So C4, or c2. I got to decide.

[Hawktel]

So I need help I got to make a decision.

Car 1

Targa C2 1991. 155K Grey exterior, tan interior Everything works. Even the AC blows cold. Has a 4 inch think pile of records. Well maintained. Its slighting modified in that the targa top was recovered with cabriolet fabric, not leather. Looks very nice. Some wear on the seats, pulls like a freaking train.

The issue. Airbag light is on. I think its electrical. Could be mechanical.

Car 2

C4 1991 coupe. Black 68K miles. Tan interior. Beautiful car. AC isn't cold, Has some records, not a huge amount. Bought by a Lady who has driven 9000 miles in the last 4 years.

The issues. Has a Driver side door lock problem. She said she took it to a shop they quoted her 200, she tabled the issue. Took it to another shop they wanted 500. She feel she was getting screwwed so hadn't fixed it.

Radio is out. Says the shop that wanted 500 to fix the door disconnected it. She didn't let them plug it back in. They will do that she said

The good. New Clutch at 53K miles.


So I don't know. I have to decide on Monday. The Targa is 15K, the Coupe is 19K. I do like coupes a little more, not so fond of the C4. The Targa has a little more head room, and despite 90K more miles, feels a little more solid. I intend to be the main mechanic on these rides. So I'll have to figure these issues out.

This is going to be a second car. I have paid off primary driver. I am a big guy I need a lot of head room, and leg room. Its tight in both cars. both will be getting RS door panels, and some other seats.

What would you take and why?

[tt_targa]

Coupe because of the color and fix the AC.

I am not aware of the down side of C4 except if it need repair.

[rattlsnak]

if you will NEED the AWD then get the C4, if not, (as in garaged all winter), then get the C2.

My cousins front unit went out on his 91 C4, and was big $$$$. (Although rare) its simply more stuff to pull around with you, especially if you dont need it.

[Bill Verburg]

The 964 AWD is an extremely complicated and expensive to repair system, it cannot be converted to 2wd like the 993 system. I would think twice about purchasing any car w/ it.

[JeremyD]

Check for any head to cylinder sealing issues -

[Hawktel]

I wouldn't need the C4 to get around. Here in Utah when it snows, its going to be in the Garage, and I'll drive the Jeep.

One thing I forgot to mention the Targa top needs a new front seal, or adjustment of some kind. Its got a fairly good blowing coming through between the top and the well err the top.

I will take the one I decide to pursue the most to Aircooled Racing and have them do a PPI.

[tcar]

I'd do the targa. (btw the tops were covered w/ vinyl, not leather).

Tighter, more headroom, no awd issues.

You have another car to drive on the snowy days. I think Ogden's like Denver, you can drive all year except for maybe a few snowy days a month.

[Hawktel]

Yes, very very close to the weather Denver gets, 300 days of good weather. 50 days of rain, and 15 days of crap, snow, sleet and hail.

[gtc]

+1 for the C2. Simpler, plus you don't see too many 964 Targas out there. I wouldn't worry about the targa seal - its not like you'll have the top on anyway...

[Hawktel]

Okay well I took the Targa to get a PPI.

Cyc #1 has 75% on the leak down. Could be needs a valve job. Or something worse.

Either way its not for me.

Tonight I go and see the C4. Supposedly she got the AC working, so now it just has a issue with the Door lock, and the diconnected radio.

She is asking 20K for the car.

[PSportoVeloce]

I frequently tell this to people who can't decide: ultimately, buy the nicest car (condition-wise) you can afford. it's like the age-old Carrera 3.2 or SC question. Of course buy the Carrera 3.2, but if you have to choose between a dog 3.2 or a very nice SC, pick the SC. It will cost you less to keep, and therefore you are more likely to recoup your investment when you sell. It will spend less time in the shop, and you'll be able to enjoy it more. You'll resent it less for costing you less and you'll ultimately get more enjoyment out of the car. While Porsches are durable, 155k is a lot, and i would be worried if the heads at least had not been done. Driving wise, the C4 is a lot of fun and definitely very Porsche. People always comment on the cost of the 4wd system, but I've never had any issues with it (and I've had the car since new and it just turned 97k miles). I have had other issues, though, the typical 964 ones, but spread over 20 years, they haven't been that offensive. Just make sure the car isn't suffering from deferred maintenance or else you'll get several years worth of bills all at once.

[Chuck Grieb]

Be careful. A/C problems on the 964/993 have the potential to become very expensive to fix - be sure the system is actually fixed and hasn't simply been recharged. It is not unusual to have the evaporator fail - which is an expensive part stuck in the middle of the car. You have to remove the gas tank and I think the dash to get access the evaporator. A slow leak may take some time to reveal itself, if she simply had it recharged you may not know the extent of the problem until after you have purchased the car.

[gregwils]

Originally Posted by Bill Verburg

The 964 AWD is an extremely complicated and expensive to repair system, it cannot be converted to 2wd like the 993 system. I would think twice about purchasing any car w/ it.

+1 on complicated and expensive. Bruce Anderson writes Porsche Market Update in Excellence Magazine in each issue. The 964's go through the annual rotation, but I don't recall which month is the 964. The 964 is thought to be generally reliable car beyond a few widely known issues. However, he does quote a friend's reference to the 4wd system as "Sputnick II" and mentions the extreme cost of certain parts. I am sure some people have had favorable reliability experiences, but at 155k miles and nearly 20 years of age, some maintenance can't be far away. You may not have any problems at all, but if you do the repairs will likely be expensive.

[drauz]

the obvious (to me, I try never to spend discretionary $ on a deadline) thing to do is search for a 2wd coupe with good history & verified by ppi. why not keep looking until the car you REALLY want, that REALLY checks out, comes along?

[IDGAF27]

Originally Posted by Bill Verburg

The 964 AWD is an extremely complicated and expensive to repair system, it cannot be converted to 2wd like the 993 system. I would think twice about purchasing any car w/ it.

Sorry Bill to chalange your comment, but 91C4 CAB can and was converted into C2 . And it is easier that might sound if you have donnor car for conversion, not buying all the things separetly.
How I am so sure? Because I did it. 1991 C4 (roller) took donnor parts from 93 C2 (wrecked). I had posts previously about the job.

though back to the topick, it solely preference matter. If there is two identical cars(history wise,condition etc) I would choose C4. i just love that instat pull by all four wheels from stand still.

[lateapex911]

I echo drauz's thoughts. Buy the RIGHT car. Personally, I think the C4s drive too much like an Audi (sorry) and are too far from the elemental 911 feel. That might just be me, but it IS something to consider.

And, since the AWD does nothing for me, I see no reason to drag around all the extra weight, and the extra chance for the system to go wrong.

If it were me, I'd look for the right color, 2WD version that checks out, and I wouldn't limit my search geographically. Plenty of pelicans out there to do PPIs, etc. The internet has made the country pretty small!