993 Carrera 4 (1996-1998 Model)

993SC · Nov 4, 2008

Hi Guys

I am a new member and i wanted to ask the forums advice. I am seriously thinking about buying a 993 Carrera 4 (varioram engine model). I have read alot of books, articles and information on the internet and i have always dreamed of owning one of these cars. But i was just wondering if anyone could give me some advice on what i should look out for. Obviously i know about having a good service history, lowish mileage is always a good one but not that vital - more about the condition of the car. Any pointers on what price i should be looking at for a car like this as well as there seems to be quite a range of prices for this model etc

Any advice/help would be most welcome

Thanks very much in advance for your help

Pickled Piper · Nov 5, 2008

Hello,

Have a look in the FAQ section above. There is a specific section on buying a 993 that you will find useful.

You may also want to buy the peter Morgan guide. It's on;y about £10 and very good.

Finally, have the car inspected by an expert before buying.

Sorry can't give any guidance on pricing.

Good luck.

pp

Mark Elder · Nov 5, 2008

One of the members (I forget who - have a search on "price" or "value" in this section) has a pricing model which has proved fairly accurate (although not sure if perhaps recent economic events will have impacted it).

However, over a period of searching, I found I built up a fairly good mental model of what an expected price was of the type of car I was wanting to get (then found a better one that was, as might be expected, over my budget - but I went for it anyway because I was getting tired of the search!)

I agree with all Peter's remarks above.

Good luck with your search. Post links to ones you are considering, we can then post a barrage of remarks to confuse you further!

PS - you have chosen EXACTLY the right model - make sure you get Black. My ABD light was flickering yesterday morning as I drove over ice up the hill out of our village (saying "you made right decision getting a C4"[

]).

Porker993 · Nov 6, 2008

ORIGINAL: Mark Elder

PS - you have chosen EXACTLY the right model - make sure you get Black. My ABD light was flickering yesterday morning as I drove over ice up the hill out of our village (saying "you made right decision getting a C4"[]).

Hi Mark

Ice + hill + 2 wheel drive 993 = TAKE THE LANDROVER TO WORK IN FUTURE !! [&:]

I had a scary reminder of how unsuitable the "non C4" 993 is in icy conditions is the other morning. I could feel it trying to swap ends on me as I powered out of a turning on an ungritted road.

Mark

andrew davis · Nov 6, 2008

Hi

I have a C4 - they are fantastic. I regularly throw myself into corners that I would not dare to in a C2.

C4s eat clutches so ensure yours is okay before buying. Agree with all of the previous advice, particularly the suggestion to get it inspected.

Cheers

Andrew

993SC · Nov 7, 2008

Thanks so much guys for your pointers...all very helpful. I totally agree about the inspection. That is vital....i am very excited about the prospect of having a C4 and your points about the ice are very valid!! i am going to see a C4 tomorrow. One other question i have is, is it worth the little bit of extra money to get a C4S. Thanks PP for mentioning Peter Morgans book i in fact already had them and am half way reading the 993 book at the moment. Very very useful read!

Will keep you all updated on my search

Mark Elder · Nov 13, 2008

ORIGINAL: andrew davis

C4s eat clutches ...

Oh, hope not, but may be true.

I had to change my clutch just after I bought car (at about 30K miles), which indicates one of these:

London based lady drivers eat clutches
Under used 993s eat clutches (the view of my indie)
C4s eat clutches

The first will not be a problem for me
And, as the second will also not be a problem for me [

] - I'm going to find out soon if the third is!!

Pete B · Nov 13, 2008

Mark, I'm not sure that that is absolutely typical. My C4 is on nearly 110,000 and had a new clutch at 77,000
The present clutch plate is about 30% worn
It all depends on the driver....[

]

mwcarrera · Nov 13, 2008

Good choice as my C4 has 50k on its clutch and still going. Watch all advice on C4s being fool proof on ice - not the case as the 993 (as opposed to the 964) only has a viscous clutch to drive the front wheels and this needs to heat up, by the rear wheels spinning faster than the fronts, before any meaningful drive goes to the front. All C4s, I believe, have LSDs and this together with braking on a spinning rear wheel (up to 40 mph or is it 40 kph) gives the C4 better rear traction initially. This viscous clutch arrangement is cheaper, lighter and gives the 993 less understeer than an equivalent 964 C4. Good luck with your search, Martin

AlexG · Nov 20, 2008

ORIGINAL: 993SC

is it worth the little bit of extra money to get a C4S.

I am biased but here goes...

Main consideration in my opinion is whether you want a wide bodied car or not.

But also bear in mind that the C4S has all the bells and whistles inside the same as the trurbo as standard i.e. computer, high spec stereo (which means more speakers and an amp - which mine still has and works admirably), full leather.

If you like red calipers you won't need to paint them (they are big reds as standard). Suspension is lowered and it has 18" wheels so it looks good (though I have to be honest I do rather like the 17" cups).

Erm - there may well be other stuff that I haven't thought about, but yes I think it is worth the extra [

]