I'm under contract for a 95 993 coupe and eagerly awaiting delivery. In the meantime, as I"ve read more and more of these threads, both on 6speed and Rennlist, I've found myself wanting easier access to answers.
So I purchased a 911 Buyer's Guide the other day. What a mistake! According to this guide it seems like every 911 ever built is a pile of crap. Each section has a list of potential pitfalls, to where I'm now wondering how long I'll be able to keep this thing running, let alone drive it at the track!
One of the things that really sticks out is that the 95s had such stiff suspensions that they began discouraging buyers from ordering the 17 inch rims as it was leading to delamination of the windshield, as well as all kinds of creaks and groans. Yet 17s are coming on my car, and I'm contemplating putting on some 18s for street use.
Feedback?

 

Did you do a PPI?

 

Don't believe everything you read!

 

well, the info regarding 17s is pretty funny
Most 993s came with them.

18s are also very common and many owners have gone to a stiffer suspension with 18s.
My glass has yet to delaminate

Don't get cold feet. All in all, these are very reliable cars.
Every 911 (perhaps every car ever made?) has some sort of issue or another.
The 993 series is pretty solid.


EDIT: Tony said it much more succinctly

 

I've got 17s and my windshield is fine. The stock North American suspension is reasonably compliant, and in any event, the stock Monroe shocks soften up quickly. I see there are just a few posts in the archives about delaminating windshields, so I wouldn't worry about this.

When you replace the shocks, you can select ones that are as soft or as stiff as you want.

Most buyers guides are pretty negative, by definition.

 

I never even thought of doing this before I purchasing my PCar. I live by the motto "Ignorance is Bliss"

And at the end of the day, I modded the hell out of it anyway, so that all these problems never had a chance to appear.

I say drive it like you mean it and cross that bridge when you get there (eg dealing with inherent problems)

I wonder what things your handbook have to say about the 996

 

You'll be find. All the bad stuff is always written about. Things do happen, but not to the degree you have to worry. Get the car, drive it and enjoy it. I have been driving 993s for several years without issue.

 

Well, there's always the solid reliability of a Japanese car. But it won't blow your skirt over your head every time you drive it ...

 

Most 993s came with 17". These cars are very well built. The OEM "stiff suspension" is easily fixed with an upgrade that most of us have done or want to do. The factory should be fine until you decide to mod the car. I would have a PPI (pre purchase inspection) done with a leak down test to insure there are no other issues. The 95 993 is a sought after year because there is no CEL (check engine light) issues because of the SAI. Do not hesitate to invest in a well sorted 993. Remember, it is usually better to buy a well sorted 993 at a higher price versus a 993 that has not been maintained at a cheaper price. Getting them "Up to Par" can be expensive if they have been neglected.

 

Get the PPI done.

 

Thanks,
Yeah I had a PPI done by Porsche of Wallingford, but not a DME scan. However, I did check the dealer's reputation (Sloan in New Haven) and he checks out really well.
I'm buying it despite what the Guide says - I just hope I don't get a lemon. It has about 35,000 miles on it, so enough that, if accrued properly (which is a big if) it should be enough to have kept the car in good working order.

 

At first I thought your original post was a little tongue-in-cheek. I cannot think of a more dead-solid reliable performance car. (And yes, I'll include the 996, when you're talking about the whole of performance cars.) And a 993 is as refined as they come, 911-wise.

I don't understand at all what you mean by a "lemon." The car is 15+ years old, there isn't anything in any way, shape or form that will be defective as it relates to how the car was assembled. And the few known issues are EXTREMELY well documented. Buying a low mileage car should put those concerns even further to rest. Understand, however, that low mileage is not hitting a pause button on the car's aging. Oil leaks, deteriorated materials, etc. have to be expected, and are no fault of the car. Go take a look at other 15 year old cars, at any price point, and compare to even the rattiest 993.

Funny to hear about the 17's again, after all these years. I've got 800 lb rear springs on the yellow car and the few times it's been driven on the street, no squeaks/rattles/groans. And I think the windshield is original from its build in mid '94.

 

I hope you will enjoy your car. If you worry every time you take it out then this will spoil your Porsche 993 ownership experience. Any 15 year old car is going to have a problem arise every so often. Hopefully you did your homework on this one and bought from the right party. I bought my '95 in April '09 and only minor, regular type maintenance stuff has been needed over the 15 months and 4,000+ miles of ownership. It has the original windshield and 17" wheels. (49,000 miles on the car). So far I've replaced the air duct on the engine at a cost of $40, the pollen filters at about the same cost, the fan belt pulley upgrade with two new belts, wiper blades, an oil change, and new tires when I bought the car. Will you need to replace a belt? Sure. How about a battery? If it needs one, of course. Will the a/c break? Just as much chance as any other 15 year old car. Same with brakes, suspension, etc.. You get the point. The biggest problem will be cost. You can't take the 993 down to the local shop and get the plugs changed like a Chevy or Ford. I hope you will enjoy your new ride. It is super car to drive and own.

 

One point of clarification. Varioram has nothing to do with the SAI issues which result in a check engine light. For the US market, OBD-II was introduced in model year 1996 which coincidently was also the year Varioram was introduced.

Varioram - desirable.......OBD-II - not so much.

PS - the best of both worlds are available with a 95 with a little work

Cheers,
Joe

 

Quote:
I don't understand at all what you mean by a "lemon."



Well, of course any 15 yo car is prone to some issues, but it will really suck if I buy a car that seems to have been really well taken care of, yet once I buy it and start driving it regularly it starts to fall apart. Hey, I'm aware of the risk...any used car is "buyer beware." I could have bought alot of cars in this price range including a Cayman S still under warranty, but I wanted the air-cooled experience -I did my research, bought the car, and this is just the way it has to be.
Don't get me wrong - I'm really looking forward to getting the car, and all in all I'm greatly relieved by the responses to this post.