How I went looking for a 993 and came home with a 997
07-30-2010, 07:12 PM
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How I went looking for a 993 and came home with a 997
I sold my 911 SC in the fall as it was time to move up to a newer 911, and I needed to safely fit a booster seat in the rear. Naturally I gravitated to the 993 as the last of the air cooled cars. I started my search but became increasingly frustrated at the lack of really good cars. In the middle of the search, I happened to drive a 996 for the first time, and have to confess I was impressed with how well it drove, and how modern it was, but the styling and interior quality let it down.
In January, after a great deal of leg work, I flew 1000 miles to see a 993 in showroom condition at an independent dealer. When I got out of the taxi at his lot I could see a scratch all the way along the driver's side. His idea of "showroom condition" and mine apparently differed. Somewhat forlorn, I put the search on hold, then in February I stumbled upon an ad for a 997 that was priced just a bit above my 993 budget. That particular 997 wasn't very desirable, but the price point ignited my interest. I started an earnest search and found that by increasing my budget a bit, there were many nice 997s to be had. I drove my first, an '05 Carrera C2, in April and was hooked. The car was the perfect combination of some of the old-school 911 styling and character, in a modern package. A daily driver with true supercar performance.
The search intensified, I narrowed my choice of colors and options, and in June, in what has to go down as an ultimate weekend, I stopped off to see a car in Long Island on my way to the Canadian Grand Prix in Montreal. An '05 Carrera S in gorgeous GT Silver. It had sport chrono and the power seats I was looking for, and was a CPO car at an authorized dealer. Using the knowledge gained from this valuable forum, I was very aware of the IMS failures on '05 cars, but this car had an edge - a recently installed factory remanufactured and updated engine. With the replaced engine, and the CPO, my head told me that I could go where my heart wanted.
The car was shipped back to me on the West Coast this week. I picked it up Monday. I think you all know exactly how I feel right now, and many thanks to everyone on this board who helped with my questions during the process!
And now, of course, the pics...
In January, after a great deal of leg work, I flew 1000 miles to see a 993 in showroom condition at an independent dealer. When I got out of the taxi at his lot I could see a scratch all the way along the driver's side. His idea of "showroom condition" and mine apparently differed. Somewhat forlorn, I put the search on hold, then in February I stumbled upon an ad for a 997 that was priced just a bit above my 993 budget. That particular 997 wasn't very desirable, but the price point ignited my interest. I started an earnest search and found that by increasing my budget a bit, there were many nice 997s to be had. I drove my first, an '05 Carrera C2, in April and was hooked. The car was the perfect combination of some of the old-school 911 styling and character, in a modern package. A daily driver with true supercar performance.
The search intensified, I narrowed my choice of colors and options, and in June, in what has to go down as an ultimate weekend, I stopped off to see a car in Long Island on my way to the Canadian Grand Prix in Montreal. An '05 Carrera S in gorgeous GT Silver. It had sport chrono and the power seats I was looking for, and was a CPO car at an authorized dealer. Using the knowledge gained from this valuable forum, I was very aware of the IMS failures on '05 cars, but this car had an edge - a recently installed factory remanufactured and updated engine. With the replaced engine, and the CPO, my head told me that I could go where my heart wanted.
The car was shipped back to me on the West Coast this week. I picked it up Monday. I think you all know exactly how I feel right now, and many thanks to everyone on this board who helped with my questions during the process!
And now, of course, the pics...
Last edited by jfk308; 07-30-2010 at 11:26 PM.
07-30-2010, 08:15 PM
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wow...i should put my name next to your story.. because I actually did the same thing.
First, totaled 84 carrera cab (someone ran the red light and hit me).. Then i was searching for 993 but like you no success.. So I shopped around for used 997 (i hate 996 interior/exterior) and found 05 arctic white C2 with 15k miles in Maine ( yeah maine.. I live in California). I wanted 6 speed manual but the deal was incredible at $36k.. 15k miles, one owner (75 year old grandpa), auto...
how much did you pay for the 997 S?
Too bad, it wont be here for another few weeks.. Will post the pic as soon i get it..
who did you use to ship the car?
First, totaled 84 carrera cab (someone ran the red light and hit me).. Then i was searching for 993 but like you no success.. So I shopped around for used 997 (i hate 996 interior/exterior) and found 05 arctic white C2 with 15k miles in Maine ( yeah maine.. I live in California). I wanted 6 speed manual but the deal was incredible at $36k.. 15k miles, one owner (75 year old grandpa), auto...
how much did you pay for the 997 S?
Too bad, it wont be here for another few weeks.. Will post the pic as soon i get it..
who did you use to ship the car?
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07-31-2010, 12:36 PM
#11
Great story. I too was looking for a 993 but I kept upping my expectations on the condition of the cars until I found a new 2008 997.1 leftover last year. The price was not so much more than the excellent 993's I was looking at. Not the "classic" but higher performance, warranty, and less than 100 miles.
08-01-2010, 01:29 AM
#14
Same story here. Almost bought a '98 c2s. Realized that for a bit more money I could get the performance of the 997. I too choose performance over collectibility.
Beautiful ride. Congratulations.
Phil
Beautiful ride. Congratulations.
Phil
08-01-2010, 08:13 AM
#15
Rennlist Member
I like GT silver & your story.
I too was at the Canadian GP, sat down at the hairpin.
I too was at the Canadian GP, sat down at the hairpin.