Lenman

Hi all, thanks again for all the excellent help on my 993 vs. Boxster S post. Lots of great stuff. I've found 2 993's that I'm considering making offers on. Both minty to look at.
1) 95 C2 coupe w 30k miles, 34k ask test drove yesterday
2) 97 C4S coupe 67k 35k should do it, garage queen the last 4 years.(8kmiles) yet to drive.

Aside from the mechanic check, is there a dramatic difference in these 2 cars? I've read the C2 is more tossable, but is there more to it? Will the AWD have higher maintenance and or incidence of problems than non AWD? Is 70k on this type of car something to be concerned with, assuming the check up is clean? Is there a way to check on the status of the carbon build up issue, a test perhaps? I mentioned in my earlier post I only drive 3 miles back and forth to work, and someone indicated I'd be asking for trouble. Will a long spirited weekend drive help alleviate this build up, or am I asking for trouble? I can extend the daily drive to maybe 6 miles by taking a longer route, but still not very far.

I love the S body, and 97 vs. 95 is a plus, just the miles Im concerned with. Since I won't be putting a ton on, I'm not worried about 70k unless certain issues tend to raise their ugly heads around that time.

Again, I appreciate all your responses. I'm in So Cal so no rain. What difference in feel/performance can I expect from the AWD? Thanks, Len

Phil

verry cheap

Rezal

67K is nothing. If the C4S checks out through the PPI, I would jump on it. You might want to check to see if the 60K service has been done.

Randy M

Len, 35K for a C4S is very cheap. Caveat emptor. The front diff seals will leak after time, the LSD will wear out, but other than that there shouldn't be additional maintenance issues with a C4S over the C2. With normal maintenance these motors have a very long life span so no worries about the mileage. I would be a little concerned with a garage queen but with 67K this one does not fit the mold. The best thing for these cars are spirited weekend drives and not short commute trips. A garage queen that goes out for quick trips to the supermarket is a prime candidate for the carbon build up issue. I use Techron concentrate before every oil change to help with this problem. You also have to watch the pot holes when driving a C4S as the 18's tend to bend. I personally have a C4S as I live in Oregon and the AWD is preferable up here when it's wet. You may want to put a C2S on your list as you may not benefit from the AWD.

Lenman

Thanks guys, the more the better. Are you giving up anything having the AWD? Even if it doesn't rain here, what do you lose having it? More weight, potential maintenance?
Is there a discernable difference in how they handle? Do you only want it if you drive in bad weather? As far as the price, the guys loaded, was trying to get $42k, and got tired of showing it. Took it off the market and I found it through a friend. Guy says $36,500 now for quick sale. I was just guessing I could chisel the last 1,500 by offering quick $35, but even at the $36,500 their close in price. 95 has 16" tires/wheels so theres some intial cost in upgrading to 18". Thanks again, more would be appreciated.

Randy M

Personally, I dont think you give anything up by having AWD. It adds 100+ lbs. to the car. It may be a little more forgiving to the average driver. People say it will push in the corners a little more but at least in my car (PSS-9's and RS bars) I dont feel that it does.

Phil

Len,
is it a 1997 or a 1995

Lenman

Sorry, I was looking at 2 cars, 95 c2 and 97 c4s.

adsc4s

IMHO, if the two are only $1K apart, I would get the 97 C4S. If you were to add 18" wheels and the big reds on the C2, you are spending over $1K anyways. The mileage is not that big a deal. The weight difference is not that big. Are they optioned the same? Any mods?

Lenman

Thanks, and hey Phil, right over the hill from me! Anyways, both are bone stock. The 95 has upgraded stereo, CD, amp. 97 has the original cassette. Both have newer tires, but again the 16's would go. thx

adsc4s

I am terribly biased but I would get the C4S.

Harvey Yancey

I agree with everyone on this. I personally like rear wheel drive better but for the price you should jump on the C4S ... as long as it passes the PPI.

TheOtherEric

That price is FAR too low for a C4S. It must have a story. I'd make sure to do a compression, leakdown, laser alignment (to check for possible accidents), have a body expert measure paint thickness all around, CarFax, etc. Just doesn't sound right.

ca993twin

You didn't mention the color of either car. Be sure that you are "in love" with the car... don't settle for a color that you really don't want. I agree... hardly broken in at 67,000 miles, if properly driven and maintained. Personally, I love the widebody S shape, but there really isn't any 993 that I'm not fond of. Hurry up and get that PPI and land that thing! We want to hear a happy ending to this thread!

swftiii

Len,

I agree with everyone although I'm biased, but if everything checks out with the C4S it's at a great price. I like the AWD for everything except the striaghts on the track, but the added weight in the straights is overcome by accelerating out of the corners earlier as the AWD kicks in. It is awesome.

Good luck with your purchase.

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