Looking at 96 993 to buy

rmoe · 01-03-2011, 06:44 AM

Hello all, I am new to the forum as well as Porsche's. I am looking at a 96 993 c2 and wanted to gather some knowledge on what to watch out for. The car has 165,000 miles on it and owner says it has no leaks or oil burn. Any particular maint I should ask about for that mileage. Asking is 19,500 for c2 with leather, great shape in and out. Any help would mean a lot on inspection and price.
Thank you,

Ryan

Bill Verburg · Bill Verburg's Garage

spend some extra $ and have a pro that you trust do a ppi.

It would help if you told us where you live for some recommendations if you don't have a trusted shop already in mind.

johnsjmc · 01-03-2011, 10:00 AM

Look at records if available. The original shocks will have worn out and would be interested in what replaced them. My 95 993 has 110, 000 mi and first gear syncro is weak. Front control arm bushings were shot ,but shocks had been changed to the Bilstein PSS9 set up. Any check engine light or smoke on start up could indicate the need for a top end overhaul.(likely done by 165K).ABS or airbag light on could also be expensive. After looking at records and still interseted then get an inspection by a mechanic familiar with the 993.

Paul K · Paul K's Garage

Ryan:

+1 for adding your location to your profile. That way we can help you better. Can you post a link to the ad?

Thanks,

Paul.

wolf76 · wolf76's Garage

Hello and welcome Ryan. +1 on what has been said above. How long have you been looking? It usually helps to drive as many as you can.

Chris

Oh Haha · 03:02 PM

Is it in Florida?

Does it have cashmere/tan leather "sport" seats?

993/ cashmere hard back sport seats

rmoe · 01-03-2011, 06:17 PM

Just started the search, it is in Charlotte, vehicle was in dc area for a while. Leather is black, going to look at it on Friday. Owner said no cels present.

Paul K · Paul K's Garage

Ryan:

No matter what, get a Pre-purchase inspection from an independent (not a dealership) that knows Porsches. If the seller refuses, do not buy the car. The $500 you'll pay for the inspection could save you thousands in repairs.

Also, post a link to the ad.

Good luck!

Paul.

rmoe · 01-04-2011, 07:29 AM

Here's the link to it, 1996 Porsche 911 3.6L RED

rmoe · 01-04-2011, 07:33 AM

So average ppi is around 500?

dfwerdoc · 01-04-2011, 12:39 PM

500 with compression and leak down. i've been quoted 370 to 650. with those many miles on the car i would price in a top end rebuild.

rmoe · 01-04-2011, 12:48 PM

I'm going to find out if a top end has been done, other than that is there any other major maintenance to expect or would have been done. Does anyone have a mx schedule posted?

gruppe75 · gruppe75's Garage

In regards to the PPI, during my search the costs can add up very quickly if you end up doing multiple vehicles. I ended up doing a two part PPI, the first without the leakdown test which they normally can do within a couple of hours. If the PPI shows favorable at this point, then I would continue with the leakdown test. If it doesn't show any promise, you have just saved yourself a couple of hundred dollars.

rmoe · 05:22 PM

Good advice, thank you all.

wolf76 · wolf76's Garage

Good luck with the PPI if you decide to go with it. Let us know how you made out.

Chris

rmoe · 01-07-2011, 11:52 AM

Well I looked the at the 96 today. The outside looked great, a few minor rock chips. All in all the paint looked to be in great shape, they must use a real high quality paint to hold up so well for 165,000 miles. The car drove well, although I think the clutch is slipping a bit. Smelled a burnt smell after hard acceleration in 2nd and 3rd gear, along with the revs jumped a little too quick. The things that concern me about this one is: just basic mx has been done, outside of plugs and belts, oil changes are about it. The bushing have to be worn, new clutch, maybe new coil overs, potential top end rebuild at some point, front tires, brakes. He said the car has never had new rotors, new clutch, or distributor replaced. I am going to take it to have a mechanic look at it if the price is right on the car with those items in mind. He wants 19,500obo, I am thinking around 15 considering what is worn out, but I'm new to these cars so I'm not really sure if I am in the ballpark. What is everyones thoughts?

Thanks,

Ryan