[umfan866]

The problem with the valve guides is real. Try to get a car where the valve guides or complete top-end has been replaced. It is a problem from 87-98. For example, I know of a car locally where this was done on a 96 -- the person's bill for valve guides/ top-end AND a clutch job was $14,000! The guy is asking $25,000 for this car, with 133,000 miles, but it needs paint in many areas. I am therefore looking at other cars but they of course may need the valve guides done -- caveat empor.

The issue with carbon buildup causing a sensor to tell the check engine light to go on is known as the SAI (Secondary Air Intake) issue. This does NOT affect the 1995 993, but does affect 1996-1998 993's. If that light came on and the mechanic can't fix it then he/she must in the end do a complete top-end which BTW will fix the valve guide issue.

The problem also is that 911's under 100k typically do not have a top-end done on them, and ones 110-140k often already have the top-end done...so you have to pick do you want a nice clean low-mileage car or a more high-miles car where other things may be worn out.

I wish these issues werent true and I have tried to do a lot of research, but they are true unfortunately. Some people say the SC's are the most reliable of all.
Then again I read about issues with head studs on the SCs..

So who knows..

Marvin