996 vs 993

[Neil Dickson]

Hi everyone. This is my 1st posting, so treat me gently! I'm looking to buy but I am zig-zagging as to my final model choice. The more I read in this excellent forum and in other publications, the more confused I get.


I was originally looking for a 1999 or 2000 996 C2. Then I thought a C4 would be great for the roadholding etc, until I found out that the boot on the C4 is just about big enough to put the car's instruction manual in.


Now I am reading that a late model 993 would be a good bet because of the inherent problems with the 996's oil surges. But I prefer the exterior look of the 996 over the 993! Would I be right in thinking that if I am looking for a 996 with 40k miles or so, the oil problems would be sorted by now?


Also, what do you reckon the best colour combination is (as far as ease of resale and ease on the eyes)? I like the look of silver with black leather. I recently saw a silver with green leather and I needed a sick bag! I am also ruling out any 996 with the GT3 "Carlos Fandango" rear wing. Let's keep it pure!


Any advice will be really appreciated. I have 30k to 35k to spend.


Keep up the great work!


Regards, Neil


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[poon]

chalk and cheese!

drive both and decide. This has been discussed many times, may I suggest a quick search of the forums!

Good luck.

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[poon]

just to add:

993 = last of the real 911 shape, pretty much bomb proof, over engineered, a great drive, pretty good depreciation.

996 = First of the waterccoled 911's, more of a grand tourer than the 993, 964 etc. Documented problems with RMS leaks etc.

Drive both and decide.

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[Robertb]

Can't go far wrong with Silver and black, plenty about, lasts well and hides stone-chips. Vesuvius (dark metallic purpley-grey) and Seal grey are my favourites. Not too fond of the Savannah beige interior, but each to their own (speaking as someone who has and loves Arena red which seems unpopular!)

No question a 993 is more robust than a 996, 996 is more refined for day to day use as designed to nick sales from Jag, Merc and BMW. 993 perfectly usable, but a bit more lairy... As Poon says, have a drive of both.

Repair of RMS is no guarantee of future reliability- some cars have had many RMS repairs. Higher miles 996s tend to look tattier inside like for like compared to a 993 so choose carefully and get a proper Pre Purchase Inspection done- plenty about so no need to compromise especially with a budget of up to £35k which should get you an excellent low miles car.


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[Simon A]

I was in the same position as you and eventually after a year of testing, searching and being disappointed, I have just bought a 98' 993 C4S.......... and it's fantastic.

What more can I say............I started out on the 996 (facelift) route, when through a 996 C4S phase and ended up at looking at the 993's. They are the quintessential 911, the best made model, with gorgeous looks and sound. A sound inverstment in the long term (if looked after properly).

The 'drive' of both cars is very different; the 996 a fast continental cruiser, the 993 a bit more involving/rewarding. My thoughts only, but being a biker as well, the 993 is a more exciting drive - the 996 is a fast, capable car that most people could drive easily, but the 993 takes a bit more getting used to.

With your money you will get a 993 in good nick, Paul Stephens has some quality cars at the moment - they are a professional company, give a good test drive, put you under absolutely no pressure and will answer the plethora of daft questions you may have (and I asked quite a few). David Palmer is a good point of contact.

If you need more info from a very new Porsche owner - fire away

Simon


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[Neil Dickson]

Hi there poon, Robert Bill and Simon,

Thanks very much for your input and information. It is very much appreciated.

Yes, I realise that this topic has been covered many times before, but I was keen to get the latest consensus of opinion. So apologies if I am repeating the topic.

From what you say, the 993 has most people's seal of approval. But I must say, I do prefer the looks of the 996! This car will be used for my daily transport, so maybe I should consider the more refined 996.

Robert - the Vesuvius sounds like a lovely colour, I will look out for it! Simon - thanks for the offer of further info - I may very well take you up on that!

Kind Regards,

Neil


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[Martyn1]

Quote: Originally posted by Neil Dickson on 10 August 2005
This car will be used for my daily transport, so maybe I should consider the more refined 996.

I drive my 993 EVERY day as my daily commute total its only about 45 miles a day but it and I could happily do a lot more!!

Dont rule it out

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[porkapig]

'This car will be used for my daily transport, so maybe I should consider the more refined 996.'

just been doing the trip to work in mine this week (builders in and dont want them dinting it!) - 140m per day! yes expensive in fuel (very) but really ok on the motorway (better than the brand new audi i have!)

comuting in heavy traffic would be very different i would have thought though?


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[David Rose]

Ok This is said verrrrrrrrrrrrrry tongue in cheek but everyone saying how good the 993 is owns one!!

The anolgy (ok wheres the spellcheck?I should have said comparrrrisson perhaps! ) of Chalk and Cheese is probably the best I guess!!

I didn't have the luck of driving a lot of 993's and 996's to really compare so its quite hard to give my personal opinion. Anyway what suits me might not suit you Neil.

I think that whatever you buy and with that amount you will get a good 993/996 just make sure you get it fully inspected PPI and keep asking questions.

oh enjoy looking tooooo!! I began to get disalusioned with cars that had maybe been "just company cars" whereas finding one that was well looked after took time.

So would someone with a 996 say something nice please! :wink:


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[Robertb]

I'd like a 996 for daily use, and keep my 993 for recreational drives. And a pair of brazilian supermodels to wash them...

Neil, this looks a peach and is in your budget (they've had it a little while so there may be a deal to be had)

http://www.marlowcars.co.uk/sales.asp?makeID=&fuelType=&bodyType=&URL=http://www.marlowcars.co.uk/sales.asp&intMax=&intMin=&rspage=1&memberID=1619&ID=35821

Robert.


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[Neil Dickson]

OK, I am going to go for a 994.5 - should be half way between the 993 and 996.

Robert, the 996 C4 at Marlow Cars does look a beautiful example. The price looks a little hefty for what it is, but having said that, it is low mileage and looks in lovely condition. As you say, they may be up for a deal. Not sure where Marlow Cars is, but I am guessing it is near London. I live on the Isle of Wight, but I don't mind travelling for the right car. And before anyone asks me why I want a 911 on the Isle of Wight, my answer is that I have always wanted a 911, I am going to get one, and no-one is going to stop me (including the wife)! Divorce me!

The main thing is that it is definitely a buyer's market out there and if anyone selling a 993/996 is not going to be flexible on the price, I reckon that they will be stuck with the car for a long time. This maybe doesn't apply to the 993 so much, but definitely the 996!

One thing is for sure, since I started looking 6 weeks ago, I have been really miffed by certain people taking the p*ss by asking silly, inflated prices (think of a number, double it). I wouldn't buy your Porsche if it was the last car left in the world!

Many thanks to you all for being so helpful - any other info would be appreciated!

Kind Regards, Neil.


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[Fuchs]

If that bus company owning loony can have a quasi race car on the I of Wight then im sure a regular 996 will be fine.

Marlow cars is about 25 mins from Heathrow - according to their website.

Have a look at Northway Cars - hes just down the road from marlow and is a sound chap.

Good luck in your search and when you find your car let us all know.

Warren




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[Neil Dickson]

Thanks Warren!

Just trying to think who the "bus company owning loony" is. What car has he got? There aren't too may quasi race cars on the Island!

I will let you all know what car I buy. But whatever Porsche I end up with, you can bet that someone will have something to say about it!



Kind Regards, Neil.


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[Fuchs]

Richard something - Island bus service - 996 GT3 RS i think - he used to appear in 911 &PW quite often.


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[Martyn1]

Quote: Originally posted by Warren M on 11 August 2005
Marlow cars is about 25 mins from Heathrow - according to their website.
Have a look at Northway Cars - hes just down the road from marlow and is a sound chap.
Good luck in your search and when you find your car let us all know.
Warren

Im guessing (thier website doesnt say) that Marlow cars is in Marlow, so if you visiting there I would suggest a jaunt to Virgin.com (nr Slough) and RSJ (in Slough) both only 30 mins from Marlow. I work in Slough believe me there is no reason other than these dealers to come to Slough!!
Northway is also a sound bet, about another 30 mins from Slough further down the M4.

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