Itch for 993!
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 112
Likes: 0
From: Savannah, GA
Itch for 993!
I have a '87 Carrera with 56k, excellent condition. Incidentally, this car was PCNA's "press/photo car" for i987. It was probably well broken-in in the year PCNA used it! I have the urge for a newer example, still air-cooled of course. Where do fellow 993-junkies advise looking? I tend to shy away from places like e-bay, cars.com, autotrader, etc. 1995 seems to be a good value-year for the 993. Any advice or recommendations would be appreciated.
Racer
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 251
Likes: 1
From: Tampa, Florida
Burt,
That is a classic question.
I just bought a 1995 C4, black on black, with 54k, no door dings, etc for $37k in Naples, Florida. While searching I went to all the local dealers and indpendents in my area to drive them and get educated. The Porsche places generally don't keep cars that age on their lots, so most seem to go to the independents. You are pretty lucky that you're reasonably close to Atlanta, as there's a decent market there. (Talk to Robin Sun who runs <a href="http://www.p-cars.com." target="_blank">www.p-cars.com.</a> He's thought about selling his 993 and may have some leads for you.)
I monitored AutoTrader online, the classifieds in Tampa, Miami, Ft. Lauderdale, Orlando, etc. to see if one would come up for private sale. Of course I wanted a fair price and a well maintained car. I searched eBay daily to learn more about availability and prices, but was not willing to buy one sight unseen (my first Porsche and I was skittish.) I ultimately found one advertised on eBay that was in Naples. I contacted the buyer and agreed to a price outside of auction -- but my purchase was contingent to a PPI. I went to see it, took it to the local p-car dealership, it passed, I bought it.
You can't have too much information. There is no secret best source of cars. Try every channel and be patient to get a clean, lower miles, well-maintained specimin that you like the color combo. Good luck and feel free to email with any questions.
Thanks,
<img src="graemlins/beerchug.gif" border="0" alt="[cheers]" />
That is a classic question.
I just bought a 1995 C4, black on black, with 54k, no door dings, etc for $37k in Naples, Florida. While searching I went to all the local dealers and indpendents in my area to drive them and get educated. The Porsche places generally don't keep cars that age on their lots, so most seem to go to the independents. You are pretty lucky that you're reasonably close to Atlanta, as there's a decent market there. (Talk to Robin Sun who runs <a href="http://www.p-cars.com." target="_blank">www.p-cars.com.</a> He's thought about selling his 993 and may have some leads for you.)
I monitored AutoTrader online, the classifieds in Tampa, Miami, Ft. Lauderdale, Orlando, etc. to see if one would come up for private sale. Of course I wanted a fair price and a well maintained car. I searched eBay daily to learn more about availability and prices, but was not willing to buy one sight unseen (my first Porsche and I was skittish.) I ultimately found one advertised on eBay that was in Naples. I contacted the buyer and agreed to a price outside of auction -- but my purchase was contingent to a PPI. I went to see it, took it to the local p-car dealership, it passed, I bought it.
You can't have too much information. There is no secret best source of cars. Try every channel and be patient to get a clean, lower miles, well-maintained specimin that you like the color combo. Good luck and feel free to email with any questions.
Thanks,
<img src="graemlins/beerchug.gif" border="0" alt="[cheers]" />
Drifting
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 2,224
Likes: 24
From: Indiana
I purchased my 96 993 from the classifieds on this board. Also, if you are not a PCA member become one to get the PCA club magazine Panorama which has a great classified section (usually at least 5 993 an issue).
Addict
Rennlist Member
Rennlist Member
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 982
Likes: 93
From: Atlanta
Burt:
It sounds like you have a very nice ’87. My first Porsche was an ’88 and it was a great car and a great introduction to Porsche. It had a lot more miles than your car when I bought it, but it ran well and gave me a good understanding of how unique Porsches really are. I wouldn’t rule out sources like Autotrader or even Ebay. I think that Jack gave you some good advice regarding places to look and cars to buy.
I have a slightly different opinion concerning miles on 993s. I am on my third 993. One had 16,000 miles and the other two had more than 65,000 miles. My sample size is admittedly small, but all three of them have been very good cars. As you are already a Porsche owner, you know some of the things to look for when buying one. I wouldn’t focus on low mileage cars unless that is what you are looking for.
Getting a PPI is just good common sense and could save you thousands down the road. I think the ‘95s are good values too, but I would be willing to spend $2-$5K more for a ’96 or later 993 to get the Varioram induction system if you can find one at a palatable price. My current 993 is a high mileage ’95 that had a lot of the options that I was looking for. I have been very happy with it since October, 2001.
There are several for sale in and around Atlanta and Charleston. Check the Rennlist Classifieds as well. Porsche Panorama is another good source for finding cars. Lastly, I would check the web sites of the individual PCA regions. You can find these addresses by visiting <a href="http://www.pca.org." target="_blank">www.pca.org.</a>
Happy Hunting.
Hank
It sounds like you have a very nice ’87. My first Porsche was an ’88 and it was a great car and a great introduction to Porsche. It had a lot more miles than your car when I bought it, but it ran well and gave me a good understanding of how unique Porsches really are. I wouldn’t rule out sources like Autotrader or even Ebay. I think that Jack gave you some good advice regarding places to look and cars to buy.
I have a slightly different opinion concerning miles on 993s. I am on my third 993. One had 16,000 miles and the other two had more than 65,000 miles. My sample size is admittedly small, but all three of them have been very good cars. As you are already a Porsche owner, you know some of the things to look for when buying one. I wouldn’t focus on low mileage cars unless that is what you are looking for.
Getting a PPI is just good common sense and could save you thousands down the road. I think the ‘95s are good values too, but I would be willing to spend $2-$5K more for a ’96 or later 993 to get the Varioram induction system if you can find one at a palatable price. My current 993 is a high mileage ’95 that had a lot of the options that I was looking for. I have been very happy with it since October, 2001.
There are several for sale in and around Atlanta and Charleston. Check the Rennlist Classifieds as well. Porsche Panorama is another good source for finding cars. Lastly, I would check the web sites of the individual PCA regions. You can find these addresses by visiting <a href="http://www.pca.org." target="_blank">www.pca.org.</a>
Happy Hunting.
Hank
Addict
Rennlist
Lifetime Member
Rennlist
Lifetime Member
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 1,157
Likes: 3
From: Miramar Beach, Florida
When I was looking to move up to a 993 last year from my '85 Turbolook coupe, I found my best leads, including the car I bought, from Cars.com. It lists dealer and individual ads from major newspapers located all over the country. Expand your search area beyond your locale, and ask fellow Rennlisters or PCA'ers to give your choice a preliminary look before you travel to see the car and get a full PPI. It's part of the adventure, especially driving it home. I sold my '85 to a fellow in the Bay Area who flew down and drove it back.
Good Luck. You will love the 993.
Good Luck. You will love the 993.
Addict
Rennlist Member
Rennlist Member
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 729
Likes: 57
From: Melbourne, FL
I did a *lot* of online searching before I found my '96 Targa. I tended to look everywhere, including autotrader.com, collectorcartraderonline (which was where I found mine), cars.com, dupontregistry.com, etc.
One thing I would do is search those general auto sites to locate various new/used dealers, then click through to their individual web sites. After canvasing the 'net for a few months, you tend to get a feel for prices, vehicle turnover, etc.
My Targa was listed on Collector Car Trader Online by Vintage Motors in Sarasota, FL, where the previous owner had put it on consignment.
Good luck!
-Chris
One thing I would do is search those general auto sites to locate various new/used dealers, then click through to their individual web sites. After canvasing the 'net for a few months, you tend to get a feel for prices, vehicle turnover, etc.
My Targa was listed on Collector Car Trader Online by Vintage Motors in Sarasota, FL, where the previous owner had put it on consignment.
Good luck!
-Chris
Addict & Guru
Rennlist Member
Rennlist Member
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 3,897
Likes: 3
From: St. Louis
[quote]Originally posted by Burt Goodwin:
<strong>I tend to shy away from places like e-bay ...</strong><hr></blockquote>
Burt
Don't discount eBay as a source. Many sellers (especially dealers) are using eBay not to necessarily sell at auction, but as a way to inexpensively advertise their car. They post with a high reserve and hope to attract contact from interested buyers with a sale negotiated after the auction ends, short of the reserve. A friend just bought a 993tt that he found because it was listed by a dealer on eBay. He negotiated, inspected & bought it post auction. I bought my car 2+ yr ago on eBay from a CA dealer after negotiating full rights of recision before I bid.
<strong>I tend to shy away from places like e-bay ...</strong><hr></blockquote>
Burt
Don't discount eBay as a source. Many sellers (especially dealers) are using eBay not to necessarily sell at auction, but as a way to inexpensively advertise their car. They post with a high reserve and hope to attract contact from interested buyers with a sale negotiated after the auction ends, short of the reserve. A friend just bought a 993tt that he found because it was listed by a dealer on eBay. He negotiated, inspected & bought it post auction. I bought my car 2+ yr ago on eBay from a CA dealer after negotiating full rights of recision before I bid.
Trending Topics
Addict
Rennlist Member
Rennlist Member
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 277
Likes: 0
From: Central Illinois
Burt, I agree with all. Check all potential sources before you make a choice. I found my '96 through the PCA website : <a href="http://www.pca.org." target="_blank">http://www.pca.org.</a> browse their on-line classifieds and also review the regional PCA club-sites (especially those close to you). I also have a recent copy of PML (Porsche Market Letter) that has a list of approximately 70, 993's from '95 to '98. If interested send email for more data. Good luck in your search, it's half the fun... Steve
Addict
Rennlist Member
Rennlist Member
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 248
Likes: 0
From: Armonk, NY
Burt,
I purchased my '97 993tt from a dealer advertising on Rennlist classifieds(Thalist).
One important positive about utilizing this resource is that Bill Hodges(Thalist sponsor, Suncoast Porsche) serves as the conscience of any dealer that utilizes Thalist as an advertising medium. In my case, Bill stepped up and made sure that a small issue noted on delivery was addressed by the dealer- I doubt I would have gotten similar satisfaction without his strong support.
Good luck,
Steve
'97 993tt
I purchased my '97 993tt from a dealer advertising on Rennlist classifieds(Thalist).
One important positive about utilizing this resource is that Bill Hodges(Thalist sponsor, Suncoast Porsche) serves as the conscience of any dealer that utilizes Thalist as an advertising medium. In my case, Bill stepped up and made sure that a small issue noted on delivery was addressed by the dealer- I doubt I would have gotten similar satisfaction without his strong support.
Good luck,
Steve
'97 993tt