1990 PORSCHE 9442.5L PETROL

The 1990 Porsche 944 presents a stable and improving maintenance trend, culminating in a clean pass on 13 May 2025 at 109,594 miles with zero defects. The preceding test on 11 April 2024 was also completely clear, marking two consecutive years without any advisories or failures. This is a significant turnaround from the failed inspection on 16 March 2022, where multiple defects were flagged. The vehicle was retested the following day, 17 March 2022, and passed, though four advisories remained on record. The progression from a multi-defect failure to two consecutive clean passes indicates that the most recent keeper has addressed outstanding mechanical issues and maintained the car to a solid standard. The mileage pattern tells a story of very light use. Across 36 years, the car has covered just 109,594 miles, averaging roughly 3,044 miles annually. Between the March 2022 test at 108,889 miles and the April 2024 test at 109,553 miles, only 664 miles were added over more than two years. The mileage then remained static at 109,594 miles between April 2024 and May 2025, suggesting the car may have been stored or barely used during that period. Such low annual mileage can preserve mechanical components but also raises concerns about deterioration from prolonged standing, including perished rubber seals, dried-out hoses, and corroded brake components from lack of regular use. Despite the clean recent record, a buyer should inspect several areas closely. The March 2022 advisories flagged worn and pitted front and rear brake discs, a chafed nearside front brake hose, a front coolant leak, and slight power steering rack seepage. Although the subsequent clean passes suggest these were rectified, a physical inspection of the braking system is prudent. Check the condition of all brake discs, hoses, and calipers for corrosion or binding, particularly if the car has sat unused since May 2025. The power steering rack should be examined for any fresh seepage, and the cooling system should be pressure-tested to confirm the earlier leak has not returned or worsened. Given the car's age and long periods of low use, structural integrity deserves careful attention. Inspect the front and rear subframes, sills, inner wings, and jacking points for corrosion, which is a common issue on 944 models of this era. Suspension bushes, coil springs, and dampers should be checked for deterioration, as rubber components degrade with age regardless of mileage. The exhaust system, including the catalytic converter if fitted, warrants inspection for corrosion and integrity. A test drive should confirm smooth gearchange, clutch operation, and that the engine reaches proper temperature without overheating, given the coolant leak flagged in 2022.