High Milelage 993 as C2S Daily Driver
Discussion
With a couple of vintage mercs as daily drivers time had come to buy something a bit newer given a new role which involves a bit more driving to see clients (not huge, 10K/ year, mostly mway).
I've always fancied a 911 (driven a couple of 964s in the past) and I thought that now was as good a time as any and had my head (not heart) set on a 997 Gen 2, probably CS2 manual, 40K budget 2009/2010.
My heart on the other hand had always thought that as and when the time came, it would be a 993 as above I just appreciate the engineering and simplicity (and I like to drive!) and I figured if I was going to own anything that's what it would be.
Anyway, I visited a dealer last week to look at a couple of 997s (which were amazing pieces of technology, very nice and no doubt I'd be very happy with one), but tucked away in a corner was a 993 C2S which caught my eye and I have to say sitting in it I felt immediate connected in a way that honestly the 997 didn't.
The vehicle is, I'm told, mechanically in good shape (I have yet to see service history etc, but for the sake of discussion let's assume that its got a solid service history/ looked after with no huge 'todos'). Interior is good, and as I say we'll assume that there isn't a major amount of big-ticket (suspension, braked etc) stuff to do, but is visually untidy in places (door seals, mirrors scratched, crazed bumper and a wing that has obviously been resprayed but isn't a great match), but at 120K miles is a lot higher than much of what is available elsewhere.
On the other hand, its within my budget (perhaps a little over given that I'd spend some to get it back into shape).. the question is where the balance lies between the mileage, price and condition (and my original objective which was to buy a reliable daily driver!).
The one thing I would say is that as a owner of a couple of other vintage vehicles, age per-se doesn't worry me (and I like the simplicity of the 993) and I'm fortunate to have a well equipped workshop (short of a lift, but otherwise very complete) and a reasonable degree of engineering capability so doing work myself isn't necessarily a problem, though a current rally-raid truck engine project means I would probably outsource anything major as I just haven't go the time.
The conundrum then... head says 997 Gen2, heart says 993. The mileage worries me slightly.. 55-60K buys a 70-80K C2S and maybe that would be a better bet.. On the other hand I don't have that budget, but spending 10K over the next 12 months to bring this one up to scratch would be OK. I just don't want to do that if at 120K its just too far past the mark to hold its value. I suppose there is a logic that says if its going to be a DD then you might as well buy a high milelage vehicle since the miles post 100K aren't going to be emotionally as sensitive as the ones that run up to it.
Interested to know what others think.
I've always fancied a 911 (driven a couple of 964s in the past) and I thought that now was as good a time as any and had my head (not heart) set on a 997 Gen 2, probably CS2 manual, 40K budget 2009/2010.
My heart on the other hand had always thought that as and when the time came, it would be a 993 as above I just appreciate the engineering and simplicity (and I like to drive!) and I figured if I was going to own anything that's what it would be.
Anyway, I visited a dealer last week to look at a couple of 997s (which were amazing pieces of technology, very nice and no doubt I'd be very happy with one), but tucked away in a corner was a 993 C2S which caught my eye and I have to say sitting in it I felt immediate connected in a way that honestly the 997 didn't.
The vehicle is, I'm told, mechanically in good shape (I have yet to see service history etc, but for the sake of discussion let's assume that its got a solid service history/ looked after with no huge 'todos'). Interior is good, and as I say we'll assume that there isn't a major amount of big-ticket (suspension, braked etc) stuff to do, but is visually untidy in places (door seals, mirrors scratched, crazed bumper and a wing that has obviously been resprayed but isn't a great match), but at 120K miles is a lot higher than much of what is available elsewhere.
On the other hand, its within my budget (perhaps a little over given that I'd spend some to get it back into shape).. the question is where the balance lies between the mileage, price and condition (and my original objective which was to buy a reliable daily driver!).
The one thing I would say is that as a owner of a couple of other vintage vehicles, age per-se doesn't worry me (and I like the simplicity of the 993) and I'm fortunate to have a well equipped workshop (short of a lift, but otherwise very complete) and a reasonable degree of engineering capability so doing work myself isn't necessarily a problem, though a current rally-raid truck engine project means I would probably outsource anything major as I just haven't go the time.
The conundrum then... head says 997 Gen2, heart says 993. The mileage worries me slightly.. 55-60K buys a 70-80K C2S and maybe that would be a better bet.. On the other hand I don't have that budget, but spending 10K over the next 12 months to bring this one up to scratch would be OK. I just don't want to do that if at 120K its just too far past the mark to hold its value. I suppose there is a logic that says if its going to be a DD then you might as well buy a high milelage vehicle since the miles post 100K aren't going to be emotionally as sensitive as the ones that run up to it.
Interested to know what others think.
They are rare and will all hold their 'value'.
As above, mileage is irrelevant from an engine point of view; the other mechanical jobs need doing every (say) 60k miles, so you may need to do them all (if neglected) or none at all (if loved).
Of course we don't know how much you are paying for it, but....
IMO this is one you can buy with the heart and it'll always be worth something.
As above, mileage is irrelevant from an engine point of view; the other mechanical jobs need doing every (say) 60k miles, so you may need to do them all (if neglected) or none at all (if loved).
Of course we don't know how much you are paying for it, but....
IMO this is one you can buy with the heart and it'll always be worth something.
To me the 993 sounds a great car. 1. The mileage has passed the 100k mark so now you have no worries of depreciation. 2, the bodywork isn't pristine, so you haven't got a garage queen, so no worry using her day to day.
Happy days a 993 you can use then
Get on and buy it. At 120k miles it most prob will need work, because as OC has already stated, the 993 seems to need money spent every 60k. First things I'd have done is a gearbox oil change and new engine mounts (easy DIY) as I doubt they have ever been done.
Best of luck. 120k mile 993 engine is barely run in if serviced correctly. You could also go a long way with your 10k to get her tip top. You could replace the complete suspension for example for 5k. I've just replaced most of mine at 125k and all was original.
Happy days a 993 you can use then
Get on and buy it. At 120k miles it most prob will need work, because as OC has already stated, the 993 seems to need money spent every 60k. First things I'd have done is a gearbox oil change and new engine mounts (easy DIY) as I doubt they have ever been done.
Best of luck. 120k mile 993 engine is barely run in if serviced correctly. You could also go a long way with your 10k to get her tip top. You could replace the complete suspension for example for 5k. I've just replaced most of mine at 125k and all was original.
Edited by Wozy68 on Sunday 22 February 21:52
A fun post, and I can only suggest this....
A gen 2 997 makes far more sense (er I think?), but then a diesel Mondeo would make even more sense!
You will spend more on the maintenance of the 993, but lose far less depreciation wise, in fact, even at 10kpa, it will probably still appreciate!
On this occasion, you can buy with your heart and brain!
A gen 2 997 makes far more sense (er I think?), but then a diesel Mondeo would make even more sense!
You will spend more on the maintenance of the 993, but lose far less depreciation wise, in fact, even at 10kpa, it will probably still appreciate!
On this occasion, you can buy with your heart and brain!
Drive it and see what you think.
I love my 993 but wouldn't relish the thought of covering 10k motorway miles in it. It's just too noisy and uncomfortable.
I prefer to keep it as a weekend and sunny days toy and cover my mileage in a a luxo barge or something more modern.
Just my two pence worth.
I love my 993 but wouldn't relish the thought of covering 10k motorway miles in it. It's just too noisy and uncomfortable.
I prefer to keep it as a weekend and sunny days toy and cover my mileage in a a luxo barge or something more modern.
Just my two pence worth.
I had a 993 C2S, used it as a daily driver. Maybe I became over familiar with it, but I found it boring in the end. Yes it looked nice and did well value wise, but otherwise forgettable. It was so ordinary on weekend "spirited" drives that it had to go.
In fact my 964 Jubi (30th anniversary model) was more enjoyable and yet that was 4wd and a bit slower. Also used it as a daily driver.
In my opinion these type of cars aren't really "special" enough to be weekend cars, however they have a loyal following and are a good place to put money.
I have met some 993 owners who are now "stuck" with their 993 solely because of the upside value potential, they are too scared to sell and buy something else in case it loses money.
In fact my 964 Jubi (30th anniversary model) was more enjoyable and yet that was 4wd and a bit slower. Also used it as a daily driver.
In my opinion these type of cars aren't really "special" enough to be weekend cars, however they have a loyal following and are a good place to put money.
I have met some 993 owners who are now "stuck" with their 993 solely because of the upside value potential, they are too scared to sell and buy something else in case it loses money.
997 every day of the week
I just don't get the 993.
I too owned a wide bodied 993 (C4S)
Very dull not particularly fast and as an everyday car expensive to maintain, they are also prone to rust around the windscreen and the leading edge of the rear quarters.
Obviously its a subjective decision at the end of the day but for a car you are going to use in all weathers I'd go for the 997 due to its ease to live with.
I just don't get the 993.
I too owned a wide bodied 993 (C4S)
Very dull not particularly fast and as an everyday car expensive to maintain, they are also prone to rust around the windscreen and the leading edge of the rear quarters.
Obviously its a subjective decision at the end of the day but for a car you are going to use in all weathers I'd go for the 997 due to its ease to live with.
I'd agree with earlier posts about the 997 probably being the better bet as a daily..
However I'd also agree that the best course would be to buy the 993 for the weekends and have a Golf or Audi for daily duties. That way you get to really appreciate the charms that the 993 has to offer and it'll never get boring.
However I'd also agree that the best course would be to buy the 993 for the weekends and have a Golf or Audi for daily duties. That way you get to really appreciate the charms that the 993 has to offer and it'll never get boring.
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