993 test drive
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1st Gear
Joined: Aug 2001
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From: Norfolk, England
993 test drive
Hi Folks
I'm new here, and will be test driving a 1996 993 in a day or two.
It's being sold by an official Porsche dealer here in the UK, so I should be fairly safe from buying a lemon, but I would like to know if there is anything specific to the 993 model that I should look out for whilst on my drive.
I currently own a 1998 Boxster, and have never driven a 911 before.
Kind regards to all
Tim.
I'm new here, and will be test driving a 1996 993 in a day or two.
It's being sold by an official Porsche dealer here in the UK, so I should be fairly safe from buying a lemon, but I would like to know if there is anything specific to the 993 model that I should look out for whilst on my drive.
I currently own a 1998 Boxster, and have never driven a 911 before.
Kind regards to all
Tim.
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Joined: May 2001
Posts: 92
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From: SF Bay Area
I might keep looking until I found a privately owned 993. Lots of Porsche owners are pretty fanatical and you can find really well maintained cars and save a little money versus dealer prices. As for the 993 model in general, the door straps sometimes fail (the thing that keeps the door open when you are getting out of the car) and a pulley system in the engine is prone to failure. You should make sure that the pulley system has been upgraded. Someone more mechanically oriented can provide you with a better description/name of this pulley system.
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Joined: May 2001
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From: New Jersey, USA
To get an idea of 993 issues, you could try Robin's fantastic site . Apart from the usual inspection, etc., look for non-std items (mods and upgrades). Be sure that they make sense to you and, even more importantly, to the car.
Some issues though not an exhaustive list by any means
-- belt pulley update on some cars
-- wiring harness issue possibility (seems like early 1994 or model yr 95 cars only but unsure)
-- DME relay (best to carry spare seems to be the motto here)
Other issues that don't bother me but might be of concern are windshield squeak (i have not been in a 993 that does not have this option - it is a no-cost option), rock chips, and some other such cosmetic type things.
On your drive, be sure to figure out if the clutch seems healthy especially if mileage is high.
I would highly recommend that you drive atleast two or three 993s before you decide so you know how they are supposed to drive
Best of luck.
Some issues though not an exhaustive list by any means
-- belt pulley update on some cars
-- wiring harness issue possibility (seems like early 1994 or model yr 95 cars only but unsure)
-- DME relay (best to carry spare seems to be the motto here)
Other issues that don't bother me but might be of concern are windshield squeak (i have not been in a 993 that does not have this option - it is a no-cost option), rock chips, and some other such cosmetic type things.
On your drive, be sure to figure out if the clutch seems healthy especially if mileage is high.
I would highly recommend that you drive atleast two or three 993s before you decide so you know how they are supposed to drive
Best of luck.
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Joined: May 2001
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From: St. Louis
Tim
Try an archive search for more info since this question comes up frequently.
The 993 is pretty reliable. Most common problems are: clutch slave cylinder failure & creaking front & rear windows. Cars that are driven will likely have small stone chips in front bumper. '95 had wiring harness problem.
Suggest you get an independent PPI (pre-purchase inspection)or at least a reasonable time/mileage warranty even if buy from a P dealer.
Good luck.
P.S. Your Boxster just won't do the trick after your 993 test drive. Just a word of caution
Try an archive search for more info since this question comes up frequently.
The 993 is pretty reliable. Most common problems are: clutch slave cylinder failure & creaking front & rear windows. Cars that are driven will likely have small stone chips in front bumper. '95 had wiring harness problem.
Suggest you get an independent PPI (pre-purchase inspection)or at least a reasonable time/mileage warranty even if buy from a P dealer.
Good luck.
P.S. Your Boxster just won't do the trick after your 993 test drive. Just a word of caution
