OK, I know the 993 and RS America are much different cars. But I'm a Porsche newbie that's interested in buying a first car that is:

1. fun
2. reasonably affordable (less than $40k)
3. reasonably reliable
4. a reasonable investment (i.e. I won't take a $10k bath on it if I drive it 4 years and 30,000 miles)
5. a summer driver only

Would you consider the 993 and the RS America to be good options for what I'm seeking? I'm interested in your feedback, and comparisons between the cars. And if I found the right Cayman 2.7 for less than $40k, I would look at that.

Do you have any recommendations for places to look for such beasts in the Pacific NW?

Thanks!

 

check this link http://www.rsamerica.net/market/vehicles/index.htm

I would say " if I could have a second porsche it most likely be a 964 RS america . " just like a 993 the rsamerica has " soul " .

Cheers Guy

 

Hi Reddy Kilowatt,

You may also want to consider a regular 964. The RSA is no doubt an awesome car, but it is not a european RS and the 16lb weight advantage it has on a 964 C2 (according to the red book, did I read that right?) may not be enough to justify the price difference. Only you can decide.

As for the 964 vs 993 decision, my dad and I were both surprised at how similar my 964 is to his 993. Both cars are a blast! If I were in your place the difference in looks might end up being the deciding factor. Both cars are beautiful, you just have to decide which you like better.

A nice 964 can certainly be had within your budget and with plenty left over for mods.

I hope this helps,
James

 

There is simply no justification whatsoever for the price premium on an RS America. All those extra thousands are buying manual steering and a plastic badge on the decklid. Ridiculous.*

However, if you've got around $35K to spend, you can get a hell of a nice 993. Or a hell of a nice 964 with some dough left over for mods.

Unless it's one of the relatively rare factory delete models -- no sunroof, no AC, etc. Those are kind of cool.

 

Having had a RSA for 9.5 yrs and now a 97 993 - I miss the RSA - regret selling it and even tried to buy it back. Both are great cars - RSA a little less refined and more something hard to describe.

 

This will sound like heresy, but I wouldn't count on any "Plain Jane" 993 holding its value steady over 4 years and 30K miles of use.

Why?

1. These cars are already 11 to 15 years old and are aging quickly.

2. There were too many of them built to qualify them as rare or unusal.

3. As they continue to age, they will remain relatively expensive to maintain, making them unattractive to older drivers seeking fun and convenience as well as younger drivers with limited funds.

4. Many (Most?) have been modded to some degree...As these cars become "collector cars," the modifications will serve to lower prices because mods affect the originality of the cars.

These factors will gradually, but steadily reduce market demand and thus lower the price.

Toss in volatile gasoline prices and an economy that is in the toilet with no signs of recovery and you have a situation that doesn't bode well for 993 prices in general.

I do think that prices of the rarer and "special" models (TT, S, RS, etc.) and some very low mileage garage queens will be more stable, but even there only the rarest/best will appreciate.

On the bright side, there could be some excellent deals out there for folks who have the disposable income to buy one of these cars.

Just my opinion...

Terry

 

Low mileage RS America's have been selling in the high $30s for years and years ... hard to imagine it's not one of the best 911's out there as far as depreciation, regardless of whether the performance aspects were worth it. Add to that fact that the original MSRP was $10k cheaper than a garden-variety 964 C2 and it's even more remarkable. The MSRP on the RS was about $53k -- and it included the sports suspension and 17" rims that were extra on the C2. So, $13k depreciation over 15 years. Wow.

 

The relative lack of depreciation in the RS Americas was admittedly one of the things that caught my eye. Not that any of these cars counts as a great investment compared to a good stock or mutual fund, but the possibility of buying a car and not losing much more than than operating costs should I ever have to sell is interesting.

 

+1 to Terry's opinion.

 

Reddy K, I've had both; you can't go wrong either way. I would suggest finding the best example available to you (964 or 993) within the budget you set forth. Both the 993 and 964 forums here on Rennlist are very active and will provide a wealth of knowledge as you learn the car. The difference between the two is very small in my opinion, especially if the car is to be used for the road. Can't speak to the advantages or disadvantages if you plan to track.

 

Of course, the 993 world has versions where a couple of cosmetic changes seemingly add $10k or so in value.

"Ridiculous" depends on the wallet and perception of the dilettante.

 

I would like to think that the 993 would hold its value inside the porsche community and minimize the outside forces of economy and fuel costs. Age is more of a factor outside the community where you try to convince a person to buy your car at almost 45% or more residual factor of what the car was new 13 yrs ago. ie 95 993 C2's going for 30-33k with 60-70k miles, the "uninformed" buyer would think they could buy a 1-2 yr old import or domestic sportscar for that kind of price.

jason

 

The RS America is a great car if you're looking for a track weapon. For street use only it is not worth the premium. As far as resale value, the price will hold steadier versus a 993 since only 701 RS Americas were made.

That being said, I have a 78K mile no-sunroof RSA for sale for $36K. If you're interested, PM me.

 

Based on the 5 points you mentioned, I don't think the RSA is a good fit. IMO, the RSA market falls onto 2 types of people: collector and track. The collectors won't want one thats got any miles or wear and tear. And the track guys, while they won't care about the paint as much, won't want to pay a big premium for high miles street car. Many of the RSAs on RSAmerica.net are track prepped with lots of expensive goodies, which is what the track guys are willing to pay extra for. Lots of the others are all original, which appeal to the collector/concours type and thats what they are willing to pay for.

My advice would be to drive an RSA, 993, and a 964 C2 and see for yourself what you like. I think the 964 C2 is a great bargain considering the bump in price for a similarly optioned/mileage 993. In fact, I've seen them from mid-teens to mid-20s, depending on mileage, which I think has been relative stable over the past few years. I'm sure you'll enjoy whatever Porsche you end up with.

 

This is an interesting question. I really like the RS America. But, honestly, if you put 30,000 miles on either car over the next 4 years I think you are being unrealistic if you are hoping it will depreciate less than $10,000.

And, given that you want to spent $40K, I think you are looking at a mid-mileage car (say with 50 - 70K miles) that will be pushing 100,000 miles 4 years from now. I don't think a 15 year old 993 or an even older RS with 100,000 miles will fetch $30,000 at that point in time.

There was a beautiful RS at RPM a few months ago which was basically a 1500 mile museum piece -- asking price was around $80,000. That car will hold it's value, along with the other RS that have not been tracked, because there are so few, but you can't drive them or they will depreciate.

Even the market for C2S's and C4S's really seems to soften up when you get over 30K (and especially 50K) miles.

If you like the car, and it's in your price range you should get it and take comfort in the fact that it will depreciate less than most other cars (but maybe not as little as you'd like).