tsy911

Hi, I've been looking (lurking?) around here (993 and 996 threads) for a while and read through the intro to 993 thread, but a lot of the links are dead and I need some help!

I'm trying to find a 911 Coupe or Targa tiptronic in S. California (some of my family members don't know how to drive with the left foot ) and was wondering about your thoughts between a '97 or '98 993 vs '02 or '03 996. (I'm a little biased so I'm posting this here) but there are definitely a lot more low mileage 996s available than 993. My local Porsche garage strongly suggested the 993 over the 996.

If anyone knows a good place to look for one (and good places to avoid) I'd appreciate it! I've not had any luck with the dealers having the car I'm looking for, and most of the ads in Autotrader are from used car dealers.

Also, does anyone know a good place to get a PPI done in OC?

Please save us from looking at a new Corvette!

Thanks again. I hope to become a 911 owning member soon!

tom

chris walrod

As far as 993 or 996, you'll have to drive both and see what YOU like. Seems as though 993 and 996 prices are similiar these days, provided the 996 you are looking at is not 2002 or newer. These do get more money. BUT, I would recommend 993 as I feel these are much better cars in terms of quality, feel and the whole driving experience. I think both are great daily drivers, 996 being more Lexus-like, although not as reliable.

For a 996, be SURE to get a warranty that will cover big ticket items such as engine and trans replacement etc.

Again, drive both and see what ya like.

Hergesheimers in Lake Forest is a good place for PPI, BTW.

Happy hunting!

Martin S.

2002 and later 996 Tip cars haul *** big time. I have driven a 996 Tip and was astounded at its performance. I believe that the 996 is a five speed and the 993 a 4 speed Tip...I drove a 1998 Carrera S...it seemed a little slugish...but that is just an opinion.

If you are a dyed in the wool oil/air cooled fan, then the 993 is the car for you. If you are less of a stickler for the method of cooling and don't mind not having dry sump lubrication, then the 2002 and later 993 is the car for you. Also note, I have got to confess I love the 996 cabriolet top. It looks neat and clean when it is down...more so than a 993 cabriolet, in my opinion of course.

Topless in Temecula

I looked at both 993's and 996's and choose the 993 - I really like the drive and theoil/air cooled engine. The 996's I looked at were all cabs with tip (as is my C2 993). The 993's were definately more expensive (relatively speaking) than the 2000 and 2001 996's I looked at - meaning really nice, late model 993's were as expensive as the 996's. I find the 993 to be what I always dreamed a Porsche should be - otherwise why sell the Boxster? Good luck with the search - I used autotraderweb site, this site, the PCA site, p-car site, ebay and the LA Times to finaly find just the right car. Good luck.

Kigiin

I have owned two 993s (so I am bias) and have only test driven 996s. For me, the 996s are cars. 993s are sports cars. That is, the 993s are mechanical.... you feel, hear, taste (and the other two senses) things working. It is really cool. It is Porsche.

tsy911

Thank you all for your opinions! As I've been shopping it's true, a low mileage 993 is about the same as a 2002 996. It may come down to difficulty in finding a 993 tip coupe vs a 996. When I think Porsche I also think the 993 is more of what I have in mind.

If I can find a good clean 993 tip I think I'll get it, but 'settling' for a 996 won't be to bad either, i think.

Thanks again. Hope to bring back good news soon.

tom

ramn

Love my 993 tip, daily driver, great car.

fbfisher

Don't settle, no need to. Take your time and make the right choice. I love my tip, though I wish it had 6 forward gears.

Howdy993

Gotta love a tip. - fast, fun, reliable, easy on the knees. Totally agree with FBFisher, 2 more gears would be nice.

Take your time and definately don't settle. Then drive it like you stole it.

Jastx

Here is a 1998 Tip on eBay: http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...497520202&rd=1

tsy911

Thanks for the link, John.

I saw that one. A little scary to buy something you've never seen, though.

I think you guys are right. I'll just wait it out until I find my perfect match. I won't be happy with a 996.

I have a local Porsche garage looking out for one for me too.

Thanks again guys. I'll just read and hopefully join you all soon!

tom

Martin S.

John D has a pal who bought a beautiful Carrera 4S, Speed Yellow, sigt unseen...I did a visual for hoim...beautiful car, and the buyer is happy. So it can work, but it is scary.

The 2002 996 Tip hauls butt big time. It would be a great car if you could get an extended warranty for peace of mind...it screams...don't drive one of these then drive a 993 Tip...I have driven both, and as much as I am a dyed in the wool 993 freak, if I were going Tip, I'd go 2002 996 with an extended warranty...IMHO, of course.

Thanks for listening.....

jrgordonsenior

I looked on their web site and that car's a touch expensive, they're asking $59k. They also have a nice 96TT for $84k.....They have lots of exotics, mostly Lamborghinis & Ferraris.

I bought my latest 993 2+ years ago via E-Bay. It didn't sell there so I spent the next 3 weeks talking/negoiating with the owner. He picked me up at the airport in his new 996TT and let me drive that car back to his house encouraging me to open it up on the frwy (didn't really take all that much encouragement). The 993 Cab was perfect of course, and we've remained friends to this day.
JRG

MikeAlwaysWins

There's a low mileage '98 C2S on autotrader... black on black TIP located in Santa Ana, CA at PacificImports...Asking around $52,000... no afilliation..etc..etc.

Monique

Very different cars. 993 is mechanical and the 996 is more subtle and refined.

However, a 996 can cost mega bucks if you get a RMS outside of warranty.

IMO, get a 6 speed... a Tip will not compare once you get used to shifting again. I have 4 cars and all are manual boxes... and we have some serious traffic in EU too. Perhaps worse than in US due to higher population density.