While most of front-engined Porsche enthusiasts flock towards the 944 Turbo as the model of choice, the non-turbo models remain a solid value amongst German performance cars. While they were arguably underpowered compared to their competition of the day, the 944 S2 and 968 are dependable and their excellent handling more than makes up for any horsepower deficiency. They’ve also aged much more gracefully than any of the Japanese cars did (save perhaps the FD RX7) and the ultimate expression of these cars – the 968 – returned in some regards towards the simple and clean design of the original 924 and 928 models versus the chunky, aggressive 944 Turbo and S2. Today clean examples of 968s have popped up on Ebay and remind us how great this design is – let’s start with the beautiful midnight blue example:
Year: 1993
Model: 968
Engine: 3.0 liter inline-4
Transmission: 6-speed manual
Mileage: 124,000 mi
Price: $ 14,000 Buy It Now
CLICK FOR DETAILS: 1993 Porsche 968 on eBay
1993 Porsche 968
Midnight Blue Metallic paint with gray interior. Run fast and pulls hard through all gears. No smoke at all. Recent Colorado emissions test. Clear title in my name.
Two owners since 1999, records since then.
Recent work done by Porsche expert Dart Auto:
-New drive belt
-New balance shaft seals
-New crankshaft seal
-New timing belt
-New camshaft seal
-New timing belt rollers and tensioner
-New balance shaft belt
-New A/C drier and valve
-New A/C compressor
-New water pump
-New valve cover gasket
-New A/C belt tensioner
-New DME relay
-New Hall sensor
-New VarioCam gasket and ring
-New OEM antenna
-New Lloyds mats
-Oil change and filter 2 months ago
-Recent alternator
-Recent battery
-Recent brake rotors and padsNew tires (less than 3000 miles on them). Factory option 17″ Cup wheels with colored crests have some curbing.
Recent paint work by Porsche experts Apex Auto Body:
-Bare metal respray of hood from rock chips and pitting
-Bare metal respray of left fender from clear coat failing and flaking off
-Respray of front clip from rock chips
-New weatherstripping on rockers and fenders
-New 968 badge on back
-Complete polishCar has ProMax chip installed. Clean title in my name.
Dash lights have been upgraded and are nice and bright at night.
Will include owners manual, tool kit, Porsche compressor, original keys, wheel locks.
Interior is very clean. Non-smoker, no bolster wear, two small tears in the dash defrost vents.
Drive this car anywhere in the country. The only thing that may slow you down is the weather!
With a significant amount of recent mechanical work and corrected paintwork, this is one of the best to get. The 6 speed coupled to the 3.0 makes for a fun ride that is surprisingly different from the Turbo models, but very enjoyable all the same. I love this color combination and pricing seems right on. I’m a little surprised that while the car was in the shop they didn’t fix the curb rash on the desirable Cup wheels, but that could be pretty easily remedied. Overall, this has to be pretty close to the best setup on these cars in my opinion – Blue over grey with cup wheels. Rather have something a bit darker?
Black over black is probably my personal least favorite color combination on Porsches, but this one is in remarkable shape and looks great. The wheels are from a Boxster I believe but look nice, though not as fitting as the Cup wheels:
Year: 1992
Model: 968
Engine: 3.0 liter inline-4
Transmission: 6-speed manual
Mileage: 114,000 mi
Price: $13,700 Buy It Now
CLICK FOR DETAILS: 1992 Porsche 968 on eBay
This 1992 black-on-black Porsche 968 coupe feels well balanced and sturdy with plenty of power. It excellerates through all 6 gears and is a joy to drive! The suspension is responsive and the brakes are firm with a smooth clutch. This vehicle roars as the RPM’s climb! As the pictures evidence, the body and undercarriage are in good condition. This 968 is ready to go! No cracks in the dash and no tears in the leather. If interested in this rare, powerful Porsche 968, call Curtis at 832-671-8408.
This and other European collectibles can be viewed at jpfrazier.com There will be an additional $298.50 assessed to each sale for dealer doc fees.
This car is offered with a few less miles and a few hundred dollars less than the blue car, but in all honesty the lack of detailed mechanical work offered makes the blue car the one to buy if it were me even if I didn’t prefer the color combination. Despite that, either of these cars is priced right in the sweet spot for 968s – yes, you can find a fixer-upper cheaper than either of these cars, but do you really want to get into a wreck of a Porsche? If you’re smart, you buy a clean one and pay a bit extra, and both of these cars fit that bill perfectly.
-Carter
Having owned and/or had access on a daily basis in the 80’s and 90’s, to the 924S, 944, 944 Turbo, and the 968, I must say that the 968 was the best of them all. It didn’t have the kick of the 944 Turbo at full throttle, but it was much more civilized with the same performance.
Today, I would not know if I would pick the 944 Turbo or the 968. If a 968 CS was available, then it would be an easy decision!
… just remembered one thing that used to be a weak point on the 968. I used to always have to remind the dealer not to place elbows on the top of the fenders, when changing the oil or the timing belt. If a little too much pressure was placed, they would bend down/ding, and it would require for Dent Wizard to make it straight again. Never had these upper fenders problems with the 924’s and 944’s.
Ah man, I really really want the Midnight Blue model! The nice thing about the mileage on the ones here is that you know the six-speed has been sorted. The 968 with the third pedal often had issues with the manual transmission, but I’m guessing these are good to go given the mileage.
Great input audemars, thank you!
I have a 1993 968. The big 4 just pulls so effortlessly from low RPMs, coming out of corners is an absolutly joy.
Both of these look to be in really nice shape, but I’d trust the blue more.The recent work done covers most of the big ticket maintenance items (timing belt, water pump), and would run around $1.5k to have done by a mechanic. The suspension bushings, particularly on the passenger’s side, should be checked. The powersteering reservoir on the blue car has been changed, and the leads me to believe there was the common PS leak. The bushings are known to go bad because of the powersteering fluid dumped on them by that leak.
Matt, thanks for your insight – great tips!