1993 911 in Honolulu

DefenseEngineer · 12-11-2003, 02:06 PM

Hey guys,

Newly registered, but I've been reading a bit here and there for the past few weeks.

Originially I was looking to buy a new 911 Carrera about 1 year from now. But do to other reasons, I may have to push up my purchase date. Which means I can not afford the new one (I just finished grad school a few months ago and have not had a lot of time to save up a significant downpayment).

Anyway, I came across a classified ad for this car:
1993 911 Coupe
46,000 miles
White ext
$25,995

It's listed at the local BMW dealer here in Honolulu, HI. I called and made an appointment to stop by this afternoon (it's only 1pm now). Can anyone give me any tips on what to keep an eye for on the car? Any problems you think it may have? What is a reasonable price?

So far the only info I have is from the classified, which is what I typed above. But any tips/advice before I go look at it would be appreciated.

12own911 · 12-11-2003, 02:17 PM

Get a PPI on the car... that should tell you what you need to know.

I will be in Honolulu tomorrow for a 26.2 mile walk on Sunday. Tell me where the shop is and I might stop by.

Mike Feinstein · Mike Feinstein's Garage

93 is an excellent model year for the 964. All "issues" have been dealt with by the factory by 93 (dual mass fw, distributor vent, cylinder head gaskets, etc).

If you like what you see, insist on an independant PPI (pre-purchase inspection). These cars are quick, reliable, and have many creature comforts not available in earlier years, but can be expensive to fix if something is overlooked. Find a reliable mechanic, that works for you...not the dealership...and spend a few bucks to get a thorough inspection done.

Good luck!

DefenseEngineer · 12-11-2003, 02:31 PM

Wow, talk about quick responses. I still have about 2 hours left before I leave my office for the dealer, so more advice is absolutely welcome.

12own911,
This is the dealerships website:
http://www.bmwhawaii.com/
Their snail mail address is:
777 Kapiolani Blvd
Honolulu, HI - 96813-5211
808-597-1225

Thanks for the tips! If you have more, keep 'em coming!

edited to add:
I looked up the Black Book (retail) Value:
Clean: $27,650
Average: $23,575
Rough: $19375

jkcrewsn · jkcrewsn's Garage

I used to take my car to a place called "Air-Cooled Engines". The name of the owner is Chris. If you feel like it, you might give him a call and have him look at it for you, he might even know the car. Phone number is: 808-591-8222. Chris is a great guy, he knows his stuff and has never done me wrong. I would recommend him after you get any Porsche.

DefenseEngineer · 12-11-2003, 06:46 PM

Thanks for the tips guys.

I just got back from looking at the car. Unfortunately, I was holey unimpressed.

The dealer tried for 2 or 3 minutes to get it started, then when he did, he had to keep it above 2,000 rpm for another 2 or 3 minutes so it wouldn't stall. For $27,900, I want a car that will at least start.

Rufblackbird · 12-11-2003, 07:46 PM

What years are you limiting your search to? I just got notice of a '88 selling for I think $18,000, private owner. If intersted, PM me and I'll foward you the email. Otherwise, give my good friend Darryl a call. He currently works at the Porsche dealer, but was PCA Hawaii prez the past two years and always knows of Porsches for sale, not just the ones on the lot.

He can be reached at 778-0639 (cell). Tell him Jeff with the broke ass 911 sent ya.

For places to take your car for a PPI, there are some reputable shops, mostly in town. Chris Stormer @ Air Cooled Engines by Ala Moana is great, there's also Gerard @ Motorwerks on Cummins St. by Ward, Tim Knight @ Knightwerks (Kawaihao St. I think), and Scott Schulte @ German Auto Specialists by the Airport. There's also Craig...forget his shop name, which Darryl went to for his cars.
See http://www.paradiseads.com/pcah_classifieds.htm for some of their ads.

Anyone else running/walking the marathon? It actually comes really close to my house

SteveStromberg · 08:30 PM

Here you go.Steve

http://www.pca.org/hi/

http://www.germanautospecialists.com/

http://www.hawaii-music.com/

http://www.hawaiiracewaypark.com/

DefenseEngineer · 12-11-2003, 09:43 PM

Wow! You guys are way more helpful than the idiots I deal with in the online club for the POS car I currently own.

I have to admit that I am going back to the BMW dealer on Saturday morning to test drive a 1999 M roadster with 22,000 miles on it for the exact same price as the Porsche. It's in better condition, only slightly slower, and is under warranty until Jan 2009.

But, I serisouly doubt I will buy it. I really do have my heart set on a Porsche. I figure I should buy one car based on emotion (the Porsche) then one car based on logic (probably a used Civic with an auto to drive in rush hour to and from work every day).

If I decide not to buy the M roadster, then I will save up some more money for a while longer (and continue with the 2001 R/T POS I currently own). Then I will be able to afford a 911 in pretty good condition or a new Boxster. I'm leaning towards a used 911. The more I think with my logical mind, the harder it is for me to buy a car new. I hate the instant drop in value.