ACSGP

Short list:

308/328, but dismissed it almost instantly as I wanted a daily.

Mk 1 Audi TT 3.2 DSG - these were coming in at the same price here in SG, and I love the shape of the Mk 1, but not the drive.

Also considered the 993, but inside, I knew I always wanted the classic shape. What's more, the 993 lost the smile on the 911 face

The rest is history. Best thing about the 964? - with all my upgrades and the improved market, I can sell my car for 1.5 times the price I bought it for.

race911

18 years of 911s since age 18 with my first, and a six year old '92 C4 that fell in my lap was the first "late model" 911 I'd really ever considered. Friend I'd built a track car for needed to sell his '92 turbo, and the only real buyer had this '92 C4. Price was $5-7K under market, so I said "what the hell." Never have gone back to a torsion bar 911 since, except to use as a race car in a specific class.

smckinley

What a great thread! I'm still sort of a pre-newbie, as is the person who started this thread. That means I haven't quite bought one yet.

I've tried out a bunch of Miatas, a couple of which are really fun. '94-'97 seem to be the best. My favorite cars ever were my '74 2002 and my '85 Saab Turbo 4-door.

A few weeks ago, I tried out a really cool looking 2000 Carrera and would rather have a Miata.

So this past weekend I got a brief test drive of Doug&Julie's former red velvet 1990 C4, at a local Porsche dealership and now a REALLY want one...but maybe not that one.

On the other hand, I took a close look at Doug&Julie's (negative) posts on the car, and am not convinced his problems with it were really the car's fault at all. It definitely needs some love, but it seems like it was mostly just not what he really wanted at the time.

His posts remind me of my feelings towards my '95 Saab Aero. On paper it seemed great - fastest sedan of its time, 5-speed, Recaro sport seats, tons of room inside, ridiculously large cargo space, excellent gas mileage, and I hated it. I resented every time it needed the slightest bit of attention.

On the other hand, the '85 Saab Turbo got absolutely anything it asked for and then some. When I got it, it had non-working cabin fan motor, vacuum leaks forever, a jammed (manual) sunroof, completely bare lower ball joints, bad harmonic balancer, shot shocks all around, collapsed package shelf (it was a rare turbo sedan), leaking valve cover gasket, failing starter, and on and on, and it still put a huge grin on my face right from the test drive. Fixing those things and improving others was truly therapeutic.

So, Doug&Julie's former car is not out of the running. I'd need a longer test drive, PPI, and probably a somewhat lower price, but I love the color and it feels like I want a Porsche to feel. Warn me off if that particular car is truly spawn of satan, but on the other hand I'm not really in any hurry. While I could swing it now, there's a bunch of stuff in my life that should sort itself out over the coming year and give me increasing "headroom" for such a commitment.

Nine11

When I bought my 964, it was the only car I wanted. I sold my supercharged NA Miata to make room, and searched long and hard for my car. There was nothing else I wanted. One of my dream cars since I was a little boy. Since then, a Lotus Esprit V8TT has joined the 964 in the garage and I have a pair of gorgeous ladies that I've always loved since I was a kid riding a Big Wheel. Wife said the 964 should be sold before the Esprit could come into the family....but c'mon, it's a 964! Both are classic cars in my books. Such a great consistent shape since the introduction.

sml

I agree ... you can find the facts as you see his invoices and probably ask him directly .. But I thought it seemed pretty reasonable but just had a few unfortunate repair items.

IMHO it was a classic case of 'post purchase dissonance' .. exacerbated with a few repair bills. I understand that. The first few months can be stressful with a limited budget and 20yr old Porsche.

Mikke_Possu

Two years ago when I bought my C2, I was looking for Honda NSX but haven't find proper one so I end up whit 964. No regret so far.

screamingflat6

where do I start!

I have owned vw's bmw's audi's and a Porsche of some kind for the last seventeen years.
We started with and still have a 911sc the best car in world if bought right, I have owned the 83 in the avatar for nine years.
Then I bought a 964 turbo five years ago as it was the fastest porsche for the money and the lowest mileage car available that was a bit different (rubystone)
Then while getting a engine and transmission fluid change at my mates garage on the sc, he had a sad looking low mileage c4 targa on the ramp (faded red paint work rear lenses knackered wheels needing a refurb and generally tatty)my better half took a shine to it so I bought it.
I was not a fan of the targa but I have fallen in love with it over the last two years as it was great going through France last year going to classic lemans.
I am a coupe guy but as a touring car and a regular driver a Targa is a good choice.
But I can say a 964 is a great car in all variants as I have driven most things and it will hold better value than most.

Gaz,

Unkle

Owned lots of cars like we all do, but i never considered any other sports car. I don't understand/associate with other sports cars manufacturers or their ethos, so when i decided to buy a car I knew what i wanted...

Henry964

I have always loved the 911s since I was 15 years old (in the sixties) never attempted to buy one since they were financially out of my reach.
Much later a nice 924 came to me when I was looking for a classic Fiat coupé (as a week end toy to compete in classic Rallies).I bought the 924 and started to participate in classic cars events with it.
Thanks to my 924 I got to know a lot of other Porsche owners and finally sold my 924 and got myself a very nice 964, since then I am hooked with 911s and love dearly my 1993 C2

elbeee964

Hmmm... That's two questions.
Ok.
1st answer... Past cars 'considered' (owned): VW Scirroco, MR2, Miata,
Then I bought a red '85 (3.2L) 911 in '97. Sold later under fiscal necessity. (I understand that car now runs around Prescott, AZ.)

2nd answer... Cars test driven as I was considering my 964: an '88 (3.2L) 911, a 993, and a Boxster S.
All these other cars were 'safe' cars. Smoother, easier,... known. Safe. [yawn] If you thrive on easy compliments, they were the cars for you.
As the add says, They were something for everybody.
While only the 964 was everything to some one. (Me!)

Good luck with your search!

I'd highly recommend taking a similar route by test driving all various 911 types and Boxsters.
Then pick the one that speaks most to you.

Bassen

I've briefly thought about buying a TVR Tuscan before buying my 964.

wellcraft290

I sent you a pm. i live like 5 miles from you in Doylestown and have a black c4. Talk to you soon

wellcraft290

doug&julie sold there car already? wow. must of missed that here. I guess he should of listened more about there is no such thing as a less then 20k 964

Tuscany964

My short list consisted of:

Alfa SZ, BMW E30 M3, Honda NSX, Porsche 968 CS, 3.2 G50 and 964. Would still love to have them all. IMO though the 964 was the most complete package and the 964 RS (along with the F40) has always been one of my all time favorite cars.

However times change and if 964 (in good conditions) prices keep rising and 996 GT3 prices keep falling I would consider selling to move on to a 6 GT3 - unfortunately a 964 RS is out of my price range.

On a different note I just bought a '96 1.8l Miata for less than the price of a 964 clutch/lwf combo and all I can say is WOW, what a fantastic car on twisty mountain roads! Most fun I've had in a long time thanks to the limited grip of 185/60 14's and a lsd

la crosse

After owning and crashing a 3.2 Carrera, I was extremely hesitant about purchasing another porsche. I was particularily nervous about throttle lift off oversteer, as that is how I crashed my Carrera. I had made up my mind to purchase something differently.

It was my upon my wifes insistance that I purchase another porsche. I did drive a 2000 M5 and fell in love with it instantly. It was definietly a totally different car in all respects.

I ended up purchasing both the 964 and the M5. I use my M5 as a daily driver in the summer time and my 964 in the evenings and weekends.

What pushed me towards a 964 vs. the rest:
1. Coil over suspension vs. torsion bar = less throttle lift off oversteer.
2. Power Steering
3. More contemporary looks of the 964 but still retaining the clasic upright headlights and body lines of the 3.2 Carrera
4. G50 tranny vs 915 - the G50 is FAR superior!
5. Air conditioning and cruise control
6. There is no substitute for a 964. NONE

I think the 964 is as fast, all around, as my 2000 M5. Both are extremely fun to drive in different ways. I'd have trouble selling either.

I also own a 2006 Ford 500, a 1997 Subaru Outback, and a 1986 BMW 325e. All have their own place, but the 964 gets the best spot in the garage.