As I sit here pondering a C2S purchase and having consumed more than my share of a nice Napa Cabernet the thought occurred to me that the coolness we associate with air-cooled cars might be something fleeting.

I mean at what point will they simply be considered old?

With three generations of water-cooled cars out there are some decidedly cool iterations of them as well. 996GT3, 997 RS 3.8 and 4.0, the Speedster...okay...maybe not the Speedster....

I guess the point I'm making is that...well...I'm not sure what point I'm making.

Not that it matters, as we'll all enjoy what we will enjoy, but there you go. Discuss if you like.

 

I love my 993, but if I could, I would trade it for a new boxster/cayman.

 

Sharpy,
Newer is better and much cooler, right....right?

[sarcasm]
That original '65 Shelby Mustang on a run with us this weekend was sooo out of date and not cool.
I've lusted for a 50's Speedster, but now they are so uncool...
[/sarcasm]
(on second thought, if that Speedster is so uncool, maybe I can pick one up cheap as a beater...)

All subjective, but cooler might be only cooler to you. Get what your heart/mind want. I harbor no lust for a newer 911 and mine puts a stupid grin on my face every time I drive her. (ok, secret lust for the sound of a 997 GT3 at redline.... But my girl's curves are way better!)

 

i thought this thread was about broken heat in the 993, cause thats what just happened to me

carry on...

 

993 is an old car. It was old in 1995 coming out of the factory. it was old in 1998. It feels old. it smells old. It makes old car noises. If that is not what you want, 993 is not for you. Which puts you in a 99th percentile.

I see no association with air cooling per say. When I was a kid, the cheapest car around and a butt of every pedestrian's jokes was a V4 copy of a Fiat 500. Rear-engined and, guess, what, air-cooled. In other words, I don't care. I own and daily drive a 993 because I happen to like antique-ish aspect of pretty much everything in that car. It's an early 60s design with some bells and whistles attached.

Do I think it's cool? It is, only in an outsider kind of way. As they say, the difference between an eccentric and an idiot is only the amount of money. Oh, and mine is bright yellow But, again, if that's not your cup of Cabernet, why force yourself to accept old tech?

 

They are old. So what? Big difference between that, and being functionally obsolete.

 

I love old VW's. Most people don't get it, pointing out how slow and simple they are, the fact that when driving one, you can easily be passed on the street by old women on walkers. But, those that do get it, think they are way cool too. Part of what makes them cool to those that love them, is the fact that so many don't get it. Anybody with a checkbook can get a Lambo, Ferrari, or even a new Porsche, but to love and care for an old air-cooled car takes just a little bit of passion. It won't be the fastest, easiest to drive, or most impressive parked out in front of Starbucks, but it will put a bigger smile on your face than some dentist-mobile.

 

Thing is when new/newish, a 993 WAS a dentist-mobile. As was a 964. As was a 930. As was a '73S. As was a bent window 356.....................

 

yes, but then they became too passe. They weren't comfortable enough, they didn't have enough cup holders, they didn't have a warranty, and above all, they weren't the newest and best, so they weren't quite as impressive down at the golf course.

 

The wine will taste far better, and the whole thing will become much clearer, when you can sip that wine whilst "pondering" the 993 in your garage.

 

They get cooler and cooler as time goes on.

 

Let me settle this, are you drinking a 1995 cabernet or a 2010?

 

Can't anyone with a checkbook have their car properly maintained to a high standard? All it takes is money.

Would you rather fly on a DC8 or a 777?

 

Good point!

 

Sharpman - I too came from a 997 Carrera to my 993 but only because my 911 is a weekend, fun time play thing.

Factors that you need to consider:

1. No cupholder or modern amenities in the 993. Its old.
2. If you love modern cars and the performance of such the 993 can be just as quick but it's starting to get left behind by newer Caymans, etc.
3. Will it be your weekend car or daily? If daily I'd stick to a newer 911.
4. 993's are appreciating whereas 997's and newer are dropping faster than we've seen in the past. I can easily get a 997 Carrera S for less than I paid for my 993 at low-40's...

Having said all of the above I'd recommend driving one first then decide.