First post -- 993 for a DD?
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First post -- 993 for a DD?
Been lurking on this site for years, so I finally bit the bullet and registered so that I can proclaim to the world... I'm in love with 993's. There I said it. 
I've been browsing a few sites lately (eBay, Autotrader) and see that there are some nice C2's and C2S's out there at VERY attractive prices. Being that this would be my only car in the stable, how reliable have people found these 993's to be when used every day? My biggest concerns would be:
a) Any issues with certain model years to watch out for?
b) How costly for maintenance?
c) How's the traction in NE winter months? (I would definitely get a set of winter tires & wheels)
IDEALLY, I'd love to pick up a C4S (which still isn't totally out of the question). But, they really seem to be holding their value very well right now, keeping them a bit out of my price range.
Some insight on what I'd use the car for... I'm a train commuter, so the car really wouldn't see many miles during the week. This would be mostly a weekend fun, go where I need to kind of car, with maybe a track day thrown in once or twice a year.
The thing is, even though it would be pretty must a weekender for me, I need it to be there, as it would be my only car.
I'd love to hear your insights/thoughts.
I've been browsing a few sites lately (eBay, Autotrader) and see that there are some nice C2's and C2S's out there at VERY attractive prices. Being that this would be my only car in the stable, how reliable have people found these 993's to be when used every day? My biggest concerns would be:
a) Any issues with certain model years to watch out for?
b) How costly for maintenance?
c) How's the traction in NE winter months? (I would definitely get a set of winter tires & wheels)
IDEALLY, I'd love to pick up a C4S (which still isn't totally out of the question). But, they really seem to be holding their value very well right now, keeping them a bit out of my price range.
Some insight on what I'd use the car for... I'm a train commuter, so the car really wouldn't see many miles during the week. This would be mostly a weekend fun, go where I need to kind of car, with maybe a track day thrown in once or twice a year.
The thing is, even though it would be pretty must a weekender for me, I need it to be there, as it would be my only car.
I'd love to hear your insights/thoughts.
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Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 386
From: Temecula
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First off welcome.
Secondly I speak to what I can.
I used my 993 as a DD for almost 5 years. I bought it with 35k on the clock and it now has a little over 90k. It never let me down. Runs like a top. Bumper to bumper traffic...no problem. The only reason I still don't use it as a DD is I picked up a Ridgeline and moved the 993 to fun car status. As for your questions....
a) Theses cars are now anywhere from 8 to 11 years old, so the most important issue is how the previous owner has taken care of it. Get a proper PPI done and trust your gut. In general these cars are pretty bullit proof.
b) It's a P-car my man! Maintenance is not cheap. But as they say "you get what you pay for".
c) Well I live in San Diego so...... I can't speak to "winter" driving, but I have heard that C4's are very good in the snow.
Good luck. Take your time and find the the right 993 for you becuase chances are once you own one you will not want to let it go. There is something special about these little cars!!
Secondly I speak to what I can.
I used my 993 as a DD for almost 5 years. I bought it with 35k on the clock and it now has a little over 90k. It never let me down. Runs like a top. Bumper to bumper traffic...no problem. The only reason I still don't use it as a DD is I picked up a Ridgeline and moved the 993 to fun car status. As for your questions....
a) Theses cars are now anywhere from 8 to 11 years old, so the most important issue is how the previous owner has taken care of it. Get a proper PPI done and trust your gut. In general these cars are pretty bullit proof.
b) It's a P-car my man! Maintenance is not cheap. But as they say "you get what you pay for".
c) Well I live in San Diego so...... I can't speak to "winter" driving, but I have heard that C4's are very good in the snow.
Good luck. Take your time and find the the right 993 for you becuase chances are once you own one you will not want to let it go. There is something special about these little cars!!
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Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 149
From: maryland
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Taken from someone who knows the 993's
http://forums.rennlist.com/rennforum...1&page=1&pp=15
qoute -->My recommendations if you plan to purchase a 993:
Beware of possible 993 engine's premature valve guides wear. If the leak down or compression checks, reflect significant issues you will need to replace ALL valve guides and valves during a top end rebuild on model year 1989-1998. This could cost somewhere around $6000 or more, depending on what else is needed for repairs. Additionally, the secondary air injection (SAI) system will also have needed to be cleaned internally. Take the belly pan off the 993 immediately and keep safe in storage. Never use the belly pan on the 993!
The Power steering rack is another component that could fail prematurely (check for leaks).
Oil leaks could be another issue if you are asthmatic. The valve cover will leak right on top of the header manifold.
OBD-2 is a BIG ISSUE on 1996-1998 model years. The 1995 is safe in this regard because they do not have the OBD-2 secondary sensor.
Check the clutch pedal release, if it sticks, you will need to replace the clutch pedal assembly forward arm assist in order for the pedal to release immediatel instead of sticking and bopping up and smacking the bottom of your foot. Also, check the master slave cylinder for leaks. Release/engage the clutch (should not be noisy, but smooth and silent).
Air-conditioner compressor should engage smoothly and SILENT.
Whoever does your PPI really has to know the Porsche 993 very well, has to be working hard in your favor, and thinking very clearly and carefully.
Be very CAREFUL that the check engine light is working!
Read all fault codes and print them out with an explanation for each code.
<--end quote
http://forums.rennlist.com/rennforum...1&page=1&pp=15
qoute -->My recommendations if you plan to purchase a 993:
Beware of possible 993 engine's premature valve guides wear. If the leak down or compression checks, reflect significant issues you will need to replace ALL valve guides and valves during a top end rebuild on model year 1989-1998. This could cost somewhere around $6000 or more, depending on what else is needed for repairs. Additionally, the secondary air injection (SAI) system will also have needed to be cleaned internally. Take the belly pan off the 993 immediately and keep safe in storage. Never use the belly pan on the 993!
The Power steering rack is another component that could fail prematurely (check for leaks).
Oil leaks could be another issue if you are asthmatic. The valve cover will leak right on top of the header manifold.
OBD-2 is a BIG ISSUE on 1996-1998 model years. The 1995 is safe in this regard because they do not have the OBD-2 secondary sensor.
Check the clutch pedal release, if it sticks, you will need to replace the clutch pedal assembly forward arm assist in order for the pedal to release immediatel instead of sticking and bopping up and smacking the bottom of your foot. Also, check the master slave cylinder for leaks. Release/engage the clutch (should not be noisy, but smooth and silent).
Air-conditioner compressor should engage smoothly and SILENT.
Whoever does your PPI really has to know the Porsche 993 very well, has to be working hard in your favor, and thinking very clearly and carefully.
Be very CAREFUL that the check engine light is working!
Read all fault codes and print them out with an explanation for each code.
<--end quote
Originally Posted by dkp993
First off welcome.
Secondly I speak to what I can.
I used my 993 as a DD for almost 5 years. I bought it with 35k on the clock and it now has a little over 90k. It never let me down. Runs like a top. Bumper to bumper traffic...no problem. The only reason I still don't use it as a DD is I picked up a Ridgeline and moved the 993 to fun car status. As for your questions....
a) Theses cars are now anywhere from 8 to 11 years old, so the most important issue is how the previous owner has taken care of it. Get a proper PPI done and trust your gut. In general these cars are pretty bullit proof.
b) It's a P-car my man! Maintenance is not cheap. But as they say "you get what you pay for".
c) Well I live in San Diego so...... I can't speak to "winter" driving, but I have heard that C4's are very good in the snow.
Good luck. Take your time and find the the right 993 for you becuase chances are once you own one you will not want to let it go. There is something special about these little cars!!
Secondly I speak to what I can.
I used my 993 as a DD for almost 5 years. I bought it with 35k on the clock and it now has a little over 90k. It never let me down. Runs like a top. Bumper to bumper traffic...no problem. The only reason I still don't use it as a DD is I picked up a Ridgeline and moved the 993 to fun car status. As for your questions....
a) Theses cars are now anywhere from 8 to 11 years old, so the most important issue is how the previous owner has taken care of it. Get a proper PPI done and trust your gut. In general these cars are pretty bullit proof.
b) It's a P-car my man! Maintenance is not cheap. But as they say "you get what you pay for".
c) Well I live in San Diego so...... I can't speak to "winter" driving, but I have heard that C4's are very good in the snow.
Good luck. Take your time and find the the right 993 for you becuase chances are once you own one you will not want to let it go. There is something special about these little cars!!
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From: Connecticut
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Thanks for the welcome and the advice guys!
dkp993, sweet car in your avatar man. I really like how the TechArts look on it!
trinitony, thanks for the info. I've been reading up on Rennlist as well. When it comes to 993's (and p-cars in general) some of those guys really know their sh*t!
Thanks again. I'd be happy to hear any other advice/stories/recommendations from guys that use their 993's for DD's.
Cheers...
dkp993, sweet car in your avatar man. I really like how the TechArts look on it!
trinitony, thanks for the info. I've been reading up on Rennlist as well. When it comes to 993's (and p-cars in general) some of those guys really know their sh*t!
Thanks again. I'd be happy to hear any other advice/stories/recommendations from guys that use their 993's for DD's.
Cheers...
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Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 17
From: DalTex
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Mine just made 92,226 miles.
I bought my 96 black/black Targa back in 2001 specifically as a daily driver. It had about 44000 miles when I got it.
So far, tires twice, clutch at about 75,000, and the dreaded valve guides at 88,000. I had a full top overhaul done at RUF autocenter when the valve guides kept the check engine lighting up about once a week. It had done this maybe once every 3 or 4 months for as long as I have had it, but Hans at RUF told me to just keep resetting the computer until is became really quite recurrent...hence the rebuild. Runs great now. Replaced the original! battery this winter. So, you could say a few dollars were spent on it, but not anything too outrageous.
I plan to keep this as DD as long as it will still go. We also have a 1995 ZR1 vette (low mile garage queen), a Miata, a 2004 Z06 vette, and a Miata. I have debated letting go of it at 100K (I want to get an 87 Testarossa) but I am thinking now that I will keep the Porsche and put the ZR1 into storage if that happens -- it is just that good as a DD.
For what it is worth, my stepson would rather drive it than either Corvette, not to mention the Miata.
So far, tires twice, clutch at about 75,000, and the dreaded valve guides at 88,000. I had a full top overhaul done at RUF autocenter when the valve guides kept the check engine lighting up about once a week. It had done this maybe once every 3 or 4 months for as long as I have had it, but Hans at RUF told me to just keep resetting the computer until is became really quite recurrent...hence the rebuild. Runs great now. Replaced the original! battery this winter. So, you could say a few dollars were spent on it, but not anything too outrageous.
I plan to keep this as DD as long as it will still go. We also have a 1995 ZR1 vette (low mile garage queen), a Miata, a 2004 Z06 vette, and a Miata. I have debated letting go of it at 100K (I want to get an 87 Testarossa) but I am thinking now that I will keep the Porsche and put the ZR1 into storage if that happens -- it is just that good as a DD.
For what it is worth, my stepson would rather drive it than either Corvette, not to mention the Miata.
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James that's awesome to hear! Thanks for your input.
Out of curiosity, have you had any of the roof leak issues that supposedly some of the Targas had/have? Just curious...
And the 993 search continues....
Out of curiosity, have you had any of the roof leak issues that supposedly some of the Targas had/have? Just curious...
And the 993 search continues....
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Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 17
From: DalTex
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You are welcome, sir!
Originally Posted by krenshaw
James that's awesome to hear! Thanks for your input.
Out of curiosity, have you had any of the roof leak issues that supposedly some of the Targas had/have? Just curious...
And the 993 search continues....
Out of curiosity, have you had any of the roof leak issues that supposedly some of the Targas had/have? Just curious...
And the 993 search continues....
If I get the Testarossa this spring, I guess it will have to go outside at home - so I should have some better leak info then.
Note that I am one of those diehards who just did not get the special feeling about the water-cooled 996 and 997; so I am a little prejudiced for the 993.
But, I have had aircooled Porsches since my first (new 1969 911T Targa) - (seven Targas so far) and the 993 is far and away better than anything they previously made.
