chonkyfire

Both my friend and I are looking to both buy our first Porsche and I'm trying to decide between the 996 and the 993. I've checked out blue book and edmunds prices to get an idea, but when I looked on ebay I noticed that there are a slew of 996's for sale and almost none are being sold. Most auctions finish 10 to 15k below the "buy it now" price and below the reserve price. I had suspected that the 996 prices would drop drastically when the 997 was introduced considering how Porsche has gone back to some of the styling of the 993 in response to outcry from 911 loyalists, but I didn't think that '99 996's with 60k miles would be selling in the high 20's. So really guys, my question is an age old one, (or at least 6 years old): which to buy, 993 or 996. I'm sure there is much discussion on this topic but considering the massive price drop in the 996, I think this sheds a new light on the arguement.

I like the styling of both cars, I like the 296-300-320 hp of the 3.4s and the 3.6s of the 996, but I hear the air cooled 993 is much more reliable.

Performance is comparable, but is the 996 a better choice for someone with no rear-engine experience? I also hear that the 993 has more tendency to want to drive backwards.

Finally, from the creature comforts and convience standpoint, is the 996 a big jump over the 993?

Thanks for your input and for putting up with a noobie.

houldsworth1

I would suspect (and be shocked if I were wrong – since I never am ) that you will find that all those with prices that low would not have met the reserve price. Plus, I would be extremely careful about buying a Porsche from eBay – wouldn’t you?

However the answer to your main question depends upon what you want if for I suspect. I would assume that the water cooled cars would be better for driving but, having never owned anything prior to my C4S I can’t say for sure.

The one thing I would suggest is that you go out and drive as many as you can and then make your decision. Most reputable dealers should be happy to let you take their cars for a spin – otherwise find another dealer.

When you find the car that really speaks to you – buy it! It worked for me.

Barry

chonkyfire

That's good advice.

What I'm seeing on eBay is that no one seems to be getting what they want for their 996's. There are massive amounts of 996's for sale right now and few auctions are ending with buyers - many w/o even 1 bidder. Are that many ppl dumping their 996's for 997's? If so I think it's a shame because I really love the 996, but I've been salivating at the prices since the 997 was announced.

I wouldn't be using the car as a daily driver so reliablity is a concern, but not the main concern. Most of the car's time would be spent on curvy backroads and the track. This is why I was asking about the rear engined habits of the 993 vs the 996. A dealer might be upset if I tried to test the legendary Porsche oversteer on a test drive.

chris walrod

Like Barry said above, spend as much time as you can in both iterations. Your heart will let you know which model does it for you.

The 993 and the 996 are somewhat different in design philosophy. The 993 being more 'direct' and raw, where the 996 is more modern with an updated interior, water cooling etc.

If you search the archives, you'll find this very discussion has been pretty popular, both here and on the 993 forum.

Drive both and you'll realize which one is for you!

Holger B

You're referring to the highest bids on eBay and that they're not meeting the reserve price. This doesn't mean the cars are selling in the 20's. In typical eBay fashion, bidders who have no intention of buying the cars unless they can get them at firesale prices (i.e. drastically below market) are the only ones bidding on those cars at that time. This has nothing to do with market prices, hence the sellers reserves.

I sold my 996 in July. Had it on eBay and got one guy who seemed real (it was a stretch for him financially), but it didn't meet the reserve. Put it in the local paper and sold it to the first guy who called at the same price as my eBay reserve price. So much for eBay...

I liked the 996 much more than the 993 (the interior of which I really hated, at least 20 years out of date). You need to drive a few examples of each and the choice for you will become obvious. Good luck and be patient.

rss997

Better off to go by Autotrader prices, at least here in So. Calif. I would not pay 10k for a 99 with over 60k miles on the clock and no warranty.

Drive them both and then decide where to put your money!

I love my 996, very comfortable inside and also performs well with my mods...

Robert

chonkyfire

Thanks for the advice from all. I've decided to track about 15 cars on eBay to see the final bidding price. If I choose a 996 I'm looking to spend about 35k for a C2 99-00 996 with milage in the 40s. Next thing is to get some real seat time.

Chrisp3

I think I'd give 10k for a 99 MY! Know where any are?

Moogle

my suggestion, if you are going to go used, get a 993 turbo

Tim Wasmer

I have bought several cars off ebay. Just do your research and you can save quite a bit. Like anything else DO YOUR RESEARCH and you will be fine. I have had board members check out cars for me and I have done the same for others.

Bob Rouleau

FWIW - 996 is faster, smoother, more comfortable, has AC and wipers that actually work. Better ergonomics. More reliable.

The 993 looks better air cooled engine and more involving. Doors close with a bank vault sound. Not so hot (should I say cool) AC and wipers, quirky ergonomics and more "issues" then the 996.

Both are wonderful and reliable (in spite of the fact that we know *everything* that goes wrong) cars. Drive them and see for yourself.

Torags

If this newbie gets a turbo it'll come back around and bite him in the butt.

ben in lj

I've bought at least a dozen cars on Ebay ranging from a $15k Jeep to a $206k Ferrari. I don't think more than 2 or 3 of the deals were closed on Ebay (ie: via the Ebay auction system). Further, I remember paying $6k less than the reserve price on one and recently $11k more than the highest closing bid on another. You can really draw no useful conclusions IMO based on reserve or buy it now prices not being met on Ebay.

Cupcar#12

turbo's are out the 35K price range he said he was looking in above.
I am also looking at 996's right now there are a lot of dog's out there - do your research, look at a lot of them, pay for a PPI, and as always buy the best or newest car you can afford. WHich in this case would be a MY99 or 00.
996 are very good for all the right reasons - they are different than the 993's and 964's

dsteinaz

I found my 99 C2 Cab on ebay. I was waiting for the right local car to come up so I could check it out myself. I bought the car for the Buy It Now price from ebay and was told by the seller that ebay is just a way to advertise his cars. The deals are done on the phone in 90% of the cases. My local dealer did a full inspection and I LOVE my car. Make no conclusions about car prices by what you see on ebay.