Cost of ownership 993 vs 996tt

[jb 911]

Anybody who has had both (or still does) have both, which do you think would have the higher cost of ownership over a long term span 5-10 years, a 993 NB coupe or a 996 tt. Assuming the both are well sorted and have a decent ppi upon purchase.

A few points to consider 1. I am shocked that a 'well sorted' 996tt has fallen +/-5k to within a 'well sorted' 993 coupe price. 2. I am drawn to the 993 but also the 911 is about performance - and the 996tt is (take a deep breath 993 guys beats the 993 coupe in THAT department. 3. As long as they are maintained, I don't feel either will lose or gain much more in the next 5 years. 4. When reading the first few pages of either RL board - there are a similar number of 'problem with car threads, maybe a LITTLE less on the 996tt , but that is a little newer too...

Insight appreciated

[Tremelune]

The 993 will appreciate forever. The 996 (even the Turbo) is still falling, and may yet have a ways to go...especially with the 991 finally bringing gorgeous 911s into the 21st century.

The Turbo is much better looking than the standard, hideous 996, but I still have to wonder how much of this article applies to it:

http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/2010/08/porsches-deadly-sin-1-1999-porsche-911-996-3-4/

Buy a 993 now, and buy a 996TT in five years. You probably won't want to.

[biosurfer1]

I don't think that article has anything to do with with 996TT, completely different engine and from everything I have read, light years more reliable.

[81Kremer930]

The 993 is the last of the air-cooled cars, as I am sure you know. They are the most reliable of the air-cooled cars, have the best creature-feature components like air conditioning, electronic fuel injection, 6 speed transmission, etc. The body style is timeless, the lines are near perfect, and there are no more out there to be found or produced. Unlike the water cooled cars, who's performance numbers keep getting better and better, but the values keep diminishing. That's the value situation you've run into comparing a 996TT with a 993C4S... or even a S.

The 996 will be more reliable and cheaper to own than a 993, but these are still Porsches, it's not going to be inexpensive overall for either. A technician here locally(Louisville, KY), told me before I bought my 81 Turbo, the 993 is the most expensive Porsche to maintain... Now we were talking turbo cars... a NA model I am sure will be less money over the short or longrun.

Whichever you buy, have a PPI done for sure. Forum members can get you hooked up with someone near where you're located, as we are from all parts of the world. This will be the best money upfront you can spend.

Will this car be a daily driver?... This question alone could help you with your decision.

[hkspwrsche]

Originally Posted by 81Kremer930

The 993 is the last of the air-cooled cars, as I am sure you know. They are the most reliable of the air-cooled cars, have the best creature-feature components like air conditioning, electronic fuel injection, 6 speed transmission, etc. The body style is timeless, the lines are near perfect, and there are no more out there to be found or produced. Unlike the water cooled cars, who's performance numbers keep getting better and better, but the values keep diminishing. That's the value situation you've run into comparing a 996TT with a 993C4S... or even a S.

The 996 will be more reliable and cheaper to own than a 993, but these are still Porsches, it's not going to be inexpensive overall for either. A technician here locally(Louisville, KY), told me before I bought my 81 Turbo, the 993 is the most expensive Porsche to maintain... Now we were talking turbo cars... a NA model I am sure will be less money over the short or longrun.

Whichever you buy, have a PPI done for sure. Forum members can get you hooked up with someone near where you're located, as we are from all parts of the world. This will be the best money upfront you can spend.

Will this car be a daily driver?... This question alone could help you with your decision.

I doubt there will be a huge difference in maint cost but who wouldn't buy a 993 over any water-cooled cars?

[geshaghi]

996TT is probably the most performance per dollar that you can buy right now. Is it an air-cooled Porsche? No, but the engine does not have the dreaded (and over-hyped IMO) IMS issue, and has a more direct connection to the Hans Metzger designed 911 engine, and it is still a Porsche. Go drive a 993 and go drive a 996TT, figure out which one you like more, and buy it. Both great cars, but very very different.

[rwilner]

My buddy has a 2003 996 TT with 350k miles on it. That is not a typo. He drives it every day all over the northeast (lives in Rhode Island), 4 seasons a year. He does track days at least 3x/year and it's still on the original clutch. The car is bulletproof and a rocketship...it's a supercar, really.

You're going to pay big money for brakes and tires...that's true on either car but I think the consumables on the 996tt will be a bit more than the 993.

My unsolicited opinion and advice: life is too short. You're looking at Porsches so clearly you can afford some play funds. Buy the car you want, buy based on condition, and don't worry if you'll get 1k more on the back end for one or the other.

[drmatera]

993's are very pretty but there is absolutely no comparo when you look at performance. So comparing them is not possible

[aigel]

Note that the 996 TT has the same bottom end as the 993 and 964. Not prone to IMS bearing failures or leaky main seals.

You have to ask yourself if you would like to own a classic car (classic cars never are as potent as a modern car) or an older model sports car which will continue to depreciate and not reach classic status any time soon.

I would try to do both.

G