993 - Buying Tips

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Discussion

churchie2856

Original Poster:

448 posts

189 months

Saturday 8th June 2019
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I'm looking to buy a 993 (c2 or c4, coupe, manual). Previously owned a 996 and a 997, and performance cars of similar vintage e.g. E30 M3 and Integrale Evo.

This buyer's guide seems to cover most points (http://www.jackals-forge.com/lotus/993/993_buy_guide.html).

When buying from a Porsche indie ...

- What questions do I really need to be asking them?

- With the car on the ramps, what do I really need to ask them to show me? (Head studs).

- Is a compression test needed pre-purchase?

Thanks guys.






gwsinc

317 posts

79 months

Tuesday 11th June 2019
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churchie2856 said:
I'm looking to buy a 993 (c2 or c4, coupe, manual). Previously owned a 996 and a 997, and performance cars of similar vintage e.g. E30 M3 and Integrale Evo.

This buyer's guide seems to cover most points (http://www.jackals-forge.com/lotus/993/993_buy_guide.html).

When buying from a Porsche indie ...

- What questions do I really need to be asking them?

- With the car on the ramps, what do I really need to ask them to show me? (Head studs).

- Is a compression test needed pre-purchase?

Thanks guys.
I’m looking for a C2 at the moment too. That website seems to be quite comprehensive. History is key with these, so evidence of regular servicing is a must for me.

On the the ramps, anything that doesn’t look right probably isn’t, leaks, seeping oil, dried fluids, vibrations rattles etc should all be questioned. It’s also worth checking the date code on the tyres to make sure they’re not ancient, and the inner faces of the brake discs so you can judge longevity.

OtherwIse my main concern is corrosion, round the windscreen, headlights and wheel arches etc.., Take a torch and have a good look around. Rubbers around the windscreen should be slightly lifted so you can spot any pooling water, and headlight removal is surprisingly easy and the garage should do this for you.

I’d be keen to hear what others say about a compression test, it’s not something I’ve yet requested.

Good luck.

MrVert

4,394 posts

238 months

Wednesday 12th June 2019
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/\ That's decent advice regarding the rust points.

A comprehensive history is a good indication of how the car has been looked after.

However these cars are now up to 25yrs old and you'll find old Porsche parts hidden away from the eyes do deteriorate with rust etc...so inspection is also the key.

Having had a few 993's, I'd definitely recommend them though, great powertrain, fun handling, quick enough for the road, old school feel with a slightly modern twist.

I'd keep an eye on JZM's website, they only have good cars, their pre-sales inspection is possibly the best out there and they always seem to have the pick of the crop.

There's such a spread of prices at the moment, what's your budget?

browngt3

1,409 posts

210 months

Wednesday 12th June 2019
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Well worth getting a professional inspection for peace of mind. I used Peter Morgan some years ago. Even then they don't pick everything up. It's an old car and opinions will vary on what needs replacing etc.

Some things will be obvious though. Eg small blisters around the windscreens can be £2k to put right

C4ME

1,156 posts

210 months

Wednesday 12th June 2019
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Regarding inspections your choices are

1/ Recommended local porsche specialist with a garage and ramp. Forums and owners clubs are good sources of a recommendation.

2/ Mobile inspection with Peter Morgan being the most well known example. Peter retired a while ago and it is now called Porsche Inspections. They don't subcontract out the work so only cover a limited area (which is on their website). Always good if you can arrange for the inpection to be done somewhere with a ramp if possible.

3/ National inspection service. They typically subcontract the actual inspection out to an independent porsche specialist near the car.

phib

4,464 posts

258 months

Wednesday 12th June 2019
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churchie2856

Original Poster:

448 posts

189 months

Wednesday 12th June 2019
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MrVert said:
There's such a spread of prices at the moment, what's your budget?
Not enough!!

Thanks for the responses, but I'm realising my 993 apirations will be difficult to achieve.

Ragatha christie

54 posts

58 months

Thursday 13th June 2019
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I know 993 owners have got a bit of reputation of being "funny old boys" but some of the questions I was asked about my car were comical, one of the reasons I took my advert down.

One guy was more interested in the bills and did I have the receipts.. why did I not have the engine rebuilt at 70k LMAO! These engines last forever!

In my opinion a good car owned by a true enthusiast is what you want, good luck.. lots lof 993 out there at the moment

phib

4,464 posts

258 months

Thursday 13th June 2019
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Ragatha christie said:
I know 993 owners have got a bit of reputation of being "funny old boys" but some of the questions I was asked about my car were comical, one of the reasons I took my advert down.

One guy was more interested in the bills and did I have the receipts.. why did I not have the engine rebuilt at 70k LMAO! These engines last forever!

In my opinion a good car owned by a true enthusiast is what you want, good luck.. lots lof 993 out there at the moment
This is why mine is going to auction !! Had lots of people come and look, wrote out the full service hsitory in my ad. was very keenly priced for a c2 manual.

Had 9.5k spent on it and had in last 18 months : clutch, cam cover gaskets upper and lower, shocks, top mounts, wheels refurbed, new tyres, bushes, clutch,btrake, aircon and gearbox service, discs + pads all round glasss out rear respray for a couple of very small blisters around rear screan and one rear 1/4 light ( photos before and after) I could go on....

Every detailed bill as well as stamp going back to 1998, 33 bills plus 4 keys, 3 imobilisers, tracker, all original books / codes etc

Everyone asked if I was happy with an inspection, which obviously given the above I was more than happy with !!

10 people viewed all very keen, 2 people left deposits then walked away as they werent sure .....

I really dont know what more people want so its off to the auctions as I have another one anyway

Phib


Edited by phib on Thursday 13th June 16:08

trantorman

88 posts

206 months

Thursday 13th June 2019
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which auction house are you using?

Ragatha christie

54 posts

58 months

Thursday 13th June 2019
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Phib

Your car is perfect for perspective 993 owner, its all standard and great example. My 993 will only appeal to the small % that want a RS

993-4C

44 posts

221 months

Thursday 13th June 2019
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I have owned my 993 for 14 years. Checklist on Jackal's site is very comprehensive; I would only add what I understand is also a common issue: transmission shaft spline rust: you will notice this if you feel big resistance when trying to take the gear lever out of gear when downshifting or shifting to neutral out of 2nd gear when trying to coast as you approach a stop (traffic light etc).
Hope that helps. Good luck with the hunt.

phib

4,464 posts

258 months

Thursday 13th June 2019
quotequote all
trantorman said:
which auction house are you using?
Historics in July

Phib

donutskidmark

1,198 posts

152 months

Monday 19th August 2019
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I’m not sure why potential 993 buyers are so anal and pedantic- what do they expect to pay for and get on a car over 20 yrs old ?!
Absolutely mint and pristine with full service history, 2 previous owners - 30 grand please?!

I bought a C2 manual coupe 8 years ago, I’ve had the windscreen out to repair the usual rusted scuttles etc but all in all it’s proved to be a rock solid and reliable car.
I’ve had many cars come and go but the 993 is the only keeper I have....love the design and after a trip to Centre of Gravity she handles sharp and precise......anyone on the fence should go for it....

[url=https://postimg.cc/ftktz8br]

Wilmslowboy

4,189 posts

205 months

Monday 19th August 2019
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phib said:
Historics in July

Phib
Looks like it didn't make reserve ?

993 buyers are unduly obsessed by mileage, I'm currently considering buying one that has done 180k.

Ragatha christie

54 posts

58 months

Tuesday 20th August 2019
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Wilmslowboy said:
Looks like it didn't make reserve ?

993 buyers are unduly obsessed by mileage, I'm currently considering buying one that has done 180k.
What did it get up to?

Why are 993 buyers a funny bunch? Do they want low miles unused cars? or ? My 993 has 100k miles and im selling and I bet its much better car than a low mile unused car. I just don't get it?

kingroon

94 posts

125 months

Tuesday 20th August 2019
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Ragatha christie said:
Why are 993 buyers a funny bunch?
I'd say actually that First Time 993 Buyers are the Funny Bunch.. As has been pointed out, if you have owned a 993, you know the Engine is hewn from Magic Metal.. The only issue that can present on Normal Mileage Cars itself irrespective of how well the car has been maintained is the Rear Chassis/Coffin Legs; a design/manufacturing fault.. Everything else can be seen and heard during a Test Drive/Inspection..

Having said all the above, if you wanted a "Additional Things to Check When Buying a 993" List, I'd suggest:

Body
Front & Rear Screen Corners - Check for obvious bubbling, raising of Screen Seal. Check Scuttle too. If you can get in the back of the Cabin, check for any wetness in the inside rear corners.
Passenger footwell - if it's a Sunroof Car [likely] this is where water will drain to if there is a leak in the Sunroof [likely]
Battery Base - Can rust
Wheels Arches - Check for any previous [bad] Work done just forward of Rear Wheels
Door Keep - movements at attach points when Fully Open? Costly fix.

Motor
Engine Wiring & Bay Condition - Check any exposed wires, worn cabling etc. a new Engine Loom alone is £1K+
Alternator Fan - Filthy will probably mean it's never been out so Alternator has never been serviced/replaced.
Running Engine - Check for high pitched whining; take a stethoscope and place on Block next to Fan Shroud and next to Crankshaft Pulley on Block
Rocker Covers - Bound to be a bit of Oil, but excessive is not good; check for Fresh Oil.

As an FYI, if you get taken out for a Test Drive, place your palm on the OSR Wing just forward of the Rear Wheel; if it is Molten Hot, car is running low on Oil..

My 993 is currently at 104K Miles and I'm really looking forward to crossing that 200K Threshold..!

AndrewD

7,527 posts

283 months

Tuesday 20th August 2019
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phib said:
That car just sold through collectingcars - to me smile

Very pleased with it, first 993.



Ragatha christie

54 posts

58 months

Tuesday 20th August 2019
quotequote all
kingroon said:
Having said all the above, if you wanted a "Additional Things to Check When Buying a 993" List, I'd suggest:

Body
Front & Rear Screen Corners - Check for obvious bubbling, raising of Screen Seal. Check Scuttle too. If you can get in the back of the Cabin, check for any wetness in the inside rear corners.
Passenger footwell - if it's a Sunroof Car [likely] this is where water will drain to if there is a leak in the Sunroof [likely]
Battery Base - Can rust
Wheels Arches - Check for any previous [bad] Work done just forward of Rear Wheels
Door Keep - movements at attach points when Fully Open? Costly fix.

Motor
Engine Wiring & Bay Condition - Check any exposed wires, worn cabling etc. a new Engine Loom alone is £1K+
Alternator Fan - Filthy will probably mean it's never been out so Alternator has never been serviced/replaced.
Running Engine - Check for high pitched whining; take a stethoscope and place on Block next to Fan Shroud and next to Crankshaft Pulley on Block
Rocker Covers - Bound to be a bit of Oil, but excessive is not good; check for Fresh Oil.
All the above sounds like a not well maintained car..

kingroon

94 posts

125 months

Tuesday 20th August 2019
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Ragatha christie said:
All the above sounds like a not well maintained car..
That's why it's a Checklist..