944 - sunroof and age vs miles on timing belt

I found a 944 that may be interesting. The sunroof doesn't work - is this a relatively easy fix or not? Also, the timing belt was done in 2003, and the car has probably only gone 5000 miles since then. Do you think it will be ok or do I plan to redo the belt because of the age?

There are 2 plastic drive gears that are a common failure on those roofs. They aren't expensive, but I have no clue if they are hard to install. Does the motor run and roof not move?

What year / motor 944 are you looking at?

944 timing belt interval is 2 years.

I wouldn't drive any car with a timing belt over 5 years old.

In reply to glueguy: Most folks recommend changing the belt on the regular 944 at 30,000 miles or five years. In this case, at ten years age, I would definitely replace the belts right away. The problem is the rubber deteriorates over time and the cogs on the belt will break off and allow the valve timing to shift, with catastrophic consequences, even though the belt may look OK at first glance.
Danny

agreed Danny.. timing belts often look great.. right up until the moment they shred

I'll put it this way, I bought one right at the two year mark, and it broke shortly after I drove it home. Oh, it had done less than 30k on the miles. You've been warned. I've owned a couple of 944's and the 2 year 30k miles is not a suggestion.

At the same time, you want to upgrade to the turbo water pump, and also replace all the seals and rollers. Again, do not skimp here, and you'll need a tool to tension the belt.

Having just finished repairing the sunroof in my own 944, I'll say it isn't bad to fix.

There's two types, early and late and there is a really good series of How-to's on Clarks-Garage

http://www.clarks-garage.com (Click on the Garage shop manual)

A good idea when buying a used 944 is to plan on pulling the motor and refreshing the belts, hoses and some of the seals. This will allow you to inspect the clutch as well. This isn't difficult to do for the do it yourself person, just do your research and make sure you have a manual handy before you start.

Good luck!

Thanks everyone. It's an 84, so a square dash car. I had an 83 a few years ago. That one I bought while it was still in the shop having the timing belt service done, so I knew exactly where I stood with that one. I think I'll pass on this 944. Not really looking, but found a CL ad, looked nice, 88k, and well, you know what happens around here.....

Just curious, why are the timing belts on these so fragile? A typical Toyota or Honda can go way longer than 2 years on a belt. What's so different in this situation?