Newbie...

[arbik]

Greetings all,

So I'm a crossover from another PPBB list. I'm currently own a BMW R1100S motorcycle, and drive around in a jalopy 1983 cherokee chief. I've been considering upgrading my 4 wheel ride to a comparable one to the bike, and narrowed it down to the M5 or the 911. I think, being 30 and single, the 911 is a better choice, however, I'm clueless as far as what to look for.

here are a few questions I have, which I'd appreciate a push in the right direction on.

1. I like the 993 exterior and 996 interior. I'm looking for either a 1999 or 2000 car..so either is possible. are there any specific improvements or advantages to the 99 993 over the 00 996 or vice versa?

2. Any trouble areas I should look for?

3. what should I expect to pay, for a private party couple C2 in good condition?

Any and all suggestions and ideas would be much appreciated. I'm fairly completent on motorcycles, but not very knowledgable on cars (other than jeeps) and certainly clueless on porsches.

thanks,

-arbi

[Rick Lee]

You won't find a 1999 993. 1998 was the last year they made them and I don't think they made anything but the S, Turbo and Targa models that year. If you want a plain old 993 C2, you'll be looking for '95-'97 models. You're one of the few people I've seen compliment the 996 interior. If you spend some time around pre-996 models, I think you'll find their interiors a little more in keeping with the classic Porsche marque.

You can find a decent '99 996 for under $40k these days. A lot of them are coming off lease and so are pretty cheap. They do not hold their values like the air-cooled Porsches, though the used Porsche market in general is a bit soft these days. If you really want advice on a 993, lots of folks here can help you. I don't know much about 996's though.

[arbik]

Thanks for the correction on the years. I actually prefer the Targa model, if I can find one. I just called a supposed "wholesaler" and they quoted me 50K for a 2000 996. As far as the interior, I only meant that the 996 of course, looks more inline with current automobiles (modern).
as far as aircooled, what was the last model to have that?

where would I start looking for one? I have not yet made up my mind on which model to get, but a 996 for under 40K is MUCH more attractive to me than a new car! I dont drive much (commute on a motorcycle to work and back, all of 6 miles each day), so the car will be mostly garaged for 5-6days/week. Its mostly for weekend jaunts, and longer trips that I want this vehicle, and of course, not to mention the fun factor

thanks,

-arbi

[Rick Lee]

In LA I bet they grow on trees. Later Targa models are a bit like having a house with a swimming pool - really awesome if that's just what you want. But you can only resell them to someone who wants exactly that. $50k for a 996 Targa doesn't sound too bad to me. I know the local Ferrari dealership has/had a '97 Targa in mint condition for $45, which was overpriced, but still. You'll need to do some research. I think the newer Targas are quite a detour from the older ones. The retractable glass would worry me. It looks like one more expensive elect. system to fix and when fully open, I think it obscures your rear view. The last air-cooled Porsche was the 1998 993.

[billh1963]

Richard's right on track (he ought to know current pricing ..... we bought our cars around the same time)!

Research some more before you take a test drive so that you know what to look for. Rennlist.com is another source for 993 and 996 information.

I drove both cars before I settled on the 993. Each model has their own virtues and vices. Ultimately, buy the car that you like....and get a PPI perfomed!

[911]

Arbi,

Depending on the year you are looking for, 993s can be bought from the mid-30s up to the mid-40s. If you are looking for an "S" then you can add approximately $10k to that price tag.

All of the 993s are incredible. The only concern w/ the varioram models (96-98) is the carbon buildup issue. This can lead to a pretty expensive repair (approx $5k). Many people have suggested using Chevron gas and the techron additive before every oil change.

Where are you located in LA? There are a ton of 993s out here. As Bill mentioned, make sure you get a PPI done before you purchase.

Rich

[arbik]

Rich,

Thanks for the info. I think I have decided to go with a 2000 996. If I can get one with under 48K on the odometer, and under warranty. I've decided on a coupe, with as little "junk- aka accessories" on it as possible. Of course, I am looking for a white one, which makes the search 10 times harder, as that is not a popular color. Any ideas where to look?
So far, I've been looking in Ebay, but unless I can do a PPI, I am not willing to bid on a car this expensive!

Any suggestions or pointers is greatly appreciated.

As much as I like the looks/performance/character of the 993, I think at this time, the 996 is a better choice for me. Maybe in a few years, I can pickup a nice 993 S coupe.

Thanks,

-arbi

[911]

Arbi,

Have you checked Autotrader.com? They have a bunch listed there for the SoCal area. I don't really know a lot about the 996, even though I have driven a few of them on the track (great performance, btw).

Good luck! Searching is half of the fun.

Rich