C4 narrowing down my search

[rdking]

Well I am new to porsche but have decided to get a C4 (the wife gets the audi allroad) I have narrowed down my search to either a 993 C4 coup (1990- 1998?) any years in particular I should consider or NOT consider. Or should I save up for a 996. Are these radically different cars? This is going to be my daily driver as well as something for the twisties and the track a few times a year. I want power seats and power windows, power air foil in the back and the like. The stripped down race car, knock your fillings out is just not what I am looking for in a daily driver. My budget is around 30K... thanks for the input.

[91C2wrencher]

I think you'll find that its generally agreed to avoid the 1990-early 1991 964 and the 1995 993. I your case find a nice 993.

[MonkeyBoy]

Are there issues with the 95 993 other than the wiring harness (which is covered by Porsche)?

[91C2wrencher]

the 95 didn't get the varioram intake, if that's an issue....

[adscab]

That's not an issue. It's a little hp & torque. The 96-98's may have problems with carbon build up but the overall problems are exxagerated.

[rdking]

everyone always says get the newest porsche you can afford. Is the 996 alot better car than the 993? Can I touch a 996 for 30-35K?

[MonkeyBoy]

Originally posted by rdking
Can I touch a 996 for 30-35K?

I've seen several for 34-38K. There was a C4 on ebay with a buy it now of $35K recently I think.

[Rick Lee]

I'd say get the best Porsche you can afford. The 996 is not one of them and they will just continue to depreciate, while you lust for an air-cooled Porsche. Is $30k your total budget, or just how much you want to spend on the purchase? You'll need a thou for sales tax, regist., etc. and then you'll certainly need a few thou cushion for immediate repairs or mods. I'd say, if $30k is your total car budget, then to find a nice 964 C4, which should be no problem. $30k 993's are out there, but not too many C4's and I'd hate to be broke after I brought a new car home and then found out it needed some work.

[Jim Richards]

everyone always says get the newest porsche you can afford.

I'd say get the best Porsche you can afford.

Richard's position is the correct one. New does not equal best. And you really want the best car for your money. '95 993's are as good as any other 993's. No Varioram, but they can be easily chipped to counter the lack of Varioram. Wiring harness issues simply aren't issues...Porsche has and will make this right at no cost. Too many old wives' tales floating around the board. BTW - my '95 is not for sale.

Rdking, my gut tells me that you'd be best off with an air cooled 911, just because Porsche has had more experience with them. However, the 996's are very nice performance touring cars.

For $30k, you can get a very good 964 or a mediocre 993. I'd go with the 964...perhaps a 92 or 93 model. Best wishes with whatever you choose.

[JonSeigel]

I think that Richard and Jim are absolutely correct. For $30k you can get a '93 or '94 C4. They're bombproof; all of the problems with the early 964s were corrected by then. If you get lucky, a '95 is a possibilty. The late 964 and 993 eats the 996 alive if you are a classic 911 person (air cooled, sports car not GT cruiser, no cup holders, etc.). Make your decision, research methodically, don't make an emotional decision because, e.g., the color is great, and *be patient.*

Good luck,

Jon

'93 C2

[expat]

It might also be worth considering that most early 964's will probably have their problems sorted out by now so if you were to purchase one you'd have more money for mods if you wanted.

Having said that, I reckon you cant miss on a 993 if you have the budget.