What should I spend £30,000 on?

[darrent]

Hi, I am looking to buy my first Porsche and have £30-35,000 to spend on a 993 or a 996. My plan is to keep to car just long enough so that it doesn't depreciate too badly and keep upgrading from there. I'd prefer a C4 but just want a nice looking example that will be relatively hassle free to own. I like the look of both the 993 and 996 and would appreciate some advice as to what the best choice would be and which dealers are worth approaching.

If I buy privately, is an HPI check sufficient to ensure its integrity?

Also (and this might sound like a daft question!) is there any noticeable difference in the attitudes of other road users towards Porsche drivers. A colleague finally bought the Boxster he had been dreaming of and now can't wait to get rid of it because of the grief he gets from other drivers. That said, maybe he drives like a muppet?!


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[James Ball]

Hi darrent

First off, is this car going to be your daily driver or a weekend car? I assume you are not looking to do track days in it - this is important because "out of the box" a standard 996 isn't suitable for the track.

In general, the 996 followed the usual pattern of Porsche evolution, that is to say it is heavier, more powerful, more technological and less "sporty" than the 993. It is a gross generalisation (but not completely untruthful to say) that each generation of 911 becomes more of a Gran Tourer and less of a sports car. Therefore, if you want to have a luxury barge (exageration for effect) buy a 996. If you want something a bit sportier buy a 993. Both are great daily drivers though.

The main differences between the two are:

• 993 is the last of the "proper" air-cooled 911's. In practice, the difference this makes is largely aural - but to a lot of people a 911 has to sound air-cooled

• 993 is considered by many to be the pinnacle of 911 evolution because both mechanically and aesthetically the 996 was a major deviation from the past

• 993's have tended to keep their value very well, the 996 slightly less well (although both are excellent compared to most cars). Having said that the 993 has suffered a bit of a price reduction in the last 6 months or so as the economy becomes more unstable

• £35k is about the bottom of the 996 right-hand-drive market where as it will get you a very nice 993

• The general rule for all 911s is buy on condition not age - ie a very nice 993 is going to hold its value better and cost you less to run than an "all right" 996

The magazine, 911 & Porsche World has two short reports testing and comparing exactly what you are after - a 993 and a 996 for £30k. You should definitely buy it and have a read.

This website has lots of good dealers advertising through it. Where are you? I may be able to suggest some others local to you.

If you buy privately you MUST have a pre-purschase inspection done. An HPI check will only show up financing on the car and an AA or RAC check is not specialist enough. If you find a car you like take it to an Official Porsche Centre or independent specialist (not Jo Average Garage) for a full inspection. This will cost about £130 and will be the best £130 you have ever spent! If you buy a bad one they get really expensive really quickly and even the newer 993s and 996s have their problems.

Other drivers.... as Billy Connoly said, "F**k them all"

James

PS. In case I didn't make it completely clear (!) I would buy a 993 - better sound, last of the air-cooled, proper 911s, look awsome.


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[darrent]

Hi James, thanks for your comprehensive advice - it is very helpful and I was definitely moving towards the 993 so thats now a much easier decision. There is one car on the Paragon site, a silver 993 C2 with 36,100 on the clock. It is a Nov 94 'M' - I certainly like the way its looks, what is your view on the price it is up for? Thanks and regards, Darren


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[James Ball]

Hi Darren

Paragon have a good reputation for only selling good cars (although as with every garage you hear the odd horror story).

Pricing, of course, depends on condition, and you would need to go and look over it. Depending on how confident you are in spotting weaknesses it would be great to have a knowledge friend along too. I am definitely no expert but the price does not look unreasonable. The best thing for you to do is to look through autotrader.co.uk and gauge prices there as well as here on this site. Like I mentioned above, Paragon's (homegrown) reputation is for good cars at expensive-ish prices (using the theory that you get what you pay for). As a price comparison I would direct you again to this month's copy of 911 & Porsche World where (on page 125) they review a black 1995 C2 on 55,700 miles for £29,995 from AutoClassica (who are a fairly new garage in Noth Yorkshire but seem to have some interesting cars) (www.auto-classica.com). This car is 5 grand cheaper, a year newer, with 20,000 more miles. 20k miles sounds like a lot but is not particularly high for this age of car and bear in mind 911s bare the miles better than most. Also, based in North Yorkshire, you would imagine that these are motorway miles. The article also identifies a small rust spot and a chipped windscreen which no doubt the sellers would fix. It is desribed in the magazine as "it's the right colour...the right model, the mileage and history are good, its in excellent condition and... it retains that all importatnt 911 character" - a pretty good recommendation.

I would advise you to have a look at as many as possible so you can build up your own view of what is good value and what isn't. The one you mention certainly sounds like a good start.

Cheers, James




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[James Ball]

Darren, Also make sure you keep a few grand of your budget up your sleave for "little fixes". No matter how good the car is you find you will always find a few things to fix. I would keep back £2000 for such eventualities. Even if there is nothing wrong suddenly a different rear spoiler will seem vital etc etc?

James


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[911UK]

With regards to the attitudes of other road users towards Porsche drivers, I do go along with the Billy Connoly quote, but it is a very very sad fact that the envy factor is quite prominent when it comes to Porsches. I can only asume that it's a hang-over from the eighties which the brand just can't shake off. There's absolutely no reason for it, but it happens. At one point I owned a 993 and at the same time a Lotus Elise, people actually used to wave and smile at the Elise, but I remember coming out of a shop once and some t**ser had spat all over the 993. Something many owners experience I'm afriad.

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[mossy]

Hello James, darren and Admin,

I've been working overseas for the last 3 years now, and I've bottled up the courage to put my money where my mouth is, and buy a 911. I find your advice most interesting and extremely useful and I'd also like to know your opinion on the following(Great website Admin, by the way). I'm in a similar situation to Darren with regards to the cash available, I will pay up to 40K for the right car. Now, my heart says go for the 993 C4S or C2S, I think the 993 is the best looking 911 ever build and the sound is unique. However, the grey mat says go for the 996 C4 for the sake of reliability and running costs and the fact that my other half will probably find it easier to drive.

The car will not be used as a 1st car and will probably cover about 6k miles a year, with no track work. My priorities are as follows but not particularly in this order: Driver enjoyment/performance, desirability, reliability, depreciation and running costs.

I have driven a Boxster 2.7 but never a 911, I would be interested to hear from anybody who has owned or driven both the 993 & 996. The differences in the driver feedback and sensation etc etc. The 2.7 Boxster impressed me, if that gives you an idea.

Also, is there a noticable difference between the driving caracteristics of the 993 C4S and the standard 993 C4. Its a great position to be in, looking for a 911, but it doesn't half cause me some sleepless nights, I've looked at the same page in Top Marques over 200 times.

As for Jealous UK non porsche drivers! I have been all over the Pacific and during this time and I can honestly say that I have never experienced a country like the UK for Jealous attitudes. My current Location, California, is totally at the other end of the scale. A friend returned to his XK8 only to find a note pushed under the wiper, congratulating him on owning a beautiful set of wheels.

All the best,

Mossy




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[James Ball]

Hi Mossy

I am not sure the 996 is necessarily a better bet for "the sake of reliability and running costs" although you local Posche specialist should be able to tell you the relative servicing costs etc. Granted a 996 will be a few years younger but if you spend the same money on each car (993 or 996) you will get a better 993 than 996 so are less likely to have to fix problems.

I am also not sure your "other half" will necessarily find a 996 particularly easier to drive after all both have power steering, "proper" suspension, hydraulic clutches, very modern-feeling gearboxes etc. In your situation the best thing you can do is take your missus down to the garage and both of you test drive plenty of each. You never know, she may fall in love with a 993.

I think you should definitely follow your heart. 993 4S or 2S will always be popular and are great cars. I can't believe either of you would regret it.

When you have driven them both let us know what you think. I would be interested to hear your views.

James


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[accomp]

Hi Darrent,

I have both and they are both different creatures. Maybe my experiences of them might help you.

The 993 is noisy, small inside, (almost crampt) and drives like a go-cart. They are a drivers car, with no frills. Inside the switch gear and dash board design are a little dated. If you have a large passenger it can feel like they are almost sat on your knee. But the feel of the car and the noises that they make when you wind them up really make you feel the need for speed. Awesome!

The 996 is more of a grand cruiser than an out and out sports car. The basic ones without the aero kit look dull. The interior is more spacious thnan the 993 and the layout is modern and good. The car is a lot quiter and the ride is smooth. I must say that they are not boring though, just easier.

The car is also more forgiving on the bends thanks to Porsche stability sytem, which the 993 doesn't have. You can always switch it off if you want to be daring, but most drivers would get more out of the car with it switched on... it makes you feel like you are a really good driver, even if your not, and most of us are'nt really good drivers when it comes to taking bends at speeds. The 993 won't forgive you if you make a mistake, and you'll be facing the wrong way buried eldow deep in to a tree before you can say boo to a goose

Generally speaking the 996 is easier to live with as a day to day car. It behaves like a modern sports car. They are also alot cheaper to run than the 993. If you get a 993 remember that the clutch will need replacing at about 30-35k. So it's worth asking when it was done, since a new one will set you back about £800. Servicing is also dear on the 993. It has two of everything. i.e. two spark plugs per cylinder, and their not the type that would fit a qualcast mower, if you caqtch my drift.

My advice? If you are going to use it every day and you you can afford it, get the 996 with the aero kit, you'll love it forever.

Ashley.


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[darrent]

Does anone know anything about Cridfords of Surrey - they have a nice C2 I quite fancy and would just like to hear of anyone's experiences of dealing with them?

Thanks

Darren


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[James Ball]

I have come across their name now and then but haven't heard any personal stories. Sorry.

James


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