autobonrun

Porsche doesn't provide percentages, which further fuels the debate. It's the fear of RMS and engine issues that driving the concerns. It's not knowing that's the killer. Porsche could do themselves and 996 owners a favor by posting numbers.

Personally, I would consider a low mileage 3.2 as a fun replacement.

IMO.

Quadcammer

Absolutely correct. We also all know that people are far more likely to complain about a problem than say, "hey my car was great again today".

Uber 911

This is real useful...

On the question of the 996 RMS problem I've done some trawling and according to "Total 911" its 10% failure rate, however on the same trawl if its done north of 70-80k miles it aint going to fail and we all know a 996 at that mileage is a good value.

A 3.2 from Northern Europe(where I am) will have 'rot' problems, throw in the rectification cost and upgrades much in the line Martin suggested and its $/£/€ a good 993, which I just sold.

Anyone driven a 993 and 996?

Quadcammer

Yup I've driven both. I prefer the 993 because of the more raw driving experience. It feels as though Porsche took 993 steering and suspension components, and smearing some molasses between them the user controls and cabin. The capability is there, but you lose a bit of feedback and stimulation.

The 996 is ultimately easier to drive hard, its more comfortable on a longer trip, and the performance is quite good. But its not as much fun, and feels far more like a brand X car than the 993, which is unmistakeably a 911.

Both are great cars, it just depends on your viewpoint. Some people don't want to deal with the extra NVH and stimulation of the 993.

Uber 911

Hi, interesting. I know what you mean.. Was the 996 a 2 or 4?

Parnelli

buy another 993 back

Quadcammer

It was a later model C4S

Uber 911

I wasn't that impressed with the performance and in the wet a hot euro hatch would give a 993 headache on anything but a freeway.

CalvinC4S

I used to change 3 motors out a day, like replacing batteries in a child’s toy. Hope that’s enough for my opinion thanks. At that time Porsche wanted the motors back, we couldn't open them. But they where all catastrophic failures.

Never had to replace a 3.2

Replaced 1 3.6 993 motor because of a missed shift. Rod tore the case open.

This is just my experiance sorry if you don't like it. I was trying to be kind by saying "I don't trust them"

Quadcammer

perhaps that information could have been included in your original post. The only trouble is that its still anecdotal

Wilder

What's the budget?

A 996TT sounds like the ticket for you. Performance (power and AWD), outstanding, possibly bottomed value, GT1 reliability and modability. Save that, I would seriously consider an early Boxster S. If you sold your 993 because it was lacking performance, I fail to see how a 3.2 is an option.

Parnelli

'If you sold your 993 because it was lacking performance, I fail to see how a 3.2 is an option".


+1

Al Z

How about a well sorted, many nice upgrades 79 Euro silver 930 turbo. All fresh mechanical upgrades.

Uber 911

Thanks for all the input. I took a 996 out for a test drive and as hugely competent as it is, its a bit too anodyne with the added downside that its very easy way to loose your license for no good reason. So, I've picked up an 88 3.2, in a rather dull blue with gray/blue interior.

Now this I really would appreciate input on and that's which shade of blue should I have it repainted. Aqua Blue Metallic is neat but I'm not so sure it would work with this period of 911?

dcdude

Why did you buy a color you don't like?

Forgot the name, but I believe that particular blue is considered desirable..