DM

I'm looking for some affirmation/confirmation that I'm pulling the trigger on the right car today.

First the background.

I've owned p-cars for 30 years, but never a 911. We just sold our 968 a few weeks ago. I enjoyed that car for how fun it was to drive at legal speeds.
We are fortunate to have two Caymans – a 987.2 base and 981. I love the go-cart handling around town of the 987.2 and the composure of the 981 for road trips.

At first I thought a 997 was the next step, but after driving an S and C4S they just did not do it for me, felt too luxurious and disconnected. So after pondering between a G-50 car and a 993 we are opting for the 993 and buying today! But it is 1,000 miles away and cannot drive before I buy – and I've never driven a 993.

Based on my love of the Caymans is this the right move into my first 911?

David

alsamrob4

It was for me!

HalfGerman

Well, l bought one having NEVER even driven any Porsche. The search took a bit and in my mind the Cayman was the "back up" option. I say go for it. Depending on purchase price, if it ends up not for you, probably easy to get at least most of your money back on resale.

INTMD8

^ Same here. Went from a 993 to a 997.2 and now back to a 993.

bbs993tt

Based on your description of what the 997 did for you, get the 993. And post pics.

paranoidandroid

I bought mine site unseen as well, and told myself if I don't like it there are a bunch of folks out there who will gladly take it off my hands.

I came from driving Subarus..very agile, fun cars to drive, and imho similar to a Cayman (weight distribution differences notwithstanding). The 993 is a bit different, but definitely a raw car as well, but just easier to drive than some of the older aircooleds. My only annoyance is 1st gear....what a pain. The fun starts at 2nd.

Gbos1

Ah just do it! You won’t regret the decision….. oh and post some pics.

SpeedyC2

I am lucky enough to own both a 987.1 and a 993. If you love your Cayman, I predict you will also love the 993.

They are certainly not the same car, but they have an undeniable family similarity. I would be hard pressed to pick a favorite - but the good news is I don't have to!

nesposito

I own a 987.2 Cayman S and a 993. They drive is very different. Different enough to warrant owning both. The Cayman is more fun to throw around and the 993 although about the same size feels a bit smoother and more of a GT car than the Cayman. They really are so different.

WhipE350

I’ve owned four Boxster’s (986, 2 987.1, 981) and recently got my fourth 911 and it is a 993. You have experience with other older Porsches so very likely will love it. I guess if it was me I would find one local and at least drive one before committing. For me I wasn’t completely happy until I installed coilovers and set at ROW height. Now it drives they way it was designed. Also I have 17” wheels and recently tried 18s and was surprised how much it changed the ride, at least for me. Much firmer with 18s but also in my view made it much less busy and didn’t feel so light in the front end. Before I returned the 18s to my buddy I was amazed I could go 85 on highway hands free. Very impressive. I won’t be getting ride of mine anytime soon. 😀

N8tive

I just recently bought a 993 (95 C2) which I have wanted for 20+ years. I am so glad I did and I absolutely love it. Fun to drive and tinker with as well. You wont regret it if you buy the right one. Good luck and enjoy!

DM

Thank you everyone for the support. Now here is the big question...

I am buying the 993 from Dick Barbour Performance, but I cannot find anyone around Atlanta to do a PPI for three weeks. It has had an engine out reseal and new clutch in the last 3k miles.

But we all know a PPI is a best practice.

Would you buy a 993 without a PPI?

P-daddy

You’re buying sight-unseen, I would at least ask a Rennlister local to the car to take a quick peek before dropping $$$ on this. No pre-purchase inspection?

bweiner

You may want to try a Porsche dealership if you can't find a spot at an Indy shop for the PPI - I believe that Dick is between Greenville and Atlanta so if you can't find an appointment in ATL you might try Greenville SC. I will also add that Dick has a pretty good reputation in this area. He has been around for a long time and though I have not bought a car from him, I've talked to him about several and he was very open and honest about condition and needs.

DM

The local Porsche dealers say they no longer perform PPI services because of liability. I have heard this from other dealers in the past.