Hello,
I am a 5 time owner of 928's, the last being a 93 GTS. I am considering moving to a 911 or 996. Short and sweet, I know nothing of these cars, but I like everyone, wants the best he or she can afford. I do not auto X, I will drive it as a second car most likely, and put about 6000 miles a year on it. What do you the owners of these great cars recommend? My budget will allow me to spend in the high 30's, and I'm not a fan of cabrolets.

Many Thanks!

Jason
82S sold
88S4 sold
90S4 sold
91GT sold
93 GTS sale pending

 

Jason,

Your budget will get you into a nice 993 model of the 911 series. These cars were produced from 1995 to 1998. Upper $30's will also put you in the early 996 models as well, depending on mileage.

The 993 series was the last of the aircooled 911's. The 996 series is (obviously) the first of the water cooled 911's. 993's are typically a bit more raw than the 996 in driving characteristics.

Overall, the 993's are robust cars. 1995 993's are pre OBDII cars and do not suffer from some Check Engine Light problems that can happen on the 1996-1998 993's. CEL problems can be researched on the 993 board. There is a wiring harness recall by Porsche on 1995 and some 1996 993's that helps eliminate a faulty wiring harness problem on those models.

The 996 model continued with Porsche's philosophy of making the 911 faster and more comfortable with each new generation. One of the largest faults of the 996 series is that they can suffer from failing Rear Main Seals. Not every car is affected by this, but it occurs enough that it should be checked for before purchase. 996's have slightly larger interior dimensions and are a bit more roomy than the previous 911's.

Some people will argue that the 993 was the best of the 911 line, but there are people that will favor a 996 over a 993. Both cars can have their problems, but both can be excellent and reliable vehicles as well. Early 996's (especially the 1999 models) seem to have depreciated substantially and can be a performance bargin if you find a solid car. Late model 993's tend to hold their values quite well, with the early 993's still seeing depreciation. 1995 cars can dip below $30k as well for cars that might be a bit rough in condition and / or have higher mileage.

1995 993's are rated at 270 hp and the 1996-98 models are 282 hp. 1999 996's are 296 hp and the 2000-2001 models are 300 hp.

These cars drive differently, so some seat time in each model will help you decide which you like better. Looks are subjective and only you can answer which model looks better to your eye. The interior of the 996 changed substantially over the 993 model. The 993 was the last of the traditional looking interior that has it's design rooted way back to the first 911 produced in model year 1965.

Another option is the 964 series produced from 1989 to 1994. These cars are similar in feel to the 993, but typically are priced less than the 993 (as you would expect of an older car). Early cars (1989-1991) had some teething problems, but late model 964's (1992 - 1994) are quite solid cars. You could spend $25k on a very nice 964 and have money left over for investment or modifications or both.

Upper $30's will get you into a very, very nice early 911 Turbo (US models from 1976-1979) or a good Turbo from the mid to late '80's. It might be possible to find a 964 based 911 Turbo in that price range (I bet most nice cars are over $40k), but 993 based Turbo's are still in the $60k to $80k range for good cars.

Hope this helps a bit,

Jay
90 964

 

Jay gave you a great rundown on your options.

The earlier the car, the rawer the feel. And the fewer (or poorer) creature comforts. With an upper 30s budget you have many options - 964, 993, 996 - although many guys would not trade their earlier cars for any of these (and vice versa). Buy some research books & drive a bunch to narrow it down.

And get a PPI before you plunk down $s.

Ian

 

Yes, what Jay and Ian have said is very accurate. I currently own a 2002 996 C2 coupe 6-speed, which I ordered and bought new, and just recently picked up a 1987 911 coupe 5-speed. I can offer some impressions on these two vintages.

The 996 has tons of power! My 911 scoots pretty good, but the 996 is amazing with regards to speed, torque, and quickness. The 996 is also very comfortable, almost luxurious, and because of that a little heavy. The 911 is, as the guys above have said, raw. I find that to be a good thing, but that's because I like a sportscar to feel more like a race car than a Lexus. Now, the 996 is no Lexus, but I feel that my 911 is more fun to drive than the 996 because it takes more thought to drive it. Driving the 996 is more of a carefree, pleasant, exhilirating experience.

If you like to work on your car, it is much easier and less expensive to work on a pre-996 because parts are more plentiful and cost less compared to 996 parts.

I have never driven a 993, but I have a feeling that the combination of that 282 air cooled hp in that beautiful body and spartan interior would be a nice way to go. I hope to have one myself, someday!

Good luck. Have fun. Get a PPI. And drive a bunch of them before you buy.

 

Thank you all for this comprehensive feedback !! I love the Rennlist! I am sorta used to the grand touring style of the 928 so I probably wouldn't appreciate the rawness of the early 911's, BUT, I have never driven either ,so I might be inclined to purchase an early car just for the fun of driving.

Jason

 

Jason,
I own both, and each one offers a very different driving experience. The 911 requires more concentration and is more difficult to drive, but the drive is more exciting. It's like a blond beach bunny in a bikini. The 928 is more sophisticated, elegant, and luxurious. It's more like a sultry brunette in an evening gown.

Don't dump the brunette for the blond or you'll end up missing the brunette. Keep both!

A 996 is more comfy than an 80's Carrera, but it's still a blond. And also consider the beauty of the GTS that you're giving up for...a 996....that never gets praise for its looks, and many people don't even recognize it as a Porsche because it's a significant departure from the traditional 911 styling. If you really must give up 928 ownership, I recommend a 993 in your price range.

Something else to think about, before you leap....the 928 is superior to the 911 in every way except popularity. If you're looking for comfort and luxury in a different package, you may be disappointed with the blond...er, 911.

 

where is the red head in all this?

 

the redhead stuck me with the property tax on her 996 after we split up, even after she traded it (had been a co-owned,co-titled car despite her making all the payments on 'her' car). leave redheads alone, they're nothing but trouble

 

Ferrari Testarossa....exotic, a great drive, but nothing but trouble.

 

C'mon Randy, you of all people should know that the 964 is the red headed step child of the 911 world...!

Damn she's ugly...