Why or why not a 1990 C4?

[Scooter]

Okay, I tried this on the to 911 board and didn't think about posting here. Can you guys give me some insight on a 1990 C4? Anything to look for? Any reason to stay away? Not advice on the particular car, just C4s in general. Thanks in advance.

[964Carrera4Cab]

Assuming you are comfortable with the thought that *any* Porsche will cost a lot more to maintain than any Lexus the only reason to stay away from a '90 C4 is that it's 15 years old so some of the parts that hasn't been changed already will need replacement somewhere in the near future. Like the shocks, steering rack, etc.
I'm not sure where to place Seattle on the map, but if you have your share of winter and you plan to do some driving in the snow, the C4 is the way to go.
I've had a C2 and swapped it for a C4 just because of that.
You may have heard people saying that if you're planning to do trackdays you should choose the C2 as it's more of a drivers car, which I think is complete rubbish.
With a couple of small mods to the car (larger diameter rear swaybar, wider front tires and more toe in on the fron tires) you are able to "dial out" most of the dreadful understeering for a more neutral handling.
I do my share of trackdays and my experience is I'm going faster round the track in the C4 than I did in my C2!
Of course, I'm not a racedriver...
As an everyday car, I think it's fabulous!

Have you driven both the C2 and the C4?
If not, try to do that and then make up your mind.

[epbrown]

I seem to recall the buying guides warning against the 4-wheel drive in the 964, preferring the 993 version. What's with that?

Emanuel

[joey bagadonuts]

I have a 91 C4 which is similar to the car you're considering and love it. There are a couple of well-documented issues with the 89-91's (leaking cylinder head, original dual-mass flywheel) but if these problems did arise, they were often addressed by a previous owner. Also, check this site for more info on this great car.
www.porsche964.co.uk

As for its AWD system vs the 993-on versions, the 964's power is delivered via a fixed split between front and rear axles: 31:69. The later systems offer variable splits so they drive more like a RWD car.

I also track my car and logged over 40 days in the last three years without issue. With 90,000 miles on the clock, it continues to pull strong and leakdown numbers are in the 3-5% range. I'm reluctant to describe it as bulletproof (and jinx myself) but what else would you call it?

[black 90 C4]

I drive a 90 C4 as a daily driver. I live on a dirt road and treat the car like I would any other. I drove a 87 coupe for years and this car is hands down a far better driver. Real heat and the 4 wheel drive is amazing for getting your jolies in the great northwest. The blower motor under the hood will fail. Th A/C condensor up front will fail. Clutch kits are reasonable, but flywheels aren't. No harder to work on than 2wd cars. Only 8 extra bolts to pull the motor. Don't buy one with bad cylender heads. Good luck

[Garrett]

I drive a 92 C4 as a daily driver, and race a C4 as well. They are superb handling cars that inspire confidence through their stability, and even-handling characteristics. The 3.6 torque is excellent, and AWD with active differentials is by far the best way to keep the power going to the ground.