General Questions: 993's

briankim912 · 04-30-2006, 07:27 PM

Hello all,

I have been a P-Car fan all my life and am SERIOUSLY considering purchasing a 993 as my next car. I currently own a 2001 Audi S4 2.7 bi-turbo. The car is fun, fast, all wheel drive, and very stylish, but the P-car bug is not getting any better for me and I'd probably shoot myself if I didn't get my hands on one soon! My price range is between 35-40K. I would love a C2S or a C4S, but they still cost a little much. I am a huge fan of the 993 RS look, so that is what I have decided on. I will be extremely happy with a non-S 993.

My questions to you gurus are:

1. How expensive is maintaining a 993? Coming from an S4, I'm used to high maintenance costs. More? Less?
2. What are the most common problems?
3. What should I look for in purchasing a 993?

I had a lot more questions, but I just can't remember, but any input would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks in advance,
Brian Kim

Don Plumley · Don Plumley's Garage

Hi Brian,

They are fabulous cars. To answer #1, are you a DIY or will you hire a mechanic to work on the car? Will it be your only car - if so, how many miles per year will you drive. Probably better than your Audi, but it's not a Toyota.

#2: The single biggest problem with 96+ 993s (OBDII cars) is a SAI (Secondary Air Injection) clogging which won't allow the car to pass Smog. There are simple ways around this, and expensive ones too. Premature valve guide wear is another fault that affects a small percentage of engines. They tend to eat tires - but that's a fun problem. Stock shocks are bad, it would be ideal if the PO replaced them -- or you should.

Otherwise, you are simply looking at wear and tear associated with use and driving condition. Prolonged engine heat, such as stop and go driving in LA heat, is bad. The most important thing you can do is get a thorough PPI from a qualified independent shop. If you update your profile with where you live, you can get recommendations on local shops, or local to wherever the car might be.

#3: A well-cared for car. There are "bargains" and examples that have been poorly treated. These can be some of the most expensive cars. They tend to show up at 2nd tier dealers. I strongly recommend you buy one from an enthusiast. Suggest you check out the 993 forum on Rennlist as well, there have been a few wonderful cars available there with the proper mods.

Good luck - and keep asking questions here and on Rennlist.

InTheAir · 05-01-2006, 05:11 AM

The water's fine, jump in.

briankim912 · 05-01-2006, 07:23 AM

Thanks guys. I've got my eyes open and I should be driving one within the next few months. I'm going to be patient and get exactly what I want.

Don, to answer your question. I am 1/2 DIY'er & 1/2 pay a mechanic type of person.

Thanks,
Brian

tam911 · 05-01-2006, 08:07 AM

I think my 993 is better on repairs than my old A4 was hands down.

typical crap on them was mentioned. Some SAI problems.
Mine had it but it wasn't worn valve gear. The check valve was frozen open. Which screwed things up over time. Not expensive or difficult to correct.
The valve covers and timing chain covers leak, which is not un
common.
other than wear items, my 993 has been very reliable.
They really are great cars.