94 3.6 Turbo...95 or 97 C4S...What to buy?

LowCntryPorche · 11-16-2005, 10:13 PM

Ok everyone...........

I have narrowed my search for my FIRST Porsche. My budget tops out around $40k. The car will be a secondary driver and will stay in my garage for the most part. The 993 body has gronw on me after looking at pictures for several months. I believe I have read that the 95-96's are water cooled? Is that correct? And the 97+ are air cooled? Correct? Which is better? I also kind of remember reading the 95's had mechanical problems and to look closer for the 97+ model. I love the C4S body or Turbo. However, I do not want to over spend for this amenity.

In the forum's opinion, which car is the most suited for my needs (secondary car) and budget. Also, I want a car that is not going to depreciate much, if at all. I look forward to your opinions. Thanks in advance! Ric

Chuck Grieb · Chuck Grieb's Garage

All Porsche 911s up until the introduction of the 996 type were air-cooled. The 996 was introduced as a 1999 model year in the US and was the first watercooled 911.

I think the 1994 3.6 Turbo is likely to cost more than $40k, making your decision easier.

1995 993s had a recall on the wiring harness-be sure that it has been done or have it done. There was no 95 'S', all factory widebodies are 96 or newer. 96 and newer 993s can have a problem related to the OBDII-a CEL lights due to the Secondary Air Injection system getting clogged with carbon or something. In States with a Smog Check this can become a very expensive problem.

Bill Verburg · Bill Verburg's Garage

'95 993 will be the sweet spot, no OBD2 issues, <$30k price, air cooled.

You can't beat that combo

biggest difference is the early '95s have the halo 3rd brake light on the trunk, late have the more integrated roof mounted third brake light.

'96 up are OBD2, which is a potential PIA, water cooled strarted w/ '99 996

stevepaa · 11-19-2005, 08:15 AM

Was there a C4 in 1995? I would like to move up to a C4 from my 92 C2 at some time.

eyue · eyue's Garage

993 would be nice ! But I would prefer 1994 3.6 Turbo ( last of it's kind ).

rcwaldo · 11-26-2005, 01:04 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by stevepaa
Was there a C4 in 1995? I would like to move up to a C4 from my 92 C2 at some time.

Yessir, C4 was available in 1995, just not the S version.

I have to agree the 95 993 is a great car that does avoid potential problems of the later OBD2 cars.

They are all great cars, just some have their relatively small trouble spots.

There is a low mileage Red/Tan 993 on eBay without a reserve and currently at ~$30K. Looks to be clean --but-- never assume

ChristianR · 11-29-2005, 07:22 PM

I love the 993 body style, however I drive a 965. I agree that you probably will not find a 965 in your price range, also, I don't know if that is the best Porsche to buy if it's your 1st. That's alot of car for someone to handle if they have never owned one. When the turbo spools you better hold on.

Christian