993 or 996 ...

[phantom]

Hello everyone, i have been lurking around here for a couple of months now trying to figure out what car to get based on the money i have.
Currently i have a VX220 Turbo which is blisteringly fast and handles amazingly but there is not alot else you get with it and you have to put up with some hardships with owning one and as i use it everyday it's becoming tiresome living without small luxuries.

So after that i'm in the market for a 911, i did fancy a Boxster S but owning a 911 just is that little bit more special.
so my question is how does the 993 compare to a 996 with reagards to driving everyday, costs, any major things that will go wrong being a older model etc etc.

I'm just after a feel really because if i can't afford a lhd 996 then i may plump for a 993 lhd , i want to go lhd for cost reasons plus i don't see it as much as a hardship.

Cheers
Jeff

 

[968er]

Jeff,

You could have opened a can of worms here as loyalties are divided b etween the two models.

Although they are both 911's they are two completely different cars. The 996 is more of a fast sportscar along the lines of a BMW, the 993, the drivers car that is more fun to drive but at the same time can be used as a daily driver. It does demand a little more respect especially in the wet.

The 993 engine is pretty close to bulletproof if looked after, the 996 does have RMS, clutch and engine problems that can be costly.

Bottom line is to drive both cars at least a couple of each, to get a comparision and then ask the question what should I look out for in a 993 or 996 once you have decided which model to go for.

 

[phantom]

Thx for the reply Rich

I gather you have a 993? it's hard trying to get to test drive in a 996 never mind one in a 993 lhd, but i will keep trying...

Have you had many problems with yours?
Cheers
Jeff

 

[phantom]

Hi william, Thx for your input, and heres me thinking that the 993's were not as reliable as the 996, i was always led to believe that the air cooled engine in them were a bugger to look after... or maybe thats just folklore......
Maybe i should turn my attention to a 993 if this is the case, as i have always had great driving cars and that matters most to me...

Jeff

 

[968er]

Jeff,

My first 993 was LHD and as it was a german import had a very high spec, something that I could not match when I was looking for my next 993.

Good luck and enjoy the hunt.

 

[phantom]

Thx william

Jeff

 

[oliverjamesthomas]

Hi Jeff

If I wanted to start an inter register war, I might say that a 911 should have air in the engine and not water - but then, maybe I shouldn't......

By way of help, I have a f.s.h. 993 with 178,000 miles on the clock. Being honest, I love it and really would defy anyone to tell me it had done the mileage it has, without looking at the clock. The expenditure so far consists of a clutch, brakes and two new rear tyres, items that really are consumables and expenses you'd have with any car. The bodywork and interior are as good as you'll find on any eight year old.

The best advice I can give is to find an indep' specialist and seek their advice. Personally, I wouldn't be scared of higher mileage, providing the history is there and it may be your ticket into a car that otherwise might be out of your price range.

As for the 996, well, perhaps a GT3 would tempt me away from my 993, but then I don't know of any with 178,000 on the clock!

Happy hunting!

 

[phantom]

Hello thx for input too Oliver, very very interesting, i could say i had my sights set on a 996 lhd but i could be changing my mind now because of comments on here, i'm trying to find lhd ones so that i can compare near me in sheffield so hopefully someone in the yorkshire area can help me out in deciding...

Cheers
Jeff

 

[huw dolphin]

My 993 has been looked after but has been the least reliable car I have ever owned by a very long way! I would take a very sceptical view of all these stories of Porsche reliability but maybe my judgment is coloured. Having said that, all the specialists who have looked at my car have still advised me to avoid a 996 because they are even worse. Bear in mind 993's are getting old now so lots of expensive things start wearing out and deteriorating.

 

[NicD]

If you are looking for positive comments on the 996, maybe you should ask it in the 996 Forum. Remember, the "best" Porsche is usually the one we own.

As for reliability, I have not seen much against the 996 - RMS does not affect reliabilty as usually can be left for a long time before fixing. The relatively few engine failures happened early in their model life. There are some expansion tank problems, not sure when they were fixed.

My three Boxsters have been very reliable, almost as good as the Impreza STI I had for two years.

Remember, there are many more 996s sold than 993s, so statistically more cars to go wrong.

 

[tim court]

ORIGINAL: NicD

If you are looking for positive comments on the 996, maybe you should ask it in the 996 Forum. Remember, the "best" Porsche is usually the one we own.

As for reliability, I have not seen much against the 996 - RMS does not affect reliabilty as usually can be left for a long time before fixing. The relatively few engine failures happened early in their model life. There are some expansion tank problems, not sure when they were fixed.

Well said Nic....

Phantom, the other thing to ask yourself is 'do you like nice old cars??' Not such a daft question as the interior of the 993 is VERY dated when compared to the 996.

However, some people love the smell and feel of 'vintage'. When I got out of my 944 and into a 996 there was a huge difference - like how old Marconi might feel if he time warped into an internet cafe, next door to a Sony showroom and an ipod was shoved in his face.

Neither view is 'right' or 'wrong' - just whatever does it for you. As for looks the slab-sided 996 is not half as gorgeous as a 993. And those lights!!!

However I love em!

Perhaps if strapped on budget and you can live with the interior then get the best specced left hooker 993 you can afford, look after her well and in a few years trade up to a nice 997 (ducks low). I would guess your depreciation would be far less on a 993 than a 996 as they are rarer and will only become more and more desirable - IF you can afford to select the more desirable variant.

 

[dw49]

Why don't you go to an independant specialist and try both a 993 and 996. The one nearest to you that I can think of is Strasse in Leeds who I think have a very good reputation. If you want to come further down I bought mine from Autobahn in Coventry not far from the M42 and they always have both and I would recommend.

 

[bobafett]

I will have my 10p's worth here.........

Why does every Porsche mag you can buy state the 993 is the best 911????

If you want a fast run of the mill comfy car with all mod-cons, buy an M3 its a better car than a 996 and cheaper, both are like dog sh!t, they are everywhere!

If you have a VX 220 TURBO respect, bloody quick DRIVERS CAR with character. I know which 911 you will like!

I take an offence to someone calling the 993 "vintage" for what is quite clearly the best 911 per say!

There is 1 more thing that has not been covered and that is resale value, 996 values have dropped like a brick, for the life of me i cant think why??!!

Rant over, ill get me coat!

 

[Pickled Piper]

Some good advice here. Let me add my two pence worth;

• "Enthusiasts" generally own 993s and most that I know (including me) enthuse about their choice.
• 996 owners tend to have also considered a BMW M3.

The best advice is try before you buy. You will know in minutes which is the right car for you.

Enjoy choosing.

pp

 

[NicD]

ORIGINAL: bobafett

Why does every Porsche mag you can buy state the 993 is the best 911????
.....
I take an offence to someone calling the 993 "vintage" for what is quite clearly the best 911 per say!
....
Rant over, ill get me coat!"

[/quote]

Bob, always best to pause before hitting the enter button

You know, I thought the mags generally say the vintage '73 RS is the best 911 ever, and you know, one of these was my first Porsche, and while wonderful in its time, the world is a different place now.

In the end, it depends on your reasons for buying, and if you want the last air cooled 911 then you would buy a 993.

 

[bobafett]

I did pause and still hit enter, the magazines do say the best and last air cooled 911 is the best, If we are going to get in a battle for the ulimate limited run Porsche that you just cant get your hands on with a bottemless money pit, i would change my pick.

I have a few mates with 996's and they are on the lookout for the right 993 to come along, why i wonder!

Your right though its personnal preference of course. Bias i might be towards the 993 but i drove loads of cars before making my choice.

This is all IMO!!

 

[NicD]

Bob,

its not just which one you prefer, its why you want a 911 that's important imho. If I wanted to drive it every day, or as a cross continent tourer, then a 996 may be a better fit. If you want a classic 911 for fun days and to hold its value, then a 993 may be a better bet.

They are both great cars, with the 996 making significant gains in several areas.

Anyway, this topic will run and run, so I will butt out now, and I apologise if I appear partisan, actually I love most Porsches.

 

[Guest]

ORIGINAL: NicD
<snip>

actually I love most Porsches.

I would hope that's true of most club members. Evidence for it comes from the local and national events where we get a chance to enjoy a wide range of cars from what is in effect a small manufacturer.

The 993 is old technology and without the newer models Porsche would be dead; I'm grateful that they have sold, and are selling, so well.

Regards

Bob