993 Brakes and Other

socal996 · 07-07-2007, 11:56 AM

Hello All,

I may have identified a 993 for purchase. The seller is a adamant about only wanting Newport Motors looking at the car (that's where the car has been serviced). Does anyone have opinions on Newport? I would be prefer Hergesheimer, but will be flexible.

Also, the car has 49K miles and apparently the brakes haven't been done. I've got to believe the whole 9 yards will need to be replaced, what's the average for a four wheel brake job?

Finally, I've driven a few of these cars and some seem to idle rough while others don't anything to be concerned about there?

Thanks
Brian

AOW162435 · 07-08-2007, 10:57 AM

Brian,
I would be somewhat concerned with the seller's position. As the buyer, you should be able to have a shop of your choosing look the car over. Naturally you can't expect him to drive the car two hours to a shop, but I would be worried that he is trying to hide something....

Andreas

aigel · aigel's Garage

I would not accept a PPI at Newport Motors. The seller is their customer and will continue to use them in the future with his new car. There is a serious conflict of interest for the shop, as they want to please their customer, not an unknown buyer of the customer's car.

I would tell the seller that there is a conflict of interest and that you want a "second opinion". It's not that you are asking him for a PPI at the chevy dealer. If there is a drive involved that's inconvenient, offer to have a flatbed pick up and drop off his car.

While we all like an anal previous owner, since they take good care of their cars, it is unacceptable that the owner dictates the PPI shop. You are the buyer, you are in the driver's seat. A 993 is NOT a rare car and you can find another one. Make sure the seller understands this ...

The PPI can give you an idea on the cost of new pads and rotors and a brake bleed. I'd guess a grand or more. Easily done yourself - Pelican sells all the parts.

Good Luck,

George

aigel · aigel's Garage

Rough idle? Only good thing that could mean is a light weight flywheel. Unless it has that (they tend to drop the idle rpm from that) I'd be worried ... the belt can go on the distributor and of course, it may have missed a couple of tune ups as well.

Good Luck!

George

socal996 · 07-11-2007, 04:38 PM

Thanks guys for the input. I have the same feeling about the PPI.

Brian

Silveresrty911S · Silveresrty911S's Garage

Hey Brian!
Mine every once in a while has a rough idle, then it's in need of an Italian tune up / track time

. Mine has over 80k on the clock and she seems to run smoother after the track/Italian outing. These cars are not ment to be driven @ 2-3k around town and need some blowin out.
Depends on the way she was treated and the amount of crude on the valves. IMHI I think these cars are due for at least a top end around 100k.
I've done the plugs, caps and all the oil cahnges but havn't cleaned the ISV yet. I'm going to PCA DE this Saturday to clean her up at the Q

Don Plumley · Don Plumley's Garage

Herg's is where I'd take it if I were going to write a check. Newport Motors is a fine dealer, but they serviced the car which disqualifies them for a PPI.

At 49K miles you are 11K miles from the big 60K service. It's certainly low miles for the car which is a plus, a brake job isn't a big deal (get Porsche OEM rotors, not generic zimmermans), your only real potential gotcha is the well-documented SAI fault.

I must admit I worry about SoCal cars that have the engine tray on and are babied by the PO's. I think the extra heat, stop and go traffic, and lack of high-rpm time contributes or acerbates the SAI problem. I'd rather have a car with 100K miles with good records and an enthusiast owner. It's all about the vibe - you are buying the PO as much as the car.

Good luck!