One of the more rare-to-see models in the 944 lineup is the 1988 Silver Rose edition Turbo S. In October I wrote up a lower-mile Silver Rose that remains for sale, but now there are two on Ebay. In that earlier post, I suggested these Turbo S models are going to be more highly sought after because of the rarity of the color combination. Despite this, in a bang-for-buck comparison to it’s direct competitors – the Audi Quattro and BMW M3 – the 944 Turbo remains a solid value and outperforms either in stock form. In fact, I’d argue it’s a much better all-arounder if you’re only carrying two people. It gets better mileage, will out-turn both, has a sizeable hatch area, is more comfortable and relaxed on the highway, and will handily out accelerate either. Still, as it was the go-to car for such a long time, mint condition examples are drying up and expect to see values climbing very soon. So which of the two Silver Rose editions will be the one for you – lower miles or lower asking price? Let’s start with the old “cheaper is better” adage:
CLICK FOR DETAILS: 1988 Porsche 944 Turbo S on eBay
Year: 1988
Model: 944 Turbo S
Engine: 2.5 liter turbocharged inline-4
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Mileage: 83,400 mi
Price: $16,980 Buy It Now
1988 Porsche 944 Turbo S – great condition original car. The S model comes with a bigger turbo and the M030 suspension package, including adjustable Koni shocks front and rear. Clean history, all original paint, and a well maintained example. Freshly serviced and should need nothing. Tires are good with plenty of tread (and they are the proper size for this vehicle which is very tough to find!). The car starts, shifts, and drives smoothly with no drama. A/C blows cold, heat blows warm. Seat bolsters were redone from the fabric to leatherette, otherwise the car is as it came from the factory. Condition is very good for the mileage. Noted blemishes are the wear on the driver’s seat, a few small nicks on the body, and stone chips consistent with the mileage. Dashboard is in perfect condition with no cracking or warping. Everything on the car functions properly.
No drama – the best way to buy a car, and this one certainly looks clean. Even the notoriously discolored anodized wheels look sharp. There’s a small scratch on one of the flares but nothing outrageous, and this car seems pretty appropriately priced given the mileage, condition and rarity of the combination. Prefer something with lower miles?
This is the car that I wrote up in October, and it remains available – though the strong bidding is quickly pushing it towards $20,000. The photos don’t do it as much justice as the higher-mile example, but still it looks remarkably clean and well preserved – especially that wild interior.
CLICK FOR DETAILS: 1988 Porsche 944 Turbo S on eBay
Year: 1988
Model: 944 Turbo S
Engine: 2.5 liter turbocharged inline-4
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Mileage: 43,874 mi
Price: No Reserve Auction
Super clean and only 43874 miles with rare silver pink metallic paint only 1000 finished in this color you won’t find a nicer 944 turbo s out there it speaks for itself call with any questions 914-218-0053 thanks for looking This car has been maintained very well never driven in the snow owner is only the second owner it is extremely clean inside and out. Car is completely stock except for radio also we have a nice set of sheepskin seat covers that go with the car.
On Dec-18-13 at 15:17:43 PST, seller added the following information:
the club sport is the only 944 turbo that is more desirable
If it were my money, the higher miles on the first example wouldn’t bother me. Considering we just saw a Audi 4000 Quattro sell for most of the asking price of this car, were I looking for a great driver and collectable classic I’d grab one of these while I still can – it’s hard to believe they’re even in the same ballpark. Don’t get me wrong, I love the 4000 Quattro a lot, but it’s no 944 Turbo, and at the end of the day for my mid-teen purchase I’d really much rather have a Silver Rose 944 Turbo S. Would you?
-Carter
I think I’d almost prefer the higher mileage car. It’s a car that you wouldn’t be afraid to drive, clean enough and shows really well, but a few miles won’t hurt the value that much.
I’d love either one though! That Silver Rose color is just just gorgeous in the right light.
Call me crazy, but I think that cross-check plaid pattern cloth interior is pretty slick looking. I’ve never owned a car w/ red interior, but I’d be down with this.
Matt, I obviously agree with you – higher mile car is better presented and more appealing. Ry, you’re not crazy – I love it too. My father has a white/white sport 89 Turbo and I love that, but I think this combo is prettier!
Having owned a new 944 and after that a 944 Turbo, it’s around 70,000 miles that the rear hatch will continuously rattle, no matter what adjustments you make to it.
On both cars I was told by the Porsche dealer that the aluminum frame detachment from the glass is unavoidable and the only way to get rid of it, is to replace it completely.
I decided to get a new ’95 968 after the 944 Turbo, and again, around 70,000 miles I had exactly the same continuous hatch rattle.
These are great cars, but the hatch rattling was way to annoying on all 3 cars.
Around 1992 or so Champion Porsche in Pompano Beach, FL had one of these on consignment. It had around 9,500 miles and asking price was around $25K. After test driving it I would have gladly handed over the money without a second thought. Unfortunately my 1990 Corrado was all I could afford at the time. Awesome, awesome car that Turbo S.
@audemars: funny comment about the rattling. My dad’s 944 never had that issue in almost 8 years of ownership (but less than 60K miles). His 968 that replaced it started doing it with less than 20K miles. I sold my own 968 with 25K miles and a tight rattle free rear hatch luckily.
@ Ed: throughout the years, I had to screw in/out those little pins underneath the spoiler to tighten/loosen the hatch, and the noise would go away for a while. When the miles got up there, the adjustments were worthless. I loved that 968, and the main reason I got rid of it, is because Porsche wanted a few thousand dollars to replace the hatch (there was no internet to shop around).
I was offered good money for it, and got a good deal on another Porsche, so the car had to go.
Just love the Silver Rose and its funky interior. To me it is the best of the 924/944/968 family. It is on my bucket list. BTW used to have a low mile (60k) 924 turbo and hatch rattle free 😉
@audemars I found the best way eliminate the hatch rattle on my 968.. I bought a convertible! Seriously, it’s a 1 of 1 car in Chile. There’s 3 968s in the country, mine’s the only convertible. Due to import rules, it will likely be the only one for the next 19 years.
It’s good driver and I love the torque down low in the powerband, but with a fair amount of chassis flex. How was the lag with the 951? Did it manage to pull ok off boost?
@Matt: The lag on the 944 Turbo was awesome. I liked the punch at around 3,000 rpm. Unfortunately, turbo lag disappeared from Porsche after the 964 Turbo 3.6.
The 944 Turbo was more fun and the 968 was more civilized. Today, I would pick the 968 (CS).
About 10 years ago, I bought a 25,000 mile 964 RS America, and although I still enjoy driving it once or twice a month, the 968 was a much better (all around) car.