Oshin11

I would like something that is more of a daily driver. I have a really nice 911 that is strong but would probably be more appreciated as a weekend car. I am looking for a 993 that I can still afford on my graduate student budget. Probably not a 993 that is 30K+, but maybe something that is a good example car that is around 25K. Anyone know of anything? I am willing to trade my 911 + some cash.

race911

I'll jump in here first and say that you're probably looking into the '30's for something that fits your description. Unless you have a lot of mechanical aptitude.

My feeling is that the $35k+ cars are usually pretty nice and cared for, but it's kinda tough to find a buyer these days, credit market and all that. And the $25K- cars are just swirling the drain because even if you buy one for $20K, you're one major "something" at retail prices from having over $30K into the thing. (There are always exceptions.)

And take this as coming from Mr. Bottom Feeder who perks up at the mention of all these sub-$30K cars.........

Oshin11

If I had 30K I would spend it on a 993 in an instant.

CN

Sir, I would stay with what you have. That is an awesome car, low depreciation and super cheap to maintain. A 993 is likely to tap you out on the purchase. If something goes wrong with it, it could push you to the edge financially. I love my 993 at least as much as my previous 89 Cab (lots like yours) and if there was any chance that I would be pushing my financial envelope (so to speak) I would have kept the 89. Sometimes I wish I did anyway. The 993 takes you "further from the road" if you get my meaning.

Your car is sweet and can handle anything you can throw at it. Save your money until you can afford a Carrera GT, then get a 993 and have lots left for the other fine things in life.

cowtown

I'll sell my rock-solid '95 with a bunch of upgrades for 28K. White sunroof coupe, 98K miles, daily driven but just about perfect shape for the miles. I'm getting the TT bug

race911

Original top end? See, that's what cracks me up with all the 80K+ mile cabs I look at. Even if they are '95's. Who gets stuck with the top end bill? Why not just spend the extra $5K for a car with half the miles?

cowtown

Yup. That's why it's 28K and not 32K. Uses 1qt/1500 miles - not bad but who knows? I agree with the point you're making, though. If I were in the market, I'd buy a lower mile car and cross my fingers that the top end is good. But that will cost 33-35K - out of the original poster's range.

race911

Cash is talking loudly these days. And there aren't many people talking! Couple of other guys here with ~100K mile coupes with all the suspension goodies, etc. in the mid-20's that aren't moving. My car with basically $110K spent on it came to me for basically $35K because I could bring over a truckload of cash. Literally.

groovzilla

no affiliation but on the portland craigslist this is a nice well taken care of 1996 C2 coupe in silver/black...it has a tiptronic tranny...when i was searching for a car for my friend(who decided to go with a targa)i phoned the owner and got a good feeling for the car...owner is a professional who did all necessary services at one of the best porsche shop i portland.

http://portland.craigslist.org/mlt/car/451579214.html

i remember him mentioning there was a 3" scratch on the drivers door and i think that was the extent of any exterior flaws....from what i remember the interior is excellent.

for $25K this would probably be a good buy

Oshin11

I'm always doing little things to improve it but yes, the major stuff was done already. I guess I should take it out of my sig.

Oshin11

There is a reason its going for 25K, tiptronic transmission cars always go for less, like most people I would only take a man. shift.

Oshin11

I wouldn't exactly agree with this statement, just because a car has 80K miles on it, that doesn't mean you have to do the top end right away. You could probably drive it another 50K+ miles before a top end if the car is California raised. 50K could be about 5 years, I think a 80-90K miles car is worth 25-27K USD.

Plus I have seen underdriven 993s with only 40K miles for a 12 year car (1995ish) that end up needing top ends rebuilt just because they were so underdriven or poorly maintained. It all varies car to car.

Oshin11

Also I wouldn't mind a 993 with 150K-200K miles (meaning a 993 that is in need of an engine/tranny complete rebuild and some suspension work) as long as the car was priced about 20K USD or less.

FLYT993

richarddew has 214k on his car! If taken care of properly, these machines are tough!!!

Oshin11

Someone PMed me with a car from the midwest that has 175K miles on it, he is asking for 20K but the engine and tranny have minor leaks. Not sure what the condition of the engine is but a PPI will probably tell how long the car can go potentially without a rebuild. My guess is not long, but I have never seen the car. I am pretty scared to buy a car that is 2000 miles away sight unseen. I will try to make an offer after a PPI and after seeing some photos but I am not sure. How much would a full engine + tranny rebuild run on a 993? 14K? I guess if pistons and cylinders need replacing thats an easy 5K right there. Valve guides etc... probably more than 14K USD?