Steve 96C4S

I LOVE MY CAR still after owning it for close to 12 years now. So I've spent untold 1000's over the years trying to get better A/C (it's acceptable now at best).

I finally just got it back after being gone for 3 weeks getting the front bumper repainted and some other touch ups with new rear stone guards (odd that they're clear now). The front bumper was painted 4 years ago after a detailer parked it too close to a chain link fence but they had it painted poorly and in the wrong color silver by an awful paint shop. It's gorgeous now, thanks to Europros in Gaithersburg.

I've had left knee pain even after a surgery this year so using the clutch has been painful. To make this less tough, I simply moved my seat pretty far back so my knee doesn't hurt near as much now. Winning.

I'm up to $6849 in repairs this year plus the $1513 paintwork I really had to do to bring the car up to snuff (for a total of $8362 so far for 2014). I had to do without the car for 3 months off and on this year with the various repairs at my indy, lack of any working A/C for most of the summer and paint shop work. It's all completed now and the car is better than ever.

This type of stuff would turn off your casual car owner. But 993 owners aren't your typical car owner. We'll deal with a lot of inconvenience sometimes, especially if you don't wrench anything yourself (like me) to own these cars.

After not having it to drive most of the summer and the last few weeks, it's HEAVEN driving this old beast. It handles so well compared to anything else I've owned.

I've been thinking about getting a newer 911 Turbo automatic (PDK) car at some point so I've combed the Ebay and cars.com listings for a 2007 or 2008. In theory, I could afford one if I sold my 993 but every time I look at the ads, I think - hmmm, maybe one or two years newer would be better? A 2010 997 Turbo with the updated looks is pretty sweet.

Or ... wait I could wait a year or 2 and get a first year model 991 (non turbo). Then my left knee wouldn't be in as much pain while driving and the A/C would work much better.

But then I go out to the garage and look at my 993. It's just perfect, and after reading the threads about 993 owners that sold their cars and regretted it, not sure I want to be "that guy". I'm guessing that for right now, the grass is not really greener AND by not upgrading to a 997 TT I'm saving a bunch of dough to ... keep fixing my car.

I can also keep it looking and driving like new with the money I'm saving by sitting tight. Plus, I love the community here on this forum. I've checked pages and pages of back threads on the 997 Turbo forum and it's pleasant enough, but the 993 forum is home right now.

Front bumper repaint pics... day 2 (quickie Blackberry pics)











VS. (unless I'm reading the Ebay ad wrong) a 2007 997 Turbo for 57K?. Are these really selling this cheap? If I sold my 104k mi car for ... $43k, this would be $16k or so more out of pocket to "upgrade". Guess I could find a 2007 Turbo PDK car for around $57-65K in the next year if it struck my fancy to do so. Doubt it would happen but it's been on my mind.


http://www.ebay.com/itm/Porsche-911-...US_Cars_Trucks

JDHertz11

No PDK until 2010 so keep saving your Shekles...

Steve 96C4S

Oh, I didn't realize that. Guess I will definitely have to wait a while then to be able to afford a 2010 if it's in the cards sometime in the distant future.

I can't be the only one thinking about possibly getting a 997 Turbo one day, right? Is it crazy to be thinking this way?

I feel like I'm cheating on my girlfriend when I comb the internet (out of total boredom) to see what newer 911's are out there for sale.

Steve

993/907

Suggestion if appropriate: Get your knee(s) replaced, prob solved.

Gordo

993Porsche

Man, I feel your pain. I'm thinking exactly the same thing. Except my car is not worth as much. Nonetheless, your car looks gorgeous. It would be tough to sell her.


Ken

Zeichen 282

Very nice car - looks perfect, congrats on the improvements! Also, good company in the garage. There's a lot to be said for going steady with a 993.

And yes, improper thoughts are very much allowed when it comes to the 997.2 turbo.

pp000830

Wow, $6849 in repairs in one year, how is this possible? Maybe your frustration has more to do with who is working on your car, what advice they are giving you and their parts mark-up and labor rate.
If you had only spent $500 in the last year would you have the same feelings?
For example one year I had a new clutch, wires, plugs, valve adjusters, power steering belt, insulation mat and it all came to less than $3000 and another year I had the transmission worked on with 1&2 gear synchros replaced with 36 OEM parts and components replaced and a $125/ hr labor rate and it still came to only $4500.
All other years just gas, tires and oil and an occasional caps & rotors.

mpruden

Have you considered a 993 tip? I think they're amazing cars and very fun to drive.

I bet one of these high-end dealers would work a swap for you in about ... 10 seconds.

sander97C2

My reply is keep the C4S! It's getting better with age and you've got yourself a real cherry example!! Nevertheless, if the turbo itch gross stronger and it sounds like it is, drive a 2010 with a pdk. Any 997 generation car I've been in or driven is in my opinion awesome, but like you said the 993 is so cool. Either way you'll be cruising in a Porsche = winning"

Steve 96C4S

Believe me, it's possible. I have the receipts! I don't like it any better than the rest of you.

And a 993 Tip is also a possibility as well if my knee gets a lot worse. My doc says a knee replacement isn't in the cards for me yet but the pain is still there. Did the meniscus surgery, a gel shot when that didn't work and physical therapy. Will keep doing physical therapy every day for a year or more and hopefully it will get better.

And yes, the 997.2 Turbo is hot but so are our cars, for a lot less.

Steve

Kika

I spent about $5k last year replacing the flywheel, clutch, AC evaporator, brake pads, rotors, and some other while you are in their items... Had I gone to a different shop, and/ or not gotten some of the deals I got on parts, it easily would have been $2-3k more.

JDHertz11

I did it and it was definitely not cost effective! You can steal an early Turbo with a Tip. I believe a 2007-08.

993/907

PM sent.
Gordo