mjsporsche

Steve,

Your expenses are on the higher end of the spectrum and it is just the realities of owning a 16 year old car. Given that you need to go to an indie, it will be high.

I am a bit curious why you switched indie from last year. I thought you were using Chapman. You can PM me if you would like.

Mark

Edward

I feel your pain about working a properly operating AC ..it's no option; it's mandatory where you are, as it is where I am. And as I had mentioned, I had to bite the bullet for an older Volvo I had, which seemed rideculous IMHO, but it is what it is.

As Mark had just posted, crap occurs on 16+ YO cars, no escaping that. You get lucky on some, unlucky on others (despite what the consensus may be on that model and year), and we roll the dice. If the car is worth the psychic dollars in ownership, then we shell out the real dollars to keep her; otherwise repair bills can sour even the most romantic relationship.

Which brings me to your last comment: Benz. Admitteldy no experience with AMG, but my peripheral experience with current (say, last 5 years or so ish) MBs, BMWs, and Audis is that they are all expensive ...and for the littlest things. Window regulators, water pumps, switchgear, and any infernal "blackbox" control module thingie ...it costs! I firmly believe that's the nature of the beast when we're talking about super-duper do-all luxo cars these days. Sure they tout this and that convenience or performance perk, but when they fail, it costs; and not cheaply. And then again, stooopid things that seem unreasonable die out (c'mon, a window reg on a newish car, sheesh!!). If there is any consolation on a 993 or that-era MB or BMW is that they were built (IMHO, or at least seems so by) to last longer and cost less/year. Heck, I am seriously considering an ooold MB for my kids as one is now driving age: built like a tank, safe, and hopefully reliable!! No empiracal evid for any of the aformentioned; just experiential observations over the last couple o' decades, FWIW. Hope once it's all sorted out, you still love your 993 and it gives you (likely) many years of less costly enjoyment!!

Edward

eddie_993

Some of the bills in my records are between $5,000 to $10,000. Your $3,500 per year average is a bit higher than most people but that's because you do all the work at a mechanic. I've had the car for only a few months and have done most things myself but the previous owners mainly took it to indies/dealer.

Your average isn't that bad but you could probably save a bit if you would shop around or maybe negotiate with the guy a bit. It seems to me that you sort of just drop the car off with him and give him a blank check, more or less. Not saying it in a bad way, just trying to reduce your average

chsu74

Yup. Doing research first on this forum and preparing for each scenario of problems and associated labor hour costs with those problems have typically averaged 2 hrs labor discount. When you BS like you know what you are talking about, it prevents Indies from taking advantage of you.

Steve 96C4S

EDIT: I do this as best I can. And... I just don't show up at my indie and say "fix all this stuff and let me bend over so you can basically charge me anything I want because I'm some rich schmuck that doesn't care". I'm in sales, so I have some idea how to do this after 5 years of 911 ownership (88 and a 96).

I'm not asking to be talked off the ledge but ... yes... I'm now tempted, to consider, a car with better A/C, better stereo, more comfortable seats, Nav built in, not as classic body style but I've seen worse, etc, etc. Was curious so started looking at 2006-2007 997's (S's and 4S's). Found a 1997 dark grey/blk S coupe near me with 40k miles for $49k - Tiptronic. Yes, Tiptronic. DC traffic blows! Warranty till 9/13 from Porsche.

Found a 2006 silver/blk 4S coupe for $52k (these are simply asking prices), 6 spd. 48k mi.

Just thinking... that's all. I'd still have to come out of pocket $25k or so to buy either of these cars. My car, to fix, would be around $3k more or so than I've already paid... With that extra $22k savings in my pocket from not buying a 997, life would be less stressful I'm sure. You never know when you'll need it. But, the allure of a newer, less problem prone car is interesting to me right now.

I doubt I'll even look at one, but it's on my mind.

goofballdeluxe

So you wanna trade a 15+ year old car that you're familiar with some known problems for a 15+ year old car that you're not familiar with some unknown problems? I'm confused.

Makes sense to....no one?

Steve, fix your car. Move on. Rinse and repeat as needed.

ca993twin

I'm thinking that you are still in the 20th century with the dates on those 997 models. I'm pretty sure you mean "2006/2007", instead of "1996/1997".

We all face these dilemmas when facing an expensive repair on an older car. I will only add that future depreciation on any 997 models will greatly outweigh probable future repairs on your 993. Oh wait... I also have to add that there was a time when most cars did NOT have any A/C, and people survived. And cupholders, built-in nav, Tiptronic, and the like are for wusssies. Can you tell that I'm an old geezer?

osugasman

I think he means "2006-2007" when he mentioned "997"... Those prices do seem to be about right. That's where I would have been if I needed my car to be a DD. Much more reliable day to day. However, with the need for an AT, and PDK just around the corner (2009-newer), it's a slippery slope. The PDK is quite amazing though. Love my 96 C4S, wrench it myself and also love troubleshooting the problems that I have encountered in the last 6 months of ownership--frustrated engineer. Good luck with decision.

P-daddy

I think Steve is referring to 06-07 997s not 96-97 993s.

Edit: just noticed 3 responses all at the same time

mjsporsche

Steve

Need to edit your post for the years of 997s. I believe you meant 2006 or 2007. I think your subconcious was telling you to stick with the 993 based on the years you typed on your post.

goofballdeluxe

In that case, take the pain and fix the 993 now, or take even more pain when you try and sell the 997 down the road. Depreciation on the 997 will be way more costly than new A/C on the 993

Rinty

Steve, I feel your pain. As Ed mentions, the German cars can be money pits. And you have two of them. I know you would take a hit if you sold your BMW, but have you considered getting a Japanese DD as your other car? Then you can reduce the usage on your 993 and reduce your operating costs.

Steve 96C4S

Ok, so I made a mistake. I was tired when I typed. Sue me!
I looked at a 2006 997 and a 2007 997!!!!!

Arghhhhh... my brain.



I had thought of this about 100 million times but I LOVE my 740i Sport too. I rarely drive it anymore, mostly loving and driving my 993. Yes, it makes sense to do what you suggest, but I don't want to to do it just yet.

JM993

So then you have two choices:

1. Educate yourself so you can fix the car yourself.
2. Man up and spend the money to have someone else fix your car.

Complaining about the expense of owning your cars won't fix your problem.

Steve 96C4S

I pick #2.

Actually, this thread has been GREAT for me and I learned everything I needed to know in some of the first set of replies. I went out to both neighbors earlier this morning saying I may be looking at a 997 soon. One has a 2006 997 4S Triple Blk Cab and said I should get one of these in coupe form instead of fixing my old car. The other one has a 2003 996TT and he said - "spend the money, fix your old car. It's a better car anyway and you won't lose any money on depreciation". I like this guy.

I'll go back to my indie with a crowbar (to pull my credit card back out) and these wise tidbits that 2 of you gave me:

"The evaporator is known to fail in our cars. A 10-hour job to fix, even for my mechanic who's done it several times before. Have a specialistto fill the system with nitrogen and use a electronic sniffer through the resirculation opening.
I'm afraid the only permanent fix for a squealing fan motor is to change it.
If you have any money left after this, welcome to Norway, I'll keep the kettle on for you!"

"Like Tore, I think you need to replace your evaporator. I had your issues, and after replacing all these, Radiator Aircon Desicator o-ring, Aircon Evaporator, Radiator Aircon Condensor Desicator, Radiator Aircon Ballast resistor, Pollen filters (set of 2), the air-con is now perfect. I too replaced freon and messed about trying to do it the cheap way, but to no avail. Pulling the frunk apart is a mission and you say it's not for you, so, get ready for more wallet pain. I am surprised at some of your prices, I purchased mine from CA and got them shipped to NZ for less than you are paying."