Hey everyone, new user here at Rennlist. I'm seriously thinking abot buying a 964 coupe and have been doing a lot of research over the past couple of days (John Miles' site, etc...). I'm still a little nervous about maintenance costs. What are the major service intervals and how much are we talking? How much does it cost to replace a clutch and how often should this be done?

I'm pretty convinced I can get a generally trouble free car if I mind the issues specific to early 964s, so the routine maintenance question is one of the last hurdles. Anyone have any other tips/advice? I've never owned a Porsche before -- I'm coming out of a 93 300Z and a late 2004 WRX STi which was stolen.

 

Hi Tazio,

I also owned a STI before the 964, and no regret! You'll be happy with a 964, but be carefull, it's not as easy as the subaru to drive... but far more interesting
About costs, it's not the subaru... Valves to adjust each 20000km... and it's an old car (more than 10 years) and we can't expect the same relialblility we are waiting from a new car, but finally it's not bad.
Here in Switzerland, each 20000km I have to pay around 1000 euros for a full service including valves adjustment.
Cluch should be changed each 100000km, but it depends on the driver... and usage of the car...
I use to go on track with my 964, and I use it each day to go to work, 25000km per year... incredible reliability for a 15 years old car! It always starts on the morning, if it's -20° Celsius or + 38° C! No surprise, that car will die after me, that's for sure!
Buy it, you'll be happy.

NTTY

 

Tazio, I've got 2! Most all modern convieniences w/ a classic look. My Track car gets the **** run out of it, (1 Valve adjustment in 3 years of Track) my '93 runs perfect and haven't done anything but wax & clean (yes, oil/ filter too). I've only had it for almost a year, and must say I don't drive but 1-2 times a week. But I'd jump into it and drive most anywhere w/o worry.
Do a "search" up at the top of the page, I'm sure you'll find quite a bit that'll be relavent.
Just take your time and get an independent Pre-Purchase Inspection (PPI), If they won't allow...walk!
Good hunting.
Bill

 

Tazio, I was sitting on the fence wondering whether to by a 964, especially after hearing some of the horror stories, real or imagined. I took the plunge and I wish that I had bought one sooner - can't stop driving it, great fun. Find the best you can afford and enjoy it, yes it will probably cost you more, but we are talking about a classy, classic sports machine!!
Chris.

 

Tazio: I would not recommend a 964 to anyone that does not know an honest and competant mechanic, or is able to DIY most maintenance and repairs. I budgeted $5000 in reserve for unexpected repairs. I budgeted $1000 per year for maintenance cost (DIY, use $2500/year if you plan to pay for shop labor). So far I have spent less that 1/2 of my budget, and the car is much better today than when I purchased it two years ago. Kiss the maintenance money goodbye before you buy the car, and it will be painless. If you need to dip into your food budget to fix the car, you should be driving something else, or taking the bus.

The horror stories are out there. Most involve dishonest or incompetent mechanics, or cars purchased from owners that abused or neglected them. My 964 is reliable enough to use as a daily driver. I still have a 100% mission competion rate. The only on-road problem was a broken AC belt, which I should have changed before that happened.

The advice to buy the best example you can find is well founded. Prices tend to get pulled to the averages published by the used car valuation services. This means that abused or neglected cars get prices pulled up, and the best examples have prices pulled down towards the average. The cost for getting a neglected car up to a good standard far exceeds the premium for getting an outstanding example in the first place. You will tire of dealing with neglect history well before getting the problems resolved. Keeping my 964 as good as new has not been difficult or expensive, but I bought a car kept to that standard already.

 

An important point in the purchase process is to get a pre-purchase inspection. Budget $250. Have a knowledgable mechanic (probably not a Porsche dealership, unless you know the mechanic knows 964's) peform one. This gives you better insight into what you're buying, and gives you negotiating leverage with the buyer.

Also, be a well educated 964 consumer - continue to read everything you can. The in process 964 FAQ is here. Adrian Steather has a 964-dedicated book with a wealth of information. Others like Paul Frere's 'Porsche 911 Story' have good information, too.

Go to www.pca.org, click on regions, and find the regions in your area. You'll find a wealth of knowledge in the membership.

Don't be shy about posting questions here, and becoming a Rennlist member!

 

Thanks for all of thr advice...it's reassuring that the car has generally proved reliable if well-maintained. Is it generally better to have such a car serviced at a POrsche dealer or to try to find a private mechanic?

 

Are the maintenace costs generally less than the 964 for the previous body style or for the 993? I'm not on a super tight budget, but I do want to make a smart long-term decision for my wallet. Just trying to cover all of the bases. BTW, this car will only be driven maybe 10-12,000 miles a year.

 

Tazio,

Nowadays, you're better off using an Independant Garage to service your 964. Generally, the dealerships service newer cars more often as they are under warranty etc, & may have less experience of the older models. An independant will also be cheaper to service!! One thing that I've found by taking my car to an independant is that I always have the same guy service the car which is a good thing. Hell, I've even got his mobile number!! Try getting that kind of service from a dealership!!

Regarding servicing costs, the 993 will be cheaper as the valves do not need to be adjusted manually. The 964 is possibly the dearest car to service, but not by much. For instance, on the ealier cars, they only had one spark plug per cylinder, but on the 964 & 993's, they have two. On the 964 this involves removing part of the exhaust to access th lower bank of plugs!

The 964 is quite a complicated car in comparison to the ealier models, ie ABS etc., but don't let that put you off buying one! Just buy the best you can afford, and as stated earlier, make sure you get it inspected before handing over any readies!
I'm sure some of the NY boys (and girls!) on this board will give you the names of some respected shops to have your car inspected at!

Good luck with the hunt for a car & you won't regret it once you've got a good one!!

Andy

 

I thought the valve adjustment was a yearly thing? Or is it as needed?

Also, I'm quite tall (6'6") -- will I fit? I've never driven a 964 (or any 911) before. There aren't many in the NYC area.

 

Tazio,

It is a yearly thing, but the 993 does them by itself!! The 964 valves need to be adjusted manually during the service by your mechanic, and thus adds to the labour cost of it.

Andy

 

If you are really, really serious Buy
Adrian Streathers book dedicated 100% to the 964 model. When you are READY to buy Phil Raby has produced an excellent
buyers guide .

AFTER you buy, dont even think about not getting a Rennlist membership

Good luck and happy hunting!!

 

Hello Tazio,

Let me add another data point. Just like Springer mentioned above, I would budget at least $2,000 a year for tires, other consumables, and maintenance. You will not need this amount every year, but this seems to be the average for my last four years' of ownership (I have a convertible that increases the expense, though). Parts and (good) labor are expensive, and preventive maintenance will save you money in the long run.

Cheers,
ST

 

Are you coutning gas in your list of consumables?

 

No, I wasn't. My 964 is for fun and weekend use only and I haven't even calculated how many miles per gallon it gets.