shuang

Thanks for all the replies, it's interesting that most people suggested going with the C2... I hadn't thought about the increased cost of maintaining a higher mileage 993 (60K service and clutch replacement being relative "imminent" is certainly a big factor - thanks Terry).

So, in order of importance to me personally, I'm thinking along these lines:

maintenance cost - advantage C2
base car appeal - advantage C4S
winter driving - advantage C4S
options - advantage C2

The last two points above are relatively minor, especially after others' comments on driving a C2 in the winter (i.e., it's safe with proper winter tires). The biggest one is the maintenance, being my first Porsche, I really think it would be better to buy a car that _should_ be a little less hassle to keep running.

Although I'm leaning towards the C2 as of the moment, it's so close, I'm probably going to go with my "gut feel"... after I have a chance to drive the C4S (hopefully Monday).

Thanks guys, I'll be sure to post the result! I have been looking for a 993 for what feels like so long (four months), I'm not sure I can stand to wait another few days to finally get one.

Steve

shuang

Oh I forgot...

Bins - you're right... the C4S is priced the lowest that I've seen recently in my local area and the C2 is definitely one of the highest priced on the market, they are both almost exactly the same price. I'm talking dealer prices, not private party.

Dick in TN, Dan 96C2 - How long is the winter season in your locales? Where I am, I usually change to winter tires for three months. In a sedan, this isn't a problem, but I'm not sure I'm going to want to be driving around (and putting on more mileage) on winters for three months in a 993... I imagine it kind of takes the point out of owning this kind of a car. So... my question is, how is the performance with the winters on? Dan, you are spot on about how lucky I am to be able to buy this car... not something I want to take for granted.

KC993

[quote]Originally posted by shuang:
[QB Where I am, I usually change to winter tires for three months. In a sedan, this isn't a problem, but I'm not sure I'm going to want to be driving around (and putting on more mileage) on winters for three months in a 993... I imagine it kind of takes the point out of owning this kind of a car.[/QB]<hr></blockquote>
From this point, you should get the lower miles C2.

Since I was under the impression of you WANT to drive the car in rain/snow times, and I kind of knew this IS your first P-car, that's why I recommeded the C4S.

Any car you happen to choose, HAVE FUN...
<img src="graemlins/xyxwave.gif" border="0" alt="[bigbye]" />

Edward

Shuang,

I definitely would NOT let the 57K be a deterrant to the C4S. Personally, I prefer the narrow-bodied cars for all the reasons mentioned above. OTOH, don't forget that the C4S has the big reds and (I think) M030 suspension (someone correct me if I'm wrong on the latter). The C4S also has the better looking nose and rocker panels (again, IMHO as I myself own a narrow body and prefer it to any c4, but one day I will replace the nose, given enough stone chips).

Back to milage, 57K is nothing to be scared of. A clutch replacement is no concern for tens of thousands of miles if the car is in good shape today. In fact, a few here have over 100K on the orig clutch, and that is WITH track days. If I were you, I'd be scrutinizing the records and overall care/condition of the two cars very closely. If, upon closer inspection, you find that one has better records and more favorable PPI, THAT is more of a concern than milage in and of itself. When I was on "the hunt," I walked away from cars with fewer miles because all else was not what I wanted it to be.

As for holding its $ value (not a concern for me as I'm never selling mine), the C4s is bound to hold its $ value better in the long run. But the potential costs of the AWD should also be weighed in. ...Just more points to consider. Happy hunting!

Edward

Mike J

Hey Steve,

Why don't you do what I do..buy a beater that I drive 2-3 months a year and drive the 993 the other times? YOu actually appreciate the Porsche more that way and you then have down time to add goodies to the car...

Of course in Vancouver it only snows about 1-2 weeks/year so I don't think its a problem just to wack some snows on.

But I could not bear to see my 993 driven year round here even if it was in Toronto. No rust on the car but you can see some signs of corrosion on things like fastners, nuts, etc. Nothing major but if the car is totally pristine underneath it would be a shame to expose it to the salt. Water and rain are no big deal.

Keep in contact...it will be interesting to see what happens.

STLPCA

[quote]Originally posted by shuang:
<strong>...How long is the winter season in your locales? Where I am, I usually change to winter tires for three months. In a sedan, this isn't a problem, but I'm not sure I'm going to want to be driving around (and putting on more mileage) on winters for three months in a 993... I imagine it kind of takes the point out of owning this kind of a car. So... my question is, how is the performance with the winters on?</strong><hr></blockquote>

My Dunlop Winter Sports (on 16" Cups to survive potholes) go on in mid/late Dec & off about mid March. I've found they handle (& wear) surprisingly well w/the narrower rears yielding a touch of easily controlled (& fun) oversteer on command. They stick and flex in sub-freezing temps when Z rated performance rubber turns to stone.

I think I was overly cautious getting the 16"s & if I did it now, I'd probably go w/17" winters.

Good luck w/your quest. Hope this helps.

Dick in TN

Hi Steve,
My experience with winter tires came from when I lived in Northern Virginia, driving an '86 Carrera. I put the winter tires on in early to mid Dec. and took them off mid March. Drove the car daily, sometimes after a pretty heavy overnight snow. The tires were H rated, and worked just fine on dry roads too.

shuang

shuang

Hi all,

Just wanted to let everyone know that I just took delivery of the 1997 C2. Black on black with 19K miles:

18" turbo wheels
motosound
sport seats
litronics
and ROW suspension

I haven't had a chance to actually DRIVE it, it's still sitting at the dealer but all the paperwork is signed... I have the insurance story from hell that I'll be able to tell my kids about 20 years from now (and which is why I wasn't able to drive it home last night).

Thanks for all your input, I got exactly what I wanted!

Steve

Mike J

Hey Steve,

Congrats! We will have to do that lunch now! (We both live in Vancouver).

Post some pics for us.

Cheers,

Mike