964 as a daily driver?

M491Cabriolet · 06-07-2014, 08:49 AM

Looking at various options, from an SC, to a 964, to a 997.2, to a MAcan as my next daily driver. I drove a nice SC in traffic this week and decided that it might drive me nuts to drive that car every day to commute to work in DC traffic. Thinking of a 997.2 or Macan with PDK instead. With two kids's futures to think about, the idea of sinking a quickly shrinking $60k minimum into a car makes my stomach turn. So...I am considering a car that would still be fun, but more civilized than an SC (or my longhood), but which might not lose its value overnight, the 964.

Has anyone got opinions on the use ability if a 964 as a daily driver? It's in the right price range and should not become devalued by driving it short distances daily, but is it a "tiring", uncomfortable and stinky car to drive in a suit? Any subjective or objective opinions would be highly appreciated.

Hnichols · Hnichols's Garage

I've driven my '88 3.2 as a daily, and it was great, apart from the lack of AC. So I would think that the 964, which has good AC, would be a great daily.

The cap'n · 06-07-2014, 09:44 AM

If you buy a 964, be sure to get one that has all the late improvements to the leaker, er, engine.

The Cap'n

NYNick · NYNick's Garage

993.
It's got everything you'll ever need for a daily commute, will cost way less than $60K and will hold it's value for years to come.

boba · 06-07-2014, 10:32 AM

964 or 993 would fit well as a DD. AC works. The choice of tip or manual would be personal and subject to amount of stop and go type traffic. The 3.6 has enough torque that the manual is not a lot of work in traffic. Either would be a fun choice.

The cap'n · 06-07-2014, 10:46 AM

Speaking of 993s, I know of a nice late one near me, 95K miles, I dunno the right name for the color, but it's a teal blue/green over tan. Had the SAI system redone a couple of years ago, other maintenance per schedule. PM me if you're interested, and I can pass along the contact information for the seller. West Coast, so there are NO corrosion issues.

The Cap'n

agfours · agfours's Garage

964 would be a great DD if you like the vintage feel with modern conveniences.

+1 on later model ('92-94). Early models had an issue with the cylinders sealing to the heads properly. Also watch for, maintain the dual distributor belt so you don't melt a hole in a piston dome. (Pete Zimmerman's book addresses this).

Have driven an 85 (with 915 like the SC) daily for 2 years, as well as a 96 993 C4S and an 87 coupe (G50) and can tell you that I keep coming back to the 87-89 for the fun factor. The 993 was a great modern feeling car but there were just too many modernizing things that took away from the visceral fun of the earlier cars. Drive one and judge for yourself though. The power is addictive and a suspension is much better in the city as the trade off. I'm guessing that the 915 was in need of bushing maintenance and probably contributed to your in town frustrations. At minimum would recommend the G50 cars in town.

Stinky? The smells are as unique as the year model changes, but one of my favorite sensory inputs. I like the earlier stink of oil and leather. The 964 will still have a bit of that if you are running the heat. 993s have a bit of a plasticky smell, but doesn't transfer to clothing like the earlier cars oily effervescence.

If you are in a suit, you will need good AC...964 or newer.

No question, the 993 is the best air cooled DD, and might be worth springing for the extra $5-8k. Look for a 95 model prior to ODBCII computers to keep the CEL from causing you inspection sticker headaches due to SAI clogging issues. Note that if you are willing to consider a tiptronic you will have the perfect traffic car, and can get it on the cheap, as these are not sold with the premium of the manual and are in 964 territory on price.

porterdog · 06-07-2014, 11:09 AM

Ask this question in the Rennlist 964 forum. My prediction: The answers will be positive

RedCoupe · 06-07-2014, 02:27 PM

I won't try to tell anyone which air cooled 911 is the best everyday driver, but as a 10 year 964 owner, I can tell you that they can be driven in all conditions and still keep you smiling. I wouldn't rule out an early 964 because at 24 years old, chances are very good that all the problem areas have already been dealt with. Like any used Porsche you are looking at ask for records and receipts and get a PPI by someone who knows these cars well. Drive as many of the air cooled cars as you can and decide for yourself which one is your best bet.

2cam · 2cam's Garage

If you're looking for a cheap daily driver that won't lose a ton on depreciation, why not consider an early 996 (commonly discussed issues withstanding of course...)? It would be more traffic friendly than one of the air-cooled cars and have nice, working A/C.

2cam

M491Cabriolet · 06-08-2014, 04:44 PM

Yeah, I had a wonderful 2003 996. Sold it, but miss it. I just don't like the body shape as much as any other 911.

Back on the 964, what are thoughts on tiptronic? Does it suck? Found a decent tiptronic car, but the transmission kind of scares me.

Can a tiptronic car be converted to a manual transmission?

Is a tiptronic car worth less? If so, how much less, in terms of percentage?

Thanks!

Bill Douglas · 06-08-2014, 05:36 PM

First gear in a 915 transmission, and I guess the later ones too, is too high for crawling along in traffic. My Corolla is low enough geared that it can do walking pace just fine. But the SC... It's constantly we're off, stop, we're off, stop. So I'd go with a tiptronic, go easy on yourself

boba · 06-08-2014, 05:42 PM

A tip does not suck, it is just not a manual. The choice is one of personal preference.
Tips are not in as much demand as manuals so do not get the same premium. Just as cabs and Targas are not in as much demand as coupes.
They can be converted to a manual but not sure it is justified. If you want a manual just look for a manual.

RedCoupe · 06-08-2014, 08:11 PM

Bill, I don't have any problem crawling along in my 964. The combination of gear ratio and engine torque makes it okay. At least when you're going forward. Reverse gear, on the other hand, is way too high. First is about 3.5 while reverse is something like 2.7 in the G50 and I really notice it in this hilly, high altitude part of the country that I live in. I hate having to slip the clutch when backing out of driveways, etc. I'm not sure what the P folks were thinking. Did they think we all wanted to go 50 backwards?

M491Cabriolet · 06-08-2014, 08:20 PM

So, since I've never driven a tiptronic, is it a plain old automatic like you would find in an automatic Toyota, or is it somehow special, like the PDK? Does it make the 911 less of a sportscar? Sorry for the dumb questions...

Any clue how much it might cost to convert to manual if I end up hating the tiptronic?

boba · 08:32 PM

The tip is a 4 speed automatic with two modes. You can drive it as an auto where it shifts itself automatically or you can shift up or down manually.
Find a tip you can test drive rather than think conversion. Start out buying the type you want.

After all you are looking for a DD not a project.

RedCoupe · 06-08-2014, 08:31 PM

I drove a tip in an early Boxster and it was just a crisp shifting automatic. No more or no less. It wasn't exactly the best combination with a 2.5 L engine as it was a little bit anemic, but coupled to a 964 or a 993, it could be nice. Personally, I wouldn't consider trying to convert a tip car to a manual. There are so many little pieces that are different between the manual and the tip that it could be a long and expensive journey.

group911@aol.co · 06-08-2014, 09:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by M491Cabriolet

So, since I've never driven a tiptronic, is it a plain old automatic like you would find in an automatic Toyota, or is it somehow special, like the PDK? Does it make the 911 less of a sportscar? Sorry for the dumb questions...

Any clue how much it might cost to convert to manual if I end up hating the tiptronic?

I have 964's in all the variations and love them all. They have the best heating system of any car I've ever had- air or water cooled. I have a cab tip and it's a pleasure to drive especially in traffic but it's equally comfortable on road trips.
Don't be afraid of the C-4. One of my favorites is my 89 C-4. Just an easy comfortable car to drive without any drama and it's a blast on the track.