Late 993 or early 996
Discussion
Late 993 without question (IMHO au naturelle).
The build quality of early 996s took a bit of a tumble and the engines were troublesome (though those giving trouble should obviously have been sorted by now).
993 will hold its money better I think, but the comparison in looks has the 993 winning, again in my opinion obviously!
The build quality of early 996s took a bit of a tumble and the engines were troublesome (though those giving trouble should obviously have been sorted by now).
993 will hold its money better I think, but the comparison in looks has the 993 winning, again in my opinion obviously!
I'm leaning towards the 996 on looks, especially interior, the 993 is shocking! The 993 is starting to look a bit dated.
Build quality is an issue, as are residuals.
I'm surprised that you think the 996 will lose more money than the 993. I'd have thought that 996's wouldn't go below 30k for some time, but then I know nothing about Porsches.
Will 993 prices go up?
Is the 3.4 996 faster than a 993?
Build quality is an issue, as are residuals.
I'm surprised that you think the 996 will lose more money than the 993. I'd have thought that 996's wouldn't go below 30k for some time, but then I know nothing about Porsches.
Will 993 prices go up?
Is the 3.4 996 faster than a 993?
Just come out of owning a '98 996 3.4. They are holding their price around £34k - £35k when buying from an independent dealer, but I reckon will slip a little bit although prices tend to go up a bit in the spring. The 993's seem to be holding their value and in terms of depreciation they look a bit of a better bet, than an early 996. But who knows what will happen, and how the laws of the market will drive the prices.
The interior is not all, I liked the interior of the 996, but it was nothing brilliant and wouldnt be the reason from my perspective of choosing btwn a 993 and a 996. I would look to what you like from driving cars; owning "things"; and whether its also being bought so others can see that you have one. I have just gone back to a 911 3.2 just so i can enjoy and experience what it was like to drive.
In the end you lose money whatever the deal; tiz the way of it.
woolfie
The interior is not all, I liked the interior of the 996, but it was nothing brilliant and wouldnt be the reason from my perspective of choosing btwn a 993 and a 996. I would look to what you like from driving cars; owning "things"; and whether its also being bought so others can see that you have one. I have just gone back to a 911 3.2 just so i can enjoy and experience what it was like to drive.
In the end you lose money whatever the deal; tiz the way of it.
woolfie
woolfie said:
Just come out of owning a '98 996 3.4. They are holding their price around £34k - £35k when buying from an independent dealer, but I reckon will slip a little bit although prices tend to go up a bit in the spring. The 993's seem to be holding their value and in terms of depreciation they look a bit of a better bet, than an early 996. But who knows what will happen, and how the laws of the market will drive the prices.
The interior is not all, I liked the interior of the 996, but it was nothing brilliant and wouldnt be the reason from my perspective of choosing btwn a 993 and a 996. I would look to what you like from driving cars; owning "things"; and whether its also being bought so others can see that you have one. I have just gone back to a 911 3.2 just so i can enjoy and experience what it was like to drive.
In the end you lose money whatever the deal; tiz the way of it.
woolfie
I currently have a 996 C4 and previously owned a 993. On some days I toy with swapping it for a 993 but on others I realise I am just being sentimental. My issue was that I could not reconcile spending £30k+ on an old shape car.
The 996 is a great everyday car. It holds its money so long as the spec is right-clear lights and 18" wheels. If either item is missing then the car is likely to be quite cheap. As soon as you get one which is reasonable condition and mileage and to this spec then reckon on spending £34+
Additionally, whilst the 993s do hold their money, their running costs are likely to be higher as they are now getting old. Further, the RHD models have horribly offeset pedals which are no fun. In the LHD ones you sit more appropriately.
Saying all of this you just dont get the character and sense of occaison in a 996. Its like going out with a great looking girl who is an airhead, compared to going out with her older sister, who is great fun.
Like Kamal, I run a 996C4.
But I must admit that although it is a lovely car it is somehow a little, well, straightforward. A 996 is more like a regular car.
A 993, on the other hand, is like nothing else other than an air cooled Porsche.
The 993 has a specific character, which you cannot find with any other car.
And the build quality of a 993 is stunning. The interior may seem dated, but feel the quality ! Slam the door and hear the meshing of locks and steel. The 993 is overengineered - they don't make them like that anymore.
Problem is that 993's are starting to get old now. They can not feel "new" ever again.
Again, as a 996 C4 driver, I seriously think about going to a good 993. They are rawer, noisier ( what a noise !) and more demanding.
I find it interesting that the new 997 currently being developed is rumoured to be designed to recapture some of the raw appeal of the 993, which many feel was lost with the 996.
Having said that, I tried a 996 C2 3.6 facelift the other day with a sports exhaust. Now THAT is more like it ..! I loved it !
Best of luck with your search. Get out there and try them - and enjoy !
But I must admit that although it is a lovely car it is somehow a little, well, straightforward. A 996 is more like a regular car.
A 993, on the other hand, is like nothing else other than an air cooled Porsche.
The 993 has a specific character, which you cannot find with any other car.
And the build quality of a 993 is stunning. The interior may seem dated, but feel the quality ! Slam the door and hear the meshing of locks and steel. The 993 is overengineered - they don't make them like that anymore.
Problem is that 993's are starting to get old now. They can not feel "new" ever again.
Again, as a 996 C4 driver, I seriously think about going to a good 993. They are rawer, noisier ( what a noise !) and more demanding.
I find it interesting that the new 997 currently being developed is rumoured to be designed to recapture some of the raw appeal of the 993, which many feel was lost with the 996.
Having said that, I tried a 996 C2 3.6 facelift the other day with a sports exhaust. Now THAT is more like it ..! I loved it !
Best of luck with your search. Get out there and try them - and enjoy !
TKD said:
Thanks for the replies.
What about performance? what is the 0-100 of a 3.4?
Are they much different to a 3.6 in terms of performance?
Is the C4 a LOT better in the wet than a C2?
With a de-cat and ecu, is 320bhp realistic?
Well, here goes,
0-100 is around 12 secs. A C4 is a little slower, but you'd hardly notice.
Nicest thing about the C4 is the ability to really push on in bad weather. PSM ( the fancy Porsche traction/ stability control) even lets you have a bit of a slide without losing it !
I reckon a 3.6 facelift feels quicker and more punchy than a 3.4.
You can get more power - look at www.ninemeister.com for inspiration !
993 or 996 - you'll love em.
Put it this way, if it was a sunny summer afternoon and I was going for a blast, my preferred car would be , in this order:
1) 996 GT3
2) 993 C2
2) 996 3.6 (equal 2nd)
3) 996 3.4
If it is a wet winter and you want an everyday car - a C4 is awesome as you can be a hero whatever the weather...
IMO of course
psm std on C4 since it came out in '99...PSM is approx £800 extra on C2 and is invaluable,,,psm equipped C2 is much more fun than C4 and feels faster,,,been there driven both in all weathers.
Early 3.6 facelift 996 came out in 8/01 I have seen 35k mile cars with reasonable equipment levels for £45k,,,,I sold mine mid £50's....
In answer to original question,,buy the best 993 you can find and you will never want any other Porsche.
Early 3.6 facelift 996 came out in 8/01 I have seen 35k mile cars with reasonable equipment levels for £45k,,,,I sold mine mid £50's....
In answer to original question,,buy the best 993 you can find and you will never want any other Porsche.
clubsport said:
psm std on C4 since it came out in '99...PSM is approx £800 extra on C2 and is invaluable,,,psm equipped C2 is much more fun than C4 and feels faster,,,been there driven both in all weathers.
Early 3.6 facelift 996 came out in 8/01 I have seen 35k mile cars with reasonable equipment levels for £45k,,,,I sold mine mid £50's....
In answer to original question,,buy the best 993 you can find and you will never want any other Porsche.
One thing I and others who have driven the 996 C2 compared to the c4 is that the C4 seems to have a more "planted" front end ie it doesnt seem to suffer that "bobbing front" and suddenly light steering...anyone else notice that or did I just drive a duff C2.
I think I've ruled out a 993, they look a little too dated.
I think I'll go for a C4, in which case I've heard the 996 is the best bet.
My current car is a lightweight Impreza STI Type R with 320bhp and weighing 1,200kg (jap import).
I love the fact that you can really drive it hard in the wet. I've shocked/pissed off quite a few M3 drivers, a couple of Supra's and a 996 C2 in the wet.
Whilst in the dry there is nothing in it.
I've had a couple of BMW's in the past, I'm not really keen on how a RWD grips (or doesn't) in the wet.
Whilst fun, it's difficult to really get anywhere in the wet. And since it tends to get a little damp from time to time over here...
I think I'll go for a C4, in which case I've heard the 996 is the best bet.
My current car is a lightweight Impreza STI Type R with 320bhp and weighing 1,200kg (jap import).
I love the fact that you can really drive it hard in the wet. I've shocked/pissed off quite a few M3 drivers, a couple of Supra's and a 996 C2 in the wet.
Whilst in the dry there is nothing in it.
I've had a couple of BMW's in the past, I'm not really keen on how a RWD grips (or doesn't) in the wet.
Whilst fun, it's difficult to really get anywhere in the wet. And since it tends to get a little damp from time to time over here...
TKD said:
I think I've ruled out a 993, they look a little too dated.
I think I'll go for a C4, in which case I've heard the 996 is the best bet.
My current car is a lightweight Impreza STI Type R with 320bhp and weighing 1,200kg (jap import).
I love the fact that you can really drive it hard in the wet. I've shocked/pissed off quite a few M3 drivers, a couple of Supra's and a 996 C2 in the wet.
Whilst in the dry there is nothing in it.
I've had a couple of BMW's in the past, I'm not really keen on how a RWD grips (or doesn't) in the wet.
Whilst fun, it's difficult to really get anywhere in the wet. And since it tends to get a little damp from time to time over here...
Its a good choice...enjoy the search..there seems to be a cheap one on www.findit.co.uk...perhaps a bit too cheap but worth checking nonetheless
If you are going from a Imprezza then 4 wheel drive is the way to go..I remember going out in a friends car about 5 years ago. I had a standard LHD 968 at the time..I reckon I could cover the same B road in an imprezza at 30% higher speed becasue of the secure and brilliantly compliant chassis.
To be honest other than prestige the imprezza has most Porches licked..I believe that German manufacturers were shocked that the Japs could produce a £20k car that could run rings round their £40k cars (M3 especially). I wish I could bring myself to buy one but they are a bit "bling" if you know what I mean...a sort of precursor to "I'll get an M3 as soon as I can afford one" (god..I'm a snob!)
I too never considered an Impreza......Until I drove one!
My last two cars were BMW's, 323 Coupe and 328 cab.
I just happened to drive a freinds WRX and was very impressed. I then drove a STI Type R and it blew me away! I swapped my 328 cab for it that very day!
The Impreza is a bit leary, and most people think I've scaled down from the BM (even though the scoob is worth more).
I'm under no illusion that the 3.4 will offer better performance. I used to pull infront of my freinds 996 3.6 cab to 60mph (just) and he couldn't pull anything back untill 130-140 when he pulled level.
That's why I want to know if I can get a 3.4 to 320bhp.
I know I won't match the 4.3 to 60 of my Type R (1st gear pull is outrageous) but as long as I can get a flat 5 sec to 60 and sub 12 to 100 (like my Type R) then I'll be happy.
I also want Porsche brakes! The scoob's brake are shocking! Just bloody awful!
The snob in me wants the best of both worlds, performance AND prestige......Porsche, there is no substitute.
My last two cars were BMW's, 323 Coupe and 328 cab.
I just happened to drive a freinds WRX and was very impressed. I then drove a STI Type R and it blew me away! I swapped my 328 cab for it that very day!
The Impreza is a bit leary, and most people think I've scaled down from the BM (even though the scoob is worth more).
I'm under no illusion that the 3.4 will offer better performance. I used to pull infront of my freinds 996 3.6 cab to 60mph (just) and he couldn't pull anything back untill 130-140 when he pulled level.
That's why I want to know if I can get a 3.4 to 320bhp.
I know I won't match the 4.3 to 60 of my Type R (1st gear pull is outrageous) but as long as I can get a flat 5 sec to 60 and sub 12 to 100 (like my Type R) then I'll be happy.
I also want Porsche brakes! The scoob's brake are shocking! Just bloody awful!
The snob in me wants the best of both worlds, performance AND prestige......Porsche, there is no substitute.
Is it best to buy private or from a Porsche dealer?
I'm sure dealer prices must go in excess of 5k of the same private sale price, is this correct?
I was thinking along the lines of buying private, have Porsce inspect the car and then buy a Porsche warranty. Make sense?
It is still a few months away, but I can hardly wait.
Though I'll miss the Impreza, what a car!
I'm sure dealer prices must go in excess of 5k of the same private sale price, is this correct?
I was thinking along the lines of buying private, have Porsce inspect the car and then buy a Porsche warranty. Make sense?
It is still a few months away, but I can hardly wait.
Though I'll miss the Impreza, what a car!
TKD said:
Is it best to buy private or from a Porsche dealer?
I'm sure dealer prices must go in excess of 5k of the same private sale price, is this correct?
I was thinking along the lines of buying private, have Porsce inspect the car and then buy a Porsche warranty. Make sense?
It is still a few months away, but I can hardly wait.
Though I'll miss the Impreza, what a car!
A typical example for a 99 good condition,low mileage 996 c4 with decent spec (18" alloys, soundpack, few other toys) in a good colour (silver, blue, black)
Retail price at main dealer= £42k (paying £32k trade price)
Retail price at specialist=£38k (paying £34k trade price)
Private Sale price=£35k-36
If you want the trade route then check out RSJ Sportscars and Portiacraft. Both are realstic on price. Some specialists eg Specialst Cars Paragon etc are as expensive as the main dealers. Finally, you can go to Henry at 911 virgin. He appears to specialise in cars that are sound and honest but might not be the most desireable spec (eg high miles, funny colours). He places great emphasis on quality NOT quantity of miles or whether the car has a trip computer and deviating coloured carpets, which is sensible I guess.The thing to watch, howvever, is that there are cars out there that are both good condition AND desirable.
Good luck with the search
TKD said:
I'm leaning towards the 996 on looks, especially interior, the 993 is shocking! The 993 is starting to look a bit dated.
Build quality is an issue, as are residuals.
I'm surprised that you think the 996 will lose more money than the 993. I'd have thought that 996's wouldn't go below 30k for some time, but then I know nothing about Porsches.
Will 993 prices go up?
Is the 3.4 996 faster than a 993?
Ive had both. I sold my 993 just before they began to rocket in price and everyone though they were the ultimate 911.
Initially I was a little disappointed with the 996 ,but once I had it lowered by 30mm on techart springs, it totally transformed the car.(and it looks much better)
People say the 993 had a much more solid interior, but my 996 interior seems bulletproof, and is really a much nicer place to be.
I use whatever car I have on track regularly, and the 993 was fun, but so is the 996 , plus it is so much faster. The noise is the only thing to let it dowm, but that can be rectified with sports exhaust from porshe or fabspeed or GHL.
I have had the 996c2(no traction control) for 3 years now and IMHO its the best one Ive had.
I would only change it for a GT3 or a turbo.
P.S. one additional thing...I dont know if this is true, but the 996 seems much more economical than the 993 on cruising
I fully endorse peterpeter's comments based on similar experience. I ran a 993C2 from 97 to 99, then a 996C2 to current date. The 996 is lighter and more powerful - it doesn't feel or sound so , but proof of pudding is on trackdays. Faster, sharper turn-in , less understeer (on 18 inch wheels).
In my experience running Porsches is an expensive business, you pay a lot for that badge, but what the **** , money is there to be used !
IMHO Porsches are the only road car you can drive every day and go straight onto a track and thrash and then drive home without calling in the RAC. Something about the brakes and the engine being unbreakable.
I suffered from the depreciation in price with the 996 more than the 993, but when it got to the point where I had to put in another £25k to trade the 996 in for a newie, I decided to keep it and spent the money on a lhd 964RS instead as a 'second car' ! But thats a different story.
In my experience running Porsches is an expensive business, you pay a lot for that badge, but what the **** , money is there to be used !
IMHO Porsches are the only road car you can drive every day and go straight onto a track and thrash and then drive home without calling in the RAC. Something about the brakes and the engine being unbreakable.
I suffered from the depreciation in price with the 996 more than the 993, but when it got to the point where I had to put in another £25k to trade the 996 in for a newie, I decided to keep it and spent the money on a lhd 964RS instead as a 'second car' ! But thats a different story.
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