Damon

I am in the market for a 91-93 C2. I am looking to have around 20K cash to spend. I cant afford alot of money in repairs but maintenance is no prob. I read in a post that if I will spend $2000 a year in maintenance I would be more than fine. I work at a performance shop and the owner of the shop here has a 1996 993 with a 100 shot of nitrous on it. He has told me he will help me with all maintenance issues (changing oil, brakes, etc.) so I wont be out of pocket there. I am looking for the big expenses that I will likely incur, I have also checked out Robin's site P-Car.com. I am not sure of the mileage range I will be able to afford and I am aware of the head gasket (or lack thereof) issue so I know to look out for that. A Porsche has been my dream car since I was little and having had the opportunity to drive his for a few weekends, I am sold. I have spent over 15K in the last year on my previous car to build a 450whp import (140 stock)and realized that for that amount of money I could have my dream car. I really appreciate your help guys and I know you might get irritated with "newbie" post but I hope you look foward to having a new member in the family.

eion

Well, I'm not quite sure what prices are like in AR, but here on the west coast, I think you'd struggle to find *any* decent 964 for $20K, let alone a 91+. I just got mine last week (a '90) and I ended up spending over $25k - and that was 10% or so off the asking price. From what I saw while looking around, prices here seem to be a little more than elsewhere, but I have two recommendations for you:
1) save up more money - I'd say budget a minimum of $25k, $30k would be better if you're dead set on a later 964 (especially if you want lower miles).
2) don't discount the '89s (if you're looking at C4s) and '90s - as long as the inspection checks out, you'll still have a great car. Any of the problems (head gaskets, DMF) will have been solved by now, I'm quite sure.

Hope this helps!

DarrylC

I had the same issue as you just a few months ago. I was interested in a 911 from 1988-93 but the deciding factor was the creature comforts (better a/c) and safety (airbags), and don't forget the extra HP. After looking for some time on the internet (Autotrader) I found a 92 C2 with 59K miles for $27K (after bargaining)in Ohio and flew up and drove it home. I would much rather spend more dollars up front and get a car in good condition than pay large repair bills later.

Damon

I will travel anywhere to get the car. I flew to virgina beach to get my previous car. There arent many quality cars in my area. I was wondering what the best way to go about looking for one would be? I have seen some on ebay and autotrader for around 20-22K. I know you guys frown on those sites for buying cars but just wanted to know what the best way to go about it would be? So you guys think I should stay away from 90-91's? Also if any of you guys have a broken window switch I have fixed every one on my boss's car if you guys want any tips. LOL... I really want of these cars.. Its gonna be my daily driver too, I dont know if that would matter with the year model I choose.

eion

No, I'd say a '90 or a '91 is exactly what you should be looking for. Make sure the PPI checks out and you should be fine, whatever year you get. I'm sure someone will correct me but to the best of my knowledge other than the changed DMF, the gaskets, and the mirror style, there's no difference between a '90 and a '93 (yeah, yeah, except that one is 3 years newer, but you know what I mean).

I don't see a problem with buying one over the internet - I'd say Autotrader etc. is probably the best place to look. I have to say that I'd be very wary of buying a car of eBay, though. Very wary.

And similar to DarrylCs point - for the same money, I'd rather get a pampered '90 than an abused '93, for sure.

Jacks911

Dear Damon,

Welcome to the club! Yes maybe that's early but you have been bitten and "will be assimilated" soon! But don't rush. Take your time. And do Not avoid '90 '91 years, in fact these can be a great deal because of the bad press. So much is known about the "issues" in these cars that research here on Renn964list & with your local PCA Chapter, that you can prepare well to find a good one and save $$$ to. I think it fair to say EVERY Porche model has had a few Things that after the years have gone by, we can complain about. But Porsche have become the Legend they are because in balance with great Sports Car Performance, they are reliable! In most cases a well maintained car purchased with a good PPI will keep a smile on your face for many miles. And you have a "garage" for DIY many of us would envy! <img src="graemlins/beerchug.gif" border="0" alt="[cheers]" />

Damon

Wow you guys are awesome!! I cant believe the warm welcome and I am not even a proud (did i mention PROUD) owner yet! I am looking and looking for cars.. I am not in any hurry though. As I am still parting out my previous car. Just letting my money sit there until I find the perfect one. Just out of curiosity are rennlist members kind enough to check out cars for potential buyers if the car is in their area. I know on other automobile boards alot of times, Owners are more than happy to do so for a potential buyer.

Adrian

Dear Damon,
Take your time. You will find the right one and believe me you will know exactly when you are sitting in it. I am sure you will be able to find somebody off this forum or rennlist email lists to help with the PPI. If not give me a call and I will try and get somebody to help.
Ciao,
Adrian
911C4

J-McDonald

I agree with the other posters - take your time and spend the extra $5k for a really nice 964, rather than what $20k will buy you now. Good luck!

joey bagadonuts

[quote]Originally posted by Damon:
[QB]are rennlist members kind enough to check out cars for potential buyers if the car is in their area.[QB]<hr></blockquote>

If it's not too far out of my way, I'm in! I like checking out other cars just to see how mine sizes up. Also, since my 964 is in pretty good shape, it's not hard for me to sense when a car's been neglected or abused. At a minimum, I think most of us could recommend if a PPI is worthwhile.

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

Damon

Well I think I am going to do as you guys say and take my time. I just drove Don's Porsche down the road to get some parts and I was thinking.... I dont want to deal with OBD2 for mod purposes and you guys said the Climate Control is an expensive replacement as well for newer cars. How cold is the AC in 90-93 Cars? Also just out of curiosity since if I wait a year to buy a car I might could afford a 99 C2, what are the bad points of those cars? I know some dont consider them the same since the are water cooled but wanted you guys opinion on that.

USCGMoose

Good luck on your search. I think you'll easily find some common problems on these pages. Keep your eye out for oil leaks and climate control problems. Ensure all the recall items have been done... don't assume that they have just because the car is still running fine. Lastly, and most importantly, I would NOT buy a car without a fairly complete service history. At them minimal, look for stamps in the book and call the shop that did the service to see what they did. Complete records and invoices are best. Don't assume that the car is perfect because it looks perfect. If a reputable shop/dealer has been doing regular service (and recent service) you can buy with much more confidence. If something was recently done, call the shop that did it and make sure something big didn't come up. People like to sell their cars to some unsuspecting SOB rather than do an expensive repair. I found that out the hard way with my heating system since I focused my pre-purchase concerns on the engine. Luckily, I've been able to keep the costs of my repairs low thanks to Rennlist (Adrian, Randall, etc.) and doing the work myself. If you're willing to do some work yourself, I wouldn't be afraid of 90 964s at all. <img src="graemlins/beerchug.gif" border="0" alt="[cheers]" />

Damon

Bad News, I think I have talked myself out of a Porsche. There is no way I could afford a rebuild. After researching them and seeing that they cost around 10K I am too scared. The only other option I am thinking of is to put 10-12K on a 99 C2 and Lease it hoping to get my payment around 400 a month. I figure as long as I am leasing it and I think I can lease it again at the end of the term it is under warranty and I wont have to worry much about huge cost coming up. Any comments, suggestions?

jonfkaminsky

Damon-
Look, either way you end up with a fine sports car. Get the car that excites your desire to drive. I don't know where you got the idea that if you buy a 964 you are suddenly going to have to rebuild the engine. Show me any car and I'll bet I could come up with a laundry list of items that if you had to fix would be a financial burden. The bottom line is that these problems manifest themselves in a relatively small number of cars. Every car (911, 964, 993, 996 and other makes for that matter) have their own idiosyncracies.

If the 996 is more suited to your lifestyle or whatever, then by all means get it.

Oilslick964

Damon,
I'm here in AR too. I've owned 4 or 5 964s along with about 20 other Porsches and I've done my homework. Feel free to email me directly and maybe I can help you out a little. I'd be happy to introduce you to a few of the local gurus and maybe we can all help you get into the perfect Porsche for YOU!!! Email me at pauldobbs@hotmail.com

Paul