Which 993

[simonft]

After having owned a Boxster for 7 years I think it's time for a change. I fancy a 993 and would like to spend between £30K and £35K.
I think the Targa looks like a good bet but as I drive around Edinburgh's cobbled streets I worry that it would rattle itself to death and start leaking. Other than that a C2S would be nice.
I would like some feedback regarding the robustness or tha Targa roof and some thoughts regarding the the Targa vs the C2 or C2S.
I see Autobahn have Silver Targa 97P for £31,995 - anyone taken a look at it??
Thanks!!

[poorcardealer]

Id always have a coupe over anything else buts that just me.......the targa is pretty good, and a vast improvement on the old lift out panel type........the only way to be sure is to drive one and see what you think.

[Glenn McMenamin]

I Think Targas are an aquired taste and can be difficult to sell on.

According to GT Purely Porsche magazine, the 993
C2S is best avoided, but they don't really say why,
but in my opinion they are one of the best looking
911's ever !!


Glenn.

[david hype]

I prefer the C2S to the Targa. The Targa looks wierd around the rear quarter-light and the standard Targa 17 inch split-rims look a bit weak.

If the C2S is anything like the old 3.2 Supersport was it should have a nice rigid feel, being built on a chassis stressed for the Turbo. But I dont know if the 285 BHP feels a bit low on grunt in the heavier body?

I have read a lot of articles that praise the Targa as an ideal touring car though.

Suppose its all down to taste...

[veewhy]

Get a standard C2 with a sunroof, best of all worlds. Car & Track said that it is the best overall inn the 993 range (including the TT), driveability, practicality, economy, etc.

[993rsr]

I had a 993 C2S some years ago, and whislt not denying it was a superb car, the 993 Carrera that I had for two weeks on loan whilst my 'S' was having some warranty work carried out was far superior, even though it was a pre varioram model. Better responses, better acceleration, better all round car without doubt.

[james_j]

I would advise driving all types of model that interest you if you can.

I chose a C2S and find it's superb in every way (but maybe I'm easily pleased!). I love the looks, the power (168 / 170 with 0-60 in around 5 secs is good enough for me) and the fatter rear tyres allow the rear end to stay put for a bit longer! (A few pounds more in weight for the rear wings is a small price to pay for the wider tyres, given their benefits.)

You have to be absolutely sure that when you test drive a car though, that each car is set up properly, so that you are comparing cars at their best. The wrong tyres, alignment out slightly, tyre pressures not ideal etc etc can all contrive to make a car seem "wrong". Otherwise you may come away with an "unfair" impression.

The best places to browse for cars (many trader ads as well as private) are 911 & Porsche World magazine and the Porsche Club GB magazine Porsche Post.

[simonft]

Thanks all
I think I will spend some time down south and try driving a few and see what feels like the best fit.
I'll let you know how I get on

[paultje]

Don't discount the pre-varioram model for the sake of a few BHP, the earlier models had the Type 21 gearbox which has shorter ratios on 4th,5th, and 6th gears, as a result- better response! Buy on condition and history, you won't regret it!

[simonft]

Ok folks, done the deed and gone for a 1996 C2 in Silver with very low mileage - won't get it until 3rd week July as I'm away, but can't wait!
Best bit is that my wife has taken a shine to the Boxster, so we will keep that as well
Anyone want to buy her Audi A3 1.8 Turbo?? Very low mileage, one lady owner....