Tonyq

I'm looking to buy my first 911. I like features from several model years...cabs and coupes. Model years 1991 to 1997 have the most appeal. Although I like the hard boot feature on the newer cabs. Air cooled vs. water cooled. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

theiceman

this forum covers up to 89 .. although a few of the guys here have the newere cars also ... mosy of us will tell you the cars lost there soul after 89 :0

Rinty

I suggest you get a copy of Paul Frere's "Porsche 911 Story", plough your way through it, and then try to figure out what's most important to you. There are dozens of variables, and every owner is different.

Frere will give you a good idea of what each version is about, and then you have to figure out what best fits your "mission."

As between the 964 and 993 series, the latter have more trunk room, multi link rear suspension, and hydraulic valve lifters, which are attractive features.

Good luck.

Craig B

Probably best to post this one on the 964 and 993 forums. Personally, I have a 964 and love it - really the last series with the classic 911 shape. Mind you, if I had a 993, would probably say the same. I have a tip, which is easier to drive in traffic, and better to allow my wife to drive it. Probably also more durable in the sense that previous owners are less likely to have used it as a track car. Conversely, if you want a track car, you probably won't be looking for a tip.

pjc

I have a '76 and a '95 - the '76 is my garage queen, loved her for over 20 years and no intention of divorce, she will be mine for life (mine - she will go on forever).

The '95, 993, is a standard narrow bodied Tip and is driven more frequently and is a rocket ship. Like it but don't Luv it. More expensive to run than you'd think (particularly if you use official Porsche Centres - I do because it has a full set of dealer stamps). Not been as reliable as I would have wished but maybe I've been unlucky - new cam followers, new master board for computer for example. Had it 6 years, mileage 55,000 miles. Would I part with it? Yes probably.

If I had to drive one every day then no contest - the 993.

PJC

Tonyq

Thanks for the responses. I will definately get the book.

Ed Burdell

Yes, I'll attest to the daily driveability of the 993, although I have no experience in earlier incarnations.

Norske

I have experience from 1960 to 1998, turbo's, etc. You need to experience all models to accurately pick one. I would not rade my 993 fro much. the air blows ice, and in NC & SC, that is important to me. In NH, it probably not. 83 to 89 Carrera's are great, SC's are OK also. Early 911's have a certain soul that the latter cars lack, 72's & 73's esp. See if you can drive a few before you decide.

Tonyq

I found a dealer that is selling a 1999 cab for $22K, a 1994 cab for $25K and I have a friend who has a 2000 C4 cab for sale. All very nice cars. There was a mint 1986 targa that really had my attention... yellow black interior. Sold before I could get to it.

theiceman

do your research into the 99 engines the 3.4 litre.....

BlackPearl

Try and drive a variety, and read the book.

Drive '71 to '73 ( if you can find one) then a 74-77 (bit of a nightmare reliability wise), then an SC, then a Carrera ('84 to '89) then a 964, then a 993.

I'd run .... i mean RUN from a '99 to '01. Too heavy, too scary to think of the early wet-sump engine oil systems.

Drive them, ask yourself why you're buying it (D.D or Toy?), and do you want a piece of auto history, or a nice cruiser/ lookie-lookie car.

Regardless, have fun while you shop. Afterall, you'll be driving Porsche.

Ed Hughes

I'd get "our own" Peter Z's book first.....(Peter Zimmermann)

butzip

Get an 84-89 Carrea
Coupe if you want to DE
Cab if not and want open air fun
or
Targa if you want both.

The main question is want you want to do with the car / budget / what appeals to you most.

IMO
Coupes have the classic roof line and look great, timeless. Probably best in NH.
Cabs look great with the top down and lose a little bit of the classic roof line with it up (I had an 88 cab as a dd for 8 years).
Targas are abundant widely available and don't command the same premium as coupes and cabs. So good to buy, they may not be great as far as resale but the driving experience is unique. With the top off you get the cab experience without all the wind. No roll bar requirement for DE.

3.2s are simple and have enough power to be fun. my first choice. Anything later starts to lose its appeal for me. PLEASE DO NOT GO FOR 996 and later. Prices are wildly attractive these days but don't fall for it. I had a 99 and yes they are powerful but it was like driving a rental car. lots of plastic, feels and sounds nothing like the earlier cars. and by early I mean 94 and earlier. Not the same experience at all. Oh yeah and theres that RMS having to replace the engine thing.... I like 964s and 993s but I'm very specific about how they should be set up. Anything 89 or earlier look and perform great right out of the box and stock.

Good luck!

Mitch Leland

I love my "84" Turbo Look, it's some where between a classic and a modern car with cruise control, electric windows, sun roof, a good working "up graded" A/C, S/W chip and a M&K sport muffler so it rings my bell. However I'm too old to want it for a daily driver... It's a good road car, I can track it when I want, drive it home without any reliability issues.

I have more money in it than it's worth, but that's OK, it's an outstanding car... Remember, you can't pay too much for a good car. Lastly, a DIY'er can still work on it, parts are available new or used so 3.2 911 for my money is worth considering.

rbcsaver

If you had been at the Central PA Region PCA Hershey Swap today, there was a terrific group (my estimate is 300) Porsche's 356 to current for sale.
regards,
Steve