Hi there,
I started shopping for 993 - original plan was to get boxster S, but realised that 993 is what I really wanted.
I am trying to figure out the mileage limits for cars to consider. I see mileage average between 40-60K on 95-97 cars. and I am wondering what is the upper limit mileage I should consider? At what point does 993 will likely require substantial work, ie valves, water pump, engine overhaul etc.?
For example - there is a listing for
"1995 Black Porsche 993 Carrera 91K miles - $25000" is 91K out of the question?
the price seems to be very reasonable...


thanks,
m

 

I think age and usage is more relevant than just mileage IMHO.

 

Another key factor is maintenance, if done consistantly, great. If not, run.
If you find one with a water pump, definately RUN!

 

High mileage could be 200k on one car and 30k on another.... The age these cars are you should consider condition and maintenance history and worry less about mileage. A car that has done a lot of short, town-driving trips could be more worn that one that has double the mileage but was mainly run on the motorway. 91k for an eleven year old car is not much mileage per year. Look for condition, history and a comprehensive inspection by someone who knows 911s.

Good luck!

Cheers,

David

 

Howard, you beat me to the water pump, LOL.

I agree 100% with David. I bought my '96 with 65K, and just hit 85K, with no major mech. issues, except the SAI valve replaced. Some semblance of detailed maintenance, whether by dealer recs., and/or personal receipts is in order. "Rode hard and put away wet" is what you need to avoid.

You may not get a pristine example at that price (depending on the market), but you should be able to get a nice daily driver, with only a few blemishes.

Mine's a '96 (albeit a C4), and I'm not going to ask much more than that if I sell.

Good luck in your search!

 

993 purchase

I would have the cooling system fluids checked and drained, be sure to use factory reccommended cooling fluids(mobil 1 O2) and the water pump needs to be replaced every 5000 miles.

 

That brings up a good question. I have always heard that a car with moderate mileage, ie 4-5k per year would probably be less problematic than say a 8-10 year old car with 5k miles total. If this is true, then why the large premium for the car with 5k miles?

 

human nature...we know in our heart that the well maintained less stop and go car is the better car, but low mileage must mean new, right?

 

Heart over head in this case. There are so many posts from people who seem to have problems resulting from non-use rather than over-use....

 

In Excellence 2/2001, page 108, Bruce Anderson says average miles for a Porsche are 7000 - 9000 per year. I think that provides a basis to categorize a car high or low mileage. But as others say, the actual miles are a mere piece of the puzzle.

 

Perception.

Its fine with me, I have in the past owned some great 6 cyl BMW's a few years old with 100K miles on them each. I ran each problem-free for a few years and 10's of thousands of miles and saved at least 30% on the purchase price over a low-miler.....let people pay over the odds for a low-miler...it leaves bargains for the rest of us....

 

11 years, 54,000 miles on mine.

 

i bought my 97 993tt in feb 06 w 75000 miles on the clock, the car has been cared for and modded by po, but the point is it runs fantastic and everyone who sees it thinks its brand new!

 

Hey hey,
Just wanted to say hello. I'm an new member enjoying my first 993. After turning in my 986 I've been hunting for my next Porsche. I drove everything from a 912 to a 600+ 996TT looking for the right fit. After a two hour test drive I cancelled the order on a Cayman S and found a great condition 97 C4S. Anyway, I just wanted to say hi and pick someones brain w/ lots of questions.
Aron

 

Whatever you do make sure it doesn't need a water pump because it'll cost at least $35,000 and that's for a refurbished one!
It's definitely the most expensive mod you can do to a 993. Good Luck, Chris