Help please - what should i buy as my first 911?
Discussion
I am planning (dreaming..?) to buy my very first 911 very soon, with a budget somewhere between £15k and 25k for the purchase (and something left to keep it running). as i would use it only on weekends for ejoyment, i'd quite like to keep closer to the lower end of that range
My current plan is one of the most "recent" Carrera 3.2's, from '87 - '89 as i like all the looks and what i hear/read about the driving fun. The 3.2's in top condition who had their rebuilds and new clutches seem to go for around £16k?
Now i learn that the somewhat higher mileage 993's, even variorams, and in good condition can be found from around £20k on. Given that the latter car is almost 10 years younger and reputedly very nice to drive, and i like the looks very much, I am now somewhat undecided...
any thoughts? anyone also knows if i could get a classic insurance on a 10 year old 993?
My current plan is one of the most "recent" Carrera 3.2's, from '87 - '89 as i like all the looks and what i hear/read about the driving fun. The 3.2's in top condition who had their rebuilds and new clutches seem to go for around £16k?
Now i learn that the somewhat higher mileage 993's, even variorams, and in good condition can be found from around £20k on. Given that the latter car is almost 10 years younger and reputedly very nice to drive, and i like the looks very much, I am now somewhat undecided...
any thoughts? anyone also knows if i could get a classic insurance on a 10 year old 993?
993 is a much better car than a 3.2.
End of story.
Sure, the real ale contingent will get all misty eyed and say that the 3.2 is closer to the 60s original, but the 993 has a load of heritage-based character compared to the later cars, but it's a ton better technically.
If you can afford a 993, go that route. Nice coupe six speed manual should do the trick.
End of story.
Sure, the real ale contingent will get all misty eyed and say that the 3.2 is closer to the 60s original, but the 993 has a load of heritage-based character compared to the later cars, but it's a ton better technically.
If you can afford a 993, go that route. Nice coupe six speed manual should do the trick.
The 993 is the best 911 anyway so get one of those 
Of course, I'm biased
As far as classic insurance goes, an early car is eligible for classic rates (i.e. 10 yrs or more old). My 1994 car is currently on a classic policy for around £500 per year, including my supercharger... so definitely worth doing (was £1400 the year before for a standard policy).
IMO (again biased) there's no competition between a decent 993 and a 996 of the same price - they're totally different cars in terms of feel and size. The 993 is more like the Carrera 3.2 than the 996 is like the 993. The 993 was also overengineered and expensive when new, borne out in the obvious build quality still seen in 12 year old cars, mine still feels better than some 'new' cars I've driven recently.
The 993 has a different rear suspension to the earlier cars and less likely to bite your arse, may be handy if this is your first 911. However it still has plenty of character.
Definitely try driving them all - you may find you prefer one well over the others.
Of course, I'm biased
As far as classic insurance goes, an early car is eligible for classic rates (i.e. 10 yrs or more old). My 1994 car is currently on a classic policy for around £500 per year, including my supercharger... so definitely worth doing (was £1400 the year before for a standard policy).
IMO (again biased) there's no competition between a decent 993 and a 996 of the same price - they're totally different cars in terms of feel and size. The 993 is more like the Carrera 3.2 than the 996 is like the 993. The 993 was also overengineered and expensive when new, borne out in the obvious build quality still seen in 12 year old cars, mine still feels better than some 'new' cars I've driven recently.
The 993 has a different rear suspension to the earlier cars and less likely to bite your arse, may be handy if this is your first 911. However it still has plenty of character.
Definitely try driving them all - you may find you prefer one well over the others.
993 is the best choice. I had the money for a 996 and then drove the 993 and changed my mind. Love mine to bits, best car I have ever had. insurance want too expensive (750 fully comp stored in a garage). I went for the C4 as it was the first 911 I have had and I didnt want to stepping out too much.
993 go for it
993 go for it
I think it depends on how much fettling/mods you want to do to the car.
My first 911 was a 993 - a late, low mileage minter that cost top dollar. If I were to do it all over again, I would go the cheaper 964 route. The 964 is significantly more modern than the 3.2 and it is more akin to the 993 than the 3.2. The 964 is also significantly cheaper than the 993 giving you budget for upgrades/maintenance/etc which is often higher during the first year of ownership than subsequent years (at least this has been my experience!)
A well looked after/cared for 964 C2 for £13-14k would be my choice allowing plenty of room for upgrades/maintenance/etc whilst you get used to the "911 experience" without paying over the odds for a very unique car that takes time to know.
>> Edited by polarexpress on Monday 8th May 17:47
My first 911 was a 993 - a late, low mileage minter that cost top dollar. If I were to do it all over again, I would go the cheaper 964 route. The 964 is significantly more modern than the 3.2 and it is more akin to the 993 than the 3.2. The 964 is also significantly cheaper than the 993 giving you budget for upgrades/maintenance/etc which is often higher during the first year of ownership than subsequent years (at least this has been my experience!)
A well looked after/cared for 964 C2 for £13-14k would be my choice allowing plenty of room for upgrades/maintenance/etc whilst you get used to the "911 experience" without paying over the odds for a very unique car that takes time to know.
>> Edited by polarexpress on Monday 8th May 17:47
freemax said:
the 964 sounds plausible.... however, same touchy-feely issue as with the 996 - i just don't like them as much as i like the 3.2 or the 993, so it's really between those two I guess...
Fully understood! Indeed, the 964 is not to everyones taste - especially the looks. Between the 3.2 and 993? Then I'd deffo go 993... GOOD LUCK!
The 993 is the best car I have owned !
I wanted to use it every everyday not have it sat in the garage as the m last TVR was so it suits me.
In terms of niggles watch out for the following :
Door Check Straps (make sure they have been done) about 1.2 K if not try a search and you will see why.
Wheels about £150 (porsche) to have refurbed each
Rear tyres last about 8k ish
vario / normal not a noticable difference
carbon back sports seats to be recomended
AC a must if only for demisting the car (heaven after the TVR)
About 25mpg
And runs like a swiss watch !!!!
The main difference I saw between the 20k and 30k cars was some of the above, iffy service historys , crash danmage and all round rough condition.
The main diff between the 3.2 and the 993 for me was I felt much more connected to the 993 and in the 3.2 I felt like a bit of a passenger.
Hope some of that helps
I wanted to use it every everyday not have it sat in the garage as the m last TVR was so it suits me.
In terms of niggles watch out for the following :
Door Check Straps (make sure they have been done) about 1.2 K if not try a search and you will see why.
Wheels about £150 (porsche) to have refurbed each
Rear tyres last about 8k ish
vario / normal not a noticable difference
carbon back sports seats to be recomended
AC a must if only for demisting the car (heaven after the TVR)
About 25mpg
And runs like a swiss watch !!!!
The main difference I saw between the 20k and 30k cars was some of the above, iffy service historys , crash danmage and all round rough condition.
The main diff between the 3.2 and the 993 for me was I felt much more connected to the 993 and in the 3.2 I felt like a bit of a passenger.
Hope some of that helps
The thing is, they're all so different. A 3.2 is the last of the "old school" with no PAS, ABS, auto spoiler gubbins etc. 964 was the first attempt at a "modern" 911 and is a bit of a cross breed - and difficult / expensive to maintain because of that. 993 was a much more comprehensive re-design and the end of the line for the air-cooled brigade - famously over-engineered and regarded by many as the best 911 ever.
Reckon on £25k as minimum for a decent one whereas a decent 3.2 can be had for £12k and a 964 for £18k. You can get cheaper but you gets what you pays for.
Me ? I've got a 3.2 Targa that I drove as a daily drive for 6 months before changing jobs - it's now a weekend warrior and suited to both roles equally. When the time comes to move on, it'll be to 993 land...
Reckon on £25k as minimum for a decent one whereas a decent 3.2 can be had for £12k and a 964 for £18k. You can get cheaper but you gets what you pays for.
Me ? I've got a 3.2 Targa that I drove as a daily drive for 6 months before changing jobs - it's now a weekend warrior and suited to both roles equally. When the time comes to move on, it'll be to 993 land...
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