FabianS

Hello all, I'm looking at a 95 C4 which has 90k miles (145,000 kms) that is in quite nice shape other than some rock chips on the front bumper. It has pretty much every mod on it that I would do- lowered to euro height, nice stereo, maxflo exhaust, plus more. The car has new brakes all around as of two weeks ago. The bad aspects are that the kms are a bit higher, and it has a small rust spot around the front window on the passengers side. The owner has a stack of records for service, and swears it burns no oil at all except a tad on spring start up. Owners looking for $26,000 and is completely fine with a thorough PPI. I was going to get a 2002/ 2003 996, but they aren't as pretty as the 993 is to me- the 993 has been my dream car since high school. Car will not be a daily driver, but a summer fun car. It'll still have to be reliable and able to cover some miles on summer trips. What does everyone say?

mongrelcat

Figure on $2k+ to repair the cowl when you get around to it and,,,,,,, BUY IT at asking or $1k less if you can swing it.

Enjoy!

eddie_993

Records are always vital to me, no matter what the mileage. I don't think yours has high mileage, 90K is nothing. It would be worth noting whether he has rebuilt the top end or at least had them cleaned up for built up carbon. Likewise, clutch?

I'm not sure how much the rust issue will cost you since I live in Los Angeles and that's not really an issue here. It doesn't sound too bad, though, since you say "small."

Someone who has a C4 might pitch in regarding any differential items to check for.

I would personally never buy a 996 b/c I don't like how they look. The 993 is the last air cooled 911, it's quite a unique experience.

Mine has 175k miles and per the records, never had a complete engine or even "side" end rebuild, although, the 1st owner did "decarbon" them. It still runs and pulls strong!

FabianS

Asking price is $29,000 but owner is willing to do $26,000. It's in another province, and will require me flying to get it, but that's no biggie. Just more worried about having to do a top end in the near future due to the higher kms.

FabianS

It's 2nd owner, no top end done, and original clutch. Owner says the clutch is strong, and has no chatter etc. Say's he wouldn't hesitate driving it across the country and back.

mongrelcat

If you're willing to drive, and it's obvious you are,,,, a top-end in the US, in MA (Exotech) will run you $4k or $5K worst case.

Sounds like you (possibly) have a rapport with the current owner, and that says a lot. It's very rare for any ad for one of these cars (even here on Rennlist) to ascribe an oil consumption value. Just the fact that the current owner defines that for you speaks volumes, IMO.

From what you've said here, I say buy it.

ironimages

$26,000 is a fair price if it passes PPI with no big problems, I'd also look into the rust a bit closer, maybe someone can do a rennfax for you. Sub $30,000 cars are getting harder and harder to find...

FabianS

What is a rennfax? Is that like a background check on the car? If so, I do have the VIN.

WBYonder

I think a top end would be more like $7-8k, from my research.

Knight

It's a 50/50 whether you can repair the rust without damaging the windshield when removing, so you may have to factor this in too. Highly likely it will damage and the rust is usually pretty bad once the screen is out.

Best if you can do this along with a windshield claim.

Also note, rust can develop on the rear too, cost me like $1500 to repair and fortunately my shop was able to remove without damage rear screen.

Good luck!

nile13

Have you driver a 993? I assume you've driven a 996 if you were looking for one. Beware that they are completely different cars as far as driving and overall experience is concerned. If you are looking for a modern car you might not like a 993 at all.

Having said that, a 90K miles 993 for $26K in Canada sounds like one hell of a deal based on what I've see of Canadian prices.

mattjb

I have 95 C4 with 110,000 miles that I bought with 78k on the clock two years ago for ~$30k. Here are the items I'd look for based on my experience.

1. Leaking steering rack
2. Noisy spoiler drive mechanism (not critical, but annoying)
3. Any oil leaks (RMS, timing chain, valve covers)
7. Excessive lifter noise

The steering rack was misdiagnosed by the shop that did the PPI as a front diff issue, by the way.

For what its with, I'm looking into a top end and clutch on mine now. Clutch seems fine, but I have a rear main seal leak that needs to be addressed, so it'll be replace. I wouldn't have much concern driving the car long distances after the rebuild and leaks are sorted out.

My search started with the 996 also because of cost. The 993 was a bit more up front but I have no regrets about my decision. If it all checks out I'd be good with that price, too.

Good luck!

-MB

ironimages

Rennfax, is just simply another rennlister local to the area where the car is for sale going look at the car for you and provide some more unbiased info for you. Just make a post "Rennfax needed in town x"

FabianS

I have driven a 993, and I liked it a lot...more so than the 996 actually. It's more like a go cart.

FabianS

Should I post the rennfax request in the Canada section?