inkatouring

I would go the blue one with the new motor -- BUT only after checking out the reputation of the man who built it and a full PPI to make sure he's not selling because of some issue with the rebuild. If it all checks out, you've saved $10k over the other cars and got a sweet color, too (although I hate gray interiors...).

JPP

+1 on the Blue cab. I'd probably take it to Rob at S-Car-Go in San Rafael (35 miles south of Sonoma) http://www.scargoracing.com/ for a PPI and ask him for a recommendation on where down there you could get the body inspected for accident damage and paint work quality at the same time.

Teuton993

Thanks! I agree; I'm glad I asked!

Yes, I've driven a few 911's during my search and even had a brief "love affair" with a '67 911 back when I was 17 (long story). I was given the opportunity to drive a 993 coupe for an afternoon last year, and that sealed it for me. I had been looking for an 1987-89 cab before that, but that afternoon in the 993 changed my mind. Besides, I think the 993 is absolutely the best 911 body Porsche ever designed. And the engine and suspension are pretty cool too! However, that is the only 993 I've driven. Maybe my brain did go on a "party vacation" that day, but is that bad?

What do you mean by "another car" - some other make or just another 993?

Thanks for all the advice, I will do all of the above.

Teuton993

Thanks for your input.
I do wish it was a tan (champagne?) interior. That's my #1 favorite combo.

I think I'll post photos of each (if I'm allowed), just to see if that changes any opinions.

Teuton993

Thanks for the recommendations! I'll keep that in my back pocket.

Teuton993

Okay, here are photos of all three:

1) Triple Black '95 Cab:


2) Red '95 Cab:


3) Midnight Blue '96 Cab:



I know this is just the outside, but does this help?

Teuton993

UPDATE:
Did I mention that the red 993 is down to $22k? I'm having it inspected (PPI) tomorrow at a independent Porsche shop in the same area as the dealer. I got this shop's name right out of rennlist (3 or more positive references), so I think I'm good. Spoke with him on the phone today, seems like a good guy. We'll see what happens.

He said he does the PPI in stages:
First, a 15 minute look over to see if anything major jumps out at him. If he sees a major problem, he calls you up and tells you, then you go from there. If nothing major, then he does the detailed inspection - all the mechanicals, body, undercarriage, suspension, interior electrical, etc. If that's good, then he calls you and you discuss it. If there are no problems in the detailed inspection and he thinks it's a good car, he'll ask if you want to proceed with leak down and compression tests, etc. That's where it gets expensive - over double the cost. (Should I go that far if he says it's good?) If he does find problems during the detailed look, once again he calls you. I think that if we're at that point, I'll pass and hope the blue one doesn't sell before I get out there.

I spoke with the triple black owner again yesterday. He seems like a good guy, but I don't know if I like the car's "racing" history. He used to race Formula Ford; is that a bad sign? He just bought a 2002 turbo, so he's got one too many Porsche's in his garage (how can that be?!!). I also don't like the idea of having to remove the whale tail and get a new rear deck lid. I like the car except for that giant tail. So the black one is last on my list.

I also heard from the midnight blue owner last night. He may have a buyer, but he said he's heard that before (from other people, not me!). He seems ready to just sell the thing - too much stress I think. He works for a local independent in the bay area, and he seems honest enough - he was forthcoming about having dropped the price; I didn't even ask - but I agree that a PPI would still be a good idea. I'll be out there on the west coast just after Christmas. If I don't buy the red one, I'll be going to see the blue one after Christmas.

Wish me luck!

Greg964

I would go for the blue car but can't blame you for buying the red one since it is cheaper and much closer to NY. Please post results.

BSL

Tueton, I am with you on the tail on that particular tail on the black one, but that is reasonably easily changed, and you can probably come out close to even by the time you sell the one on there now. My red cab came with an oem turbo tail and I was certain that it would be swapped out very quickly. Now that I have had the car for about 8 months, I am not so sure as for me it fits pretty well with the car's stance (of course I was also set on triple black only, and now have the red with cashmere interior in my garage...). Prices now make it very tempting, and at an asking of $22k, the red one sounds pretty good too (especially if there is negotiation room there!).

Looking forward to the decision.

ilko

Yes! A leak-down is a must. Don't play with fire. The leak-down is the most important part of the PPI. Wouldn't you like to know if you'll have to spend $10K on an engine rebuild in the future?

If anything, I would be more comfortable buying a car from a guy who has racing experience. In most cases those owners are more diligent about maintenance and repairs than the Sunday drivers. In my book that's a huge plus. You could sell the front bumper (looks way out of place on a cab) and rear wing, get used factory replacements, and have some money left over.

mcipseric

For me, #3 is the clear winner. 96 has the verioram and new engine (BIG $).
Porsche made a lot more 993 cabs than coupes so they are harder to find. (not true partially ) There were more c2 cabs imported than c2 coupes to the US)
Sounds like #1 has been tracked with all those mods, just something to consider.
Good luck and have fun!!

User 121721

Did Porsche really make more 993 cabriolets than coupes?

That's the first time I've ever heard this.

alpinadvl

i love your "problem".... it is V E R Y F A M I L I A R to me.

my last bit of advice is :

hang in there... and go with your instinct when deciding (After a carefully done ppi of course..... buying a car without one is RIDICULOUS )


ps: get your membership already !

Teuton993

Thanks everyone for your continued input. You've all been most helpful!

I get the PPI results on the red '95 cab tomorrow morning, but I spoke with the shop owner briefly tonight and he didn't sound optimistic. I suppose we'll see...

I'll keep you posted. I hope you're all enjoying this car hunt as much as I am.

mcipseric

I though I would check the facts and I was wrong. More Coupes were made than Cabs. A sales man might have said the the US imported more Cabs than coupes, but I am skeptical now.
Here are the raw numbers. It would be fun to see the US vs ROW numbers.
Sorry for the Confusion....

Coupes

993 C2 Coupé 272 PS 14,541
993 C2 Coupé 285 PS 8,586
993 C2 Coupé S 3,714
993 C4 Coupé 272 PS 2,884
993 C4 Coupé 285 PS 1,860
993 C4 Coupé 4S 285 PS 6,948

38,533

Cabs

993 C2 Cabrio 272 PS 7,730
993 C2 Cabrio 285 PS 7,769
993 C4 Cabrio 272 PS 1,284
993 C4 Cabrio 285 PS 1,138

17,921

Other

993 C2 Targa 285 PS 4,583
993 Turbo 3.6 5,978