Thinking of buying a 993 in NY. I'm in CA and have seen a bunch of pictures and the car is about to get a PPI. Would you guys buy a car cross country sight unseen??

Thanks,
Jerry

 

Not unless it was new from the factory.

 

If the shop doing the ppi was trustworthy, no problem. Finding the shop you trust (not the seller) is the key

 

Absolutely not. A plane ticket is cheap insurance that you're getting what you're hoping for. If you fly out there, you may find some unexpected issues and go forward with the purchase...but if they showed up on your doorstep, you might beat yourself up second-guessing the decision. At least I might.

 

I purchased my 2004 C4S Cab sight unseen, however, the car was brand new and on the lot.

 

I bought my 06 C4S sight unseen, but it was new at a Porsche dealer, and I was prepared to walk if there were any issues - and the dealer agreed to that clause. Luckily, everything was perfect. ;-)

Jerry, if you're working with an individual, I'd definitely make the flight out. If you're working with a Porsche dealer, or someone with a business interest, you might be able to do this remotely... regardless, I think I'd take two days and fly out.

Good luck!!!

-don

 

I bought by 05 C2S Cab sight unseen, brand new. No problems, although spending $95-100K on something you haven't seen definitely induced some queasiness...

 

I've never done this guys and work is just crazy now...no way to get the time off. Thanks for all the great input.

 

No, way... 993s have their own issues and very expensive to fix.

The 993s have the following issues:

-Leaky valve covers
-Leaky engine blocks (a recall)
-OBD issues if
-Premature valve guide wear
-Wire harness (a recall)
-Clutch peddle not coming up due to a faulty peddle arm assembly



DON’T GET ME WRONG… I love my 1995, 993, but be very careful they do have their own issues that are very expensive to fix. So you should negotiate a discount if you find something wrong. Also, if the lip on any of the (4) wheel fender opening is smooth, run from the deal (accidents). You should feel a textured fender lip!

Pay attention to any air conditioner compressor noise, if the compressor is noisy its replacement will likely follow.

Make sure you get ALL, ALL the tools, spare tire, jack, and air compressor.

Look luck and I hope you found yourself a jewel!

 

The cost of a ticket is negligible in the whole scope of things.

I've purchased a Porsche remotely - several pictures, good email/phone dialogue, and a PPI. Upon satisfaction to all the above, I travelled to the Seller with a check and told them if it was as-advertised I'd buy it. I bought it and was extremely satisified. But ... buying pre-owned always has some risk that can't be eliminated.

 

Wow...those are some good points to look for . Thanks cvasquez.

 

I bought my '04 C4S with 1100 miles from a dealer in IL., sight unseen. Car was very close to perfect, as described. What small detail problems were present at delivery were fixed by my local Porsche dealer at the seller's expense. I'm loving the car completely.

Phil

 

A little preventive medicine… 964 & 993


-If you decide on the 993... Immediately takeoff the belly pan, this will helps prevent heat buildup and premature valve guide issues.

-Always warm the engine by driving it to temp and cool the engine by driving slower before reaching your destination.

-Every month add the gas additive, “Chevron Techron” to a full gas tank to prevent carbon deposit build-up on the valves and fuel injectors. Porsche does not advice this on the 997, but I still do it on my 964 and 993.

-Every so often shift gears between 5-6k rpm to get rid of carbon deposit (basically shift @ a higher RPM. Never high rev the engine without a load.

-Oil change every 12 months.

Simple modification to the 964 or 993…

-HR springs/struts
-The cup air box and BMC filter
-Strut brace bar

Happy motoring!

 

Bad idea!

 

You'd also need to make sure the car meets CA emissions and has the sticker under the hood... this cost me about $600 a while ago for an Acura Integra.