banhbao

Hi All,
I'm shopping for my next car and looking for your input about getting a 993 for a daily driving of 70 miles. The car is a 1997 993 targa with 32k miles. Assume the car is in good shape, can it put up with 70 miles a day? Also I have a question for the top end rebuild for 993. Is all 993 required top end rebuild when it reaches a certain mile or only the one with issue?

Thanks

Disclose: I'm also considering other cars beside 993: nsx, 996 40th, 996TT, and Cayman S. I have driven them all except the nsx and 993. My decision will strictly based on the ride and reliability since I love the look of them all (993 and nsx on top on look) and don't care about resale value since I would like to keep the car "forever".

travanx

I bought my 993 with 62k miles knowing of my 70+ mile commute. NSX was why I became an engineer in the first place, but I don't fit in one now. I am too tall. Cayman was the first Porsche I drove when it first came out, which kind of started me looking towards Porsches. Then I found out the 993 was an older car and couldn't believe it. Older car with new looks style is amazing to me. And exactly why i love the NSX and 993.

95_993

Use my 993 as DD for 80+ mile commute the past 2 years (from April through December). I bought it with 29k on the odo and now have 42. I have an Audi A4 that I use in the winter, but I just the 993 is such a blast to drive, I drive it every chance I get from April through Dec.

TMc993

You should take into account what level of "creature comforts" you want/need for your commute, particularly with your plan to keep the car "forever." The 993 and NSX are a completely different "vintage" of car from the 996 and Caymen and there can be a pretty big difference in terms of road noise/climate control-ventilation/stereo/ interior finish, etc. (Even the pedal cluster in the 996 is different and reportedly more comfortable than the 993). Maintenance/service costs are not insignificant on any of these cars and each has it's weak points...Depending on the mileage and condition of 993 you purchase and your mechanical skills, you may find yourself paying for brake pads and rotors, suspension replacement, clutch/flywheel, tie rod ends, steering rack, etc. 45-65K miles on the odometer seems to be the common mileage for most of the previously mentioned, with some cars going longer and others not. In other words, you will pay to drive any of these P-cars...Some possibly more than others.

YRMV...Good luck.

Terry

fast_freddy

My 993 has been the most reliable car I have owned with only routine maintenance and a handful of wear items that were not unexpected. It is my DD from Late March through November. My commute is pretty short though at 20 miles R/T. I do take it for extended trips down to the tri-state area 2-3 times a year simply because I enjoy driving it so much. It is not a car for relaxed driving though, for that I take either the Benz or the Saab.

dcdude

I like all of your choices. It's nice when a DD is modern and blends in somewhat. Ths would rule out NSX, 993TT and to me, 993NA.

I'd go for an '02-'03 996. You benefit from significant front end depreciation as well as the HP bump to 325(?). The back seat offers a little more flexibility than Cayman S.

CP

What kind of commute driving are we talking about here? All freeway, twisties, town? What kind of climate, hot and muggy, ice and snow?

Could make a difference.

I have both a 993 (well a Ruf BTR) and a Cayman. The Ruf is by far the most fun to drive. But for a low cost utility DD, the Cayman is a better choice.

CP

TMc993

That was the point I was trying to make...CP said it better.

Terry

banhbao

Thanks for all your input,
My commute is mostly backroad and some twsities. I'm not too concern with luxury feature so I'm ok with a harsh drive as long as it's fun =).

NC TRACKRAT

If it's a 70 mi. r/t and not much stop-&-go, with mild weather (no ice/snow), I think you'll get a lot of enjoyment from the 993 and probably better longevity than one driven in short, stop&go trips. There's something really special about a car that you look forward to driving each morning and long to get back into it....one you take a last look over the shoulder after you've parked....like a beautiful woman you pass on the street....a 993.

RDS928S

I drive my 95 993 C2 Cab. 25 miles ( stop & go/local roads) every day except in ice and snow.
Very reliable. never a problem since I've owned it. Very fun to drive.

Good Luck

AOW162435

Hmm... lights?





Andreas

daltvater

993 are tanks. My Dad's has 170k on the clock of a heavily tracked 993, original clutch, no smoke and the engines never been opened. These things are bullet proof. Same goes for mine at 70k.

I think if you really do some digging you'll realize that most of the top ends you see on this site are elective and probably not necessary. That's just my guess. Websites like this have a tendency to make you think the worst because generally people post when there is an issue.

AOW162435

Yet another 'milkshake' thread on the 996 board only helps to solidify my love for this very robust & reliable platform (993). This is my Porsche.


Andreas

daltvater

The harder you drive them the longer they last. How many cars can you say that about?