Bernd

Hi,

I'm looking to own a 911 and need some reassurance. I'll need to use the car as a 'regular driver', so I've somewhat ruled out pre '78 cars. I'm leaning towards a 993 C2 that could be found for around $35k. I would like to keep the total cost with tax less than $40k, so I think thats the 'best' 911 I could get into at that price.

My worry is about ongoing repairs. I don't mind the initial cost and I don't mind the regular service costs. I'm paranoid about clutches... steering racks... et cetera. I suppose its like lusting after a beautiful woman for years and not dating her because she might turn out to be a bitch.

I'm in the Chicago area and would prefer to buy the vehicle locally... any suggestions on how to go about pruchasing the car? Any thoughts on extended warrantees? Sources for 'checklists' for inspection? Should I take it to a dealer? Any other advice or links to advice?

Thanks in advance... I'm excited about the purchase, but nervous

Bernd

993chaz

Bernd, I to just went through the same situation. I purchased a 95 993 for 35k. You should be able to find a very nice example for that price range. I suggest looking everywhere, I have purchased 3 P-cars in the past and have had all of them shipped by car carrier to my home. I have purchased 2 from holtmotorsports, no affilliation. They seem to be a little more expensive but are in excellent shape. Also, keep an eye on Ebay and the PCA web sites. Be sure to have an independent PPI done (pre-purchase inspection). Also, I'm sure if you find a car you can have somebody local to it on this site check it out for you. I sent $100 to a guy in Florida to check out my latest purchase as well as having a PPI done. As they say, buy the newest Pcar you can afford, for 35k -40K you wwill be able to find an excellent 993, take your time, decide what you want, colors, options etc etc. Time is on your side!!

Best of luck <img src="graemlins/beerchug.gif" border="0" alt="[cheers]" />

Jay H

Bernd:

If you are looking for a daily driver 911, a 993 would be an excellent choice. Early 993's (1995-1996 models) in decent condition can be had in your budget range.

Keep in mind that these cars are well built, but are still 6-7 year old by now. Things will break. But, if you have $40k to spend, find a car that is a bit less than that and keep $2000 - $3000 in the bank set aside for repairs. If you know you have the money set aside, that helps keep piece of mind. 911's over all are very bullet proof cars and with the proper care, they will all last a very long time. Parts will fail on these cars, but there are no fatal flaws to any of these cars. All faults can be corrected with reliable fixes.

A pre-purchase inspection will help determine what kind of condition the car is in and is a must. Records also help determine what the car may need in the future.

Talking with prior owners also helps find out how the car was taken care of. Was the car track driven, a daily driver, a garage queen? What kind of person is the prior owner? Enthusiast? Just had the car for status reason? All these bits of info help tell you how the car was treated and what may need to be replaced in the near future.

These cars are pricey to maintain, but not unrealistic. Older Japanese 'supercars' can be much more expensive to maintain than a similar year 911. The key to limiting on-going repairs is to take your time and find a nice example. Don't buy a car because it's cheap. It'll cost you more to maintain the cheap car than it would if you spend the required dollars up front to get a nice car. Don't let your emotions run the show.

The Chicago market seems to be a big market. I purchased my latest 911 from The Exchange in Highland Park and had a great buying experience. Feel free to post your questions on the 993 board. There are numerous Rennlisters that live in the greater Chicago area that can help with where to go to look for a car and where to get a pre-purchase inspection.

Best of Luck,
Jay
<a href="http://www.jays911.com" target="_blank">My 90 964</a>

Douglas_T

Yes, you should be able to find a nice example in that price range! Of course a PPI is a must. I know of some good shops here in Indy that are very good about also letting you know what will need to be done on down the road and when it should be done...Its vital to have for your service budget. Just stick with buying private owner cars, you will get service history and a fair value usually that way. Let me know if I can offer any other help, I would be glad to.

Bernd

Whoops, I'm sorry... I didn't see the 993 board. Wow, this will involve hours of enjoyable message board browsing.

Thanks for the comments!

-Bernd

86Coupe

I'm also considering a 993 in same price range as you. Seems like there were several significant improvements on the 96s -- variocam, improved wiring harness. I heard many of the 95s need to have their harnesses replaced. FYI these cars have squeaky windshield, I was rather surprised when I test drove. Have only driven 1 and clutch was much heavier than I expected compared to my 86 w/915 tranny, maybe it needed repair.

I'd keep an eye out for a 96. It's personal opinion of course but I think this generation of 911 was the best looking ever.

Pete
86 Coupe