89 C4 Coupe Advice. 48 hours to decide!
 

Hey guys ,
So since selling my 993 4S to a local member here about 4 years ago i've been longing for a 964.
I absolutely loved my 993 4S and in retrospect really regret selling it.
But hey can't dwell on the past!
So for a while now i've been looking for a 964 and finally found one locally that might fit the bill.
I've done a bit of research and to be honest i'm not a pro but have learnt a bit about 964's.
Given that well priced air cooled porsche's last only a few hours i have to make the jump within 48 hours.
So my question is can anyone give me pointers and tips on a 89 C4 Coupe.
99.9% of the 964's i've seen have been 90 and up. I think i came across only one other 89 964.
Was this a bad model year? Was there a very small amount produced?
Is a 89 C4 Coupe 964 a desirable or less desirable car?
Any help and insight would be greatly appreciated!

Thank you all in advance.

rear suspension is different
no air bags
AWD diff switch only in middle console and rear spoiler switch in in the trunk
motor has no gasket for the head to block (unless taken care of by the dealer)
no issues with flywheel
it's a 964 C4 which has unique AWD system using the brake fluid
isn't the most popular 964 but with the way prices are going I don't mind

Mine is an 89 C4. Only minor headache in 5 years is the one model year flywheel and clutch which is slightly more expensive. The single mass flywheel makes for a noisier gearbox but the upside is that it is lighter weight than the dmf on later cars. There was a time the 89 was less desirable but really those few little things that add a few $100 here or there aren't a big deal now as the value of the cars have risen.

C4 vs C2 is just matter of preference but there is a price difference.

By now, the cylinder gasket issue either has been remedied, or it will not leak.
The rear suspension differences also cover some of the 90 year model.
At this age, 3 things dominate the buying process: condition, condition and condition.

I have an 89 registered C4 but its a 90 model year going by the VIN... Worth checking?
DMF and clutch is easily remedied with an RS LWF and clutch.
Different rear suspension isn't an issue as the likes of KW and Bilstein make kits for both.
Biggest issue with these cars is oil leaks, some leak like a sieve and others don't drip at all, but all can be rectified.
These cars are 25 years old now and things can be temperamental, the heater springs to mind!
I'd also say that the 964 is a bit more raw compared to the 993 you were used to, so make sure it's the right car for you?
But the 964 is getting a cult following and they are becoming harder to find at reasonable prices, and as you say, they don't hang around for long!
Condition and History are the key!
So if it has a comprehensive history and is in good condition, I'd jump at it... before someone else does!!!

I'm local to you and have an 89 C4.
You're welcome to check it out and take it for a spin if you want

^^^^^^^^^^^^
Nice Rennlist offer!

A C4 will be great in Montreal. Pics when you get it!

C-4 Owner here and outside things mentioned I consider not having air bags in it's 26th year of life a plus (first gen over 25 years old!!). Single pot rear calipers have been upgraded in mine but you may find them on the one you are looking at. Head gasket issues have been exaggerated and over the years have been remedied by dealer or addressed by previous owner, but if not I would still buy it as mine did well with same problem until it came time to rebuild / upgrade. Good luck with your decision.

Thanks guys!
Really appreciate all the feedback.
I agree condition is what's most important. I'm getting the car inspected tomorrow in the am.
Hopefully all will come through clean.

Much appreciated!
What part of the city are you in? I would love to come take a look at it if it's not too much trouble.. Don't want to inconvenience you.
I live in TMR and work at Bmw Canbec on Jean Talon.
Thanks again!

Are you going to the Rennsport event in Tremblant on June 15-16?

Unfortunately i'm in Miami those days :(

I have both a C4 and C2. The C4 is so much more confidence inspiring to drive. They understeer in stock configuration, but mine has been well sorted. https://rennlist.com/forums/964-foru...l

I would not hesitate to buy it because its a 1989.5 car.

Well, I'm going to Miami right after
You should plan better next time... ;-)

Adrian Crawford says he's driven 100's of both 964 C2s and C4s comparing them 'back to back'. http://www.performance2and4.co.uk/964di_1_n.htm