Porsche 993 test drive?
Discussion
BubblesNW said:
911 Virgin have a few in stock. I'm sure they would like the opportunity to let you try one if there was a potential sale there.
Thanks, will certainly take a look. I always wonder what they would think if I turned up and asked to drive one of their cars to see if I liked it not having driven one before 
ketan.jina said:
BubblesNW said:
911 Virgin have a few in stock. I'm sure they would like the opportunity to let you try one if there was a potential sale there.
Thanks, will certainly take a look. I always wonder what they would think if I turned up and asked to drive one of their cars to see if I liked it not having driven one before ketan.jina said:
Not entirely sure how to take this I presume its engine smells...interesting. i might come back to you in 6 months and know what you're talking about....oh yeah, that smell!
Put simply due to there being no radiator and the heat exchangers which use heat from around the exhausts they all have a specific smell, which is heightened in autumn when heats not been used for a while, in essence it's dust burning! This mixed with old leather and in many 993 obsessives repeatedly treated seats creates a quite specific smell to an old air cooled Porsche, plus of course the old car smell! Lovely..... I presume its engine smells...interesting. i might come back to you in 6 months and know what you're talking about....oh yeah, that smell!OP, I was in the same position back in 2007. Had an e36 M3 and wanted to get a 993. The more I read about them the more I became interested.
But I had some doubts as they were not any quicker than the M3, looked old fashioned and wasn’t sure if I could live with it.
Firstly, forget the performance, they are quick enough for UK roads. The decision is easier now as modern cars are getting too quick Tesla, C63 (mine included) have way more performance than you actually need).
I called up Paragon Porsche and arranged to test drive a 993 and 996 back to back one Sunday afternoon. Good examples of both cars and no pressure from them to buy. Very accommodating and cars presented very well.
I also went to have a look at a few including Shirley’s in the Midlands but couldn’t get comfortable with a deal.
Ended up getting one from Portiacraft - I was dithering and Harry made my mind up for me. Told me to get the one with the best service history he had in stock. Had several manual C2 coupes at the time. Didnt help that my dad said yep, we’ll take that one as well!
Anyway, not regretted it. They are unique. Forget 0-60 times and top speed, they are like a living breathing machine, the sound, smell, even now the size, they are unique and get under your skin.
I find with mine that you dont take it for a drive like my old M3 or current c63 even though these might be a lot more powerful. There are no driver aids, no TC and it is a relatively short wheelbase car. I find that I need to be in the right mood for driving it (partly because mine is kept in storage so is a faff to access). Its more physical - you steer with your arms rather than wrists. But you enjoy each journey more. As Nike say, just do it.
But I had some doubts as they were not any quicker than the M3, looked old fashioned and wasn’t sure if I could live with it.
Firstly, forget the performance, they are quick enough for UK roads. The decision is easier now as modern cars are getting too quick Tesla, C63 (mine included) have way more performance than you actually need).
I called up Paragon Porsche and arranged to test drive a 993 and 996 back to back one Sunday afternoon. Good examples of both cars and no pressure from them to buy. Very accommodating and cars presented very well.
I also went to have a look at a few including Shirley’s in the Midlands but couldn’t get comfortable with a deal.
Ended up getting one from Portiacraft - I was dithering and Harry made my mind up for me. Told me to get the one with the best service history he had in stock. Had several manual C2 coupes at the time. Didnt help that my dad said yep, we’ll take that one as well!
Anyway, not regretted it. They are unique. Forget 0-60 times and top speed, they are like a living breathing machine, the sound, smell, even now the size, they are unique and get under your skin.
I find with mine that you dont take it for a drive like my old M3 or current c63 even though these might be a lot more powerful. There are no driver aids, no TC and it is a relatively short wheelbase car. I find that I need to be in the right mood for driving it (partly because mine is kept in storage so is a faff to access). Its more physical - you steer with your arms rather than wrists. But you enjoy each journey more. As Nike say, just do it.
Fat hippo said:
OP, I was in the same position back in 2007. Had an e36 M3 and wanted to get a 993. The more I read about them the more I became interested.
But I had some doubts as they were not any quicker than the M3, looked old fashioned and wasn’t sure if I could live with it.
Firstly, forget the performance, they are quick enough for UK roads. The decision is easier now as modern cars are getting too quick Tesla, C63 (mine included) have way more performance than you actually need).
I called up Paragon Porsche and arranged to test drive a 993 and 996 back to back one Sunday afternoon. Good examples of both cars and no pressure from them to buy. Very accommodating and cars presented very well.
I also went to have a look at a few including Shirley’s in the Midlands but couldn’t get comfortable with a deal.
Ended up getting one from Portiacraft - I was dithering and Harry made my mind up for me. Told me to get the one with the best service history he had in stock. Had several manual C2 coupes at the time. Didnt help that my dad said yep, we’ll take that one as well!
Anyway, not regretted it. They are unique. Forget 0-60 times and top speed, they are like a living breathing machine, the sound, smell, even now the size, they are unique and get under your skin.
I find with mine that you dont take it for a drive like my old M3 or current c63 even though these might be a lot more powerful. There are no driver aids, no TC and it is a relatively short wheelbase car. I find that I need to be in the right mood for driving it (partly because mine is kept in storage so is a faff to access). Its more physical - you steer with your arms rather than wrists. But you enjoy each journey more. As Nike say, just do it.
That's a great response, that's for that! I live a couple of miles away from Portiacraft so that's an easy journey for me. Harry i guess is the owner - I have taken a look at some of his cars in the past week or so. He's got a blue targa for sale at just below 40k. I'll tell him your story if I make it down at the weekend But I had some doubts as they were not any quicker than the M3, looked old fashioned and wasn’t sure if I could live with it.
Firstly, forget the performance, they are quick enough for UK roads. The decision is easier now as modern cars are getting too quick Tesla, C63 (mine included) have way more performance than you actually need).
I called up Paragon Porsche and arranged to test drive a 993 and 996 back to back one Sunday afternoon. Good examples of both cars and no pressure from them to buy. Very accommodating and cars presented very well.
I also went to have a look at a few including Shirley’s in the Midlands but couldn’t get comfortable with a deal.
Ended up getting one from Portiacraft - I was dithering and Harry made my mind up for me. Told me to get the one with the best service history he had in stock. Had several manual C2 coupes at the time. Didnt help that my dad said yep, we’ll take that one as well!
Anyway, not regretted it. They are unique. Forget 0-60 times and top speed, they are like a living breathing machine, the sound, smell, even now the size, they are unique and get under your skin.
I find with mine that you dont take it for a drive like my old M3 or current c63 even though these might be a lot more powerful. There are no driver aids, no TC and it is a relatively short wheelbase car. I find that I need to be in the right mood for driving it (partly because mine is kept in storage so is a faff to access). Its more physical - you steer with your arms rather than wrists. But you enjoy each journey more. As Nike say, just do it.
ketan.jina said:
Fat hippo said:
OP, I was in the same position back in 2007. Had an e36 M3 and wanted to get a 993. The more I read about them the more I became interested.
But I had some doubts as they were not any quicker than the M3, looked old fashioned and wasn’t sure if I could live with it.
Firstly, forget the performance, they are quick enough for UK roads. The decision is easier now as modern cars are getting too quick Tesla, C63 (mine included) have way more performance than you actually need).
I called up Paragon Porsche and arranged to test drive a 993 and 996 back to back one Sunday afternoon. Good examples of both cars and no pressure from them to buy. Very accommodating and cars presented very well.
I also went to have a look at a few including Shirley’s in the Midlands but couldn’t get comfortable with a deal.
Ended up getting one from Portiacraft - I was dithering and Harry made my mind up for me. Told me to get the one with the best service history he had in stock. Had several manual C2 coupes at the time. Didnt help that my dad said yep, we’ll take that one as well!
Anyway, not regretted it. They are unique. Forget 0-60 times and top speed, they are like a living breathing machine, the sound, smell, even now the size, they are unique and get under your skin.
I find with mine that you dont take it for a drive like my old M3 or current c63 even though these might be a lot more powerful. There are no driver aids, no TC and it is a relatively short wheelbase car. I find that I need to be in the right mood for driving it (partly because mine is kept in storage so is a faff to access). Its more physical - you steer with your arms rather than wrists. But you enjoy each journey more. As Nike say, just do it.
That's a great response, that's for that! I live a couple of miles away from Portiacraft so that's an easy journey for me. Harry i guess is the owner - I have taken a look at some of his cars in the past week or so. He's got a blue targa for sale at just below 40k. I'll tell him your story if I make it down at the weekend But I had some doubts as they were not any quicker than the M3, looked old fashioned and wasn’t sure if I could live with it.
Firstly, forget the performance, they are quick enough for UK roads. The decision is easier now as modern cars are getting too quick Tesla, C63 (mine included) have way more performance than you actually need).
I called up Paragon Porsche and arranged to test drive a 993 and 996 back to back one Sunday afternoon. Good examples of both cars and no pressure from them to buy. Very accommodating and cars presented very well.
I also went to have a look at a few including Shirley’s in the Midlands but couldn’t get comfortable with a deal.
Ended up getting one from Portiacraft - I was dithering and Harry made my mind up for me. Told me to get the one with the best service history he had in stock. Had several manual C2 coupes at the time. Didnt help that my dad said yep, we’ll take that one as well!
Anyway, not regretted it. They are unique. Forget 0-60 times and top speed, they are like a living breathing machine, the sound, smell, even now the size, they are unique and get under your skin.
I find with mine that you dont take it for a drive like my old M3 or current c63 even though these might be a lot more powerful. There are no driver aids, no TC and it is a relatively short wheelbase car. I find that I need to be in the right mood for driving it (partly because mine is kept in storage so is a faff to access). Its more physical - you steer with your arms rather than wrists. But you enjoy each journey more. As Nike say, just do it.
They don’t retail typically what I would call investment grade cars. If you are looking for investment grade then someone like Paragon might be more appropriate.
On the other hand, mine has been taken to Precision Porsche, Tonbridge, Paragon and Byfleet for servicing and all have been complimentary about my car and like the originality of it.
To give Harry some praise, I took the car back a year after I bought it for an MOT. It failed due to rust on the brake discs. I’d been driving in the snow in Feb 2009 the night when the country was covered in snow and people couldn’t get to work.
Harry put on 4 new discs for 500 and changed a headlight lens that had cracked and failed the MOT for free. He came across as wanting to help his customers maintain it for a sensible price.
Let us know how you get on.
Fat hippo said:
Its more physical - you steer with your arms rather than wrists. But you enjoy each journey more.
You steer them with your mind 
and the throttle.OP - just be warned that driving a 993 and say a 996 back to back will make you think that all this guff about 993s is nonsense - if in good nick, the 996 should be the 'better' car.
The 993 is a car that rewards driver input, but it isn't something you 'get' on the first drive, or even the tenth - it takes time.
What everyone on here is telling you, is that they still enjoy putting that effort in.
I'll never forget the first proper PAX I did in a 993 - I was looking to buy, and a private seller took me out in his car. He was getting an RS to replace it. So I think he knew how to drive. We set off, and he chatted away, and I asked questions... all normal stuff. Then about twenty minutes later he said 'ok it's properly warmed now, I'll show you what a 993 does....'
And he stopped talking, and so did I. This is going to sound stupid, but he sort-of became part of the car, and the outside world faded away. He seemed to forget I was there, and we disappeared down a country lane. There was just noise and 'feel', even from the passenger seat.....
There - I'm as bad as the rest of you.
Edited by Orangecurry on Tuesday 27th October 23:05
ketan.jina said:
Orangecurry said:
I presume its engine smells...interesting. i might come back to you in 6 months and know what you're talking about....oh yeah, that smell!When you put them away in a garage you also get a warm oil smell, again it’s just different.
Both are pleasant smells.
The interior of these old cars smell very different too. You just open the door and their it is. It’s lovely and all part of the experience.
Hope you get there
Orangecurry said:
Fat hippo said:
Its more physical - you steer with your arms rather than wrists. But you enjoy each journey more.
You steer them with your mind and the throttle.OP - just be warned that driving a 993 and say a 996 back to back will make you think that all this guff about 993s is nonsense - if in good nick, the 996 should be the 'better' car.
The 993 is a car that rewards driver input, but it isn't something you 'get' on the first drive, or even the tenth - it takes time.
What everyone on here is telling you, is that they still enjoy putting that effort in.
I'll never forget the first proper PAX I did in a 993 - I was looking to buy, and a private seller took me out in his car. He was getting an RS to replace it. So I think he knew how to drive. We set off, and he chatted away, and I asked questions... all normal stuff. Then about twenty minutes later he said 'ok it's properly warmed now, I'll show you what a 993 does....'
And he stopped talking, and so did I. This is going to sound stupid, but he sort-of became part of the car, and the outside world faded away. He seemed to forget I was there, and we disappeared down a country lane. There was just noise and 'feel', even from the passenger seat.....
There - I'm as bad as the rest of you.
Edited by Orangecurry on Tuesday 27th October 23:05
Regarding your experience with the seller on a test drive, I had a similar experience when I went to the Porsche Experience Centre in Silverstone. Booked myself on the Evolution package where I got to drive a 3.2, 993 then 991 back to back. Did this after I bought my car to see what a 993 is like on track without risk if damaging mine.
At first I drove round the track with the instructor pointing out advice on braking and turning points and encouraging me to go faster. Then he showed me how it should be done. The guy knew how to drive and literally threw the 3.2 around and likewise the 993. I must have been driving like a learner. Everything you have read about, the rear bias, pendulum effect, traction out of corners, lift off oversteer etc was going through my mind as the guy literally flung it around from corner to corner the car rolling and taking advantage of the weight transfers to find grip out of the next corner. It was shocking but very effective and impressive. I think its worth getting yourself on a session with them to show you how to drive a 911.
I’ve done other courses like the AMG day at Brooklands when I got my C63 which was good, bit ultimately front engined rear wheel drive cars all feel similar whereas you need a knowledgeable instructor to show you what a 911 is capable of.
andylaight said:
Slight thread hijack
Has anyone bought a car from 911V and had a PPI carried out?
I know they appear to have a good reputation but admit I only know the basic things to look for on a 993
thanks
I recently bought a 3.2 from Tom unseen. He described it on the phone, delivered it on a trailer and it was bob on. Not many people I would trust to do that with. Entirely trustworthy in my opinion.Has anyone bought a car from 911V and had a PPI carried out?
I know they appear to have a good reputation but admit I only know the basic things to look for on a 993
thanks
andylaight said:
Slight thread hijack
Has anyone bought a car from 911V and had a PPI carried out?
I know they appear to have a good reputation but admit I only know the basic things to look for on a 993
thanks
Is this the car per chance: http://www.911virgin.com/porscheforsale/1227/993C4...Has anyone bought a car from 911V and had a PPI carried out?
I know they appear to have a good reputation but admit I only know the basic things to look for on a 993
thanks
Be interested to see how you get on, and the people you talk to.
andylaight said:
Slight thread hijack
Has anyone bought a car from 911V and had a PPI carried out?
I know they appear to have a good reputation but admit I only know the basic things to look for on a 993
thanks
911V are pretty much the only people I'd buy from unseen. Not saying there aren't others, but I know 911V. If it's the car linked, it has good history and a Redtek engine rebuild which is also a very good sign.Has anyone bought a car from 911V and had a PPI carried out?
I know they appear to have a good reputation but admit I only know the basic things to look for on a 993
thanks
Bert
ketan.jina said:
andylaight said:
Slight thread hijack
Has anyone bought a car from 911V and had a PPI carried out?
I know they appear to have a good reputation but admit I only know the basic things to look for on a 993
thanks
Is this the car per chance: http://www.911virgin.com/porscheforsale/1227/993C4...Has anyone bought a car from 911V and had a PPI carried out?
I know they appear to have a good reputation but admit I only know the basic things to look for on a 993
thanks
Be interested to see how you get on, and the people you talk to.
But IMHO the first two questions are
1) has the suspension been 'done', as from the photos it may not have been
2) why did it need a top end rebuild. They don't.
Had one about 10 years ago as my daily. Was a nice car but broke down a couple of times in my ownership. Easy to view these with rose tinted spectacles so I’d agree a decent test drive is essential. For me, my 993C2 wasn’t even in my top half dozen favourite cars which I had owned - would I buy another? Nope, especially at the money they seem to command now!
Fat hippo said:
Ah yes, forgot about driving it in the throttle. Point was really that it is a more physical car to drive than modern cars.
Regarding your experience with the seller on a test drive, I had a similar experience when I went to the Porsche Experience Centre in Silverstone. Booked myself on the Evolution package where I got to drive a 3.2, 993 then 991 back to back. Did this after I bought my car to see what a 993 is like on track without risk if damaging mine.
At first I drove round the track with the instructor pointing out advice on braking and turning points and encouraging me to go faster. Then he showed me how it should be done. The guy knew how to drive and literally threw the 3.2 around and likewise the 993. I must have been driving like a learner. Everything you have read about, the rear bias, pendulum effect, traction out of corners, lift off oversteer etc was going through my mind as the guy literally flung it around from corner to corner the car rolling and taking advantage of the weight transfers to find grip out of the next corner. It was shocking but very effective and impressive. I think its worth getting yourself on a session with them to show you how to drive a 911.
I’ve done other courses like the AMG day at Brooklands when I got my C63 which was good, bit ultimately front engined rear wheel drive cars all feel similar whereas you need a knowledgeable instructor to show you what a 911 is capable of.
That does remind me when I went on a rally course with an old mk2 escort. It was probably my best time in a car. By the end we were doing continuous figure of eights, controlling the car with the way the weight was being thrown about...Great control. Then you get taken around the course by the instruction...special!Regarding your experience with the seller on a test drive, I had a similar experience when I went to the Porsche Experience Centre in Silverstone. Booked myself on the Evolution package where I got to drive a 3.2, 993 then 991 back to back. Did this after I bought my car to see what a 993 is like on track without risk if damaging mine.
At first I drove round the track with the instructor pointing out advice on braking and turning points and encouraging me to go faster. Then he showed me how it should be done. The guy knew how to drive and literally threw the 3.2 around and likewise the 993. I must have been driving like a learner. Everything you have read about, the rear bias, pendulum effect, traction out of corners, lift off oversteer etc was going through my mind as the guy literally flung it around from corner to corner the car rolling and taking advantage of the weight transfers to find grip out of the next corner. It was shocking but very effective and impressive. I think its worth getting yourself on a session with them to show you how to drive a 911.
I’ve done other courses like the AMG day at Brooklands when I got my C63 which was good, bit ultimately front engined rear wheel drive cars all feel similar whereas you need a knowledgeable instructor to show you what a 911 is capable of.
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