Contemplating 993 purchase

[Guest]

What do folks think of the respective merits of early 996's against late model well sorted 993's? The more I see fabby 993's at club events the more I fancy one eg Carrera 4's. My Boxster is now out of warranty (too many Honest John scare stories) and my driving patterns have changed so that daily use of a car approaching 40k to replace is not really on. I have however hankered after a 911 for some time. I know the 2 cars are quite different but would welcome views. Where is the best place to look? Members wanted or indeps like Paragon? And how late did the 993 run? Are they cheaper to repair/keep going than 996's? Need I worry about buying a 12 year old car?

 

[Guest]

Like yourself I had the same dilema, but bit the bullet in January and bought a 993 carrera 2s, My wife uses it every day ( I must be MAD) But I feel the 6 mile a day run just keeps it ticking over rather than leaving it in the garage. I bought my car from Paul Dyvea in Sevenoaks, sells some really nice stuff and is a lot cheaper than Paragon.

 

[Dylan1]

last 993`s are 98 "R" plate cars.
everyday driving is possible and depreciation less in a 993 ,but it is obviously and older car without some of the newer bits.for those interested in a 993 this is not usually a problem!!
it also of course sounds different being aircooled(993)
up to you depending on your desires

 

[MikeP]

go with a 993 - Mines a 100,000-mile 1995 C2 that I use everyday for an 80 mile commute - a great daily drive !

 

[Pickled Piper]

Drive a couple and see what you think. Since they are all around ten years old you do need to be something of an enthusiast to run one.

If it's the car for you you will know straight away and also have difficulty removing the idiotic grin from your face.

pp

 

[MikeP]

ORIGINAL: Pickled Piper

Drive a couple and see what you think. Since they are all around ten years old you do need to be something of an enthusiast to run one.

If it's the car for you you will know straight away and also have difficulty removing the idiotic grin from your face.

pp

just want to second that - you'll know immediately if its the car for you ! (I did)

 

[Mark Elder]

Ditto, there are quite a few discussions like this on here. 996 and 993 are so different to drive that you will know as soon as you have driven both which one is for you.

A 10 year old 993 does not feel like a 10 year old car....so well built. But it is a much more "down to earth" experience than a 996 (not because of age, but because it was built that way).

The 996 is a modern car (with the plus points of a few more gadgets, but the minus points of being less well built).

Don't go for a 993 to get something cheaper. 996's are depreciating quicker which is part of the story.... Spend some time on this decision, it's all part of the experience of learning a 993 is the car for you (or the 996, whichever)

 

[pse_SC]

Speaking as a true enthusiast of all 911s, if you've "always hankered after a 911", then the 993 will give you the thrill you would expect of such a great car, more than the 996 (only my opinion[]) and has the fantastic looks to boot. If your Boxster gave you that kick when it was new to you, then the 993 will "˜rekindle' that high threefold[]. And it really is that good - you can't beat the buzz of an aircooled in the back - go for it!

As the others have said, you'll know when you drive one.

 

[ach]

I went from Boxter to 993 4S... If to put aside what has already been said and to what I mostly agree, another winning point for 993 was the interior... 996 is indeed very different from Boxster, but... eventually you find yourself in the same interior...

 

[angry]

I cannot vouch for a 996 because i have not owned one.
As for having to be more of a enthusiast to own a 993 over a 996 i personally disagree.
I bought my 993 c2(1995-72000 miles) and my wife used it as a daily commute 45 mins in traffic for 2 years,then 3 years ago we started using it for several trips a year to the Ring.Apart from the modifications i have spent doing to it,the car is one of the lowest maintenance cars i have ever owned.
Every Porsche mechanic and competition driver i now would easily own one over a 996,as you would imagine this has put me off upgrading(or downgrading,by the general feeling)to a 996.
I believe the 996 to be more user friendly,but only by a small margin.
So i will be sticking with my trustee 993 for the future.
This is only my take on things and im sure as said above,you could well get into a 996 and find you like it better.
Dan

 

[Dylan1]

drew-as you can tell from the above-only way is go to a reputable dealer(like mark sumpter at paragon)and try both 993 and 996 preferably back to back-the only way of deciding which model floats your particular boat.
maintenance etc will be similar ,depreciation less on a 993
good luck-have fun

 

[gresley]

I agree with all of above - I upgraded from a 3.2 Carrera which was great fun but the 993 is a very real improvement. Having driven Boxsters and 996s the 993 is a lot more fun ( and somehow purer ) without losing all the practicality and useability of the later models.

As regards specialists try Specialist Cars in North Yorkshire and Strasse in Leeds - both enthusiasts and dead straight.

Best of luck,

Andrew

 

[Dylan1]

much as i agree that the 993 is a cracking looker etcetc i perhaps should point out the blindingly obvious -that if you ask this question on the 993 forum the likelihood is that you will meet with an overwhelming yes for that model[][][]

 

[gresley]

Oh what a cynic!!

As if we could be influenced by beautiful shape, sorted handling and a proper Porsche noise ( i.e air cooled ).

Andrew

 

[Mark Elder]

ORIGINAL: dyllan

much as i agree that the 993 is a cracking looker etcetc i perhaps should point out the blindingly obvious -that if you ask this question on the 993 forum the likelihood is that you will meet with an overwhelming yes for that model[][][]

You are right - but I've seen these questions posted on both the 996 and 993 lists in the past (just done a seach and of course I now can't find[:-]) - and, anyway, the 996 folk seem to make same point - drive them both and you will know.

 

[Porker993]

ORIGINAL: gresley

As if we could be influenced by beautiful shape, sorted handling and a proper Porsche noise ( i.e air cooled ).

Andrew

Of course we're all impartial on here !

 

[Guest]

There's a lovely Arena Red C4S for sale at OPC Bristol.

Spizz

 

[Guest]

Thanks for all the replies. I am in no rush and will take my time over this. Watch this space-will update you all in due course