hodol88

I have been enjoying driving 2007 BMW 328i for past 6 years. Since my boring Honda has reached 170k miles, I have decided to purchase another fun car to drive. I realize that Porsche 911 satisfies all my requirements:

1. Fun to drive
2. Good style
3. Little depreciation

My budget is below $30k, and I am willing to spend up to $2k a year to maintain it. I have found a guy selling 1991 911 with 100k miles for $21k (one drawback is that sunroof doesn't work). I will check it out and might pick it up in 2 weeks since the seller is on vacation until then. But on the second thoughts, I would like to know other options for my budget. It seems that 996 seems to be a BARGAIN even though it does not look as nice as either 993 or 964.

What do you think? Any suggestions?

The Flying Dutchman

996 MK1 (and MK2 maybe a little less) have some (major) engine issues (not the Turbo's of GT3's) and is the first of the water cooled 911's. Some say it's just a few percent, some say it's a lot more. But when it happens, you can start to cry (however in the UK there are now some good solutions finally, but that is the other side of the little ocean).

964 and 993 (which you mention) are the latest oil/air cooled 911's, sound epic and deliver you (my opninion) that old epic porsche feeling. If maintained well the older Porsches are mega-reliable.

Your budget provides you some luxury of choice, but the generations of 911's are quite distinctive in their experience. Allthough all are great I think. Drive a well maintained one from every generation before consindering buying one would be my advice, and see what you like best.

And do a Pre purchase Inspection at a independent respected Porsche Workshop if you are seriously interested!!! (costs 200 dollar or so) These cars can cost you serious money if you buy a lemon (or if you have very very bad luck, as with any car). So these few dollars can save you serious money.

All generations will provide you lots of fun. Just do a little bit of homework and it will save you a lot of money later on. If you don't know these cars at all, maybe try to invite a friend or a local enthousiast from here who could help you find a good one.

(Ps. I think if you are new to Porsches, and are not an Indy yourself, I would advice you to buy a well maintained 993. They need somewhat less maintenance on average and they don't depreciate anymore. I drive a 964 which I think is the best Porsche ever made -of course- but it needs it's maintenance more frequently and is a little bit older).

HkPlinker

The cars are everywhere. Take your time and get your PPI.!



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DublinOh

Newest best you can afford is the mantra. The 964's, which the 1991 is an example of, are good reliable cars, avoid the awd (C4) if you don't need it, more complex and expensive potentially. The 1987-89 cars are popular but the a/c is weak, when it's working. PPI is a pre purchase inspection, be sure it includes a compression and leak down test, this will give you some idea of the health of the engine internals. Every model has it's supporters, be patient, there are lots of these cars out there. Can you do some of the maintenance work yourself? The earlier cars need more TLC maybe. Enjoy the search and you will end up with a good car.

hodol88

Thanks for replies.

Found a 1991 964 with 110k miles for $21k and a 1996 993 with 90k for 30k. I like the price of the 964, but the look of the 993. 10k difference is not a huge deal, but I still don't want to waste money for a slight difference. Which one is more economical in the long run if you have to guess from your experience?

How do you do the pre-purchase inspection when you are purchsing in a different state? I should do it before flying over I guess. Do you recommend any from Cleveland?

HkPlinker

The 993 will always be worth much more than the 964, period.

As far as the PPI, Find a local Porsche shop or dealer that will accept the car for the inspection. As stated, a compression and leak down test is mandatory. The couple hundred bucks could save you thousands in repairs.

If the PPi is in good standing, then book your flight.

check you PM box

Ed Hughes

You need to slow down, and read some books, like Peter Zimmermann's "Used 911 Story" to learn some of the diffs and weaknesses of the various models. Then, you need to drive some examples of each, maybe multiples, because you may find a dog for one series that isn't a good representative.

The 996's are cheap for a reason-there are weak spots in the motor, they aren't very pretty, and the insides are the least attractive and "cheapest" of any of the years. My opinion only, but echoed by many, and apparently the marketplace.

Unless you live in the backwoods, there should be more cars near you than the one 964 and 993.

993's are great-$30K for a 90K car is top dollar, unless it's had some $ spent on it that justify the higher price. $30K should get you a nice 50-70K unmolested C2.

Edgy01

Get a hold of a book by a friend of mine--the author is Randy Leffingwell. He will break down the differences from year to year. Nearly each successive year had something better to offer than the year before. Some years you avoid like the plague!

Try the 911 Buyer's Guide by Randy:
If you look closely you'll even see mine in there!

jhummel68

I sent you an email. Good luck with your search.

hodol88

Ed Hughes, I sent you an email. I certainly don't want to overpay, but am very serious about buying 993 C2 under $30k.

Is PCA marketplace a good place to look for these? I haven't signed up since I don't have a Porsche yet.

race911

And that's what trips up 90+% of the first timers, right? Shopping for a price, rather than the car that fits your desires/needs.

You're not going into the Back To The Future DeLorean to the 1995 (or 1991 or 1999) Porsche store. Every car has to be thoroughly inspected on its merits, at your financial peril.

hodol88

Unless you have driven many Porches, what do you know what your desires/needs are? I guess that the first timers don't have those except for color. Thus, the correct price on a good car seems to be a good starting point.

I have decided that I wanted slate grey 993 and found a car. If the car passes the pre-purchase inspection, I will purchase it and post the car shortly.

hodol88

One of my happiest days. I finally pick it up about 2 weeks ago. Thanks for all the help.