I'm looking into getting a weekend fun car. It seems everybody loves their 993s. I'm a noob when it comes to older p cars so I have a few questions:
-I'm looking at 993 with 90k miles, what should I expect to spend to maintain this thing? Also how much repair should it require and when? New suspension? Engine rebuild? Others?
-Is 90k miles a lot for this car? I'm planning to put about 5k a year. Or would you rather spend more on lower mileage 993?
-I read 95 doesn't have SAI issues compared to later years, is this really something to worry about? Any other major differences to keep in mind?
-I would prefer coupe, but there are more convertibles available and they seem to be cheaper. How does the convertible top hold up?
-How hard is it to do your own work on 993? I would like to do as much as I can myself, however I have little experience with car repair.
-this may be hard to answer but what is so special about air cooled engine, which as I understand one of main things that makes 993 so special? Perhaps I'll know once I test drive it.
- what would you spend on 993. Spread is from 25k to 55k, I'm looking on lower end. However,there is 98 4s with 67k miles and good story that I really like for 50k, but for that money I would consider 09 997.2.

Would appreciated any other input if I missed anything.
Thanks

 

I bought one (1996 Carrera 2, 70k miles) about six months ago, and I have loved having it.

Here are a few thoughts, but don't take this as complete!
Friends who've owned older 911's including 993's told me to expect about $3k per year. Some years are much less and others are much more. At 5k miles a year, you'll be buying rear tires every 18months and fronts every 3 years. The struts are known to die at about 30k miles, so check to see if those have been replaced; should have been but you never know. Be very careful about oil leaks on engine -- some are easier to fix than others. I have heard mixed explanations, but some say to expect a top-end rebuild at about 100k miles. Door check straps are known problem area on 993's, so check that they are not broken. Search the web too; there are much more complete lists and even an entire ebook on the subject.
No, it's not a lot of miles. It's around 5-6k miles a year. Assuming that is fairly consistent use over the years, it's good the car has been regularly driven. I would buy the best condition one I could find, but that's not necessarily the fewest miles. Look for evidence the car has been well maintained.
That's true about the 95's. I chose not to worry about the differences and just bought the best condition one I could afford regardless of year.
If you want a coupe, be patient until you find one. I can't comment on the convertible tops though.
I am in the exact same situation. I would say the car is more difficult than average due to access issues with the engine location, but the support of the online community more than makes up for it. I have been impressed with the availability of parts.

 

Some quick answers. I have owned my 993 for close to 12 yrs. Just ticked over 120k and Absolutely LOVE my car. Overall it's been very reliable so buy the best one you can find regardless of the miles. '95's still have the SAI problem it's just that the OBD1 in the '95 doesn't recognize it as an issue. The 96's and up with the OBD2 do. For far more info then you could ever want head over to rennlist.com The 993 community over there is massive and very active. Good luck in your search!

 

Thanks guys. That's what I noticed that rennlist is more active for 993 than over here.

 

I just picked up my first 993 today from a great guy on RL. Targa with 88k miles and very well sorted. Do your research...it's worth the wait to find the right car and the right seller. Good luck!

 

Thanks guys for tips. Checked out 98 4S and pretty sure I will be getting it.
See "Found my first porsche - 993 4S" on rennlist for more details.

 

Look forward to some pictures and good luck with the inspection.

 

awesome.... on my second 993. i say a great PPI and expect some maintance. The stock stereo is not very good, but expect a very viseral drive. loving my turbo now, but don't do power mods unless you want to reduce the reliabilty factor....