drive4show2002

Hey,

I just wanted to introduce myself on my first post. A long time BMW owner (m3's and recently an M coupe). I was able to find locally a 96 993 targa 6speed. It has 66,000 miles, with all maintenance done as scheduled including the plugs at 60k.

the car is not perfect, the interior needs some work and the exterior needs some work, but mechanically I think the engine appears good. But the front passenger side tire is all chunked up and above 60mph there is a shake in the steering wheel. any ideas what this could be? can anyone let me know what to have the guys at the dealer doing the Pre Perchase inspection look for?

I have a deposit on the car and before I show up with the funds I wanted your opinions on what that could be and if the price of $25k for the car is a good price.

I love the car, the sound, and the soul of the air cooled 993. But am I getting myself into a maintenance nightmare that will be in the shop all the time? Is this going to be a money pit?

My heart wants a 993 so badly, but i want to make sure my head is in the right place.

Thanks everyone and I look forward to becoming a part of the porsche community, if not with this car, than with another.

rome

hard to speculate. get a ppi by someone good and see what they say. At that price point if it checks ut mechanically I say go for it.

gonzilla

Welcome to the board!!! You will find a wealth of information here. The best advice I can give you for now is to use the "search" function to find out as much as you can handle about pretty much anything having to do with a 993 (search for: SAI ports, valve guides/top end, clutch, suspension, DME relay, Immobilizer, fan resistor, tires, & HID to start out with). The 993 can be a money pit, but doesn't have to be. The key is to find a clean example that has been well taken care of. I'd look around for a really thorough shop to do the PPI. These aren't necessarily the dealers, BTW. Here's a list (courtesy of Tony Callas) to get them started...

ppashley

Deffo get a PPI. These cars are noted for good reliability, but if you buy a poorly maintained one, you might be picking up a repair bill that would hurt your wallet. A PPI from a good shop is essential in my opinion.

Depending upon where you are, someone on the board can likely reccomend a suitable shop.

Good luck.

drive4show2002

i am in the northern virginia area. arlington to be exact, anyone know a shop I should take this too?

Thanks again for all the advice!!!

Scott 1996 993c2

Welcome here!

The 993 is a great, strong car for the most part ... if not abused. I have had my black cab for nearly 3 years now ... never once 'broke down' or 'failed' me yet. The only work I've done is upgrades/mods. Ask around ... a good PPI from a repuatble and knowledgeable shop will save you a lot of stress and potential problems.

Scott

Rick K

Northern Virginia - go to:

-ASG - 703-876-2812 (in Merrifield VA - Corner of Lee and Gallows near Home Depot)

or

-IMA - 703-849-9590 (a mile down the road on Lee from ASG)

When you buy, get hooked up w/ the dorki community (dorkiphus.net) - local pcar folks.

Also, don't skimp on the PPI, expect to spend $300-$400 to get it done properly (engine compression/leakdowns).

Denise993

Happy to have another northern VA 993 owner!

I ONLY take my car to Taylor at AutoSportsystems Group. They are near the Dunn Loring Metro station in Merrifield.

Auto Sportsystems Group
2810 Dorr Ave Suite F
Fairfax, VA 22031
(703) 876-2811

Ed will answer the phone. They are really super guys!

A friend of mine had bad experiences with two other local shops (one in Fairfax [not IMA listed above] and one in Newington). I only go to ASG now.