I really like the 993 style, and air-cooled purity. But, I also want a daily driver that's totally reliable.

Anyone care to chirp in as to what they see as advantages and disadvantages of each?

I just bought and read "The Used 911 Story," which was really great.

TIA!

Brad

 

My out of warranty 95 993 was completely reliable and needed nothing but regular maintenance in 6 years of ownership. Sold it with 45,000 miles.

 

I might be biased when encouraging you to get a 993.

 

I am looking for answers to this also. But pretty much set on the 993 because all i have read about the reliablility.

Plus the looks and air cooled just make them hard to pass up.

 

You should both contact Scott in H-town. He owns several of both cars, and loves to talk about them. He can compare and contrast them for you, and also tell you which model years to look for, things to watch out for, etc.

He can be reached by sending him a personal message to: Scott in H-town

 

Greetings,
We just purchased our third 993, a 96 C4S. There is something about 993s that gets in your blood I guess!
As for a daily driver, probably one of the more reliable cars out there. BUT.....realize that a 993 is 8-10 years old now, and things start to happen after time. Just do alot of research and find a car that has been "loved" in it's past. A PPI (pre purchase inspection) of any car is incredibly important.

Cheers,
Robert
Hot Springs, AR

 

Cool. I appreciate all the advice.

Seems like there is a HUGE disparity in price for the 993s. Does it all come down to condition and mileage? I also find it weird that in many cases, a 996 c2 may cost less than a 993 with comparable miles. Weird. Is demand that much better for clean 993s?

 

Well, There's been an on-going (sometimes heated) debate for the past 7 years about 993s vs 996s. Which is better????? You'll get very emotional opinions depending on who you talk to!
I've driven a few 996s (not a GT3) and they seemed very Lexusish, very civilzed, very smooth and quiet. NOT that there's anything wrong with that. But the 993 has a more raw, connected to the road, feel to it. Personally, I like the 993 interior much better than the plastic trim in the 996.
The fact that the 993 is the last of the air-cooled cars, which might make them a little more collectible in the future, (and retain value) combined with the fact Porsche made a WHOLE BUNCH more 996s is the factor of price differences.
I think most people will tell you to go drive as many 993s AND 996s, and decide which one is right for you.

Good luck!

 

Good points. I have driven a 2003 Targa - and I liked it a lot. But, I wouldn't consider it edgy at all. It was comfy, and fast, and quiet. The quiet part kind of bummed me out.

Ok, I MUST drive a 993 now!

Brad

 

I prefer a 993 over any 3.4 or 3.6 996 (Except a Turbo, GT2 or a GT3)

 

There is a great picture thread in one of the subforums...like a rennlist calendar or something. I think my mind is made up. If I can find a nice '95, I think I'll go for it. My mechanic told me the non-obdII 993 was a better bet because of the valve guide wild card. Any thoughts on that? I'd much rather have a newer car...

 

993 is a classic and will always be one. the c4s and c2s are two of my all time favorites

 

993s are awesome and last of the aircooled. Only problem with the 993s is the valve guide wear. Some suffer form it some don't seem to have an issue. Do research on this when buying a 993.

 

Well, I don't know what one does for research. From what I've been told, there really isn't a valve guide test, per se. I suppose you take your chances, and hope that a car with proper maintenance won't have the problems...

 

993 all da way.

Byron