993 Which one for newbie?

[737 Driver]

Newbie here, In the market for a 993. Have a budget of between 25-30k and have always hankered after a Porsche. Obviously know the turbo is out of my price range. Would be looking to buy in June/July so in no rush to buy something. Would just like some advice on which one to go for. Thinking of an S but know that they fetch up to 38k for a well looked after low miler. I just like the turbo body. Are they expensive to run? Any advice would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Baz.

[Henry-F]

Just concentrate on buying a good car rather than being model specific. The differences between the S body and standard are fairly subtle, certainly not as vivid as the previous 911, for that reason don`t ignore the standard car and keep your money in your pocket. That said if you do decide you want an S bodied car you will indeed have to pay the man the money.

You mention low mileage, you`re buying quite an old car and so worry more about it`s condition. Even 40k miles over 10 years could mean a lot of work, especially in town. 100k on the motorway could potentially mean a lot less work.

Make sure you realise that as an older car there are lots of nasty cars out there so don`t assume they are all going to be good examples. With this in mind be led by the market and don`t be colour or specification specific, regardless of how much time you`ve got otherwise you won`t buy the best car you could have.

If you buy a good example they are a great car, not as modern inside as a 996 (which is why a lot of 996 buyers set their mark in that camp, especially if new to Porsche ownership), but a good looking car where the reality meets the pipedream.

Henry

[ballcock]

There's half a suggestion there , Henry , that the 'newer to porsche ownership' may lack the astuteness of the 993 aficionados , N'est pas ??!!

Quick question to '737 driver' .. do you drive 737's ?!!

>> Edited by ballcock on Wednesday 22 February 01:04

[737 Driver]

Thanks Henry, agree with you about the 'low miler' idea. I wouldn't have a problem buying a high mile S or even a clean 993 with high miles. Just looking for some ideas before I take the plunge and as I said all advice is VERY welcome and appreciated!

Yeah Ballcock, I'm a 737 driver.....

>> Edited by 737 Driver on Wednesday 22 February 02:20

[ballcock]

I'll keep an eye out in the harp tail car park for new 993's!!!

[MauriceC2S]

737, I don't like to cross post, but there is a very nice S on the club site at present, if you could stretch to low thirties ...

www.porscheclubgbforum.com/tm.asp?m=155871

cheers, Maurice

[polarexpress]

Key extra costs to consider at that price range... have the

clutch
suspension

been replaced?

[737 driver]

Maurice, that is exactly the type I am looking for. Unfortunately I'm not in postion to buy until June/July.
Ballcock, it'll be the other tailed one's

[roygarth]

Henry-F said:

You mention low mileage, you`re buying quite an old car and so worry more about it`s condition. Even 40k miles over 10 years could mean a lot of work, especially in town. 100k on the motorway could potentially mean a lot less work. Henry

True but how can you determine this on a particular car? Ask the vendor?

[ballcock]

Sorry 737 .. As they say down south , just hoppin a ball!!
Didn't think the other side had Mr. Boeing on their list any more?????

[737 driver]

Phasing them out Ballcock.

[Pickled Piper]

I wouldn't say that any of the 993 range (perhaps with the exception of a turbo) is any less suitable for a newby than any other. If you have your heart set on a wide bodied "S" then go for it. However, you may strugle to get a low mileage pristine example within your budget. Have you thought about left hand drive?

Drive some and see if they put a smile on your face.

pp

[paultje]

You know you should always listen to ATC !! so.....buy on CONDITION, CONDITION, COND.. well you get the message.
Apply the same rules as any other car...how does it drive, what does it look like, are the mats wet underneath!!( that's one for Henry!), look at it's track record, history...etc. Don't get too focused on model types. I found a nice Pre-Varioram 993 that was better than many post-varios that cost a little more. Take your time and indulge yourself ( if the dealers will allow! if they won't...walk away)
Ps. They don't have Autopilots, you HAVE to drive them....

[Lurking Lawyer]

paultje said:

Take your time and indulge yourself ( if the dealers will allow! if they won't...walk away)

For a Porsche novice like me, this is the problem. A good proportion of dealers just won't give test drives until you're close to doing a deal. I do understand why and sympathise with the views expressed by Henry on the thread that dealt with this recently, but it does make life awkward for people like me who have very little (if any) experience of driving a 993 (or for that matter a 996!).

Went to look at a nice Iris Blue 993 C2 at Shirley's Garage earlier in the week. Shame the p/x price they were able to offer was so dire otherwise I would have been very tempted!

[ballcock]

Looks like you're in for a load of pilotie type inferences there, 737...

[mikeg996]

LL, I've been following your posts and I really think that a 996 would be more up your street. Buy one, try it out and if you really find yourself hankering for something more earthy then sell it and get a 993. The only thing worse than not having exactly the Porsche you want, is not having any Porsche at all.

Go on, you know you want to

[abarber]

Lurking Lawyer said:

paultje said: Take your time and indulge yourself ( if the dealers will allow! if they won't...walk away) For a Porsche novice like me, this is the problem. A good proportion of dealers just won't give test drives until you're close to doing a deal. I do understand why and sympathise with the views expressed by Henry on the thread that dealt with this recently, but it does make life awkward for people like me who have very little (if any) experience of driving a 993 (or for that matter a 996!). Went to look at a nice Iris Blue 993 C2 at Shirley's Garage earlier in the week. Shame the p/x price they were able to offer was so dire otherwise I would have been very tempted!

It does look nice though not sure about the carry handle and additional spoiler on the back. Could be wrong but the rear wheels look like they have the wrong (widebody) offset, too.

[737 Driver]

Thanks PP, Paul, LL, Ballcock, Mike et all. I have just sold my Corrado G60 (modified and always put a smile on my face) and have always wanted a Porsche. I think I need to change my name as I sound too much like the cliched Pilot..I'm not! A friend in work has the 993tt and I have been in it and driven it. I know I will be disappointed in anything else but I have prepared myself. It is only now that I have been in a position to invest in my dream. I have been buying GT Purely Porsche for some time so I don't look like a complete idiot when I do go looking. All your info has been really great. I would consider a 996 Mike, but I just love the 993 look(but you now have planted the seed as I fumble for a copy of GT PP). I've just hit my 31st year and have decided that now is the time to realise my dream and buy the elusive Porsche. Keep the info coming.

P.S. No autopilot Paul,next you're going to tell me they don't serve coffee when you press the button beside the heater!

[Irish]

Woah, there is an Irish Porsche love in on at the minute!

Ballcock and I just had a 993/996 debate and I am swinging towards the 993 (with RSRs.....lovvvveely)

[ballcock]

I'm going for "The only right porsche is the one outside your door" from another thread , as quote of the year. It fits into this thread very nicely indeed.
How goes your quest , irish?