Landseer

I've been eyeing one thats been on used car lot for 6 months. Its a running one, looks completely straight, original paint. Is apparently on consignment and is just sitting. Odometer looks to read about 130 K mi

Can you guys give me the basic strong points / weak points / danger areas on these cars? What should I look for?

Rough idea of price range?

Thanks in advance for any/all advice on this.

Erzengal

Thats really high for a 968. Most I see for sale are around 60-80k. (That mileage isn't bad if maintenance has been done properly though).

Records are really helpful.
They still need regular timing belt/ water pump changes.

I would be worried about a car sitting on a lot for 6 months. Either its priced waay too high, or something is wrong with it. Its also prolly gonna need a new battery.

Prices are around $12-$20k depending on car. Do a search for 968's in the for sale section to get a better idea of what to expect for your money.

Jere

Pros:
968 has a very good engine. HP/Nm ratings for example are higher than on Boxster S. Also, 968 difflock is Torsen, and compared on the more traditional ones used in S2/951, dhe difference IS enormous.
The Variocam-system is also a huge improvement, when comapred to S2 engine. 968 pulls clearly up to the redline without "stalling" in any part of the range.

Changing the cam/bs-belt is easier than on basic 944/951/S2. There is a lot more space between the radiator and the belt-box. Otherwise doing the belt maintenance is similar with the S2. The cambelt also has hydraulic tensioner, so there is only 1 belt one has to get right by hand.

Cons:
The one thing which is good to check is the chain-slide on Variocam-adjuster. When/if that nylon slide (orgodknowswhatitismadeof) decides to relax it usually leads to atleast changing the cams and valves. The piece is rather cheap, in Europe around €15 and it's easy to change.

Don't really know wether it is pro or con, but it is higly recommended to change the cam/bs-belt preferrably 5000miles sooner than later. Parts and/or labour for that is cheap compared to a complete engine which is needed in 95% of the cases when the belts get busted during the engine is running.

Tiptronic, well, that is something IMO is for truly handicapped on 968. If you want the gearbox to use the 1st gear, you really NEED to do kickdown.
The 6spd manual is very comfortable to use and mileage per gallon result can be very good, even whilst driving inside city limits, when compared to tiptronic
Most fun ones are the ClubSports, trust me, I know.

If 993 is the ultimate aircooled elfer, 968 is the ultimate front engined with 4 cyl engines. But, we all have to remember what Dirty Harry said about opinions...

PorscheDude1

Have a full PPI.
Have the cam teeth checked.
You could also check 968forums.com
There is lots of info there.

GL

FRporscheman

130k is NOTHING. I have 230k on my '93 and 180k on my '95. They both run like new!

968s have little torque off the line. Drive it and see if you like it. Once the revs get up to 4k and over, it flies though. The 6-speed is cool and nifty, some find it useful, I find it sometimes cumbersome to have so many gears. R at the top left next to 1st is annoying.

The 968 is a solid car and has no real issues. A few "cons" like checking chain pad wear or the hatch delamination inherited from the 944, but SO so many "pros". Hydraulic belt tensioner, hydraulic chain tensioner, 3-point supported chain tensioner, 2-piece bellhousing like your 928, best door panel design, split rear seats, more trunk space than a 944, and all the cool 968 tidbits all the 944 guys lust for, like mirrors, door handles, spoiler, brake cooling scoops, it goes on.

As a 928 owner I'm sure you can appreciate that the 968 suffers from no electrical problems...

Mike951

I've got a midnight blue '94 968 for sale...there is actually a thread about it if you want to check it out

Tom R.

Why do you think the torsen over a clutch differential is a pro and not a con? Also, in the US the locking diff was an option. quaife and GT make a torsen and GT makes a clutch that will fit the 968.

MichelleJD

Isn't there a ring/pinion recall on the 968? Check to see if that was dealt with.

Damian in NJ

I'd suggest doing a search, reading the gazillion posts here and in the Rennllist 968 forum, then asking specific, detailed questions.

76 911s

The ring/pinion issue pertains to earlier cars, and is relatively easy to resolve. By 130k though, the possibility of the problem arising is low as it usually known by somewhere around half that mileage. I wouldn't say it "flies" over 4k, but it definately picks up. I find it to be relaxing highway cruiser. My '92 is a joy to drive as its a near perfect two owner example, but it just doesn't give the thrills of my '88 ROW 951. Its an entirely different beast, but, if I had to choose between one, I'd choose the 951 despite my 968's condition.

The reverse gear being at the top left isn't a pain at all if you have BMW's or any other 6 spd car - as I do.

Tom R.

around what mileage does it usually rear its ugly head, and is it specific to 92?

FRporscheman

It is not only in early cars. My '95 had this issue addressed sometime before 60k miles. My '93 never had the issue.

I don't own any bummers but I do have a couple of VWs with the same R location, and it doesn't make it easier, it makes it MORE frustrating.

Tom R.

so its a crap shoot? im looking at one with 50 and another with 70k miles. wondering how to confirm in the PPI if it isnt making noise. to repair, is it the same shim procedure as on the 944 box?

PorscheDude1

It is not the ring and pinion (which are gears) but the pinion bearing that is a "potential" problem.

I too have both a 968 and a 951 and I actually think the 968 is a better driver day to day.
IMHO, the usable torque and no lag make slipping threw traffic much easier.

But if I were going to a street fight I would bring the 951.

Tom R.

to get to that ten dollar bearing do you have to drop the box and open it up, or is it an "easy" job like swapping differentials?