aviation_infadel

I'll be purchasing my first Porsche within the next 2 months, and I've pretty much decided it will be a 87-89 930 or a 993. I have seen a few good deals on 964s but I know these cars have had some issues (to some extent this is why I haven't looked real hard at them) .

thought I'd ask those who have been there what they think about them?.

Have the maintenance/repairs on your 964 been excessive?

thanks everyone!

david@st ives

I have spent an average of £500 a year over 5 years,that includes new brakes, clutch and services, these are all maintenance items.

So far no mechanical issues at all.

Also in that time zero depreciation, I paid £10k for a lhd c4 Cab over 5 years ago, i reckon i would get that amount back tomorrow.

These cars are bulletproof, all the so called issues with these cars were sorted under warranty when they were still new.

A 930 by comparison is just primitave, you will see what i mean when you drive them side by side, the 993 is a lot more expensive and driving them there isnt that much difference.

scott 964

These cars have probably had issues but i think you will find that most of the cars running today have had the issues ironed out by previous owners over the last 20 ish years..

Take your time and choose well...you wont be disappointed!!

jimq

Do a search on SAI in the 993 forum. They all have their own problems.

wellcraft290

So you thought that a 930 or 993 is more reliable then a 964 is way off. Wait till you have a computer issue and you can't get yoru car inspected. The 930 is a maint nitemare , but will run great and is no faster then th e964 just a differennt drive. The 993 costs more and in my opinion is not as much fun to drive. I chose the 911 look. My buddy has teh 993 and he is bitching over the OBD2 system. The cars ride pretty similar, but don't assume the 964 is problem riddled. they have no more or less issues then any other model

springer3

7 years of ownership this September. The PO did the DMF and distributor vent fixes under warranty. Those and the cylinder seals on the earliest 964s are the issues that gave the model a bad reputation.

Most 964 owners say "bulletproof" when they talk about reliability. Mine still looks and runs like a new car. Every car has issues from time to time, but all of mine have been minor and easily resolved.

Geoffrey

I've owned the cars you mention. The older torsion bar chassis (pre 964) will feel outdated compared to the newer 964/993 platform and the creature comforts are just not as good either. The 930 4spd gearbox feels notchy, the gears are way too long, so I'd concentrate on the 89 which has a G50/50 modern gearbox. With a 930, it has mechanical fuel injection called CIS and the parts are now almost 30 years old. Good car, but the 964/993 platform is much better. For the street, there is very little difference between the 964/993 and most of it is around looks. They are about the same speed, have the same basic interior, the 6spd just adds another gear beyond 5th which is almost the same ratio as the 964, so you aren't taking advantage of being able to have a short gearbox but rather have 2 overdive gears. The largest difference in the suspension is the rear of the 993 which makes the car significantly quieter due to the design.

walterj

You didn't say what your intended purpose was for the car - but if you are a track junkie the additional cost of the 993 buys you a little more power, bigger brakes, and an ability to stuff more rubber underneath with the same basic "bulletproof" reputation.

I've had no mechanical issues with with my car that were not common maintenance excepting one. I would describe it as excessively expensive if you were to simply replace the part as a shop would likely advise. The 964 had a short run... so if you need something made specific to the model you need to dig deep or be creative. My example:

I needed a master cylinder... for the pre-89 cars they are about $200. For the 993... about $500. For the 964? $1950!!!!!! 20% of the value of the car for what is basically a tube, plunger and o-rings. For comparison, the Tilton brand masters in my race car are about $80 and arguably designed for a more critical application. In any case, the answer was to have mine machined and sleeved for $275. Barring that, I could have converted to the 993 parts with some adapter fittings. Had I not had good advice on the subject I would certainly have been a little soured by the experience.

Geoffrey

That was for a C4??? If so, I believe that includes the hydraulic power brake booster as well.

walterj

For the C2
Part #: 964-355-015-03-M100

Pelican is showing it much cheaper now than when mine failed. $1491.25 for the MC only, no booster. Consequently, the part for the C4 is only $777. Still madness by any stretch.

cobalt

Try sunset and you will fin those numbers are way high.

Streetfighter

Just my two cents, but look for a car with a stack of service records. You want a car that has new brakes, clutch, belts, dist. caps, spark plugs, suspension and tires. I have owned my car for a year and a few months and have spent at this point $4500, on tires, oil changes, dist. caps, rotors, new DME computer, fuel pump, engine mounts, brakes, etc. Try and find a car that has been well maintained and you should be able to stay away from large bills with a 964. Otherwise they are great cars a lot of fun to drive and really are reliable. You have to stay up with the maintenance on them and they will likely run forever. The 964 is very similar to the 993, I personally love the 993. The 993 is a little bit more expensive for parts, but its all relative. These are cars old, but parts are not cheap. Good luck.