pcar964

Someone should copy this to the top of the page of the 993 forum. I think it sums it up perfectly

ARM993

If you've got the bug there is no hope feeding it with the Z or any other substitute. I attempted that and the previous ride in the garage lasted less than a year when I dumped it and bought the 993. Life is too short and if you can afford the purschase and the maintenance go for it. Your friends, family, and coworkers won't understand. Most will see it as unnecessary and even over indulgent. Which is when I say that everyone has to have a problem or addiction and I'm happy to live with mine thanks. Good luck.

Lerxst

I'm going to enjoy staying on this site once I find my 993. A lot of mature individuals with some great perspectives... and an ignorant twit or two to keep me laughing.

A Porsche has always been a dream and in December I realized it could be a reality. However, it's very tough to find seat time when there are so few here and we have 6 months of snow. I've ridden in 964s and 996s but haven't had the pleasure of driving them, let alone a 993. I'm going to go sit in a 993 this afternoon to make sure I fit at 6'2" w/ a helmet (see other thread). So aside from reading about the car as much as possible, talking to owners is the only other resource... so yeah... I get it. Based on the articles I've read, people I've talked to, and the discussions in Rennlist, Pelican Parts, PCA, etc... I'm thinking this is the right car for me.

The search continues...

Flying Finn

There are not ignorant twits here, or ok, there are but trust me, once you get your 993 and start enjoying it, for sure you'll call your friends nuts.

Lerxst

Every forum has them... I actually think Rennlist is better than most in that regard... although I'm still new.

D5LV

Lerxst,
Just to add to everyone else. I did look at the 350z when I was in the market for another car. I like the looks, enjoyed driving it, and for the money is a great deal for the performance. Was honestly also considering the G35 coupe at the time. I have always been interested in Porsches, especially the 993 version of the 911. Luckily for me, just before deciding on the 350z/G35, the "right one" came along. Turned out a friend was selling his in order to get another one. Knew the car and the price was great. I have never looked back. Yes, maintenance costs are more, but the grin factor is always high when I get behind the wheel. And, even though I have another car as a daily driver, I tend to drive the 993 more. Not to mention that the Rennlist site is another great asset if you are involved with Porsches in any way, whether you own currently, past, or just lusting for one!

MrRoboto

Yeah every forum does have them. Hang out more often and you'll find that this the most mature and laid back car web forum around.

I'm still quite new to the 993 crowd as well, but i'd have to say, the most annoying thing you'll find on this forum is people yelling at you to 1) Use the search function, 2) Assume you didn't use the search function even though you indicated you did, and 3) Tell you to buy membership (which you should).

Good luck with your search.

98993c2s

Entry cost is high, but exit is high as well...it's the difference that counts.

Insurance? My 993 doesn't cost anymore than any old SUV...

Expensive to maintain? In some ways yes (parts), but if you frequent Rennlist and use a reliable shop, it's not that much more...

FisterD

The 993 has been, and continues to be, the most enjoyable car I have ever owned. If you are into DIY, they are very stimulating and fun to work on. The engineering and design of these cars is quite intoxicating.

Leland Pate

I had two 350Z's so I can comment here.
You will not be disappointed if you move to a 993.
Trust me.

Lerxst

I'm thinking that too...

Humor me... why were you not disappointed? What does the 993 do for you that the 350Z didn't?

pcar964

Honestly, that is a silly question if you go test drive a 993 and still ask that question, then you probably shouldn't buy one.

fbfisher

Steve, stop holding out on us, where can you get an oil change for as little as $200?

Leland Pate

My Z cars rattled, squeeked, wore through tires in 5K, and overall made up my mind that I will never again own a Nissan product.

Aside from those problems, that you could argue were simple bad luck, my overall ownership was nowhere near as satisfying as my 993. When I'd get into the Z it simply did not feel special. Hightech, yes, modern, yes, but not special. A 993 is just special.
Looking around the interior of a Z there is so much plastic you could almost imagine you're sitting inside a gallon of milk. A 993 is so simple it's completely spartan by todays standards. And the really funny thing is, a 993 interior is high-tech compared to pre '89 911's.
The solid feeling when you close the doors cannot be replicated.
The anticipation you feel when you turn the key never gets old.
The smell of the leather/carpet/air cooled motor is distinctive.
The Z is not a slouch in terms of performance. And the one area the Z beats the Porsche is the gearbox. My Z shifted beautifully. The Porsche is a bit more notchy.

Anyway, it is all about character. You need to go drive one. And not just a trip around the block. Find one you can keep for the afternoon. Or better yet, over night. Try and count how many times you stop and look back at the car when you park it. Or the silly reasons you'll come up with to go take a peek at it in the garage.
Man, I wouldn't trade that feeling for anything.

Lerxst

Thanks LP... I appreciate you sharing your personal experience with both cars.

I'm presently knee-deep in snow and will be for the next 4 months. These cars are very rare where I live, so finding an opportunity to test-drive one for an afternoon before I buy is going to be tough. So I figure the next best thing is to talk to people with actual experience in both cars... and ask all my silly questions.