greg1234

Hi everyone.

I've seen a 1993 911 Turbo 3.6 (aka 965?) for sale in the UK. It looks like it's in good shape, and it doesn't have excessive mileage (47,000 miles). The thing that intrigues me - it's been up for sale for almost 6 months. If this car is so desirable, I'm wondering why it is still for sale. I don't think the price is way too high - and presumably the dealer wants to sell it so if price were the main issue it would have come down a little. The only thing I can think of is the colour - it's speed yellow (which I actually like a lot on that car) and I've seen a few postings that suggest yellow ranks down there with white as an "undesirable" colour. Can anyone confirm this, or should I be looking deeper for the reason it hasn't sold yet?

FWIW the dealer says it hasn't sold yet because it's a niche product (only 30-35 RHD cars were made, apparently) - and it's not the model most people would be interested in. As far as I can tell - if you want a turbo, and you want RHD, and you can't afford the 993, then it's the obvious one to go for!

Any opinions??

greg1234

(BTW for UK readers - it's the one for sale at Camtune)

Patrik S

I have also seen this car in Camtunes add in 911 & Porsche world. Can´t help you regarding "why". But I also think 964 Turbos look great in speed yellow. An 964 Turbo is a rare car in any color......

If the car is ok then the only thing I can think of is that a 964 Turbo buyer that likes the speed yellow has not been around yet!

/Patrik
911 Turbo 1991

EZ Ed

Great car in any color. It has not sold because its not cheep and somewhat difficut to afford by most. A Turbo 964 in great shape? Sound like you have a chance of being a lucky dog.

Adrian

Dear Greg,
You have to tell us the price. One cannot make any complete statements, or provide advice without knowing all the facts.
This is not a good time to sell Porsches anyway. Winter can be a bit of a buyers market. Purchase a summer auto in winter and a winter auto in summer.
Speed Yellow is not so popular anymore because it makes you stand out. Stealth colours are becoming more popular. You do not have the local Police forces looking for you, just in case you are speeding.
You also have to consider running costs and insurance. For these limited editions and high powered machines you might be able to purchase the auto but keeping it on the road is quite a considerable expense as well. A lot of people fall into this trap,
Ciao,
Adrian
911C4

PS: I know where there is a 993 GT-2 Evo II street version for sale. Has been on sale for over a year now. The price tag of 250,000CHF or 110,000UK pounds I am sure has something to do with it. Keeping it on the road is around 50,000CHF per year.

greg1234

I didn't post the price simply because there are one or two others that I've seen for sale, and they seem to indicate that it's about right. The sticker price is 39,995 UK Pounds (around US$60,000) but I think I can negotiate a little off that. I have seen another one for sale by a private seller - only 27,000 miles but he's asking 45,000 UKP. There are also two more at dealers - one is at 40,000UKP and the other is at 30,000UKP - but this one is described by the dealer as "terrible - I wouldn't touch it myself" !

If I went for a LHD car I could save 10,000UKP - but then (in theory) it would be harder for me to sell on. [Although if it takes a Porsche specialist dealer 6 months to sell this one, then my chances for moving it on don't look good!]

The car has full Porsche service history and had a new clutch along with engine and gearbox rebuild 2 years into its life (under warranty) - so I figure it's actually 2 years younger than it ought to be!

Adrian - I take your point about stealth colours. I also think that the darker colours show off the rear wheel arches better on those cars... the yellow seems to flatten the curves out a little. On the other hand the car is really eye-catching in yellow - and I like the way the yellow contrasts with the black trim, rubber, tyres etc.

And as far as servicing costs go - thanks for the warning but I've already been there - I have had a 928S4, a 928GTS and a 993C2 in the past and I don't think I ever saw a service bill less than 1,000UKP

Adrian

Dear Greg,
I think from what you described, if you were in the market for a good condition 964 Turbo 3.6 this might be a good purchase. The price is pretty normal for a 3.6 in good condition. Your service bill will be a tad higher with this puppy,
Ciao,
Adrian
911C4

greg1234

Hi Adrian.

Thanks for the feedback. I just went to the dealer to sign some papers and they were just cleaning the car ready for collection on Saturday. It looks stunning. I can't wait.

Actually I think they've been playing dirty with me - every time I've been round to see the car, someone has started her up - and the noise from the sports exhaust is so intoxicating. I think they've been doing it deliberately.

John McM

Greg,

You won't regret your purchase, I've just spent 3 weeks of solid driving around New Zealand in my 1993 Turbo 3.6 (RHD) and I'm still revelling in the thrills of the car on boost.

You've bought a rare beast, 46 RHD's built in 1993 and 17 in 1994. The numbers suggest it wasn't a hit when brand new, but I don't think that equates to a negative mark on the car, it occupied a difficult market spot at the time it was on sale, it was expensive and up against the new 993 at the time.

greg1234

Interesting.. what colour is yours?

Reminds me of my honeymoon - we toured Europe in the 928GTS for a couple of weeks...

John McM

Polar Silver. I've got a bit more info stored in a running report. Go into the review section then select running reports.

Running report

One thing, don't buy this car if you want to be inconspicuous. I was constantly coming back to the parked car finding someone having a good gander. Lots of waves on the road as well.

John McM

BTW: My car was on the lot for a number of months as well.

As the economic description goes "demand means both desire and ABILITY to pay". A good PPI will clear your worries.

greg1234

I read the running report - quite interesting. I have a theory that part of the thrill of owning a car like that is the act of "cherishing" it - and that this ultimately means spending time and/or money on it. Somehow if the car were perfect and never required any work it wouldn't feel the same... you wouldn't form the same sort of bond.. Or am I talking nonsense..?

I take your point about attention. I don't mind it - I had a yellow Lotus Elan S2 for a while that turned every head - as long as it's the right kind. My 993 was scratched down the side by a vandal (I think he did in fact use a key on it) and you could see deep gouges where he'd put so much force into it that the key dug in and stopped, and then he'd had to use both hands to get the key moving again. Bastard. Such an awful thing to do, and so cowardly. I pray that this one won't attract the same negative feelings...

John McM

In my opinion, buying a car like this without a passion for it is pointless.

On any rational basis it doesn't make any sense to buy this car, it has more power than you can use on the road (within the law), and it lacks many modern creature comforts; however, open it up in the powerband and rational thought fades into the distance, both literally and figuratively. A selfish passion if ever there was one.

greg1234

Does your manual have the correct engine size in it?? The handbook that came with my 3.6 refers to the Turbo as having only a 3.3L engine, with max 320HP. Is this correct - I mean did they not print a new handbook for the Turbo 3.6 or do I have the wrong one in the car??