The Donkey

Couldn't agree more with you Marlon.

Mark in B - we have similar climates and that sounds like it is sufficient for me. my 530 has pretty bad A/C as well. At least it takes a while for it to get cold when it is real hot out (over 90+ or so). Probably 5-10 minutes or so.

My commute has no traffic and is about 10 miles each way. On occasion I will drive interstate about 60 miles or so for work. On the rarest occasion (maybe 3 times a year) I will have to go to DC and get in that dreaded traffic.

993 is looking real good right now. Seems to be just what I want.

Know of any 95's out there for a DD? I could probably do 96-98 as well since I don't have emissions, just inspection.

Svaha

Whatever 993 variant you arrive at, if it is to be used for DD duty, you might want to expand you search into examples that have 75k+ miles. The low mileage examples demand a premium that you'll just erase with daily driver miles. The cars are capable of going a very long way, with a rebuild they should be 200k mile cars easily. The fun in having one is in putting miles on the car, not keeping them off.

The Donkey

Svaha,
Good point. That was in my earlier question. If I am going to put miles on it no sense in paying the premium for the low mile guys.

Quick question though regarding your statement on the 200k with a rebuild. You don't mean that it will go only 200k with a top end do you? I would think that the 993 should be able to go 200k without really any motor work, if well maintained. It should be able to get about 200k plus I would think with each complete rebuild.

My SC has a full rebuild and I expect at least 200k out of it.

Svaha

At least the first time around, a rebuild would probably be done sooner than on your SC because of the soft valve guide materials used by Porsche in the 993 engine. The SC was the benchmark 911 in terms of miles expected from factory stock. With the usage of better valve guide materials the 1st rebuild might be expected to outlast the factory original 993 engine in terms of miles driven before oil usage becomes obtrusive.
Driving these cars 10k+ miles per year might be expected to take away some of the specialness of the experience. The Porsche 911 seems able to deliver the same grin however often revisited.

guiness

My 95 C4 Cab is my daily driver and is used anytime I am in a car without my wife and 3 kids. I put two britax parkway boosters in the back and the kids love it.

I had my A/C recharged, and while the AC does not come close to new cars, it is more than enough. Hell, I would drive it every chance possible without AC and just wind up with a sweatier grin on my face.

The A/C has been holding up fine in the hot South Carolina summer.

renn911

Hi Wm,
I'm working on the details to get my car listed on RL. Quick 411:
1996 C2
~67K miles
PSS9
New OEM Transmission with LSD and LWFW and RS clutch package (around 5k miles)
Clean SAI ports (no issues)
S03 Pole Position Bridgestone’s (around 5k miles)
RSR mufflers
60K mile service
ETC
PM me if your interested

palladio

I live in Charlottesville part time (I'm sitting here now at Cafe Milano) and think the AC would be fine. My 993 serves as an almost daily driver when I'm in Atlanta and the AC, while not nearly as cold or strong as a 996 or other more "modern" cars, is sufficient.

I went through the same debate as you. At first was primarily shopping for a 996 for the extra comfort/daily driver factor. Then I drove a really nice used 993 and I never looked at a 996 again! Just so much more of an involving car and feels better built than the 996. If you're looking to replace an SC, I think you'd be happier with the 993. Drive both and see what you think. I'll bet you'll go 993. The 996 just never instilled any lust in me, whereas the 993 was lust at first drive.

BTW, I got a very nice 97 C2 with 60K for $31,000 a few months ago, so you should be able to find one within your budget if you look for a bit.

dcdude

Start throwing stones: how 'bout $17K worth of Boxster? Such a deal these days for a commuter...

The Donkey

Thanks guys. Great advice. I am thinking that I am going 993 as well. I debate back and forth between the 993, 964 and 996, sometimes. I really got no thrill from the 996 so I doubt I will do that. The 964 and 993 have my attention. I probably will get rid of the SC and the 530 with just one 911. I think that car will probably be the 993 but I go back and forth a bit.

Palladio,
I would love to hear more about your car. Where you got it, etc. Maybe even like to see it some time. The blues are my favorite.

renn911,
PM sent.

Also, side point on the A/C. That is exactly correct regarding sitting outside in the sun for hours vs. the shade. That is the only time that my A/C is miserable in the 530.

If anyone knows of one I am now in the market for a 95-98 993, manual, preferably in blue, green, black or silver.

David Ray

You sound like the 996 type, however, the true Porsche experiences is in a 993.

Marlon

You know, the Boxter thing is pretty cool - cab, reliable (?) - are ethey cheaper to maintain than 993???

Mabye I could talk my wife into a boxter($20K) instead of a new Mustang Pony convertible - $35K ???

infinii

Sorry for the threadjack but this is a bit related to DD...

993 is my dream car. However I can't afford to buy one and have another as my winter car (live in Toronto, bad winters, lots of salt on our roads) and the thought of driving my dream car in our winter conditions makes me cringe.

That said, it *is* going to be a DD and not a garage queen so maybe I should just say screw it and drive it and enjoy it. I'd love to drive one for many many years but would rust be an issue in these conditions and it being a 10yr old car?

No need to talk about traction, etc. I'd put snows on it and I've driven a Boxster in 3 winters with no problem. I'd look for a C4/C4S.

dhicks

Hey Donkey
I live in Rockville MD so not TOO far from you. My 993 is a DD and has served me greatly, I have covered about 30K miles in 30 months!!! The AC works fine, but I have to admit I drive with the windows open and the AC off most days....just to hear the music....the engine that is not the HIFI!!! The only time I run the AC is on very (I mean very) hot days when the humidity is hi...

TomF

Maybe time for a recharge? 993 AC may not be fancy, but when it is working correctly, it is very cold. I have heard that 3-4 years of heavy use is all that one charge can take.

AM993

You can drive 993 in Toronto winter. Put some snow tires (Blizzak LM25!), avoid 8" of snow or more (you'll get stuck) and wash it once a week (including undercarriage). I have no yet seen any rust and I am not really concerned: if it comes, I will deal with it early.