996s cheaper than 993s?

Lerxst · 12-30-2005, 07:17 PM

Question#2

I've been look at 993s for the past couple of weeks as they've been my favorite shape. However, for kicks I was looking at 996s and have found some 1999 and 2000 C2s, with less mileage, cheaper than 1995-1998 C2s. Why is that?

I'm starting to rethink my choice...

Are there drawbacks with the 1999 and 2000s? Would a liquid-cooled engine lead to more headaches down the road? Any common problems?

I'd keep researching and plan to subscribe to Excellence, but found a sweet car that I'd love to act on asap.

Thanks for the help.

Rob Channell · 12-30-2005, 07:35 PM

I've heard both ways about the 996 engines. One the plus side it has more power. On the minus side there are several complaints of the engines going bad. A local buyer of a 996 said he talked to the dealer and could get a replacement engine cheaper than a rebuild at $8000. I'm not sure what all that included. I'd at least do a couple of hours of searching on 996 problem here and rennlist and I'd try to get a warranty.

The 997s seem nicer and I wonder if the 996s might not drop a little more in value, especially as they come out from under the warranty. The 993s seem to be staying strong in price and I wonder if it's because the loyalty to the aircooled design and the last of a breed.

IMHO, YMMV, yada, yada, yada

fscaife · 12-30-2005, 08:06 PM

You need to drive both. The 993 has a more 'raw' feel to it, the 996 is a bit more of a GT. The 993 is holding value due to the tradition of an aircooled car yes, but just look at them, GORGEOUS!! (and no one will ever mistake it for a boxster, not that there's anything wrong with that)

The 993 community is also very knowledgable about their breed and many have no problem wrenching on their own cars. 996 owners may catch up with them in time who knows.

earlyapex · 12-30-2005, 09:21 PM

Supply and demand. The 996 was built in very high numbers while the 993 had a shorter run. The 993 is arguably the best of the air cooled line of cars. The 996 is more of a GT, but is faster and more comfortable than its predecessor. Dealers do not rebuild the M96 motor. Bad motors are sent to Porsche and a factory rebuilt motor is sent back. A factory rebuilt M96 motor can cost less than rebuilding a 993 motor. Both cars are reliable, but any older car will tend to have more issues. The 993 motor has come under the gun of late for secondary air injector clogging triggering a CEL and premature valve guide wear. Check the tech section of the PCA web site. The 996 has the stigma of the RMS leak which in of itself is not fatal to the engine as long as you don't let the thing run dry! You really can't go wrong with either choice as long as you know what you want out of your Porsche. A very thorough PPI is a must as all Porsches are expensive to repair.