luke byron

Hi, I am new to this forum and have been shopping for a 95-97 na 911 for many months can anybody tell me what year was the 993 perfected (mechanically / reliably) and bugs cleared if any.

Thanks in advance your response will educate my dream car search.

graham_mitchell

As is often the case, the end of the run is probably the pick of the bunch, but some would say that the '95 is a good year due to having ODBI instead of ODBII, and being easily 'chipable'.

Marc in AK

What are you looking for...coupe, cab, etc?

luke byron

Coupe C2 manual. I have heard several issues with certain years maybe rumors.

chris walrod

Could you outline what issues you have heard about?

Father of 3

Don't believe the hype. Early 95s require a steering rack brace (cheap to install) if you want 18" wheels. Maybe the pros can chime in here but is there a difference in the suspension geometry in early 95s as well? 96+ have varioram whereas 95 does not, which results in 282 hp vs. 275hp (I think). Many say thay cannot tell the difference and tradeoff is OBDI in 95s vs. OBDII in 96+. Benefit of OBDI is does not trip Check Engine Light (CEL) is Secondary Air Injectors (SAI) are clogged. SAI clogging does not impact performance but if CEL is tripped, cannot pass smog (unless really sneaky - someone posted a devious routing to get past smog check in the past week or so). Search both CEL and SAI and you will find more info than you will know what to do with. Other than these points, and the fact that certain models were made only in certain years, I don't think there is any one year better than another. As these are 9+ year old cars now, I wouldn't worry so much about build year as about condition, options, modifications (can add or detract from value), mileage, and price. Budget about $2k - $3k for unforseen needs to get car right, get a PPI from a trustworthy choice, buy from a Rennlister if possible, and you should be fine.

Bull

Why no interest in '98?????

SCMomentum

Asking 993 owners what is the best year is a difficult propostion. You will find folks are fervently loyal to their particular vehicle. The best opinions would be from those that have owned multiple years (i.e. '95 & '97 for example). The previous posts are correct....'95 has OBD I which negates the CEL problem that plagues some '96-'98's. 95's have 12 less horses (270 vs. 282) and rear suspension geometry differences. '96 and on have varioram engines with some more mid-level torque. The other thing most '95's have is the "basket carrier" third brake light above the bonnet.

Some folks have definitive opinions on this issue. I think that the '98 owners will say that being the last of the air-cooled 911's makes their 993 the pinnacle of the breed and that they will carry more value over the years as a result. In the end, you have decide what you think is best.....which inevitably makes it the best 993 ever made

graham_mitchell

By the way, Luke, this question has been asked over and over again. Search the archives and you will find out all you need to know

luke byron

First, let me thank you for all of your responses, this is exactly the feedback I was looking for. Responses: CEL 96-98, paying cash 98 $$$, I tried to search. Keep it coming I love this information. Great Forum!

TheOtherEric

Yup, this question comes up regularly. Short answer: if you want 15-25% more midrange torque (and a tiny bump in peak hp) and are willing to risk the dreaded SAI problem, then you may want the '96-'98. But also keep in mind there's considerable variation from one car to the next re. engine output. E.g. my current '95 definitely accelerates stronger than my previous '96 C4 cab: my '95 has a stronger engine (despite having twice the mileage) and it weighs less. But your mileage WILL vary.

Currently, '95 sell for about the same as '96, although '97 and '98 command a premium price due to just being newer and about the end of the last air-cooled's.

David in LA

Really depends on your priorities - "Best" if price is not an issue, then 1998 as most of the issues have been sorted out; "best" in terms of value, then 1995. If looking to chip the ECU then avoid 1996. If planning on doing heavy mods then 1995 or 1997 is the prob the best way to go.

mrsullivan

the answer is 1998 of course....last of the Porsche air-cooled era...

ok, so maybe i am a little biased

Ray Calvo

993 is one of the few cars that was pretty bulletproof when it first came out (86K miles on my '95; going strong).

Can you stand the "basket handle" 3rd brake light? If so go for the '95. Also, later cars have the "Immobilizer" locks/anti-theft system that could immobilize more than a car thief.

Bottom line: good condition/well maintained ones are getting harder to find. Make sure that regular maintenances were done and car gets a clean PPI from a knowledgeable/qualified mechanic. More important than car year.

Want more? Search the archives, lazybones!

jnor10

They're all good, with minor variations from 95-98. The best model year of the 993's is the one you OWN!

Have fun with the search!

Jeff N.