is a 1993 cab 4 a good reliable porsche??

[johnm1469]

I'm new to Porsche world!! have the oportunity of buying a 1993 Porsche cab 4 for 25000. owner has put over 12 k into it in the last 4 years. has 60k. is that a good deal or should i look for another year. I'm looking for a reliable Porsche. your 2 cents would be welcome. thanks

[Crude Rudy]

Get a PPI, pre-purchase inspection at a local "reputable" indi pcar shop. The few hundred $$'s are a smart investment. Only then will u know if the car is good and how much $$ is required to bring it up to standard daily driver condition. And if it is worth $25K.

[johnm1469]

Thanks/ does anybody here have one because in my research is stated that the drivetrain is a problem. any comment welcome!!!!

[Bob Kontak]

There were fewer problems with the 93 than the 90 964. It is a good year 964 year to buy. It is a different platform than the 911 up through 89 and different from the 993 which started in 94. It's kind of a loner. Is is said the 4WD system does not need much maintenance and is pretty robust.

Overall, it will probably provide less hassles than the 911 through 89. You will never have a 911 that is hassle free.

There is not a rabid following of the 964 like the 911 through 89. The 964 has been called a step child. It can walk away from an 89 and I would love to have the one you are looking at. (although the stats in the below link indicate the late 80's 911s are pretty peppy)

Dollar wise, look on cars.com for a flavor of what 964's are going for. The 964 forum would know better.

Here are some performance stats for fun. I have no idea of the validity of these numbers.
Porsche 0-60 Times & Porsche Quarter Mile Times | Porsche 911 Carrera 0-60, 944, GT2, Boxster, Caymene, GT3, Cayenne and Porsche 928 0 to 60 stats!

[MMiller]

I'm a big fan of the 964. Enjoy the looks and the increased power. I will probably replace my 88 someday with one. However I would prefer the C2 over the C4, less moving parts should provide a lower cost of ownership, plus the 2wd drive model will have a more classic driving experience. I would only consider the AWD if you need it for year around use in challenging weather.

regards,

Mike

[Bob Kontak]

Originally Posted by Bob Kontak

Is is said the 4WD system does not need much maintenance and is pretty robust.

Here is a thread about the differences between the 964 and 993. There is discussion about AWD (C4) problems and Bill Verburg's #7 post offers a number of search terms that you can search and study on. Some say great system in the 964 (although more complex than the 93) and some say not so great. Verburg is one of the CMF'sIC here as to solid dependable data, so this suggests you do some more reading.

1989 964 c4. vs 1995 993

[johnm1469]

Thanks/ Now i'm really confused. i really wonder if i should buy the 1993 porsche 911 caberloit 4 with 60k for 25000/ Now i know why she has put over 12k into in the last 4 years. it is a pretty car

[Fly911]

In addition to the front wheel drive, the 964 C4 puts another 200lbs (!!!) over the rear wheel drive C2. None of these will have a positive influence on the handling. Like many 4WD cars, also the 964 C4 handles like a front wheel drive, and that is the last thing you want from any 911 series cars! The 964 front wheel drive system is also more complicated than the later 993 system, and more costly to maintain and repair. Unless you will use your Porsche in snow and ice (or as a terain vehicle), youi should go for a C2!

[grant 911]

I'll echo the others on the subject of the awd.
I personally wouldn't want it ONLY because I've driven the 2 and it was an absolute blast, and realistically wouldn't need the awd or want the added weight.
I've driven an owned a 996, and currently own an 84 Carrera. And driven many models in between, and I think the 964 would be a great first Porsche.
Get the PPI. The last thing you want is to ruin your first impression of the greatest drivers car to grace the earth!

[Type911]

Originally Posted by Fly911

also the 964 C4 handles like a front wheel drive, and that is the last thing you want from any 911 series !

Really ?

My C4 drives like all the other 911's I have driven...only better, and certainly NOT like a front wheel drive car. The weight difference C2 vs C4 is equal to a tank of gas...not much.

I have taken this car at limits that would have spun my older 911's on dry pavement. Everyone says to get a C2, as the C4 is heavy, AWD is expensive etc.
All internet hyberbole !

Great cars and a true bargain in the mid to low 20's Get a PPI from a qualified shop & perform due dilligence.

For good info on 964's go here
964 Forum - Rennlist Discussion Forums

90s R Gruppe 911

[johnm1469]

bump

[Groesbeck Hurricane]

do you drive in snow?

I do not know if $25K is high or not. I would strongly suggest you get a PPI. 12K might not be bad, it might have fixed any issues. Who knows until you check it all out. You could also look in the for sale section here and on RENNLIST to get an idea on pricing. I know in 15 plus years of ownership I have spent more than $10K on my SC.

[Type911]

Pics of the cab you are interested in and some more detail on the $12k in repairs would be useful.

964 is a great 1st Porsche provided everything is well sorted & ready to go.

Based on my experience...and off the cuff without any photos/documentation the seller is probably about 1.5-3K high on price.