The 964 is not a particularly loved 911, with a significant proportion of
buyers preferring either 3.2 Carreras, for the purer early 911 driving
experience, or the later 993 with its improved handling and cheaper servicing
costs. The tales of unreliability also do not increase the 964's status in the
desirability stakes, however prices reflect this and the 964 can be a bargain
911 with prices starting in the £10k area. There are, however, always
exceptions to the rule and the RS and Turbo models (particularly the 3.6) remain
very popular with prices remaining strong and significantly higher than the
Carrera models.
Although very cheap 964s are available mainly in Germany there
are very few in the low end of the price range that can actually be described as
nice. Many cars that at first glance seem fine can sometimes need many
additional thousands spent on them to make a decent car, simply because the
previous owners have not properly maintained it. Also you must be aware that a
LHD car may have been crashed somewhere in Europe, then repaired (sometimes very
badly) and shipped here to sell to willing and gullible British punters.
The 964, like many low priced supercars, may seem
attractive when all you see is the 'cheaper than a new family saloon' purchase
price. But always remember that this is, after all, a Porsche - and many of the
parts (and most importantly the labour) needed to keep it up to scratch are not
cheap. For example, whereas a new car may only need a small yearly service of
£100 or so, the yearly cost of running a 964 can easily exceed £800-£1000 if
a few non-service items need replacing.
What is it like to drive? The 964 does have less driver involvement feel than
earlier 911s, but there is no doubt that it is an easier car for those of normal
skill levels to drive fast. With its torquey engine and predictable handling it
inspires the driver with more confidence to push harder, and although you never
forget where the engine is, it is more forgiving than the earlier torsion bar
cars.
The Carrera 4 with its four wheel drive system is roughly 100kg heavier than
its two wheel drive Carrera 2 brother and in comparison it is slightly slower
and does display understeer if you push it hard. However, as an everyday car -
and particularly on slippery wet winter roads that can be challenging for its two
wheel drive brothers - the Carrera 4 is a safe, fast and reassuring drive.
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