Pre-purchase checks?

[Guest]

Hi,

first post on this forum and not a Porsche owner yet. Looking to buy a reasonably high mileage early 993 and I'm looking for some general buying advice, but more specifically, whom I can get to really check the car out for me. I'm looking for someone who will point out the dodgy things, the terminal things and also the next wear and tear items so I can really make an informed decision.

Any advice?

Andy

 

[sidned]

It all depends where the car is located. Peter Morgan did my inspection and he has a good reputation in Porsche circles.

 

[Mark Elder]

Hi Andy, Welcome.

It rather depends on where you are (or rather, where the car is).

Pete Morgan has a good reputation for his service and he knows 993s well. He also has a network of like minded folk so, even if the car is not in the middle of the south of Englandshire, he may be able to recommend one.

From memory he charges about 300 quid so you need to be sure you will buy if the car checks out OK - but you get a detailed report, photos, advice over the phone etc.

If you try google you will find him.

If you are not in his region try asking the question in the forum that relates to where the car is.

Good luck.

If you have specific questions ask away - lot of people here ready with advice.

You have certainly made the right decision already (993!)

 

[9000 rpm]

Another option is to check whether there's a recognised Porsche indie specialist near the seller and get them to take it in for an inspection.

Strasse in Leeds charged me around £120 to do their own 117 point check on the 993 Targa I was interested in buying. I'd guess most of the other indies offer a similar service.

 

[Bertroex]

Reasonably high mileage 993? Its not Ian Donkin's 993 is it? If so, a cracking car.
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/227957.htm

Phil Raby or Peter Morgan do inspections: £350 but within a boundary of 100 miles or thereabouts.

Once again, it depends where the car is located and you can save yourself a wee bit hassle by really studying the buyers guides and asking pictures of the common items that go.

Good luck,


Bert

 

[Guest]

ORIGINAL: Bertroex

Reasonably high mileage 993? Its not Ian Donkin's 993 is it? If so, a cracking car.
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/227957.htm

yeah, something like that. First got to figure out what I actually get for my money. I've currently got a Lotus Elise that is just not getting the use that it deserves. I want something more versatile, but at the same time I'm wary of piling money into a car that may only do 4K miles per year. I currently run two cars, so rationalisation makes sense but I also want something "interesting" and that I can explore the driving experience and learn a thing or two.

993 ticks most of the boxes, but it's understanding if I need to take a deep breath and spend £25K+ or can I go "entry level" with the knowledge that money will need to be spent to get it into good condition, but this can be a 12-18month project rather than cap-in hand to bank manager.

As far as questions go, I guess I need to understand the refresh rate of consumables and expected service intervals. What are the main parts the need, or should have been replaced once a car approaches the 100K mile mark? Can they be easily run to 100-150K miles with just the required service intervals, or are there some really significant jobs that need doing past 80K or say, past 150K?

I guess I'm being a cheapskate by not buying one of the many Buyers Guides, but a lot of these seem like Internet scams! What Buyers Guides would people recommend...


thanks for any help!

Andy

 

[Bertroex]

Hello Andy,

Well, the september 2006 of 911 and porsche world featured a 993 buyers guide. You can order this issue by contacting the publisher or alternatively maybe someone can scan the buyer guide in for you. (You might find the above mentioned car featured there.)

Secondly, a link towards a US forum, regarding 993 myths and facts:
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/showthread.php?threadid=184193&highlight=carbon+AND+993

Finally, there are "The Books": for engineering types the Paul Frere reference work: "the 911 story" and to get a very very good overview with chassis numbers, engine numbers, specification, changes per model year etc etc there is Peter Morgan "the original 911".

There is no such thing as a cheap porsche really. There are always exceptions that a seller "needs" to sell due to family reasons or whathever. You might get lucky, but don't factor it in. Also, a contigency budget is wise. AND DO A PRE PURCHASE INSPECTION. Its the best peace of mind ever spend and you learn something about the vehicle in the process.

Maintenance is paramount and more precisely: maintenance with the correct mechanics. The 993 is a specialist car and will still be serviced by OPC's but you might find that a respected independant can actually do as good if not a better job. Brakes, suspension parts, tyres, clutches etc are all maintenance items and once again it depends on the service schedule and driver/ driver style whether they kept on top of things. High mileages, when correctly maintained, are not a problem- on the contrary even: they are barely run in at 100.000 miles. Rule of thumb is still: a well used porsche on a long distance run is happier than a car that goes from heated garage to OPC and back.

As you said earlier, the 993 is a great rational choice but it is a wee bit schizophrenic: on long distances it is rather comfortable whilst in a controlled environment such as on the track it is a mighty weapon. Also, it is lickely that the car is possibly more capable than you as a driver- professional tuition with a 993 is an eye opener. (I drive a 76 carrera 3.o but had tuition in a 993 RS back in 1998)

The lotus is a mean, fast and raw machine. The 993 is more plush. It feels solid and it is extremely capable whilst still offering a surprising degree of comfort. It is an absolute icon.
*edit* long post on pre purchase inspection:
http://www.pelicanparts.com/techarticles/911_prepurchase/911_prepurchase.htm

Best regards,


Bert

 

[AlexG]

With respect to pre-purchase inspections - if I was doing it again (buying a 993) I would find someone who actively maintains these cars to do an inspection - i.e. one of the reputable indies.

 

[Guest]

Also, it is lickely that the car is possibly more capable than you as a driver

how very true! []

 

[Guest]

ORIGINAL: AlexG

With respect to pre-purchase inspections - if I was doing it again (buying a 993) I would find someone who actively maintains these cars to do an inspection - i.e. one of the reputable indies.

This is really the way to go. Looking back 8 months after I got my car, I would strongly suggest as well that you find the nearest indie to your car & get it to them or them to it. Best value for money & best quality check possible IMHO. I was rather disappointed with my check and one or two things that were missed, but I won't go into any more details in writing []

 

[hsbhamra]

Definatly worth doing the inspection - I used Peter Morgan, done a great job. Also, his book is pretty good too and only a tenner if I remember correctly.
Dev

 

[Mark Elder]

ORIGINAL: scrappydog
I guess I'm being a cheapskate by not buying one of the many Buyers Guides, but a lot of these seem like Internet scams! What Buyers Guides would people recommend...

Peter Morgan's small printed "993 buyers guide" is very cheap but very good - tells you loads and loads of things to look for - agree with you about some dubious internet offersing, but I 100% recommend this particular little guide.

 

[Mark Elder]

ORIGINAL: scrappydog

Can they be easily run to 100-150K miles with just the required service intervals, or are there some really significant jobs that need doing past 80K or say, past 150K?

Andy,
I was talking to my indie about this on Tuesday. He's now regularly seeing 993s approaching the 200k mark and he says they are as strong as ever. The mileage is not so much of the issue - it's how they have been treated during the mileage.

 

[Ian Donkin]

ORIGINAL: marke2

ORIGINAL: scrappydog

Can they be easily run to 100-150K miles with just the required service intervals, or are there some really significant jobs that need doing past 80K or say, past 150K?

Andy,
I was talking to my indie about this on Tuesday. He's now regularly seeing 993s approaching the 200k mark and he says they are as strong as ever. The mileage is not so much of the issue - it's how they have been treated during the mileage.

As Bert pointed me here and kindly linked to my car, I'd agree with the point above on mileage - 138,000 on mine and never once have I seen smoke on start up and it still goes like stink - I did two track days last year and these things just love to be driven hard (well, if that's what my driving is!).

If you want to put plenty of miles on one (and why wouldn't you - they really are fine for everyday use) I'd suggest not paying too much in the first place probably makes sense - I've done 15,000 in a year in mine and they are brilliant.

Good luck with your hunt.

 

[Guest]

at the end of the day it's not Garage Jewelry, it's there to be driven. My elise is too fragile to be a real everyday car in the true sense of the word, I'm hoping the 993 will be more durable and hence more versatile.

Andy