Sell 1984 - Buy 1990-93

I am thinking of selling my 1984 Targa and buying a newer 911, 1990-93. Are there any trade-offs, or is the change positive all the way? Any problems I should lookout for in the 1990-93 arena?
Thanks

------------------
1984 Targa

There are a BUNCH of posts on this toppic. In a nutshell - the 964s are more expensive and complicated than the SCs and Carreras they replaced. They also are not holding there value as well, somewhat due to their age (they shouldn't bottom for another 5 years). Late Carreras can go for more than an early 964 in some cases.

I just saw a 1993 RS America with 30K on it in Excellence for $33,000. They are dropping from what I can see.

The earlier 964s are known for the following problems with estimated repair bills:

Cylinder Head leaking $6000-$8000
Dual Mass Flywheel failure $2500-$3000
Dual Distributor failure $200 for update
Repair gaskets on Steering wheel pump $500

For the dual distributor update, the kit is cheap and most mechanically inclined people can do the fix themselves. Unfortunately, if the belts in the dual distributor bust when you're driving the car, you can actually have two spark plugs (there are 2 sparks/cylinder) firing at different times. In the worst cases, you can supposedly destroy your engine, although I've never seen any real proof of this occurring (in most cases people have enough sense to stop driving).

The cylinder head problems occurred with 90 up to mid 91 engines (see Bruce Andersons performance book). Not ALL of them leak, and I think the problem MAY be overblown.

The dual mass flywheel problems is a REAL problem. From what I can tell, it's not a matter of if it will fail, but when. Most people replace it with a more conventional flywheel or one from an RS America (noisier, but no "exploding flywheel" problem). I don't know what the average life of one is, but the dual mass flywheels don't blow up "every other day". The dual mass flywheels in the post May '92 and all '93 cars are supposed to be more reliable (less prone to failure).

The problems with the steering pumps seem to be something that are now showing up.

Most of these (along with serial numbers and dates of manufacturing updates) are in Bruce Anderson's PORSCHE 911 PERFORMANCE HANDBOOK.

In my opinion, I would look for a '92 or '93 that will have most (except the power steering pump) already fixed at assembly, or an early one that has all of the fixes documented.

By the way, I'm not trying to put down the 964, I think it's a great car, but they do have some problems you need to be aware of. I think they look and handle great and have a lot of class.

Hope this helped,

Bill Wagner

I wouldn't put down the 964 either, and the RS America and C2 Turbo are pretty rare and desirable models, but IMHO the 993 is the way to go. Probably shouldn't admit this, but a couple years ago when I was "in the market" I found I couldn't afford a clean 993 so I ended up straying from the fold so to speak. Of couse I'm back full bore now, having sold the Bavarian intruder.

Budget permitting, I would stretch for the 993 if at all possible.

The last post I agree with, but the problem is EVERYONE likes them making it a big stretch (20K) up to this model. The 993 isn't the end all of performance also, there are some mechanical issues that must be addressed to making this car a true track car if intended. But I do love them. Michael

I definitely agree, and I STILL can't afford a 993 myself either. The 964 does have a lot going for it compared to the late model 3.2 Carrera, i.e. the coil spring suspension and the extra torque of the 3.6. Basically a more modern car than the "911" all around. So again I can't knock the 964 and sure wouldn't kick one out of my garage!