is difficult at low speeds, the heater and A/C are poor, dash is cracked, headlights are not that great and the instrument lights are dim, it also smells like gas, oil and exhaust fumes, and I am always replacing some peice of weather stripping, BUT I LOVE THIS CAR ITS REALLY FUN!!!!!

Seriously the Audi motor is reliable, and the 5 speed manual transmission is bulletproof, and the car is galvanized to keep it from rusting. Its easy to work on, and parts have not been a problem. I would tell you to buy a 924 and enjoy it.
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1981 924 NA

Some people are like Slinkies. Not really good for anything, but you
still can't help but smile when you see one tumble down the stairs.

Lizard · Posted: Thu Jan 30, 2003 1:24 am Post subject:

hey roger it sounds like you really aren't having fun with it,
my headlights are really good (PIAA H4 Xtreme platnum white), my dash lights aren't bad but arent really good, my dash is currently being repaired w/ fiberglass, I don't find the car hard to turn at low speeds but it is definatly easier at really high speeds

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3 928s,

Roger · Joined: 06 Jan 2003 Posts: 1235 Location: Cordova, TN

I really do love the car. I am a little frustrated with the fuel injection but it is in the shop now and they will figure it out in the next couple of days.

I think you have to enjoy driving and working on these cars to own one. If you dont want to think about cars then lease a Volvo I think they will throw in the oil changes for free. If you you enjoy driving and you enjoy cars this is a great one. There are not many 20 year old cars that are in this condition or this much fun to drive. Not for this price.
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1981 924 NA

Some people are like Slinkies. Not really good for anything, but you
still can't help but smile when you see one tumble down the stairs.

Porschephile · Joined: 04 Nov 2002 Posts: 825 Location: Denver, Colorado

Lizard · Posted: Fri Jan 31, 2003 2:06 am Post subject:

well over all the german vehicles are the best I think we can all agree on that

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3 928s,

Peter · Joined: 04 Nov 2002 Posts: 379 Location: New York, NY

Because you already have a Volvo, I would suggest you stick with them. Have a look at http://www.turbobricks.com/ Volvos in good condition are less expensive and more plentiful than 924s. Also, there is greater aftermarket support and greater modifications available to the DIYer for a Volvo than a 924. Just something for you to consider.