contemplating 993

samsnead · 02-06-2007, 10:21 AM

Hello All,

I previously had a M491 coupe that was lost in an accident. I looking to replace the vehicle with another M491 and had found a good replacement several weeks back. I was prepared to work something out with the owner but unfortunately the turbo look group on yahoo found out about it before I could close the deal. Now the guy wants another $6500, I am not prepared to pay that much for a car that has been painted, nor do I want to deal with a seller who behaves like that( I wish he had been a pelican). It seems that finding a clean M491 coupe at a decent price will be quite slim, expecially with that militant group driving the prices up. I can reasonably expect to be close to the 993 price range, so now I am thinking of going that route. I love the look of the TL, but to pay all that much more for suspension and brakes does not seem to be worth it. Plus, the 993s seem to be holding their values quite well so it is similar to the TL in that regard.

I have read quite a few threads on the CEL issue, and that obviously has me concerned. Aside from the CEL issue, the 96-98 seems to have more electrical controls etc. and the 95 seems to be more mechanical, kinda like a 3.2. Would one expect to pay more in maintenance because of this.

I am on the fence whether I should limit my search to just the 95. I always look to buy the cleanest car that I can afford, but I am somewhat concerned about the potential issues. To me the extra 12 hp is negligable, so that would not push me in that direction.

Any insight would be appreciated.

81 911 SC · 02-06-2007, 10:37 AM

though I have no experience with the 993 and the CEL issue I believe that a well maintained car might be able to avoid some of those potential problems. As many will say get the best car you can afford.

I like the 993 and my favorite is the C4S but they are quite a way out of my price range and thus I'll roll along with my 81.

K. Roman · K. Roman's Garage

Well, I had a '98 C2S until I totalled it. But very georgeous car while it lasted.
I paid 53,000 for it and AAA gave me 54,500 when I settled. So you are right about appreciation.

samsnead · 02-06-2007, 10:54 AM

I feel your pain, didnt do as well through insurance though.

How did you like the C2S while you had it?

K. Roman · K. Roman's Garage

Quote:

Originally posted by samsnead
I feel your pain, didnt do as well through insurance though.

How did you like the C2S while you had it?

It was great. I never got around tracking it but really enjoyed driving it. Long drives were very comfortable, lots of power the 6 speed was very nice and smooth, much more than the 915 and even smoother than my 996TT.
It was also the best looking car I've ever seen!

samsnead · 02-06-2007, 11:31 AM

Love that wide body look, wish I had the means to get the C4S

typ550 · 02-06-2007, 11:33 AM

About 18 months ago, I sold my '88 3.2 (my daily driver for 10 years) and replaced it with a 993. I looked at all the models and really wanted a Carrera S. In the end, the CEL issue led me to narrow the search for a MY95. I live where annual emission tests are required and didn't want to risk it.

Found a 95 locally with relatively low miles and good records (unfortunately in one of my least favorite colors - polar silver). I like the car, but it is a different driving experience from the 3.2. I don't feel the road in the same way I did in the old car (I have not yet replaced the shocks/springs and lowered the car, so I may feel differently later on). That said, some of the creature comforts like the A/C (a necessity in Atlanta Spring/Summer/Fall) work much better than in my old car (which my kids appreciate when they are riding with me). Ideally, I would have kept both cars, but that wasn't in the cards.

samsnead · 02-06-2007, 11:44 AM

Thanks Chris, I live in NJ where they test every 2 years, but from what I understand the gov't is backing off and we can get the inspection done even if the CEL is on.

Your thinking is the same as mine, if I can swing a 993 this time around, I'd definitely like to pick up a 3.2 or SC at some point.

samsnead · 02-06-2007, 02:17 PM

If anyone has some pics of their cars done up it would be appreciated.

typ550 · 02-06-2007, 02:22 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by samsnead
If anyone has some pics of their cars done up it would be appreciated.

I just took advantage of temps in the upper 40s to clean up my car a little bit. Will try to take a photo or two tomorrow.

I've only made a couple of mods to my car so far, including the MY02 five-spoke wheels and RSR mufflers. Still need to lower and I would also like to swap the '95 "basket handle" for a Carrera S tail or one of the 993 ducktails.

You might want to check out the 993 board on Rennlist, too. Lot of 993 guys over there.

Rick Lee · Rick Lee's Garage

Quote:

Originally posted by samsnead
If anyone has some pics of their cars done up it would be appreciated.

I've done a few things to mine. CEL is way overblown. It's not that bad a fix anymore. Lots of folks have worked around it without a top end.

samsnead · 02-06-2007, 02:45 PM

Chris, look forward to your pics.

Rich, your car looks incredible. Love those 02s and big reds. Right now I am contemplating between a 95 in black 65k miles or a 96 in silver with 50k miles. Both are from dealers, I have dealt with one of them before, really good reputations. I'd love to find a speed yellow, but that would require more money, and I'd rather get the best car I can afford now and save up for suspension mods and exhaust.

typ550 · 02-06-2007, 02:49 PM

Speed yellow was what I was looking for, too.

Only one I found during the time I was searching was a very nicely modded, low mileage Carrera S. Great car, but owner was asking $62K or thereabouts at the time.

samsnead · 02-06-2007, 02:57 PM

Holt has a 95 with 38,000 in speed yellow that looks awesome. I'll be in the area tomorrow and check it out, but that is out of my league. I dont want a show car, just a clean straight well documented car. I didnt do stellar from my insurance, so hopefully I can sell of some parts I have from my 3.2 and save up a bit and get a 993. What color is your interior, I think you said your car is polar silver?

typ550 · 02-06-2007, 03:00 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by samsnead
What color is your interior, I think you said your car is polar silver?

Polar silver and black. Very boring, if i do say so myself.

Actually, I like silver, i just prefer Arctic over Polar (don't care so much for the blue tint in the polar).

The first 993 I ever saw back when they first came out was speed yellow. I have lusted for that color ever since.

Rick Lee · Rick Lee's Garage

Interior shot.

typ550 · 02-06-2007, 03:10 PM

that's a good looking car

samsnead · 02-06-2007, 03:13 PM

Gorgeous Rick, are those sport seats I see?

Rick Lee · Rick Lee's Garage

Nope. Those are stock black seats. I thought they made a nice contrast with the grey interior. Sport seats are crazy expensive. I'm thinking of 996 or Boxster sport seats someday though.

Halm · 02-06-2007, 03:26 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by typ550
. . . but it is a different driving experience from the 3.2. I don't feel the road in the same way I did in the old car (I have not yet replaced the shocks/springs and lowered the car, so I may feel differently later on).

Hey Chris, how you doing? We finally got a 993 too. Polar silver / black, BTW!!!

Based on the months of research I have done on these cars, I think your "road feel" issues will be taken care of by shocks and springs. Our car has MO30 springs and Eibach shocks/struts and the feel is really good.