Which Porsche?
Discussion
As a TVR fan I would like a TVR but it is not practical in Hungary, nearest dealer is in Austria or Germany and I would not go to the Rover dealer here after they attempted to service my Range Rover. My options for a sportscar are limited to Porsche or Corvette. Being a TVR fan means I love the sound of a V8 but I must be practical too. I have a 12 month old son who appears to like cars.
So, what Porsche do I buy (at up to £20K), I have considered 911 and 928. Various 911 derivatives fit the price bracket, but so does a late 928S4. What should I go for, this will be a second car for weekends and trackdays, plus occasional family outings. Any help would be appreciated.
So, what Porsche do I buy (at up to £20K), I have considered 911 and 928. Various 911 derivatives fit the price bracket, but so does a late 928S4. What should I go for, this will be a second car for weekends and trackdays, plus occasional family outings. Any help would be appreciated.
At the risk of annoying 928 owners, don't go near one. They are very good cars, but very complicated cars and not so new any more. They are also very expensive to repair, parts prices and all that.
The 911 engine sounds great, not better than an 8, just different.
If you must have rear seats, your choice should be a nice 964 in RHD or maybe spend a grand or two more and get a very cheap 993 in LHD. Fun wise, if family outings were lower in the list than trackdays, a 964 RS (LHD) or even a 968 CS (not a 911, as you may know, but a good front engine Porsche anyway) would suit. These two last choices have no rear seats, but are more fun to drive as they are stripped out. 965 Turbo 3.3 a possibility, and C4s abound, but I'd avoid the extra complication (and likely expense later on) of these two models unless you are a real turbo or 4WD fan. Also, tiptronic isn't as sought after as manual, and coupe shape the best IMHO.
Conclusion - get the best, latest Carrera 2 you can get for the money, don't worry about the mileage as much as condition and year - they are constantly evolving and later ones of the same shape had improvements.
Cheers
Domster
The 911 engine sounds great, not better than an 8, just different.
If you must have rear seats, your choice should be a nice 964 in RHD or maybe spend a grand or two more and get a very cheap 993 in LHD. Fun wise, if family outings were lower in the list than trackdays, a 964 RS (LHD) or even a 968 CS (not a 911, as you may know, but a good front engine Porsche anyway) would suit. These two last choices have no rear seats, but are more fun to drive as they are stripped out. 965 Turbo 3.3 a possibility, and C4s abound, but I'd avoid the extra complication (and likely expense later on) of these two models unless you are a real turbo or 4WD fan. Also, tiptronic isn't as sought after as manual, and coupe shape the best IMHO.
Conclusion - get the best, latest Carrera 2 you can get for the money, don't worry about the mileage as much as condition and year - they are constantly evolving and later ones of the same shape had improvements.
Cheers
Domster
Thanks Domster, whatever I get will be left hand drive (I'm in Hungary), so a 964 C2 seems to be the best bet, thanks. I need the small seats so cannot go for the RS, much though I'd like one! My budget is limited due to various items like wife, baby and house renovation, so £20K is the limit.
Kevin,
Take a look at www.mobile.de
I think you will be able to find a 993 Carrera 2 for that money, but try and get one from an Official Porsche Centre if possible - they get the cream of the crop and have a decent warranty etc.
Otherwise, risk a cheap 993 C2 from an independent dealer - maybe get it checked by an expert as the 2 or 3k saving when you buy a cheap 993 C2 will be eaten up quickly if it has an unforeseen problem (like leaking heads).
Alternatively, get a very late (1993) 964 shape C2 - you will have a lot of choice and an OPC may be able to help.
Just FYI, the 964 was launched with a number of small problems... cylinder heads could leak oil, ozone build up in twin distributor housing could cause timing/distributor belt to snap, dual mass flywheel played up amongst them.
By about 1993, most of the faults had been designed out of the 964 and it was a truly great car. However, the 993 was better. It is superior largely in terms of its rear suspension design and subtly improved engine (more power, barrels less likely to leak oil, hot film air metering).
So, get a late 964 or an early 993.
You shouldn't be disappointed by the performance or handling anyway, even if not RS. I love my mate's standard 964 C2.
Cheers
Domster
Edited by domster on Wednesday 2nd January 17:41
Take a look at www.mobile.de
I think you will be able to find a 993 Carrera 2 for that money, but try and get one from an Official Porsche Centre if possible - they get the cream of the crop and have a decent warranty etc.
Otherwise, risk a cheap 993 C2 from an independent dealer - maybe get it checked by an expert as the 2 or 3k saving when you buy a cheap 993 C2 will be eaten up quickly if it has an unforeseen problem (like leaking heads).
Alternatively, get a very late (1993) 964 shape C2 - you will have a lot of choice and an OPC may be able to help.
Just FYI, the 964 was launched with a number of small problems... cylinder heads could leak oil, ozone build up in twin distributor housing could cause timing/distributor belt to snap, dual mass flywheel played up amongst them.
By about 1993, most of the faults had been designed out of the 964 and it was a truly great car. However, the 993 was better. It is superior largely in terms of its rear suspension design and subtly improved engine (more power, barrels less likely to leak oil, hot film air metering).
So, get a late 964 or an early 993.
You shouldn't be disappointed by the performance or handling anyway, even if not RS. I love my mate's standard 964 C2.
Cheers
Domster
Edited by domster on Wednesday 2nd January 17:41
Thanks guys. That web site www.mobile.de has a good selection, I am sure I will find one I like.
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