Quick question on 993

Bags · 11-20-2002, 06:54 PM

I have a chance to pick up a 96, 993 C4 excellent shape and well taken care of. What is the difference between this and the C4S? Secondly, what major mechanical problems did this year 993 have?
As always, Thanks
Mike

Eric Coffey · 08:32 PM

The C4S is essentially the "turbo-look" version . It shares the same features as the 993 twin turbo (suspension, brakes, wider fenders, etc.), while still using the standard 3.6L normally aspirated engine. Other differences include a mechanical (retracting) spoiler (turbo uses a fixed wing), and solid-spoke wheels (turbo uses hollow-spoke wheels). There are probably other differences, but that's all I can think of at the moment. Also, 1996 was the first year of the "Varioram" intake system.

poorb0yw · 11-20-2002, 08:42 PM

Eric has the differences pretty much covered. Nothing major in terms of mechanical problems. However you may want to check the vin # at the local dealership to see if it is under recall for the wiring harness (work is covered by Porsche, just a loss of time). The early 96 models are in the same boat as the 95 models in terms of harnesses. The only other thing that is slightly common is the failure of the fan resistor. This is a minor problem and the parts costs about $30.

Bags · 11-21-2002, 06:33 PM

Eric, Princeton;
Thanks for the reply. I know the owner, he is German and the second owner. Car looks great. Do you think $35K is good for this C4 with 80,000 miles?
Mike

YTNUKLR · YTNUKLR's Garage

I personally would not pay $35K. That is a higher mileage 993 than most I've seen. I've seen 993's with 10K miles going for $48K-ish, and 993's with 75,000mi going for just around $30,000. However, if it is a well-maintained, very nice, documented car, then I would say $30-32K. Just my $.02.

Bags · 11-21-2002, 07:50 PM

Scott;
Appreciate the feedback, I know the prices are coming down. Does the fact it is a C4 make it more attractive for that price? I know the current owner has put 40K miles on it in the last 2+ years from highway driving, so you are correct about the milage. My current 87, 911 has 120K and runs awesome. No smoke, no leaks and always starts. Can the 993 be just as reliable?
Mike

poorb0yw · 11-21-2002, 07:53 PM

Mike- I would say no more than 31-32k like YTNUKLR. The fact that it is a C4 doesn't really add to its value.

For example I got my 96 C2 from a DEALER with aftermarket sound system, tire pressure monitor, and 18" Kinesis supercups and fresh Michelin Pilot Sports for about 35k. My example also only had 51,000 miles. Its too much of a buyers market right now to be paying the asking price.

A few more things, be sure to check that the last major service has been done since they are in intervals of 30 thousand miles. Depending on how much you plan to drive it the next one will be coming up within the year (about $1500). Also with this kind of mileage be sure to check the integrity of the clutch if it has not been replaced.

Best of luck

Bags · 11-21-2002, 08:00 PM

Thanls Guys;
I am back to the negotiating table!!!!!
Mike

APKhaos · 08:39 PM

Mike,
The 911 Carrera 4S is the same as a Carrera 4, except for a few changes. It has the bodywork of the 911 Turbo, except for the whaletail. As you can see, the fenders are flared, and the front air dam is straight from the Turbo. The wheels look identical to the Turbo's, except they aren't. The C4S' wheels are not friction welded, and do not have hollow spokes, like the Turbo.

The result is a feast for the eye. It has the four-wheel drive of the Carrera 4, and suspension which has been lowered 10 mm at the front and 20 mm at the back. It also has the incredibly powerful braking system of the 911 Turbo, with red brake calipers. It also comes with the dynamic differential system of the 911 Turbo as standard. As well as air conditioning, trip computer, all-leather interior, electric seat adjustment, rear windscreen wiper, and the radio/cassette stereo sound system. Sports seats are available at no extra charge. Otherwise, like on the Carrera 4, the indicator covers are white at the front and red at the back, the wheel centres feature the new logo, and the gear lever inlay is silver coloured.

The 911 Carrera 4S thus not only looks great, it also offers impressive technical features and is lavishly equipped. The engine is the normally aspirated 3.6 liter, like in the normal C4. This model was offered as special edition in 1996, but in 1997 will took the place of the regular C4 Coupe, and was the only AWD Carrera Coupe available.

Weight is an issue in the 993 model mix.
With the 993 C2 Coupe as a baseline, the car you are looking at carries two fairly significant weight penalties:
1. The 4WD system adds close to 300 lbs
2. The Turbo-look body adds more - can't locate numbers quickly tonight, but it should be around 100 lbs or so.

Given the identical power plant, the narrow-bodied 2WD version delivers stronger performance due to its lower weight. The Turbo look is one sweet looking 911, no doubt.

Descriptive text from Ben McDaniel's outstanding site - The Complete WWW Porsche Home