What car

[Iain Rowlings]

Let's say for argument that my wife is going to let me spend about 30K on a Porsche 911. Which one should I go for? My options seem to be as follows:


1.1993 K plate 964 turbo, apparently mint condition in black with 40K miles.FPSH.


2. 1995/6 993 Carrera 4, also mint in midnight blue(favorite colour) with around 40K miles. Again FPSH.


3. 1998 S plate 996 Carrera 2, "Stunning condition" loads of extra toys in midnight blue, FPSH but high milage (doesn't say how high).


Any advice welcome.


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[johnny]

I would go for either the 993 - safe bet or the 996 - mileage should'nt be to m uch of an issue as long as you get a could PPI done. The 996 might be better for the wife - more refined etc.






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[imported_Paul D]

If its a week end toy then go for the 993. If you are going to drive it every day, go for the 996.


Paul D


996GT3


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[911UK]

Depends on how keen a driver she is really. Option 2 could be your best bet at the moment though - good 993's are hard to find and are holding their value better than 996's


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[Pixelation]

Go for the 993 - last of the aircooled variety and more fun!

993 C4S Blue/Marble Interior - I wish!


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[adrianc]

A turbo, 993 or 996????????

You are a lucky lad to have a wife that lets you spend the money.


Feedback from clients that have come to me with a similar dilema is this.


The Turbo is a superb car, especially good if you really like your driving, and a 911 that will feel special everytime you get in. Negatives are the higher maintenance (the highest of your choices) and perhaps the increased risk of moderately expensive problems suprising you. If you like your driving, like the look and are up for a higher risk (maintenance wise) its a good option.


The 993 is simply a great 911, no big snags, easier for the missus to drive (if you let her), works well, does not have the 'hit' and feel of a turbo Porsche, easy maintenance. A safe choice of 911.


The high mile 996. This is the easiest car to drive, looks after the driver well, light controls, maybe you like the 'new' style and any one could get in and drive it. But, in a way I suspect that this one carries more risk and maintenance issues than the 993 - and you should proceed with this carefully.


All in all,my advice is this, if you bought the turbo (and accepted the additional costs) , you would be a happy bunny, if you bought the 993, you would be happy and the likely outcome in a year or two is that youve had a great 911 experience, and now want a ??????????? or a newer model.


If you buy the 996 perhaps you may feel like you should have waited until you could have bought a great one rather than a high miler.


Suggest you try the Turbo, and a 993 - and buy what you like best.


Regards


Adrian Crawford
performance2and4.co.uk


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[noony]

Well-feel very lucky, you just got an expert opinion! You can pick up a nice turbo for £25k, so you could save £5k for unexpected occurences(or mods :wink: ).

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[Iain Rowlings]

Well, what can I say? I had no idea I would get so many replies so quickly. I would like to thank each and every one of you for your advice.

I have decided to go for a 1996 993 Carrera 4, 38000miles mint condition in midnight blue and grey leather. This particular car has 18" turbo alloys and new tyres all round. And of course Full Porsche Service history.

One last snag though, The wife still hasn't said yes! Only a matter of time and I hope the above car is still available when she states "Oh just buy one and stop going on about bloody 911's"

Hears to that day, thanks again.

Iain

PS. Mr Crawford, I checked out your web site and it's now in my box of Favorites.


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[James Ball]

Iain

What are you going to use the 911 for? Every day? Commuting? Weekends? Track days? Personnally, I would get a 964 RS. One of the few 911s that is appreciating. Fantastic weekend / track car. Hopeless commuting car though. One of the 911s that makes every journey an adventure though. If only I had £25k right now to spend on one...


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[Iain Rowlings]

I think that I would be using the 911 for long pleasure drives and unfortinately for the drag of commuting to and from work, At the moment I have a Ducati 996 motorcycle and have not yet managed a track day so the likelhood of getting one for a 911 is slim. If i did it would probably be a one off. I think that I would be hard pushed to justify the extra cost of maintaining a Turbo let alone an RS.

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[James Ball]

Iain. I wouldn't expect an RS to cost more to maintain, but certainly a 964 RS is not an ideal commuter. A 993 would be perfect though.

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[JimJam]

Iain

Sounds like a good choice, a turbo 964 will cost a fortune to look after, RS's are amazing but have no creature comforts - think Caterham 7 with a lid...

A high miler 996 is always going to feel like a compromise

On the 993 that you've seen, you should just buy it. It will be much easier to find a new wife than lose out on the car...

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[noony]

Quote: Originally posted by James Ball on 16 July 2003

Iain

What are you going to use the 911 for? Every day? Commuting? Weekends? Track days? Personnally, I would get a 964 RS. One of the few 911s that is appreciating. Fantastic weekend / track car. Hopeless commuting car though. One of the 911s that makes every journey an adventure though. If only I had £25k right now to spend on one...

One like this you mean?

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[James Ball]

Er... yes.

You can't provide me with the cash as well can you?

PS Not sure about rubystone colour though...


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[noony]

Rubystone rocks! Nope, sorry, no spare cash after buying the 996. And the only RS I'm buying is a 993 or GT3!

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