Best 964-993 year/s

[CPBMD]

I was wondering what year or years people think are the best of the 964 and 993 models? In terms of reliability and quality.
Thanks Cons

[cjoenck]

Can not comment on the 993 but there are a lot of post out there. For the 964 I would say the '94 because it is by far the most mature of the 964 series without any new issues.

Chris

[Don Plumley]

For the 993, there does not seem to be a difference year to year in build quality and/or general reliability. The biggest issue for 993's is the SAI (see sticky), which 95's don't have because of OBD I (they have the ports, but the computer does not register clogging).

[Titan99]

I say the 93'- or 9'4 964. Last of the true air-cooled highly advanced 911's with the best ---------looking body.

[Pete000]

Late 91 up to 94 are all good cars. The early 91s and prior can have head to cylinder leaking due to no seals. Some were fixed some worked fine.

93 and 94 also have R134 freon in the ac system which is easier to get serviced over the R12 systems on the pre 93 cars.

I like the 92-94 because of the aero mirrors.

As for 993 I would think the Varioram engines would be most desirable.

[Oracle]

The rule of thumb is buy the newest you can afford, true cause the 911 keeps getting better..

[Stealth 993]

I say don't worry about the year. Go & drive a bunch, then get the one that fits your budget, color combo, & passes a PPI.

Really is there any BAD year of 964 or 993?

[Cobalt]

They all have some issues although by now most have had those issues resolved. The 93 and 94 964 is best known but hardest to come by considering so few were imported. If your talking coupes there were 300 more 91's imported than 92,93 & 94's combined. There were only 520 93's and 200 92's so finding a specific model year is much tougher. Look for a good clean car with full service records.

The 993 is another story. Far more made and easier to come by. The 95 coupe is most common with some 3540 imported and only 2109 and 1286 96-97 coupes imported. Far more 993 cabs made so if it is a coupe either 964 or 933 there were only 6306 964 C2/C4 coupes mostly C4's and 6949 993 C2/C4 coupes imported.

I recommend finding the best example of either within your price range. There is a lot of junk out there so have a PPI done no matter what.

[CPBMD]

Thanks for the great information. I never knew so few cars were imported in 93 and 94. I have a 1989 C4. The heads don't leak and there has been no rebuild that I know of. Do you think I am in the clear with this problem at 80,000 miles? Also I have heard that there can be expensive problems with the AWD system. I keep the fluids clean so hopefully I will not have any problems with it. Any comments on the longevity of the AWD system are appreciated.
Thanks a lot
Cons

[Cobalt]

Originally Posted by CPBMD

Thanks for the great information. I never knew so few cars were imported in 93 and 94. I have a 1989 C4. The heads don't leak and there has been no rebuild that I know of. Do you think I am in the clear with this problem at 80,000 miles? Also I have heard that there can be expensive problems with the AWD system. I keep the fluids clean so hopefully I will not have any problems with it. Any comments on the longevity of the AWD system are appreciated.
Thanks a lot
Cons

These cars are suspect to poor maintenance. Many people buy them and then realize how expensive simple maintenance can be and neglect them. I have found that most well maintained Porsche's no matter what model will keep your smile going so long as you keep up with the maintenance. yes they can throw you a curve ball every now and then but these cars are older and most sports cars do that not just Porsche's.

80k is not too high mileage assuming it has been maintained all its days you should be good for a while more. I don't know about the heads and oil leaks it seems to be car dependent and some leaked early some later and some not at all. As far as the AWD I have never owned one so I can't say for sure but of those I know who do own them they seem to be fine but these were well maintained cars some with relatively higher mileage.

[CPBMD]

Thanks for the opinions. I am maintaining the car well. I have no other big hobbies so I can afford it. I hope the car lasts because it is a blast to drive. I don't drive it in the winter unless the roads are dry and I try not to drive in the rain much. This in combination with good maintenance should help the car last hopefully for another100K mile or so.
Cons

[Hawktel]

I've owned my 1989 C4 for 1 year and 1 month. Total expense for the year in repair bills is 1200 bucks. I put 8,000 miles on her in the last year.

600 in new tires. (I knew this was going to be a expense when I bought the car. I don't feel its something that should count, but add it for completness)

New Battery (again a known issue)

Sensor on the ABS wen out and it was $400 to find and solve it.

So my unexpected expenses are 400 bucks.

My car has 175,000 on the clock.

I feel I am doing well with my car, and well worth the expense so far. And my car is one of the Problem-matic ones people talk about. (89's are basically a one off car)

[CPBMD]

Man that is great. I am hopeful my car will last like yours. I love driving it. I have 80K miles on it. I have to replace a hose in the right wheel well as it has a minor leak. It is the hose that goes to the oil reservoir. Hopefully not too much. I will fix it at the next oil change. I have replaced a battery as well 8 months ago. I also put a set of new tires on the car for 800$. The AC even works great blowing 43 degrees. I did a conversion to the new CFC stuff for $250 including a recharge. I plan on driving it a long time. The car runs great with no scratches, chips or dents. The AWD is great, it kicked in today when I took a corner hard and hit some sand. I really felt the front tires grip and shoot me around the turn. Thanks for your input. I am very glad to hear your car is doing well.
Cheers Constantine

[jasonmx5]

CPBMD - where are you located? I'd like to talk to you about your car as I'm considering a 91 C4 Cabrio. I work in Manchester, and I'll be up in the Concord area this afternoon/evening.

[CPBMD]

email cbrocoum@gmail.com