Questions on 993

[Brian993]

I was looking at a 993. 29000 mi, Beautiful black, power sunroof coupe. Talked to the guy about a trade for the Boxster. He wants 46500., I paid 38500 for the boxster. He said he see's a 10k difference. As far as numbers go what do you guys think. This is a sharp car and I am fighting with myself. I told him I see a 5k difference. If he counters what should I do. Please can you give me some serious feedback.

[orbmedia]

It's hard to say because used late-model Porsche prices are all over the map right now. You can find a really great deal on a 993 now but at the same time the Boxster will be worth less. I'd guess the 10K number is close to reality. If you shop around you can find 993's like that in the low 40's. Now seems to be a great time to buy and not so great time to sell.

[Eric Coffey]

What is the Year/model/mileage/condition break-down for both cars?

[Steve W]

Be aware 95s don't have the varioram intakes as the 96s and later do. That said, a buddy of mine purchased a lapis blue 96 cab with 56k mi. a few months ago for $42k. Very clean.

[nostatic]

That's a fairly high price by SoCal standards. About 4 months ago I passed on a very clean '95 w/56K. It ended up selling for $35K. Depending on the year and options, I figure high $30's-low$40's is the going rate for a fairly low mileage 993.

Boxsters can be had in the $20's if you are willing to take a '97 or high mileage '98 or '99. The low-mid $30's will get you a lower mile newer car.

So I guess the ~$10K difference is in the ballpark, but as usual, it depends on the details (condition), and what someone is willing to pay.

[Brian993]

The Boxster is a 10. 7500 mi, perfect condition with alot of nice options, turbo wheels, sports package, to nam a few. The 993 is 9.5 with a few stone chips up front that are touched up, miles are in the twenties, I forget at the moment I think 26000. Both cars are in perfect mechanical condition. My biggest point of concern at this moment is the Boxster still has 2 years of factory warranty. But in another sense, I am confident, given the mileage and condition of the 993 that I would be ok. The fact that it is a 6 speed would be a nice change as I am no fond of the 5 speed. I also , correct me if I am wrong, think the 993's value will be more stable in the long run. Just thinking about this one at the moment, not really crazy about spending another 10k, but the 993 sure is pretty!

[Brian993]

Nostatic, I do appreciate your feedback, but I get the impression that porsche values in Ca. may be some what lower than in Ma. It may be a supply and demand type thing.

[pbs911]

I was looking at trading my 78SC Targa for a 993 about 4 months ago. Bot hmy wife and me decided to my 78 until we get a three car garage. They will never make another SC Targa. In your position, they will forever make the Boxster, as far as we know. I would get the 993 without question.

$46.5 is WAY too much for a 95. It worth about $41K if in excellent condition.

The 95's have a problem with the wire harness in the engine compartment for certian VINs. The results are FIRE! Check the Rennlist board for the exact VIN that is suspect. The 95 does not have the Variram, but that is only good at about 6,300 RPMs. The 95s are also precluded from using 18" wheels up to a certain VIN. Again the Renlist 993 board has the is info. In short, if the 993 has a picnic basket 3rd tail light, it will cost you about $2K to get it to the condition of a 96, without the Variram. I would hold out for a 96 or very late 95. Those are great cars that should never be sold, IMHO. If you could get your hands on one, keep it forever. That said, the price will drop on those cars as they age. The computer and electronic system will cost you $$$$ in repairs, but no more than the Boxster.

AS for an investment, the Boxstewr will depreciate much faster than the 993. Both will depreciate, however. Porsches are not investments. But some Porsches do hold value. I am very VERY confident that a 993 will hold its value much MUCH than a Boxster. If you want, buy it, take very good care of it, and I'll by it when I get a 3 car garage.

I have researched this extensively. Email me if you have other questions.

[Brian993]

Thanks Paul, this is a 96. I appreciate your help. When I wrote 9.5 I meant on a scale of 1 to 10. Man there nice.

[expat]

Get the 993. I've just spent four hours chasing one around with my '87 (more on that later). The 993 looked great, goes well, makes a great sound when the noise stick is pushed in and has some nice creature comforts.

Definitely a step-up I'd say over the Boxster and worth the $10.... your talking about. The again its all a matter of what youre willing to shell out eh!

Good luck and don't think too hard about it.

Cheers
Mark

[Eric Coffey]

IMO that sounds a bit high for a `95, even with the low miles. You might want to broaden your search, and take a bit more time to see what is out there. I have personally seen a few `97 C2S models advertised for around $47K, with similar mileage and condition. On the same note, I have seen the asking prices coming down on Boxster "for sale" ads too. So, maybe time is a considerable factor for getting the most back out of the Boxster.

[Nader]

If you can bargain him down a bit, I think it would be a reasonable good deal for a low mileage '96. I think these 993s will be future classics, unlike the Boxters.

[Brian993]

I wanted to bring this back up to ask John Walker what if any, his experience has been with the 993.

[emcon5]

I don't know what the sales tax is on cars in Massachusetts, but here in California I wouldn't do it just because I am a bit of a cheap SOB, and I wouldn't want to get buggered by the tax man twice in 2 months. We pay about 8%, so taxes would tack about $3800 on to the 993. Add this to the $3000 taxes for the Boxster.

Something to think about.

If you want to spend $10K, look for a 996 engine for your Boxster. Your car is a lot of fun now, how much more fun would it be with 100 more horsepower. A 300 hp 2800 lb car would run circles around a 993.

Tom.

[Brian993]

I would only have to pay taxes above the trade in amount. 5% in mass, so a 10k difference would 500.00.

[Brian993]

I made an offer on the 993. My car and 5k. He want time to think about it. My fingers are crossed.

[JDaniel]

Buy the 993, take good care of it, put as much $$ into it as possible. Then In 2 years when I decide to buy my 2nd Porsche I'll look you up!

It's funny how many of us 911 owners explore the 993 upgrade. I'll do it someday, but I will not sell my '87 to get it. I have considered buying a 993C4 as a daily driver, but the snow around here gets a bit scary.