Pulling the Trigger on a 993 C4S
02-11-2004, 02:37 AM
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Pulling the Trigger on a 993 C4S
Ok guys, I need a little guidance from you hardcore gearheads. Let me preface by saying I can do allot of wrenching myself.
THE HISTORY
I'm getting ready to buy a friends 1996 C4S, charcoal black with black leather - 43,000 miles. The car was originally purchsed at a Los Angeles dealership, and my friend bought it from that dealer with 30,000 miles 2.5 years ago; he is the second owner and the car is in LA. I want to cover all my bases.
My friend is not an enthuiasest by any means, but, he is very careful about his cars (his first car is an '01 M5) and maintains them well. I want to be as thorough as possible before I pull the trigger on a car that has been a spirited Sunday driver for the past year and a half.
As the car has been serviced by the same dealer since new, I plan on taking it to that dealer for a PPI and a complete check of all records at the dealerships service department. What tips can you guys suggest at the stealership to make the exercise as informational as possible ?
To make sure nothing has been overlooked I plan on taking it to then another, unbiased, uninterested party for yet another detailed inspection. Can you guys suggest someone who knows 993's inside and out, does some serious mods to them and possibly has some racing/track experience (Andial?) ?? This is where I plan to have a compression check done, all the fluids flushed, inspected and changed, suspension and brakes closely inspected and all major drivetrain componets inspected paying close attention to CV's/ driveshafts, tranny and VC system, and finally the frame. I know this may cost a pretty penny, but I'd feel better having it done. That being said, is it worth it to pay the stealership to do a PPI ???
I would also like to have the frame and body/paint inspected for any accidents, fender benders or spray jobs. Apparently the factory stickers inside the doors are missing - I hope the dealer can shed some light there; they did however, already agree to replace them with whatever originally came on it. The car has a few paint chips up front and on the drivers door (seen only up close) but is otherwise perfectly clean inside and out. Any suggestions here ??
To be perfectly honest I think the 993 is the last true Porsche ever built and am enthralled at the prospect of owning such a fine automobile. I hope you guys can help me out a bit during what seems to be a very daunting task of making sure I am in fact purchasing a FINE AUTOMOBILE.
THE HISTORY
I'm getting ready to buy a friends 1996 C4S, charcoal black with black leather - 43,000 miles. The car was originally purchsed at a Los Angeles dealership, and my friend bought it from that dealer with 30,000 miles 2.5 years ago; he is the second owner and the car is in LA. I want to cover all my bases.
My friend is not an enthuiasest by any means, but, he is very careful about his cars (his first car is an '01 M5) and maintains them well. I want to be as thorough as possible before I pull the trigger on a car that has been a spirited Sunday driver for the past year and a half.
As the car has been serviced by the same dealer since new, I plan on taking it to that dealer for a PPI and a complete check of all records at the dealerships service department. What tips can you guys suggest at the stealership to make the exercise as informational as possible ?
To make sure nothing has been overlooked I plan on taking it to then another, unbiased, uninterested party for yet another detailed inspection. Can you guys suggest someone who knows 993's inside and out, does some serious mods to them and possibly has some racing/track experience (Andial?) ?? This is where I plan to have a compression check done, all the fluids flushed, inspected and changed, suspension and brakes closely inspected and all major drivetrain componets inspected paying close attention to CV's/ driveshafts, tranny and VC system, and finally the frame. I know this may cost a pretty penny, but I'd feel better having it done. That being said, is it worth it to pay the stealership to do a PPI ???
I would also like to have the frame and body/paint inspected for any accidents, fender benders or spray jobs. Apparently the factory stickers inside the doors are missing - I hope the dealer can shed some light there; they did however, already agree to replace them with whatever originally came on it. The car has a few paint chips up front and on the drivers door (seen only up close) but is otherwise perfectly clean inside and out. Any suggestions here ??
To be perfectly honest I think the 993 is the last true Porsche ever built and am enthralled at the prospect of owning such a fine automobile. I hope you guys can help me out a bit during what seems to be a very daunting task of making sure I am in fact purchasing a FINE AUTOMOBILE.
Last edited by Agro1; 02-11-2004 at 10:03 AM.
02-11-2004, 08:51 AM
#2
Drifting
My advice is to go to a specialist for each item. In other words, go to a top-notch mechanic for the mechanical issues. Go to a body shop for the body and frame issues.
Michael
Michael
02-11-2004, 10:30 AM
#3
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Expect to need new shocks...they're gone by 43K.
I would just interview the dealer and review their records, then have your inspection done at an independent shop.
I would just interview the dealer and review their records, then have your inspection done at an independent shop.
02-14-2004, 08:14 AM
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Not sure where you are with price, but I saw an ad for a 97 C4S with similar mileage for $37K that perhaps you can show him to get a better deal. PM me if you want the info. It was forest green which may be why the price is low.
02-18-2004, 08:59 PM
#7
If you're going for the track, look for a 993 RS and not a C4S.
The C4S is actually heavier than the original C4/C2. However, most Porsche's are great fun anyway on a track.
Check the VIN - Code, and look what options the car has. Personally I dont think extra equipment is worth to pay much attention too.
A good bodyshop, will see very quickly if the car had major damages.
If the car is served at the dealership, it usually is a good thing.
Also, I think the 993 is the best deal you can get buying a Porsche today.
True 911, true air-cooled, dry-sump, excellent fun, wonderful reliability, great looks, awesome sound, do I need to go on...?
And it's all for a very descent price!
The C4S is actually heavier than the original C4/C2. However, most Porsche's are great fun anyway on a track.
Check the VIN - Code, and look what options the car has. Personally I dont think extra equipment is worth to pay much attention too.
A good bodyshop, will see very quickly if the car had major damages.
If the car is served at the dealership, it usually is a good thing.
Also, I think the 993 is the best deal you can get buying a Porsche today.
True 911, true air-cooled, dry-sump, excellent fun, wonderful reliability, great looks, awesome sound, do I need to go on...?
And it's all for a very descent price!
Trending Topics
02-18-2004, 09:23 PM
#8
Rennlist Member
Jeff-prsha- any details on the fuel injection cleaning ??
max
max
02-19-2004, 02:02 AM
#10
Re: Pulling the Trigger on a 993 C4S
Originally posted by Agro1
....I'm getting ready to buy a friends 1996 C4S, charcoal black with black leather....
....I'm getting ready to buy a friends 1996 C4S, charcoal black with black leather....
02-19-2004, 03:08 AM
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You know man, I said the same thing to myself the other day...I really don't remember seeing a charcoal 993 ever, besides this one of course. Only rode in it a few times, once at the track when he was babying it and I was flogging something else ::
It's more of a gunmetal color than anything...I have a photo but have never gotten around to web hosting services and the site tells me only members can upload photos...
It's more of a gunmetal color than anything...I have a photo but have never gotten around to web hosting services and the site tells me only members can upload photos...
