dennis hiip

I'm new to Porsche and looking to buy a 1989 911 C4. I'm wondering about the reliability of the AWD mechanism when these cars get on in age. The new car reviews are impressive. I don't want to spend big money fixing the AWD above a normal 2WD. Any feedback will be appreciated.

sml

usually a few people (generally C2 owners) will say the C4 is a complicated system and more parts = more $$$$.

then a few of the trusted experienced guys post detailed comments suggesting they are reliable and nothing to worry about.

there are some good threads & info here. why wait for answers to your question? just do some searching and you will find plenty of information. a search like 'C2 vs C4' usually ends up debating your question.

also try the pelicanparts forum because there is some good info there also.

here is a few quick starts ..

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/porsc...mechanism.html

https://rennlist.com/forums/964-foru...-purchase.html

https://rennlist.com/forums/964-foru...watch-for.html

Damian in NJ

No affiliation, and I don't know where you are, but these guys are known to sell pretty nice cars.
http://www.highmarques.com/inventory/274.html

mrmandmman

I am not the most knowledgeable but I haven't heard of many issues. My C4 hasn't had any work done to the awd system and it has 120k+ miles.

frankvan

previous C4 had 230K on it and no issues with the awd. I'd call that reliable (esp the way i, um, well abused it).

ian89C4

Track it and auto cross it quite often. Never had an issue!

jzc28

DITTO '89 C4 Guards Red #132 112K

nidon

+1 90 C4 138k no issues with awd

DaveK

90 C4, 180k - no AWD issues.

Rocket Rob

1990 C4 230K miles - no AWD issues. I wouldn't worry about the AWD. The condition and maintenance of the car is more critical, than worrying about the complexity of the AWD system.

Greg964

I briefly owned a 89 C4 w/ 165k miles and there were no AWD issues according to the service history.

hysteric

'91 C4 - 123000miles - no AWD issues.

Bearclaw

As stated above, you have no particular worries regarding the AWD system on these cars. They are low maintenance and very durable.

In fact, if you are considering an '89, you will be avoiding the airbag system, which is potentially a far bigger PITA and source of nagging repair to keep it fault-free, at least in my experience.

Laker

I specifically picked a 964 because it had the classic 911 shape but came with ABS, AWD, real heat, a real suspension and last but not least.... Airbags.
Although the system was intended to last only 15 years w/o maintenance, IMHO it is critical if you value your life. If not, you might as well remove the seat belts and spare tire to save some weight. Just my 2 cents.

Bearclaw

I'm not suggesting that it be disabled, although there are a few on this board who have, either intentionally after tiring of the repair instances, or de facto, by replacing the wheel with a non-airbag one. I'm simply alerting the OP to be prepared for an unexpected source of headache. I've dealt with a lot of 15-20+ yr.-old cars with airbags, and never had a problem. But it's a real Achilles Heel on these cars, as a search of "airbag fault" will show.