Low mileage 993 for daily driver
02-12-2019, 04:38 PM
#1
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Low mileage 993 for daily driver
I’m considering buying a low milage 993 cab (less than 20k miles) for regular use (roughly 4k miles a year, I have six other cars and am semi-retired, so it wouldn’t be for commuting).
Ive owned a 996, 997tt and 991. I frankly did not like the 991 - it’s a great car, but not a sports car anymore (in my opinion). The turbo was very fast and I enjoyed that - but the most fun driving car IMO was the 996C2 (but it was not very reliable).
I can buy anything I want – including new. I’m concerned that buying a low mileage 993 for regular use will turn into a chore – leaks, bad wires etc., problems from previous nonuse and age. I am familiar with owning antique cars. My experience has been, once they are fully sorted, they’re not especially problematic. But I have zero experience with the 993.
Please share your opinions.
Ive owned a 996, 997tt and 991. I frankly did not like the 991 - it’s a great car, but not a sports car anymore (in my opinion). The turbo was very fast and I enjoyed that - but the most fun driving car IMO was the 996C2 (but it was not very reliable).
I can buy anything I want – including new. I’m concerned that buying a low mileage 993 for regular use will turn into a chore – leaks, bad wires etc., problems from previous nonuse and age. I am familiar with owning antique cars. My experience has been, once they are fully sorted, they’re not especially problematic. But I have zero experience with the 993.
Please share your opinions.
02-12-2019, 04:53 PM
#3
Burning Brakes
Bought my 1995 with 50k. Currently 106k.
Once the issues of age are fixed, if they have not already, very dependable.
A good bit of the suspension may need refreshing if original. Spark plug wires, and other misc sensor connections.
Next look into valve cover / timing chain and other areas for oil leaks.
Once the issues of age are fixed, if they have not already, very dependable.
A good bit of the suspension may need refreshing if original. Spark plug wires, and other misc sensor connections.
Next look into valve cover / timing chain and other areas for oil leaks.
02-12-2019, 04:54 PM
#4
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my opinion is to ask advice from people you know and respect.
if you are semi - retired and looking for something reliable just get a prius and enjoy looking at the six other cars you have.
if you are semi - retired and looking for something reliable just get a prius and enjoy looking at the six other cars you have.
02-12-2019, 05:38 PM
#6
Rennlist Member
If you like to turn a wrench and have the time, all of the age related issues are within your grasp. I can’t overstate how much I have learned by refreshing my suspension, changing plugs, spark plug wires, resealing valve and timing chain cover, etc, etc
02-12-2019, 05:58 PM
#7
OP - you can spend an equal amount on the purchase price of a new / newer car but will be at a much greater risk for depreciation. Yes, the maintenance needs could be more frequent with a 993, but in the end, you most likely will not take a huge hit on resale and that doesn't include all the smiles you get out of it along the way!
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02-12-2019, 06:28 PM
#8
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With a good, comprehensive PPI, you'll go into ownership with your eyes wide open. Obviously, the cab will be a fair weather vehicle for pleasure and you'll probably bond quickly with the attributes we love about 993's...so much so, you'll be looking for a coupe to keep the cab company!
02-12-2019, 06:41 PM
#9
Hit some of the PCA events in your area and talk to those who have owned both. I got my 993 from an owner that also had a 991, he sold the 993 because he was just underwhelmed and ‘always something’ he had to do for it. Everyone said ‘Air Cooled!’, but he bought, and sold within 2 years. For the some the imperfections and the taking care of it, is part of the allure. Others, a P.I.T.A.
02-12-2019, 07:04 PM
#11
Rennlist Member
Reality is that lots of little things fail on 993s, so to make this a good daily driver you need a few things:
1) serious love for the car, such that you won't mind sacrificing time & money on it.
2) ~ $3k per year (on avg) for misc repairs.
3) ~ 2-3 days per year working on the car or in the shop (your choice).
That's the bargain we've all accepted.
1) serious love for the car, such that you won't mind sacrificing time & money on it.
2) ~ $3k per year (on avg) for misc repairs.
3) ~ 2-3 days per year working on the car or in the shop (your choice).
That's the bargain we've all accepted.
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mike.cars (01-14-2023)
02-12-2019, 07:23 PM
#12
Rennlist Member
^^^ agree
old cars, esp. 20+ year old ones, are not ideal DD's
plastic and rubber dries out, fails, stuff happens
if you can do and like the 'fix-it' process then it help a lot... but parts are getting quite expensive
no doubt getting a sporty modern car for dd use is much more convenient and reliable, maybe not a brand new one if you dislike depreciation, but a 3-4 year old one is ideal
if you like to seen in an uber cool old 911 then there will be some sacrifices; good thing is if you keep up the car well and buy in at a decent price you will not lose any money on the value of the car even adding some miles on it
old cars, esp. 20+ year old ones, are not ideal DD's
plastic and rubber dries out, fails, stuff happens
if you can do and like the 'fix-it' process then it help a lot... but parts are getting quite expensive
no doubt getting a sporty modern car for dd use is much more convenient and reliable, maybe not a brand new one if you dislike depreciation, but a 3-4 year old one is ideal
if you like to seen in an uber cool old 911 then there will be some sacrifices; good thing is if you keep up the car well and buy in at a decent price you will not lose any money on the value of the car even adding some miles on it
02-12-2019, 08:54 PM
#13
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^^^ agree
old cars, esp. 20+ year old ones, are not ideal DD's
plastic and rubber dries out, fails, stuff happens
if you can do and like the 'fix-it' process then it help a lot... but parts are getting quite expensive
no doubt getting a sporty modern car for dd use is much more convenient and reliable, maybe not a brand new one if you dislike depreciation, but a 3-4 year old one is ideal
if you like to seen in an uber cool old 911 then there will be some sacrifices; good thing is if you keep up the car well and buy in at a decent price you will not lose any money on the value of the car even adding some miles on it
old cars, esp. 20+ year old ones, are not ideal DD's
plastic and rubber dries out, fails, stuff happens
if you can do and like the 'fix-it' process then it help a lot... but parts are getting quite expensive
no doubt getting a sporty modern car for dd use is much more convenient and reliable, maybe not a brand new one if you dislike depreciation, but a 3-4 year old one is ideal
if you like to seen in an uber cool old 911 then there will be some sacrifices; good thing is if you keep up the car well and buy in at a decent price you will not lose any money on the value of the car even adding some miles on it
02-12-2019, 09:36 PM
#14
The only time I needed to go to the shop (rowed) cause my belt broke at the track. My 993 is my daily driver and only car. Has 118k miles on it. Other stuff is small fixes
02-12-2019, 11:20 PM
#15
Rennlist Member
Get ready to repair or replace servo motors. 993's have five (5).
