911m3

Hi guys,

It's been about 6 months now since I've been bitten by the P-bug (again) and I'm still looking for my next 911. After several 87-89 911 and a 993 test drives, I think I have to pass those years up and go for 964, 993 or 996. At my age, though I still think I'm capable of doing the work, I don't have the time, as energetic, knowledgeable enough about the newer cars or have the right equipment to keep the car in shape as a daily driver. With those said, can someone here, please tell me in general what cars are less likely to have problems? And summarily list the year and their issues?

I have Zimmerman's older 'The Used 911 Story' and I'm convinced to stay away from the early 964s. I constantly, go the bookstore and get any relative 911 mags or books to get more info. But nothing beats real owner feedbacks.

Around here, I see that there's this mention of CEL on 993s. What does this stand for? Is this similar to the air injection problems? Anyway, a step up to 996 is also okay. But if the cost is going up in the $50K range, I might as well go for the new M3 for practicality. One thing that always keep me wanting a 911 is, for years to come - it'll always be a 911. Can't say the same to any other common cars out there even if they'll beat the 911.

TIA,
911M3

Howdy993

After 3 + years of ownership, I'd say this is one great car. Every drive puts a smile on my face.

Do a search on CEL and SAI - yes it has to do with air injection during the 1st minute or so after start up. Recently got Adrian Streathers (fellow Rennlister) 993 Companion Book and it is a wealth of information on the last and greatest of the air cooled Porsches.

Best wishes

c993k

This is a 993 group
so expect to hear 993 a lot. We are all pretty well dedicated to this model.
I enjoy mine very much and it's my tenth 911. Good luck on whatever you get, Chris

max911

Ouch .... most of us here would think of that move in the opposite direction

Drive a 993 and a 996. Look at a 993 and a 996. Usually you'll much prefer one over the other.
Don't discount an early 964 if it passes a PPI and has the two main issues addressed.
- cylinder head to cylinder sealing issue
- dual mass fly-wheel

max

Jay Gratton

I would go with the 993 without thinking about it. You can't beat the prices on them for the amount of car your getting. Just a wonderful automobile to have.

mborkow

there is a thread on the 964 board at the moment about why the 964 is better than the 993:
https://rennlist.com/forums/964-forum/251986-why-a-964-over-993-a.html

Pedro356C

p_carfan

This is the wrong board for making such assinine statements .

Edward

Remember which board you're asking now...

You gotta just drive them all ...different strokes for diff folks, ya know. If budget is a concern, you may want to look into a 964 as their relative unpopularity is a boon for buyers. A well-sorted 964 presents a tremendous car, and probably the best bang for buck, IMHO. Of the 3, it is the most "raw" in it's feel (not a bad thing, really!). And you can use the cash you saved on some choice mods, or just bank it for future maintenance. I'd get one myself to add to the stable if it didn't result in my immediate death by wife

Edward

Paulsha911

I have had 4 996s (still have one) and just bought a 993.

I think the 996 is more modern, easier to drive fast, requires a bit less maintenance, and a good daily driver.

Having said that, the 993 is also a good daily driver although with rouger edges. More characters... definitely.

There are plenty of 996s where I live. I defintiely get more compliments and stares with the 993. It's kind of like having a nice classic / collector's item that you can also drive and enjoy everyday.

The 996 depreciated heavily in the past years but the free fall has stablized. The 993 held its value really well for a while but started depreciating like a normal car during the last year or so (according to the 993 price guide in the Jan/06 Excellence mag). So, I think it's a wash.

The 993 has more sexy curves than the 996... The 996 with Porsche Sport Exhaust sounds better than the 993 with Motor Sound Package...

Just a few quick points...

DC from Cape Cod

Excellence mag is full of crap. Ask any person from Rennlist that actually deals with these vehicles and they will agree. Rennlist Sponsor Alfie from Ira Porsche will be happy to tell you all about 993 values.

Freddy

Life was good to Ferry... he would not resist to see a 996 bearing his name...

ZombiePorsche44

If you have already owned 87-89 911's then the 964 may be too similar to those to give a new look to your driveway.
The 996 body is too slab sided for my tastes and I've never really learned to appreciate the instrument cluster (Serious CharlieFoxtrot) .

Not many cars in the world have the incredible curves and sensuality of the rear end of a 993. The other thing I love is, though it looks very modern when compared to an early 911, it still feels warm & familiar when you mount up, thanks to the dash, and as far as I'm concerned the 993 is the very best 911 ever produced!

I hope this answers your question sufficiently, but now I'm curious to know exactly what the heck did you expect a 993 addict to say?

Bull

I'm with Mr. Zombie, and there is a reason Ferry left us two weeks after the last, best air-cooled Porsche was produced!

jackb911

I've had all three (964 RS America--two of them; 993, and a 996). The 964's and 993 feel very similar to me, with the 993 being a bit quicker and better riding. Another plus is not having to adjust the valves on the 993. The 2000 996 I had was a complete disappointment to me. If felt (and was) "big", had an incredibly sloppy shifter, and it felt very Lexus-like in comparison to the older cars. It boils down to want you want in a sports car. The later air cooled cars are somewhat harder-edged, and the wasserboxers are quieter and more civilized. Except for the 996 GT3, which is a whole different animal that even many of us old hard core guys would love to own.
___________________________
Cheers,

Jack
'96 993