NEW To 911 and need advice.

[Porsche944parts]

Hi everyone, I Since childhood have always loved Porsche's and didnt ever want anything but a Porsche. I now own a 1986 Porsche 944 Turbo and just LOVE every inch and every aspect of the car and I wouldnt trade it for anything in the world (except a 911 LOL!!!). And I am coming closer to owning my dream car once and for all. And I have a few questions.
I am planning to buy a 911 turbo and the 2 models I am looking at are the 996 bodystyle and the 964. (the reason i am not looking at my favorite 993 is bluntly because of the price)
So anyways........
1. Which of these 2 are the most reliable?
2. Which of these 2 need less maintanence?
3. Is the 996 Turbo a reliable car and can be driven daily without needing major service every 2 months?
4. If I do buy one of these which one will last me longer if im "ON IT" alot?
5. Which model is better and why???
I have heard all kinds of stories about porsche but my 944 Runs like a charm (so far, about 4 months) and I have done nothing but change oil, oil filter, air filter, plugs, distributor cap, and rotor and all that didnt even need to be done I just love my cars and take care of them, But I do drive them the way they were made to be driven. Any advice will be greatly appreciated.

[Oh Haha]

Why overlook the 993 Turbo? IMO, they are better/truer to the old Turbo being air-cooled.

This is really a question for the Turbo forum or even the 996 forum but you asked for advice.

I think both cars are reliable as a dialy drivers but the 996 version is far ahead in comfort and luxuries.

You don't list a location but the newer cars, while it can be done, are not very DIY friendly. The maintenance costs are obviously higher due to the labor involved if you have to take it in. (I believe you need to have several specialized eletronic tools to diagnose even a small issue.)

Others can add their opinion as I do not own one. Rennlist would be another forum you should ask this question.

[jbripps]

The newer....the more reliable....it's that simple. If you are looking for a DD....it's a no brainer, the 996 wins hands down. I drive an '02 C4S as a DD...couldn't be happier...even in the snow. Have put 10K miles on my car since May....basically issue free. The reliability factor is fantastic, and I think it's similar for the Turbo as well. If you like A/C, again, 996 is the obvious choice.

Best of luck,
J

[Porsche944parts]

Thanks, Anymore info will help.

[Monza_dh]

965 is my all time favorite turbo model. Depending on condition, yr etc., it could cost as much as the others because of low prod numbers.

[jhynesrockmtn]

Don't know anything much about either but this month's Excellence update is on the 964 and 993. I assume the 964 turbo is all wheel drive? Maybe not.

Anyway, the article said the 964 AWD is incredibly complex and expensive to repair compared to the simpler 993 system.

[Chuck Grieb]

964 turbo is two wheel drive.

[Noah930]

You're looking at two very different cars, IMO. One is 15 years-old. The other is going to be about 5 years-old. Mileage aside, that's a 10 year difference in wear and tear (and the toll of time) on electronics, wiring, rubber seals, etc. In general, I'd think that the 996TT is going to be much more reliable and need less maintenance than the 965. You might even be able to pick up a 996TT still on warranty (though perhaps not in the price range you're looking at, if you think 993TTs are too expensive). I have a friend who daily drives his 996TT, and his only complaint has been of a broken glove box mechanism. (Note that the leaking rear main seal issue of the normally-aspirated 996 cars is a different engine design than the motor in the turbo 996 cars.)

You're also looking at two very different cars from design perspectives. The motor in the 965 is a single turbo set-up that's similar to the one in my '87, which is not too different than what the factory put out in the late 70s. The 996TT is (obviously) a twin-turbo that is going to be much more refined and powerful. Like over 100 HP more powerful. Not to mention 4WD in the 996 model, as well as a more refined suspension and chassis since it's 2 generations newer. There's a world of difference in the driving dynamics between the two.

[Rick V]

Buy the one that you like the best. You can get a gem, or a dog in any line/type/model. I just have 3 words of advice, and you know what they are P P I.

[Ole Petter]

I wonder if you are planning on doing much work on the car yourself? Is it going to be your only car?

If you are planning to do some work yourself, I (my humble opinion) would buy the older car, or possibly a pre 89 911 Turbo! No 4WD, simplicity and possibility for cheaper used parts, and a lot easier to find qualified mechanic friends!

If you buy a 996 Turbo, there is 4WD, twin-turbos, watercooling and all the modern electronics. Need help - go see a Porsche garage... Expensive! Of course there are many people here that knows the 996 Turbo inside-out, but I would guess the older cars are a lot more home-mechanic-friendly.

Anyway be sure to get a good car, don't buy the cheapest! You have to test-drive all the cars you consider, and do what I did, bring with you an expert, that can spare you much future expenses. And do try a pre-964 Turbo as well! One big turbo, leight-weight - drama. A 996 is stupendously fast, but need big speeds to "come alive"... (My personal view)...

If it is an only-car, then the 996 may be more "sensible"? As you expereince with you 944 Turbo, Porsches are extremely well-built, and with proper mainetance will be reliable!

Good luck to you!

[Porsche944parts]

Hi, No it will not be my only car. I will still keep the 944 and the reason I cant choose is because I have seen the 996's from $47-$58 and there are alot of them in that price range and for that kind of money it just seems like a deal no one would be able to pass up. And Yes I would be doing the work myself but then again thats why my question is which model do I have a chance of doing no major work to period. Do those 965's last a while if your ON IT?? since its aircooled?

[Porsche944parts]

OK so I dont know guys........... I REALLY want a 965 I think even more than a 996 am I crazy???? Everytime I look at a 965 I want to cry because its not in my driveway....... But the prices seem to be the same or maybe a bit less for a 965. Is it cheaper to maintain a 965 than a 996??

[Oh Haha]

So go out and buy the 996 TT. If you don't like it just sell it off and get a 965. The way I see it is if you can afford to buy either one, you should be able to afford the maintenance costs.

Pelican has a great forum with very intelligent and experienced members for both models. I'm sure that any issue that you may need help with could be resolved with their assistance.

[Porsche944parts]

Well I can afford it if I can fine either under $50 preferably. Because I dont want to pull a payment anymore than that.
And giving me advice like "If you can afford either one you can afford the maintanance costs" Whats the point of that help???? That doesent help me in any way.
I just want to know if either of those cars are prone to having problems when drivin hard.

[Ole Petter]

Of course you can drive them hard. Even very hard.

And I agree with you! The older car has a look the new one just can't match!?
And for simplicity the older car must be easier and more revarding to maintain?

In my view... And rear wheel drive only, big turbo, light weight, no water cooling complications... Remember what killed off the air-cooled models, was noise-restrictions! (And the 4 valves per cylinder heads).

But any which way you are one lucky guy beeing able to choose!

Ole

Someone I know said: "The only whine I want to hear, is the turbo!" - nice saying!?

[Oh Haha]

My point was that it sounds like you are more concerned about the costs of maintaining the car, no matter which you choose. If you drive "on it" all the time, you obviously will increase the chance of breaking it. While both models will gladly take the abuse, when it breaks, it WILL cost you more no matter what. I'm glad you are able to choose between two awesome vehicles and wish I had the same option. Be sure to post pictures when you get one.

[Porsche944parts]

Thanks for all the help guys. Do you think I have a good chance finding a good maintained 965 for $45??

[Porsche944parts]

Also DO the aircooled porsches run Hotter than water cooled?? And if they do it is probably a bad idea buying a 16 year old 965 if the person doesent have very much service done to it right?? Because if they do run much hotter alot of parts might be very brittle.