To C4 or not to C4, that is the question

zbph10 · 08-03-2009, 12:36 PM

I've owned two 911's, an 87 Targa and 91 Turbo both of which are now in the hands of new owners. Came across a 90 C4 with high miles, recent top end rebuild and what seems like a very low price of $13,500. Car looks like a top from the pictures.

Before I go down the road of a PPI and 4 hour drive to see the car I was just curious what the folks here think about the obviously heavier and more complicated C4.

Sure seems cheap to me, and yes I know the cost of entry is the cheap part.

Thanks
Brian

tonythetarga · 08-03-2009, 03:19 PM

Just my opinion but the awd set up on these cars is incredibly expensive to repair/replace parts. Cheaper to convert to 2wd than replace the front components.
You might want to search the PCA Pano tech file for reports on this repair. You're right, sounds cheap to get into the car but.....beware of the trans and awd components.

ninelevenick · 08-03-2009, 03:28 PM

The price is right, and if the car is up to your standards both mechanically and cosmetically, I would go for it. The price of repairing the 964 awd system is expensive, but it would be worth it.

McLovin · 08-03-2009, 03:32 PM

The '90 C4 is the worst, most unloved 911 model since the thermal reactor cars of the mid 70s.

And $13,500 is still a good chunk of change in today's sports car market.

group911@aol.co · 08-03-2009, 05:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by McLovin

The '90 C4 is the worst, most unloved 911 model since the thermal reactor cars of the mid 70s.

.

Is this based on some sort of experience?

Newsboy · Newsboy's Garage

I have a 90 C4. Many, including myself love this car, and have experienced no problems with the AWD system. Yes, it would be expensive to fix, but has proven to be pretty bulletproof. If the car is in good shape, and a proper PPI (including leakdown) is done and checks out. Go for it.
This is a very low price for this car, unless it is extremely high millage, and other issues.

Doug&Julie · 08-04-2009, 11:57 AM

Most of the complaints about the 964 C4 came from its "understeery" handling, which is a fairly unnatural feeling for a 911. Some felt it ruined the "sportyness" of the 911. I've not driven one so I don't know how bad it is, but in every other aspect its still a 911. I agree with those that are saying if a thorough PPI checks out, go for it...that's a lot of 911 for $13k.

beepbeep · 08-04-2009, 04:43 PM

Quiet, "non-911" driving manners and somewhat pricey to fix if 4WD stops working.

4WD actuators need its oil changed every few years to keep working, and it cannot be done at home (unless you happen to own Bosch "hammer"). It seems that brake oil is used to move two actuators and in order to flush them you need to cycle them with factory gadget.

algs911 · 08-04-2009, 05:26 PM

As a daily driver, in the rain and snotty conditions, I think the C4 would be great! It's not as "fun" when driving. I had the pleasure of flogging one for a few hours a couple of years ago around my favorite roads. It was nice, fast, safe, and did under steer. I couldn't seem to get it to throttle steer nearly as well as my '86 911.

Great car, expensive to repair if the 4wd system goes down, not as fun to drive as the rwd models, but certainly a more safe car to drive.

If I had the funds, I'd go for it. Use it as the daily driver, and keep my '86 for the fun, weekend stuff.

Al