A new clutch or a new car?

[Fred Birnbaum]

I am the second owner of a 1983 911 SC coupe with 102k miles on it. I had my oil changed today and my mechanic mentioned that my clutch was sending signals of its impending demise. It is the orginal clutch, so no surprise.

I am thinking of selling the car and buying a newer car, a 1993 RS America. I have owned my SC for ten years without a problem. It has been a fun car, but perhaps I should sell it and buy something newer rather than going through the array of issues I will face: new clutch, AC compressor clutch is going, etc.

Any suggestions would be appreciated. I am thinking of the RS America as it is a newer car, but with some of the simplicity of the earlier cars.

Thanks,

[911tmaster]

keep the sc and put alittle money into it and keep it another 10 years. 10 years and no major problems sounds like a good car. i like the older cars alot more but thats my opinion. i say keep the sc.

[Superman]

I know someone who might be looking for a car like that. What color is it?

On the other hand, this looks like one of those golden opportunities to make a decision where fifteen years from now you say "I had this terrific little beauty that never gave me any trouble and I sure wish I hadn't sold that one."

[masraum]

If you are thinking of this from a work/money point of view then I would say fix the SC. Cheaper than buying the other car which will still be a used car. In the end you'll have an SC with mostly new parts.

If you're just kicking around ideas and money isn't really an issue then test drive the '93 and see which one "does it" for you the most. Go with the one that makes you smile the most, you only live once.

I agree with masraum. If you like the RS America, get it. But because you like it not because you think it will be more reliable and economic to own.

That's the "wonderful" thing with Porsches. Even the not so old ones can break and cost a fortune to fix. You never know...

[JackT]

It is just starting to appreciate in value. Not much, but it will no t depreciate, and you will have a new clutch. I have a A/C compressor, with clutch, that has 5000 miles on if you are interested. I put a rotary compressor on.

[rstoll]

Keep the SC and buy the '93.

[chuckr]

As a fellow SC owner-1983SC Targa, I have to say.... keep the SC ! I am fimillar with the RS and it is a great car..BUT it is possible to get even more expensive repair bills with the 3.6, I have to say though,if you have to get into a 3.6 the RS is the best one to get, lightened flywheel and a few other upgrades make it a really good package.Tough decision, best of luck !

[Don Wohlfarth]

Fred, I have a similar situation. I've got a 82SC I've had for a little over 18 years. 2 years ago the car had 115K on the clock and 3 broken head studs. I fell into the "while you're in there" pit and had the motor rebuilt to a 3.2. Woke up one morning 1 1/2 years ago and saw a 93 RSA for sale and bought it. Being a very fortunate fellow, my wife made me promise not to sell my SC until I was sure I wanted to keep the SC. I still have both.
On the day I picked up the RSA I put 2 new tires on the front, PO had just put on 2 rears, and drove 400+ miles to Carolina Motorsports Park for a 3 day DE with no porblems.
The RSA is a much nicer and better car it terms of refinement.
The RSA will probably never become a rare car but more of a special interest car, they made too many of them. There was only 180# difference between the RSA and the C2 and you will lose some of that if you have a/c and a sunroof. I think you're kidding yourself if you think the RSA will be cheaper to maintain as a lot of the systems are not DIY like the earlier cars.
There's not much difference between a SC and a Carrera but there's a big difference between a SC/Carrera and a C2. They're just 2 completely different cars.
BTW my SC has sport seats and my wife will at least tolerate those but she can be very vocal when she is subjected to the Recaro's in the RSA for any length of time.