dwishen

Hi guys,

What are the annual costs of daily driving one of these cars (exluding tires and gas)? Are there any major problems with these cars that need attention and $ regularly? Are they bulletproof? How many miles is too many on a car before you wouldn't consider it? Could you put 15-20K on it a year and be ok? I'm thinking of a 91-92. Realistically, can a 91 with 50K miles be had for $35K?

TIA

David

John McM

Hi David,

I've documented costs on my '93 Turbo 3.6 on this site http://www.porsche964.co.uk/rev_rep/rreports/jm1.htm

My car has been very reliable, but it's easy to get nickel and dimed with small things going wrong e.g. I've just spent USD 2,000 on a lot of small things - fan belt sensor, alternator belt, a/c belt, power steering belt, power steering pipe, power steering pump seals, yearly service, wiper blades, pedal covers, ballast resistor, two stage relay....

Overall, these are not Honda Civics, but they're almost as reliable. Daily driving will be a relatively expensive affair when you add tires and gas to the equation, but only you can make the final decision whether it's worth it.

FWIW: I'd rather have a moderate mileage car [~70k] thats been well looked after, than a garage queen that's just waiting to cost you a fortune in deferred maintenance. I can't comment on the price, as I live in New Zealand.

Kevin Ross

Hi David

I have to concur wholeheartedly with John regarding his comment about a well looked after car with moderate kms than a low km car that's just waiting to cost you money.

That said, here is a run down of the July 2004 - June 2005 Tax year just past on my car:

Current Milage: 116000 km ( approx 73000 miles)

Total Fuel (approx 18000 km/ 11300 miles travelled): US$ 1500
(fuel in Australia is approx US$ 0.86c per litre)

Total Maintenance: US$ 8000

Tyres (1 set fitted, lasts approx 25 000 kms): US$ 1500

Maintenance did include stuff that needed doing, but will now probably last several years. The things replaced included:
- cracked lens in fog light
- oil thermostat
- clutch
- fixed oil leak from crank shaft
- brakes
- side guard respray for stone chips

Hope that helps.

Miles965uk

if you want to count the costs i personlly wouldnt use a turbo as a daily driver, because if something goes wrong it normally takes ages to get fixed as parts are normally speically ordered and short drives are not the best.
I did drive my car daily and then stopped beause it turned out to be a hassle and now i use my new car for weekends etc and that way i can keep it clean and enjoy it so much more.- if somethign breaks then theres no big deal as i dont need it to get to work.

prices have fallen recently so i think its possible to get a 91 with 50k for $35k

dwishen

Thanks for the info, guys!

David

Sameer

Like mentioned before, these cars are meant to be driven hard at times and regulary.

ShanB

Also worth thinking about are all the little frustrations that have nothing to do with maintainance. Stuff like door dings from the idiot parked next to you, worrying about securty, vandalism from someone wanting to pull a "trophy" off your car, etc. Had this happen a few times and it drove me nuts. Now I never drive a sports car to work because I tend to worry to much. My Ferrari 348ts and 964 Turbo stay in the garage during the week, while I drive a 97 Ford Escort to work. Needless to say, I can park without fear .

Kevin Ross

ShanB

That's exactly the garage I want!!! Man, I get it.... good for you!

nota_troll

I've been entertaining a 964 Turbo as well. It's got 77k and I can probably get it for 30k from a friend. Paint is in really good shape.

I'm not afraid of the nickel and dime stuff I just don't want to be stranded. More importantly I'm hesitant for the lack of A/C. I understand having a daily beater but I LOVE to drive my car.

38D

30k is a killer deal. The 964Ts are just as reliable as the NA cars, they just have higher maintenance costs. The car should have AC unless the PO swapped it in for an additional oil cooler.