jhubs

I have owned a G50, 87, 911 and I would recommend that vintage car to anyone. Biggest drawback...valve job every 15K miles. It is not a DD commuter car, but a fun weekend and short trip car.
I would not recommend a 996. There are several good reason that there are a lot of them around for sale and at a very reasonable price.
I would also recommend a 993 as this car is a dream to drive and own and it has the classic looks of a Porsche. I really miss the 87, 911, but love the my 95, 993. I would have loved to keep both the 87 and the 1995, 993, but could not.

TroyN

Why don't you take a look at a Boxster or Boxster S? They are more in the same budget range than the 996, and are great cars. Sweet balance, modern (which can be good or bad depending), and fun. I had one for a while (largely got rid of it because I "needed" a track car and wanted a 911) and would consider one again (though not to replace either of my current p-cars). Good luck, the hunt is always fun!

einreb92

There is a '90 C4 offered on the 964 forum that seems like an incredible deal. Opinions anyone please? This might be a great deal for me. What do you all think? Anything I should know?

hkiang

Well, not that I have anything against the '90 Carrera 4, (I have a '94 Carrera 4 Widebody) but its really not as fun as the '87-'89 Carrera. The 911 is lighter, more lithe and more exciting. Its fast, viceral, and the way Porsches should be - memorable.

My suggestion is to start with the '87-'89 Carrera. I have 3 Porsches (including a brand new Boxster S RS60 Spyder) and my 1988 Carrera is the one I would sell last, all things being equal. There is just something about driving a classic, old-school 911.

Cheers and happy shopping,

Henry

einreb92

The deal the owner is giving me is extraordinary considering all the things that have been done to the car: rebuilt motor at 64k (30k ago) clutch replaced this summer, new plugs, wires, distributor belts, and cap done at the same time, 18" wheels, Fabspeed cat bypass + dual pipes etc etc. for $17.5 Do you still think the same thing now?

hkiang

That does sound like a decent deal, to be sure, however, I don't think you should let the price dictate which generation car you buy. My recommendation is that you decide which generation you like most, then look for that car at the price you want. I think one can always find a good deal.

The 964 is a good car - classic 911 looks (albiet, w/ bumper stying that doesn't please everyone) with more modern driving characteristcs - and is fast and fun, however, just not as fun as the '87-'89 911 Carrera, in my humble opinion. But then again, I have both. I obviously have a 964 because I like them too. I think of all Porsches, the build quality of the 964 Carrera is the best, period.

Henry

Brett San Diego

With no experience to back up my statements... I would be leery of the complex 4 wheel drive system of the 964 C4 and possible extra maintenance costs associated with it. Unless you have a need for 4 wheel drive (inclement weather use or like all wheel drive for the track) you might look for something simpler.

Brett

TroyN

That 964 looks like a great deal. The 964 AWD system is heavier and more complex than the 993+ systems but is probably fine for most circumstances. I personally prefer the driving characteristics of a RWD car but many like the AWD for its "safer" feel.

michael lang

My experience is only with the air cooled cars. In 4 1/2 years of owning and tracking my car, not one thing has broken. I have had an occassional event where something wore out at a DE but my car has always been reliable enough to get me home. We're talking about things that will normally wear out from just age & use. I like the fact that there is so much information available that when I'm doing some type of routine maintenance or upgrade, it is virtually impossible for me to get stuck. And the simplicity of these cars, it's so incredible that something so simple and basic can be as fast and reliable as these air cooled cars are. Good luck in your search, take your time, and have fun with the whole process. The right car will come along.

ejdoherty911

I own a 1999 996 with 64K miles. 100% reliable, all original parts including the clutch. Forget the stories about engine problems in the 996. If you buy one the engine has either been replaced (bonus) or it doesn't have the problems you read about. If the engine has lasted over 60K miles, it's not defective. The defective engines broke fast, so avoid very low mileage 1999/2000 996s Buy the car your really want, don't base your decision strictly on price. My 996 is my only car and a daily driver so I went for the 300 HP ! and MUCH more modern interior.

Having said that...

To me PORSCHE will always be a 1985 - 1989 911. The look. Love it. If I could afford 2 Porsches my next buy would be, without a doubt, a 1988 or 1989 G50. I really don't like 964. 993s are great but asking prices are SO much higher.

If it's a daily driver strongly consider a well documented, throughly inspected, 996. If it's a second car go G50.

ron mcatee

jhubs, you stated every 15K that the Carerra needs a valve job? I think you meant valve adjustment didn't you?

Blackspeedster

As an owner of a black 89 speedster and a black 99 cab, I can tell you that they are very different beasts. The 89 complicated and nowhere nearly as quick. The car will make you and your passenger smell like oil as it's air cooled. The 996 is easier to drive but more complicated in many ways too (heated seats, power windows and top, etc.). Personally, I think the 89 now looks dated and the 99 looks more racy with larger wheels and a smoother hood line. Can't go wrong with either but the 99 wins hands down in my book. Conversely, if you like talking to 50 year old guys about the condition of the options sticker under the hood or the fact that the radio is a Becker Charleston or not, then the 89 is for you!

TroyN

When one comes up at this price, pretty tempting... (no affiliation, etc.)
http://denver.craigslist.org/ctd/938155792.html

theiceman

yeah but there is no way i would touch a 3.4 with the original engine .. unless it came with an engine on a skid. like buying an early boxster .. okay i guess i will get flamed now ... fire suit on .... halon system functional

Blackspeedster

It's pretty much agreed that less than 10% of the 996s had bad engines (still a HUGE number!). By now, most 99s have either gone bad or been replaced. Even so, if you complain loud enough, it's $6k net cost for a new engine which is pretty nice.