Maybe purchasing high mileage 993-need advice

[JonSeigel]

There's a '95 coupe for sale with (get this) 194,000 miles. I can purchase it for $27-28k. I saw and drove the car, and from what I can tell (I'm not a mechanic, but I'm not naive enough to look at the cosmetic side only--engine purred like a kitten) if someone told me it had only 100,000 miles, I'd believe him. The owner drives about 120 miles (almost all highway) round trip for work. He's got all of his records and he appears to take good care of it. Car is on its original clutch (due to so many highway miles? How long can a clutch last? It felt really good and was engaging near the floor).
The one issue (besides the mileage)is that in 1996 he was in an accident (hit on the left tire, needed new axle, etc. to the tune of $15k, about 50/50 parts vs. labor). Kelly blue book is $25,000 trade in, $38,000 retail, without depreciation for accident.
Of course, I'd get a PPI before purchasing. Assuming it's ok, what do you think? My concern is that if I try to sell it in five years, I'll have a 230,000 mile ten year old car with an accident, and will get something like $17k for it. Am I off base? What do ya all think? A quick reply would be *greatly appreciated.* Thanks in advance.

Jon

[Leland Pate]

Do be sure to get a quality PPI done in it and make sure it is detailed.
I don't think any of us are too keen on 993s to make any specific calls. Nor do I know of any specific problem areas accociated with 993s. I would say that you better set aside a huge repair budget. 993 parts are DEFINATELY not cheap. I'd guess on a clutch swap soon. I'd be real interested to see what kind of compression numbers you get off of it. 993s are absolutely georgous...but it's still a gamble.
Your call.

[lucky77]

Agreed: repair budget and PPI!

[orbmedia]

As you are aware the 993 is the best 911 ever made. All 993's are pretty much the same, with the '95 model being slightly less desirable for a few minor reasons the biggest of which is the lack of Varioram.

What you have there is a very unusual find. For that kind of money you are getting into a 993 at a very low price. If you are willing to take a little risk you should go for it. As reliable as they are it should not give you any problems.

993's are holding their value like no car I have ever seen. '98 wide body cars are actually selling at the same price as the original stickers.

[MMBRAZIL]

If its truely highway driven I would divide those miles by 2 with no concern.....no city and traffic cars yould have original cluth in 194k.
I read an article about airport taxis, that where only driven in highways going 600 to 1 million kilometers with no major repairs. In the city traffic they would never go over 300k.
My opinion.....

[wckrause]

Along with a PPI, I'd have a good Porsche certified body shop look at the repair work and records. That's the only part of the deal that would make me nervous.

Sounds like a great find.

------------------
Bill Krause
'79 911SC Euro

[jbailey930]

I have heard of auctions for 95 993's with 60,000 miles around $35,000. FWIW.

[Doug Zielke]

Jon,
I'm looking at the June issue of PML (Porsche Market Letter). Under the listings for 993, there are 16 1995 Coupes for sale. The average mileage for those who mention it in their ad, is around 35-45k. The prices for these are in the 40-50k$ range. Highest price coupe with 30k is 52,500. There is one car listed at 200k for $40,000. That seems a bit optimistic, considering the other listings.

I hope you find a nice one. I have driven a '97C4S 993 and liked it *very* much.

------------------
Doug
'81 SC Coupe (aka: "Blue Bomber")
Canada West Region PCA
members.home.net/zielke/911SC.htm

[Eric Coffey]

Sounds like a pretty good find if the rest of the car checks out. As above, the only thing I would be concerned about is a clear PPI, and good records, especially for the repair. Also, look to see if the repair included checking/replacing any transmission components. A direct hit on a rear wheel that necessitates a new axle probably transmitted a lot of force to the gearbox.

-Eric

[Bar]

Walk away.

The 993 is bullet-proof, yes. At that price, however, factor in re-builds, clutch, etc. ( a lot of $). With the money you may (are you a betting man?) spend on this, you can get a low mileage one.

A PPI won't tell you what will go wrong in 5 or 10k miles. You never know. If you are limited to $25k or so, look at all the wonderful 911's that are available that are pre-993. They are great cars. In my opinion, if cost is an issue, buy a pre-993 and wait for the 993. If cost is not an issue, go for the lower mileage ones.

Bar
Green 993 Carrera Cab