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Maybe in the Midwest, but there are a pretty decent number of 924s (and the 924S, based on the later 944 mechanicals) here in CA.
The 85.5 and later 944 has a better interior layout and is generally regarded as a major improvement in a number of other ways. It probably also has better aero than the early 928s that will be so cheap.
The 928 was astonishingly expensive when it was new; the later ones were over $80K in an era when a Civic was about $8K. The parts cost reflected that back then, and still does now. And they had lots of nifty features that eventually break down, and require those very expensive parts to fix. There are definitely reasons that early 928s are so cheap to buy nowadays.
On the 944, the engines are sensitive to maintenance. In particular, if you ignore the timing belt (with its special-purpose $$$ tensioning tool) it will snap and kill the head, if not the whole motor. Clutch replacement is also insanely difficult, because the torque tube (the driveshaft between the engine and the transmission) has to come out in one piece. A TDI swap obviates the first problem, and if you're careful with the layout and mounting you may wind up being able to remove the engine without disassembling half the car in the process, which would make the clutch job a lot easier.
I definitely like the 924 or 944 idea. The '24 is a little narrower and has slightly lower drag (confirmed at the race track) so that might be better for an eco-car.
-soD
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