I've been member of the 991 forum for quite some time and now I'm looking for a 993 for my son. I've found a '96 cab in the Boston area with <70K miles that looks reasonable in price and I'm going to fly in this week and take a look at it. I've owned several 911s over the past 47 years, but no 993s and not even a 964. What should I look for when I see it?

Thanks in advance for your great advice.

ChuckJ

 

Chuck, I hope you aren't planning to just eyeball the car yourself and make a decision. If I were you, I'd pay $200-300 to a reputable local PCA-affiliated shop to do a thorough PPI, including leakdown and compression tests.

 

Agreed, a great PPI is needed. These cars are awesome, but a lot more old school and requires more "taking care" of then a new Porsche. But once you get one, its the best.

 

You can usually tell a lot about how someone cares for the mechanics of a car by how they take care of the interior and exterior. If it looks cosmetically tired, chances are, it's not cared for properly. That's been my experience and we see Porsches daily.

After you find a clean 993, as mentioned by others, have an independent Porsche mechanic do a proper PPI...will run about $200-300...worth its weight in gold.

993s are amazing!!! Modern classic and going up in price. If you find one that's clean, snap it up.

 

Make sure you find out if the valve guides have been replaced, check the evaporator because that will also be going out soon.

 

Agree. Make sure the check engine light is illuminated when turning the key to on position. Secondary air induction issues with 96-98 993's. Check Rennlist, lots of threads. Its not uncommon for top end engine valve guide replacements to pass state emissions.

I've owned two, and really enjoyed the car. But they like your other Porsches are not inexpensive to repair. As mentioned earlier, if you like the car, get a leak down and compression check and PPI by a mechanic that really knows these cars. Make sure you have service history. A through PPI can cost several hundred dollars. Removing 12 spark plugs for leak down is a few hour task.

 

Good luck having a reputable shop perform a thorough PPI, including leakdown and compression tests for the price stated.

Compression and leakdown are usually over and above the PPI. Leakdown is very time consuming, but a worthwhile test.

 

Chuck did you end up purchasing that one or finding another 993?

 

That one was a nice one, but I ended up buying a 95 with 39,000 miles (with PPI). The PPI didn't find anything wrong with the clutch, but during shipment of a little over a week, the clutch pedal was on the floor. After the engine ran for a while we were able to pump it back up, but it still is funky. Porsche is going to look at it next week. The emission test was the lowest I've ever seen. It has a K&N cone filter that has only been on for 5,000 miles that I will be changing back to stock. Full records, 2 owners before me.

ChuckJ

 

You have one hell of a lucky son! I hope he appreciates your awesomeness!

 

Thanks, Juice. I'm sure he does. This one is like it has been in a time capsule (garaged with a cover over it) so it will have the issues associated with being a garage queen but it's nice to have one that we'll feel comfortable driving a few miles a year. The previous owner had the original air box and mufflers so it's at the dealer having those re-installed now.

ChuckJ

 

These cars are expected to return to their original sticker value and if you had the turbo well double that sticker price. (from excellence Porsche Buyers Guide 2015) 85,000-95,000 was what my C4 cost new as she was a loaded with most options.

Anyway here is a link to my Porsche 911 C4 Cab For Sale
http://usedstuff.forsale/1995-porsch...-cabriolet-993


I you are interested let me know. I don't expect it to be around too long.

Andy

 

Thanks for the pics.

 

check jack points under the car for wear and the under pan of the frunk. that's my only suggestion to searching for a clean 993