964 C4 reliability

[yelcab1]

I have seen several local, lower miles, in decent shape 964 C4, at attractive prices, that are peaking my interests. I have also heard stories about the all wheel drive systems on this series of 911 and I am not sure that I want to get into this set of problems.

What are some of the 4 wheel drive problems? How often? and how much to fix?

[napaul]

don't get spooked off cause it's a c4.I have an 89 c4 and absolutely love it.sure i've had some small issues electrically but nothing to do with awd system.from my understanding and experience with it over the past 2 years they are very robust and dependable.

[porterdog]

Agree. You can find a few complaints of major issues but by and large the 964 AWD setup is pretty robust.

[truthspeaker]

While admittedly the 964 is a complicated machine it is also very robust.

[notfarnow]

I bought my '91 c4 last January. It had been an "occasional use" weekend car, 2k miles per year. I bought it and made it my daily driver. I beat the pi$$ out of it every day. I drive it like I hate it, and I love it. 22k miles in *not quite* a year, and it performs flawlessly. The locking diffs (964 only) make it absolutely unstoppable in the snow. I can get through heavy snow that my chev 4x4 can deal with. No kidding



There's also another local guy with a 1990 c4... 270k miles on his. Engine's never been apart and the car works great.

[porterdog]

Originally Posted by notfarnow

There's also another local guy with a 1990 c4... 270k miles on his. Engine's never been apart and the car works great.

Love it.

[87911jon]

I've had my '89 C4 for almost two years. I replaced the alternator and battery and that's been it. Great car.

[Enso]

Nice!

[ghiaben]

Same here! Had my 1990 C4 for 5 years now. It's been super reliable for me. I go for 6 hour drive road trips without blinking and super confident. Only breakdown was a blown tire. Mine has around 125k miles and still going strong!

Ben

[RayB]

These are great comments about the C4. I found mine last fall after long search but was a little unsure about C4 vs C2. I have been happy, but only got 1k miles on it before winter storage. Did drive it in sleet storm and it was great.

[porterdog]

Originally Posted by RayB

...winter storage.

What's that?

Best snow car ever....

[Alan Goettel]

I avoid the sloppy salt as much as I can, but have been amazed how well it went in snow with All Season Tires. I have a clip driving through my yard with about 8" of snow with now old half shot All Seasons.

Tire choices are limited due to odd size sets that are required for ABS. Pirelli came out with a 16" Snow, but stuck an N label on it so it costs way more. Firestone (Winter Force) is stud-able and half the price. I had a couple of sets on daily drivers, and they worked out well.

Sorry to hijack, but what do you all use in the white winters?

I bought mine with 197k miles, as a parts car. Now approaching 210 in a little over a year, and love it. AWD stuff can get expensive fast, but there are quite a few real high mileage C4s around. Get a PPI from someone who can make sure everything is working, do the maintenance, and go hard!

[umgang]

I'll chime in on the positive as well.
Have a 1991 C4, 175,000 miles - runs like a champ, incredible and FUN in the snow,...
the all wheel drive system is amazing.
The HVAC systems are a bit wonky but that is true of C2 as well.
BTW_ the all wheel drive in the 964 is far superior to the 993 - which only allows 40% lock up to front vs. 100% in the 964.
Go out and find an empty lot to spin around in the snow!

[porterdog]

Originally Posted by Alan Goettel

Sorry to hijack, but what do you all use in the white winters?

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