rstagg

Hi All -

Long time Rennlist-reader, first time 993 forum poster. 'Can't wait to join the ranks of what seems to be an amazing, tight-knit community. (Okay, in reality, I just really can't wait to have a 993. )

Although I've been a voracious Rennlist/various 911 mag/Streather reader, the consensus seems to be that test driving multiple cars is a good way to establish a basis for comparison, which makes obvious sense.

But I have a Silly Noob Question, coming from someone who's not bought a lot of used cars: How do you go about this in a way respectful to the seller? I mean - if you don't intend to buy the first car you test drive, aren't you really using the seller for less than noble purposes? What's the right way to approach this? Ideally I'd love to buy a car from a fellow Rennlist member, but some prior seat time would be nice.

On a related note, if anyone in the Cincinnati area lets me ride shotgun for a spin, a cold six-pack is on me.

Arena993

What kind of 993 are you looking for (model type) cab, coupe, C2S, C4S, Turbo or Targa?

Greg Fishman

Ryan,
I would look for a dealer that might have one on their lot. Also I am sure someone on the board in Cincy would be glad to give you a test drive/ride.

If you are every in Lexington feel free to email me and I will gladly give you a ride/drive.
Greg

brucec59

I had the same concern when I was in your spot. I used dealers as much as I could. They show cars to a lot of people before someone bites. The way I see it, that's what they do all day - they're not taking time away from work or familly to let me drive their car. In fact, I never did test drive a private party 993 that I did not intend to purchase.

creator8

How do you know you won't want to buy the first one you drive?????

InTheAir

Excellent point.

It's hard to just dip the toes.

The water's fine. Jump in!

chris walrod

Welcome to Rennlist! Drive all you can in your area, I always prescribe this. You'll quickly get to know how these cars drive and be able to ID the bad ones, as well as the good ones.

Not related, but do you do FEA?

Robert Henriksen

Hi Ryan, welcome. I'm torn between encouraging you to take Greg up on his offer, and trying to discourage you from same. It's a very well-sorted car, and will probably make you discouraged as you test drove all sorts of other, poorer examples out there.

A word to the wise - the difference in feel between a stock 993 with worn-out shocks and a lowered, properly aligned car with *good* shocks is HUGE.

Phil

Good point as always........but driving Greg's car would ruin all the others. Gearbox!!!

rstagg

Thanks, all, for the helpful replies. Some answers to direct questions below -

Arena993 - Either a C2 coupe, Targa or Cab. I'm keeping my options pretty open; leaning towards a Targa or Cab because it would help keep SWMBO emotionally involved - she still suffers over our dearly departed Miatas, so open-top makes her happy. Staying away from WB/Turbos/higher demand models just so I have enough cash to afford the oft-mentioned slippery slope. I'd prefer a carefully-loved basic model to an iffy C4S. This will be a third car, not a daily driver (but no garage queen!). I look forward to some serious wrench time, but I admit to being fairly inexperienced in hands-on auto repair.

Greg - thanks for the kind offer. We have relatives near there, I might take you up on that sometime soon. Unfortunately, it seems like the local exotic dealers don't often deal in 993's, but I'll keep my eye out for test drive opportunities there. I agree with Bruce that I don't want to waste anyone's time in the private market if I'm not serious.
Creator - I'm terrified of this! I guess I'd like some baseline to compare. 'Just the control-freak engineer part of me. I suppose ignorance is bliss, tho'. I'll be doing the PDE in the spring (5 year anniversary gift from too-awesome SWMBO), but obviously the 997 will differ greatly from any 993's I drive.

Chris - Yeah, I'm a developer for the Unigraphics and I-deas simulation products. Any ZF parts you see on your car were probably fatigue-analyzed with our package.

nota_troll

Ryan. Best of luck. Been there done that...twice. Kudos to you for becoming a member before ownership.

Hound Dog

I take it she's a wife, but what's a SWMBO? Sorry for the stupid question.

Robert Henriksen

Single White Male w. Body Odor?

rstagg

Ah, sorry - artifact of the woodworking forums - "She Who Must Be Obeyed".

chris walrod

Ryan, cool deal -- we use SDRC Ideas at work as well. Old systems, but powerful nonetheless