Newbie help-model choice

[Magdaddy]

Hi all, I've been lurking here for years. It's finally time for me to have a question, and benefit from the group guidance/advice.

Technically, I'm about 12-16 months away from purchase time. I realize that once I finalize a model, it'll take that amount of time reasonably to find the right fit for me. I had a 74 911 years ago, when the head studs started coming out...well you all know the rest. I eventually decided to let the car go, get other priorities in order, got married, had a family, got waaay into cycling, etc. I have loved the 84-89 M-491's and Turbo's all of my life. I always imagined I'd get the M-491-maintenance/insurance/etc. Now their value is rising, and there is an abundance of very nicely modded Turbo's at a reasonable price. This car would be a summer daily driver only-Central New York resident here.

Now I'm really thinking/looking at a different use, and consequently a different model(s). I'll be 50 in 2011, and I've been without a Porsche for over 15 years. I've owned some pretty neat stuff in the mean time, but not a 911. So, I'm thinking a year round daily driver, so AWD is in order here for sure-long time Audi owner/fan.

The question: I need the widebody look, so the C4 with the widebody was available in 92,93, 94 area..then it became the C4S in 95, and 96. Do I have the available years correct? I realize that some model years are very limited runs(if you can believe some of the ads you read), but really just love those years.

I really don't have a budget finalized, but with no mortage, and the house just about right, I should be able to spend maybe $35k. That budget is the limiting factor, but still should give me enough room. I could spent more, but considering it's intended use, it might be tough. Anyway,with my intended use, a low mileage garage queen certainly isn't of interest. I have owned a few other ridiculously hi mileage German cars, so I realize maintenance/care are paramount, and not mileage.

So, could you please comment on the correct years those models are available, or better yet...direct me to web resources, or even detailed quality publications that I should consider that would answer/advise me on what model would be the best fit for me and my intended use.

I've read every post on the 964 vs 993 comparison thread with great interest. I have quite a few more pages to scan thru, to go over all posts in this forum, but I'll work my way thru it. The detail many of you post is humbling, and the passion of which you display envious. Please help me get back to that place.

Thanks all

[Don Plumley]

Good luck with your search!

I'm sure if you are watching prices the 993 4S is really holding its value. Probably because it is really desirable.

I think you need to decide if you are looking for the 964 vs 993 first to help focus your search.

I'm not up on the exact years for the widebody, if I have some time this weekend I'll check my library on specifics for you. If I forget, please pm me.

[Newsboy]

1990-1994 C4"s are generally available in 15-25K range. Wide body/Turbo look add add 5-10K,
because of their limited availability. For a 993 Carrera 4s, prices go from 30k-50k depending on the year and mileage. Check out PCA Panorama, or their website, also Rennlist. Seems like you have given yourself plenty of time to look for a car. good luck!

[Magdaddy]

a dealer about a 5 hr drive from me, has two 94 964 C4 widebody's, many NB 993 C4's, as well as a 98 993 Carrera S(C2S). So, all three body styles to look at under one roof. That's too good an oppourtunity to pass on. All are low mileage cars.

I'm calling tomorrow to verify they're still available, as well as asking price. While I am not in a position to buy(unless there's a fire sale going on), to be able to do an inside and especially out side by side comparison is just way too good of a thing to pass up.

I need to rule out the standard body 993 C4, before I settle on the C4S of that series. I gotta admit though, those widebody 964 C4's look awfully good. Searching thru the sold stuff, he had two with whaletails-the two currently in stock do not. I gotta tell ya, that lovely cartoon proportioned flared/spoilered car just does it for me.

Hoping to make it out there this upcoming Saturday.

[aigel]

The 964 4wd is $$$ if anything goes bad. That's the #1 reason to look into the 993. I doubt $35k will buy a nice C4S 993 though. A C4 993 will be very nice for 35k. You'll have money let to get the big red brakes, modify the suspension and put some decent aftermarket wheels on it. I wouldn't pay $10k extra for a couple inches in rear fender width.

Final note: By all means, shop at the store and find out what you like, but buy private party with a PPI. A dealership adds no value, unless you don't have time to look for a car and rely on their financing.

George

[Magdaddy]

just called to arrange Saturday's visit, and get some pricing info. The two widebody 964 C4's are almost $50k each-they are near perfect though. The 993 C4 aero is $41k, didn't bother pricing the 993 C2S.

It'll simply be one stop shopping, as far as determining what I can live with. I'm sure that I'll like the look of the 964 the most-just drawn to that old cartoon proportioned flare thing ya know. The rarity of that model, probably makes it unreasonable in my price range. The standard body 993 would certainly be a great option, if it has enough "flair" for me.

I'm up here in almost Porsche starved Central New York, so if I gotta drive 5 hours to look at a bunch of sheetmetal, so be it.

Your 993 looks beautiful aigel, thanks for the advice.

[trader220]

Originally Posted by Magdaddy

The question: I need the widebody look, so the C4 with the widebody was available in 92,93, 94 area..then it became the C4S in 95, and 96. Do I have the available years correct? I realize that some model years are very limited runs(if you can believe some of the ads you read), but really just love those years.


Thanks all

The 964 wide body C4 was only made in 1994 for the US. There was no wide body 993 in 1995 so in a 993 you're looking at 96,97 or 98 for a C4S.

Given your price rage <35K you're probably only going to have a shot at the 1994 C4 Wide Body and even thats a little bit of a stretch.

[ornert]

All the info you seek is in the "Porsche 993, The Essential Companion". It runs about $67 on Amazon.

I couldn't believe I owned my 993 for 3 years without owning this book. To say it is detailed is an understatement.

Lots of good info on what to look for and how to buy a 993.

Terry