Running/living with: G50 3.2 vs 964 vs 993

[mft]

Hi all

I need to sort out a new car, and I keep on being drawn back to the 911, time and time again. I'm after something nice as an only car; it will be used for my daily 12 mile commute, longer trips to Europe (inc. Le Mans and the 'Ring) and track-days now and again.

I'm having trouble weighing up the various older models, as they all have plusses and minuses! I'm drawn to the 3.2 Carrera because it's proper old-school cool, reasonable to buy, and is meant to feel nicer to drive than the 964. I'm drawn to the 964 because it's meant to be a more modern car, but am a little scared of the engine's reliability problems. I'm drawn to the 993 because it's meant to be the fastest and the best handler of all, with cheaper servicing, but now I read that residuals are dropping again?

This is how I see it, on my


Any thoughts, suggestions, abuse?

[Patrick1964]

IMO a 12 mile commute isn't far enough to look after a 911, all that oil takes a while to get properly warm. However, I think any of the cars listed would be fine in all other respects. A late 3.2 is a bit more old school with crap demisting and heating,but they are more entertaining to drive than a 964. However 964's are a more modern driving car, with a decent-ish heater and good demisting. Neither car is unreliable as such, just make sure whatever you buy has been properly looked after. Can't comment on the 993's as I haven't owned one, but I wouldn't regard any sub £20K Porsche as the depreciation proof buy they once were. Search Hartech's posts on the subject for further info. That said, life is short, and everyone should own a 911 for a while.

[HONEYMON57ER]

If a 993 is in your budget then what about
a 996. Very good value at the moment and
lower maintenance costs than the others?

[paultje]

I went from 3.2 to 993C2. The latter is a better bet for everyday motoring....and it's a blast when you want it to be. Refinement (for an aircooled) and fun....and the heater works!!

[kennyboy]

Perhaps add 'everyday usability' to the list?

Also - have you driven these 3 cars? One man's 'pure 911' is another man's crude bathtub.

[tony993]

I've had a 3.2 G50 then skipped a generation & went for the 993. I was dissapointed by how heavy it felt when I first got it. I was also surprised by how much sound proofing they'd stuck in it - a good thing for sure, although I wonder how much it all weighs. I'm enjoying it more now that I've had it a while & I couldn't go back to a 3.2. One of my main reasons to move on from the 3.2 was I wanted air con, which is easy to come by in a 993 & v difficult to find in a 3.2. If you buy a car without AC you'll be annoyed with yourself every single day of the summer.

[ED965]

993 all day owned all 3, albeit the 993 is the most modern and most expensive hence:
Fastest/easiest to drive/servicing cheaper/best looking.
Porsche must have got something right after 40 yrs of air-cooled engines.
3.2 Carrera is a great classic though no denying that.