I have copied the buying info from the FAQ section that Maurice maintains, hope this is of help.
Steve
The buying decision on a 993 is still difficult - the cars are older now, mostly out of the dealer network, but depreciating slowly (justifiably !) - so how to decide ?
Well, the short answer is "" check everything as per other cars, plus ........
#1 As many do low mileage, annual services should be done and documented. Check all paperwork thoroughly, map out the history. Get a thorough independent inspection.
#2 Low miles commands a premium, but can sometimes cause trouble, see 1. Check aircon functionality and all electrics.
#3 You're not 100% safe with an OPC or reputable specialist, but as fully warranted as possible is a pretty good start, adds 2k-10k to the price. Not much trouble would get repair bills of that order! Hard to find 993s at an OPC now "¦
#4 Carrera 2, 4, S, 4S and TTurbo, RS, TTS prices rank in more or less ascending order, but they are all great cars.
#5 Drive both 2 & 4 to decide that one. 4wd will understeer rather more. Targa and Cabriolet to taste .... Targa roof will require maintenance and alignment, all Cabs had a recent (Dec 2004) recall for safety issues.
#6 VRam (96 on) gives a wider torque spread, 13 more bhp when fully functional. More flexible, less peaky. Better for the 4 speed Tiptronic and the taller ratio /20 gearbox methinks.
#7 Downside of later N/A (96 on) cars is the gearbox change to the US ratios (G50/20), but only really noticeable on the track. G50/21 is 'busier' cruising on the motorway, closer ratios.
#8 Get the best car you can afford, with the options you really want. Adding them later costs big time.
#9 Cars up to early 96 should have had their engine wiring loom checked "" if on the OPC VIN list it should be replaced - official recall and no charge, although sometimes things seem to go wrong afterwards .....
#10 Only some '95 Coupes and Cabriolets are eligible for the steering rack brace retro-fit to enable fitment of 18" wheels, strictly speaking. See FAQs.
#11 Factory shocks (especially Monroe) last 20-40K miles only before their performance degrades significantly - check for replacement.
#12 M030 (sports suspension option) gives excellent ride / crisp handling with progressive rate front springs and thicker anti-roll bars "" M033 (lowered suspension M030/TT height) fitted as standard to S models "" shocks for either no better. RS gets Bilsteins, "˜nuf said.
#13 Big Red brakes (4S, TT, RS) are great, but the standard Brembos are outstanding anyway, and lighter. RS and TT/4S are different setups ..
#14 Oil used should reflect the value of the car "" fully synthetic oils mandatory. Shorter change intervals are no substitute, annual changes also necessary, more frequent if tracking. Likewise petrol should be 98 RON always, not just special occasions !
#15 Suspension alignment is critical to handling "" 993 multilink rear suspension requires extra setting of kinematic toe "" special tools required "" OPC or specialist only. Look for uneven wear patterns, feathering, especially inside edge. Be careful of cheap 'upgrades' like lowering springs - they are often incompatible with the shocks and can indicate skimping.
#16 LHD gets better driving position along with usual "˜difficulties' like toll booths, parking barriers.
#17 Options sticker should be inside front lid - if not, could well be repaint/replace job.
#18 Run your finger down the rain gutter, it should tighten towards rear of cabin - if not could be major body stuff.
#19 The seam beads in front of either side of the windscreen should not be brittle - indicates oven treatment without full strip down.
#20 All Cabriolets subject to roof recall (see other FAQ). Targas based on Cab platform, less structural rigidity than coupe. 18 inch wheels are not approved for Targas, or pre '96 Cabriolets, see other FAQ.
#21 Cars with remote control alarm / immobiliser fobs should come with two black remotes AND one red one - this last is the master, and can be used to program replacement black ones. Hamilton & Palmer can sort it all out, tho'. Be wary of after market alarms and audio fitments.
#22 We've certainly talked about it, but pay close attention to the door check strap mounting brackets. They should be solidly mounted to the front wing - as they were only lightly welded, they frequently loosen before detaching themselves, causing a loud click when the door is half way open / closed. Proper repair is expensive (wing off), and OPCs now unlikely to fix this gratis despite it being one of the few design faults of the 993. Doors generally should shut cleanly with a really solid quality thunk !
#23 Pay close attention to windscreen and rear screen fitments. They are structural items, bonded to the car. Check for poor replacement procedures, rust from scrapes etc. Squeaking can be a problem, but there is a teflon tape cure.
#24 Always check for complete toolkit including compressor.
#25 All tyres should be matching type and N spec number - mandatory in OPCs ...
If you think something could usefully be added, mail me!
Antony Montague suggested including #22-#24 - thanks, Antony !
HTH, Cheers, Maurice
< Message edited by MoC2S -- 29/3/2006 19:45:28 >
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