Quick "What to Look Out For" Query

[nsm3]

Hi, not been on this site for the last 3 years after selling my 54 plate 997 C2S for a Lotus Exige (great little car, but REALLY not very practical!).

Fancy another Porsche (911 variants only), but the thought of just buying another 997 doesn't blow my skirt up, so I have been thinking about a decent 993 (I only do 2-3k miles per annum).

Could you guys in the know give me a quick bullet point list of identified problems, which need to have been resolved to avoid potential disaster (just the big issues - I am thinking big issues like RMS and intermediate shafts on the water cooled units)?

Also, what is the thinking on this car - is it the right sort of price assuming everything is in order - it is very difficult for me to assess as the market seems to have quite a range and I am very nervous about delving into this?

http://www.jzmporsche.com/porsche-993-C4S-for-sale--111.html

Mods - I hope I haven't broken any site rules with that link?

Thanks in advance.

 

[dommorton]

Many would say that car is grossly overpriced however immaculately presented WB cars, especially ones in desirable colours and with low miles, are becoming very difficult to pin down.

When I was looking I came across many dog eared examples advertised as 'mint' for between 30-35k. In the end I went for a beautifully presented Arctic Silver Carrera S from Paragon for a little more money and have never looked back.

There's a whole load of things to look for now these cars are getting on in years and plenty of buyers guides available to help. I can recommend the Peter Morgan Ultimate Buyers Guide book.

Headlines apart from the usual condition and history for me would be:
Data Stickers intact and matching
Has it had a Clutch change
Has the Suspension been replaced
Door Check Straps working without clicking or dodgy repairs
A/C working
Oil Leaks
Spoiler Curtain torn (cheap to replace but often missed)

 

[nsm3]

Thanks for that - nothing too worrying then, pretty much wear and tear items?

 

[dommorton]

YHM

 

[dommorton]

ORIGINAL: nsm3

Thanks for that - nothing too worrying then, pretty much wear and tear items?

Exactly that.

One I did miss off is to look for rust in the front and rear screen apertures. Many have been repaired here too so check the quality of the paint in this area.

 

[Mark Elder]

I'd echo everything Dom said. Generally they are very robust and don't have the few "majors" that can dog the later models. The original shocks do need to be replaced, but as long as that's been done with one of the better makes they are set up for many miles. Some clutches need to be replaced by 50K, but there is plenty of evidence that many go way beyond.

You do have to steer clear of OPCs for services/maintenance. They simply don't have the staff who understand the pre-water cooled cars nowadays. But there are plenty of good independents around (depending on where you live I guess).

Good luck in the search (part of the fun!)

 

[John Maddox]

Agree with others - especially don't be told a non working aircon just needs a recharge. I collected mine some 5 years ago and got it put in contract I was particularly concerned the aircon worked properly when they said it "just needed a recharge". Sure enough it worked for one weekend before it gave up and I returned it to them.

Cost them about £2.5k to put right as they chased leaks around the system - each time they renewed leaking parts it pushed the leak further down the system resulting in replacement Pipes/Condenser/Evaporator/Dryer etc. The only part that worked properly was the compressor. It took their aircon contractor several days to sort out. 100% ok still 5 years later.

 

[Stewart Rix]

You may well find cam covers weeping oil. Oil will collect on the plastic undertray so may not be obviously dripping. it is thankfully an easy and relatively cheap (£100 a side) fix.

 

[Dylan1]

i drove that model a few weeks back and it IS brilliant and the guys at jzm are very decent and knowledgable blokes who have looked after my lt 3 porsches- i ended up buying a very nice example frrom a pcgb forum/ register member for 20 k and have since spent 2 k on sorting the windscree scuttle when new windscreen replaced ( by them!) also had xenon conversion with new lenses done and for total 23-4 k have a fantastic car for rather less than 40 k and am SO enjoying it!
however i dont thinl you would lose on jzm car either as it is very well sorted!
either way good luck! i felt vey similar to you- having had new porsches could easily have gone for 997 C 2 S PDK but thought i ,d have more fun with an older classic and so far havent regretted it for a moment[]

 

[nsm3]

Dyllan - do you mean you drove that "actual" car or just the same type?