Which targa should I buy? 964 or 993?
Discussion
Ever since a friend of mine threw me the keys of his brand new 964, C2 in 1989 and told me to take it for a spin, I've had a hankering for a late, air cooled Porsche. In particular, a targa.
I've always been attracted to the 964 targa. I love the sweep of the rear screen and the upright headlights. But, now that I've decided to take the plunge and buy something, I'm torn between getting what my heart desires - a 964, or buying what my head believes to be the more sensible choice, a 993.
As the 993 is the later model, I'm thinking that it will be more sorted and “reliable” (relatively) than the earlier model. But, for me, the 993 is just not as interesting, aesthetically, as the 964.
So, I thought I'd ask you guys which model you would choose. I've a budget of up to £25K which I believe would buy a pretty good 964 targa, or a sorted but not exceptional 993 targa.
I am aware of some of the things to look out for. For example, whether the engine has been rebuilt to stop oil leaks & checking the clutch. However, I'm sure that there are other tips that you can pass on.
For example: where should I look for rust on these models? What are the big bill items that I should be aware of? Would a C2 be more reliable than a C4? Should I instead go for a coupe and not a targa? (I'm not interested in a convertible). Is manual a better driving experience than Tiptronic? (In my ignorance, I would assume so). A lot of my driving will be in London. Would tiptronic be better for city driving? Indeed, what exactly is Tiptronic? Paddles? Buttons?
What about engine oil leaks? I've heard that a 964 really should have had at least a top end rebuild. What about the 993?
Are the driving characteristics different?
Are service costs and intervals for the two models similar?
I've previously owned Maseratis and an independent inspection is A MUST before buying one of those. Same with a 911?
I've signed up to a couple of Porsche forums. But, this forum seems to be very active. So, I thought I'd ask you lot too.
Any advice, hints and tips would be most appreciated. Thanks.
I've always been attracted to the 964 targa. I love the sweep of the rear screen and the upright headlights. But, now that I've decided to take the plunge and buy something, I'm torn between getting what my heart desires - a 964, or buying what my head believes to be the more sensible choice, a 993.
As the 993 is the later model, I'm thinking that it will be more sorted and “reliable” (relatively) than the earlier model. But, for me, the 993 is just not as interesting, aesthetically, as the 964.
So, I thought I'd ask you guys which model you would choose. I've a budget of up to £25K which I believe would buy a pretty good 964 targa, or a sorted but not exceptional 993 targa.
I am aware of some of the things to look out for. For example, whether the engine has been rebuilt to stop oil leaks & checking the clutch. However, I'm sure that there are other tips that you can pass on.
For example: where should I look for rust on these models? What are the big bill items that I should be aware of? Would a C2 be more reliable than a C4? Should I instead go for a coupe and not a targa? (I'm not interested in a convertible). Is manual a better driving experience than Tiptronic? (In my ignorance, I would assume so). A lot of my driving will be in London. Would tiptronic be better for city driving? Indeed, what exactly is Tiptronic? Paddles? Buttons?
What about engine oil leaks? I've heard that a 964 really should have had at least a top end rebuild. What about the 993?
Are the driving characteristics different?
Are service costs and intervals for the two models similar?
I've previously owned Maseratis and an independent inspection is A MUST before buying one of those. Same with a 911?
I've signed up to a couple of Porsche forums. But, this forum seems to be very active. So, I thought I'd ask you lot too.
Any advice, hints and tips would be most appreciated. Thanks.
Blib said:
It really has to be the 964, doesn't it? 
It really is what I want. I just had this niggling fear that the 993 would be so much better that it would be silly to go for a 964. OK. I need to sell my Quattroporte first. Then, I'm going German.
You are buying this car with your heart, so if you really want a 964, then thats what you should get.It really is what I want. I just had this niggling fear that the 993 would be so much better that it would be silly to go for a 964. OK. I need to sell my Quattroporte first. Then, I'm going German.
There is certainly no reason I can think of why you shouldn't!
Just make sure you get it properly checked out. These are now very old cars.
g7jhp said:
Plus a 964 Targa is a more open-top experience compared to the 993 Targa which is large sunroof/panoramic roof and is more complex to fix when it goes wrong.
Many years ago I owned an X1/9. I've always loved that targa option and the wind in my hair. Unfortunately, nowadays I no longer have any hair to ruffle. Johnny G Pipe said:
No, 964's had tip, pretty much from the start.
Other problem with 993 Targa is more weight where you don't want it because of all that glass and complicated stuff and that.
Agreed about the weight, but if you were concerned about the last % of driving dynamics you wouldn't buy a targa!Other problem with 993 Targa is more weight where you don't want it because of all that glass and complicated stuff and that.
So many 964 rebuilds start out as reseals for oil leaks, rather than strictly speaking 'top ends' (e.g. because they are smokey or losing compression).
However when the engine is out there are all the 'while you are in there' options for things that are probably worth doing as they are a bit worn. Then there are ancillaries like clutch/flywheel, twin distributor rebuild, oil lines etc., all nice to have.
I would look for some sort of rebuild where sensible things were done at the same time, and done by a reputable place like 9M etc, (and not just a cheeky reseal labelled as a rebuild, and lob it back in). Also look for new suspension - anything on original springs/shocks is going to be nasty, and 964s are really transformed by a set Bilstein Hd or KW shocks.
However when the engine is out there are all the 'while you are in there' options for things that are probably worth doing as they are a bit worn. Then there are ancillaries like clutch/flywheel, twin distributor rebuild, oil lines etc., all nice to have.
I would look for some sort of rebuild where sensible things were done at the same time, and done by a reputable place like 9M etc, (and not just a cheeky reseal labelled as a rebuild, and lob it back in). Also look for new suspension - anything on original springs/shocks is going to be nasty, and 964s are really transformed by a set Bilstein Hd or KW shocks.
Johnny G Pipe said:
So many 964 rebuilds start out as reseals for oil leaks, rather than strictly speaking 'top ends' (e.g. because they are smokey or losing compression).
However when the engine is out there are all the 'while you are in there' options for things that are probably worth doing as they are a bit worn. Then there are ancillaries like clutch/flywheel, twin distributor rebuild, oil lines etc., all nice to have.
I would look for some sort of rebuild where sensible things were done at the same time, and done by a reputable place like 9M etc, (and not just a cheeky reseal labelled as a rebuild, and lob it back in). Also look for new suspension - anything on original springs/shocks is going to be nasty, and 964s are really transformed by a set Bilstein Hd or KW shocks.
Top advice.However when the engine is out there are all the 'while you are in there' options for things that are probably worth doing as they are a bit worn. Then there are ancillaries like clutch/flywheel, twin distributor rebuild, oil lines etc., all nice to have.
I would look for some sort of rebuild where sensible things were done at the same time, and done by a reputable place like 9M etc, (and not just a cheeky reseal labelled as a rebuild, and lob it back in). Also look for new suspension - anything on original springs/shocks is going to be nasty, and 964s are really transformed by a set Bilstein Hd or KW shocks.
If the targa roof is in good condition and adjusted correctly they won't leak. If you find a good old school guy who knows what he is doing you will be fine. The tiptronic gearbox is a four speed, no paddles or buttons. You can flick the stick over to use it like a manual. I've driven lots of manuals and tips, some are quick, some are not regardless of gearbox.
Oil leaks. A lot of them were caused by using 0/40w. 15/50 kept them a lot drier.
Like any old 911 get a thorough pre purchase inspection done. Rust. The 964 fair a little bit better than the pre 89 cars as they had wheel arch liners fitted.
Good luck and enjoy
I see you are London based. Chris Turner Porsche in Willesden knows his stuff. Been around must be 30 years.
Oil leaks. A lot of them were caused by using 0/40w. 15/50 kept them a lot drier.
Like any old 911 get a thorough pre purchase inspection done. Rust. The 964 fair a little bit better than the pre 89 cars as they had wheel arch liners fitted.
Good luck and enjoy
I see you are London based. Chris Turner Porsche in Willesden knows his stuff. Been around must be 30 years.
Edited by graemel on Wednesday 30th April 08:57
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