Hi I have just sold my 3.2 carrera and am looking to buy my next Porsche. I cant really afford a 993 so am probably looking at a 964 or a Boxster. I have heard that 964 suffer from engine problems, I was just wondering how true this is and what to look out for when buying one. Any advice will be very welcome. Thanks Jerry
What to look for when buying a 964
- Thread starter jerry
- Start date
Dave Wilkinson
New member
Jerry,
It's interesting how stories get spread by word of mouth and, these days, via the Internet, and grow out of all proportion to the original story. I suspect what you have heard is all about the issues of oil leaks and their relationship to the lack of head gaskets.
Much of it is very over-stated and with most 964s close to or beyond their 20th birthday, none of it is relevant today. Any cars that may have suffered a problem have long since been fixed and the majority just go on and on.
The 3.6 litre engine in the 964 is based on the GT1 engine and is probably THE best engine produced by Porsche - bar none. Even the current GT3 has an engine which uses the same base.
Since you are not so familiar with the 964 it would be safer for you to get any prospective purchase examined by a professional inspector who IS familiar with the model. There are a number of areas that are worth checking out, particularly well known rust spots (although the 964 doesn't suffer too much from general rust), important updates (like distributor vent kit) etc. History is always important too.
It's worth trying to learn as much as you can about the 964 before you buy - there's a host of information on www.964uk.com.
It's worth mentioning that the engine in the Boxster (986 and 987.1) is NOT based on the GT1 design and has a set of problems all it's own.
By all means come back here with any questions - there are plenty of very experienced 964 owners in the Club who frequent this forum who will be only too happy to advise where necessary.
Regards
Dave
It's interesting how stories get spread by word of mouth and, these days, via the Internet, and grow out of all proportion to the original story. I suspect what you have heard is all about the issues of oil leaks and their relationship to the lack of head gaskets.
Much of it is very over-stated and with most 964s close to or beyond their 20th birthday, none of it is relevant today. Any cars that may have suffered a problem have long since been fixed and the majority just go on and on.
The 3.6 litre engine in the 964 is based on the GT1 engine and is probably THE best engine produced by Porsche - bar none. Even the current GT3 has an engine which uses the same base.
Since you are not so familiar with the 964 it would be safer for you to get any prospective purchase examined by a professional inspector who IS familiar with the model. There are a number of areas that are worth checking out, particularly well known rust spots (although the 964 doesn't suffer too much from general rust), important updates (like distributor vent kit) etc. History is always important too.
It's worth trying to learn as much as you can about the 964 before you buy - there's a host of information on www.964uk.com.
It's worth mentioning that the engine in the Boxster (986 and 987.1) is NOT based on the GT1 design and has a set of problems all it's own.
By all means come back here with any questions - there are plenty of very experienced 964 owners in the Club who frequent this forum who will be only too happy to advise where necessary.
Regards
Dave
Jerry,
About 18 mths ago I went through exactly what you are currently experiencing. I spent many weeks researching everything I could find on the 964 and read just about everything written on the model. Don't believe all the stories about oil leaks, fly wheels, wishbone bushes etc. These are all history now. I eventually took the plunge and so far havn't regretted it for one moment. Also go and look at as many cars as you can. Like all makes there are some dogs around but the 964 is a very strong car; focus on service history and a caring owner who has maintained the vehicle regularly. Not sure what part of the Country you are in but I'm in Gloucs and you'd be more than welcome to crawl over mine if you wish and have a chat all about it.
Regards
Chris
About 18 mths ago I went through exactly what you are currently experiencing. I spent many weeks researching everything I could find on the 964 and read just about everything written on the model. Don't believe all the stories about oil leaks, fly wheels, wishbone bushes etc. These are all history now. I eventually took the plunge and so far havn't regretted it for one moment. Also go and look at as many cars as you can. Like all makes there are some dogs around but the 964 is a very strong car; focus on service history and a caring owner who has maintained the vehicle regularly. Not sure what part of the Country you are in but I'm in Gloucs and you'd be more than welcome to crawl over mine if you wish and have a chat all about it.
Regards
Chris
Steve Brookes
Moderator
I would suggest that if your heart is set on a 993 then you hang on until it comes into range for you. The price difference between a good 964 and an average 993 has narrowed quite a lot recently. If you buy a 'cheap' 964 you could find that in a year or two's time that you've spent a total (purchase price + maintenance) that is equal to having bought a 993 in the first place. However, I DO appreciate that it is hard to go without a Porsche for any length of time once you've got the bug [
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