GRUWEZ

Hello all,

I am currently going through the pre-purchase process for a Porsche 993 Turbo. I live in Belgium and have the advantage of being close to Germany, a country which seems to offer a substantial number of second hand 993 Turbos.

One car I am currently eyeballing has 168,000 km (104,000 miles). The car is reportedly in very good condition and comes with a complete Porsche service history. I have talked to the dealer over the phone and expressed my concerns regarding the high miles the car has seen. He told me he'd rather buy a 993 with high miles and a full service history, than one with 30,000 miles and an unknown history. Still according to the dealer, a 993 can see hundreds of thousands of miles, provided proper maintenance has been executed.

I was wondering what the opinion is of the experts on this forum. I would love to own a 993, but I do not like the prosprect of starting to replace one worn item after another. I am thinking for instance about suspension components, transmission and/or engine overhaul, or something along that I line.

Should I be deterred by a high mileage 993 Turbo, or are they really tough cars. At what mileage are high costs expected? Does the car need an engine or transmission overhaul at a certain point? When should that have been executed on a car which now has 104,000 miles?

Thanks for your feedback,

Rik Gruwez
Brugge, Belgium

ca993twin

Rik,

I'm anxious to hear from the experts on this. I bought my TT with 49,500 miles 9 months ago (now has 55,000), and the car runs and drives like new. The typical items that often fail in any 993 are: leaky steering rack, fan resistors, and the clutch slave cylinder. Look carefully at the records and see if those items have been repaired. Also check to see if your car need the wiring harness replacement. This is a free recall, so if it needs it, and it hasn't been done, get it taken care of.

On a higher mileage turbo, unless driven by a fanatic (such as myself), I'd expect that the clutch will have been replaced or will need replacement. If it needs replacement, you may want to consider the light-weight flywheel/clutch assembly. It is generally thought that stock turbo units, properly cooled after hard driving, will last around 75,000 miles before needing a rebuild. It's not too expensive to rebuild them to stock, but this also represents a real opportunity for an upgrade.

If properly serviced, the internals of the engine will be barely broken in. I'd certainly have a compression test and a leakdown test to ensure that there are no expensive problems waiting for you.

Have the car carefully inspected for signs of rust and any paint or body damage. If the car is priced right, you may be able to get a great car for a low price. Good luck.

clubrcr

I just bought a 97 993tt with 47K miles. I think these cars should be driven. I do agree with Steve, I have heard these cars are tough on clutches. I think it is because of the 4wheel drive and torque. I also agree with the dealer about records, but remind the dealer, a higher mileage Porsche is going to be worth less than a lower mile example.

It might not be a bad idea to take the car to another Porsche dealer or someone that knows these cars and have him look at this car carefully. Don't buy the car just because it sounds like a good deal, make sure it is a good deal. You could end up spending alot of money getting it right, which would make the 993 experience less fun.

John D II

FWIW - A couple of years ago, Steve Weiner (well respected board member/tech) told me to expect to rebuild the 993TT engine between 100,000 to 120,000 miles.

PorschePhD

The biggest issue with the 993 and the turbos are the valve guides. I have seen most need attention at 50K. That doesn't mean that it isn't a good buy or that you shouldn't drive it. Consider the valve guide issue as valid as the 3.2 Carrera. I personally put a ton of miles and HP through and on my previous 993TT and the leak down nearing 50K was fair. Most of the higher cars are so forgiving no one ever notices. I think that at some point the term ignorance is bliss comes in to play. High mileage 993TTs are simply not an issue. Do the leak down and compression test and spend the 300.00 for the PPI. The trannies are very VERY weak and most have a twisted input shaft unbeknown to the owner. Common issue that I dealt with three times. The clutch is also a large concern as a few other tid bits are. All in all they are a very fine car.

DV 993tt

Stephen

Excuse my ignorance but what is a 81 937 Faux?

JW

PorschePhD

The Porsche 924 Carrera GT, model 937, were designed by the factory for homologation for Le Mans. The project number was 937. Only 406 were built. Only 406 Porsche 924 Carrera GTs exist. The project and internal number is 937 and was originally built by the factory for homologation for Le Mans. Fitted with a 2.0 Intercooled turbo the 937 produced 210HP and carried noticeable differences to the body. The rear flairs are added on as well as the 944 type front fenders. The NACA scoop housed the intercooler. It is apparent that the Carrera GT paved the way for the 944.

Here is a pic of my Wifes car. BTW this one makes about 250HP.

DV 993tt

Stephen
That is one nice 924!
BTW, do you have any ideas for my 993turbo problem? Its in another thread on this board.

JW
'86 930
'96 993tt

clubrcr

Porsche PhD:

That is one neat car. I have always wanted a 924 GTS. I had a chance to buy a 924 GTR some time ago, but felt the parts would be very hard to get.

Your car looks like you have kept it in great shape.

PorschePhD

Jim,
Thanks, although it is a Faux(fake) I built this from a 931 that was owned by Jim Pasha. No expense to do it right was spared. Thanks for the kind words....