question for porshe 911 enthusiasts?

[lavaman]

look at the buyer's guides in "Excellence". they are out monthly and good source when starting out.

if you want a classic, cant go wrong with a 911SC from mid 80s.

otherwise, buy the MOST DOCUMENTED car you can find. then go for newest of those.

find a good indy mechanic?

good luck

[iLLGT2]

Originally Posted by DMac225

I live in Dallas (RUF Home Town) and the TT RUF GT2 is a beast...and not meant for inexperienced drivers. Enjoy her in good health...that's one hell of a car!

That's where I bought it from , ha.... Thanks, it's such an animal and the longest car i've ever kept!

[zama]

Subtona,

This is not an easy question without a specific budget, you will get everything from a 5k banger to those that have a RUF porsche talking of value.

I have had a lot of porsche experience including older ones and have a 18 year old one in the garage now that is appreciating because it was a very small production run model.

My two cents worth on what you have said:

Remembering that you want to minimize ongoing cost. Nothing later than 1996 (i.e you want a series that is 993 or 964 or earlier). These are the best porsches and I have owned 996 and early ones, believe me they are bulletproof have few moving parts and are light (which in part is why they don't break). The 993 as others have pointed out is the last air cooled and as a base porsche the best (yes 996 turbo's used the old block so no probs) they are more expensive.

I think any 911 from 1978 (they increased rust treatment) through 1996 is your best bet. The things that tend to fail is not major mechanicals just electrical things, so have as few a modern cons as you can live without, trust me you wont miss them. My CS is stripped out no power windows or mirrors or air con (you wont need that in NY just a good heater which it has). The less things to go wrong the more hassle free the experience.

Old Porsches have a unique driving experience which you will need to get used to, but are fun.

I know others will disagree. The 993 is the best (last air cooled) but is now more expensive than a 996, so it is no bargain but will hold and grow value. You will be happy with anything from 1978, the compact dimensions/sounds cant be matched. Attached is my old and now gone 1982 cabrio. Not much to go wrong it even had a manual hood.

[FiftyTwoEighty]

Originally Posted by iLLGT2

Ehhhh, to the hardcore rennlist enthusiasts and track guys , such as myself... It's a stout car but not one you'd want to track IMO.. I had a 996TT modded, converted to RWD and with the rare no sunroof option,, It was lightened up a bit and don't know, it just blah... Hence what I needed was a GT2 :)
For the avg person who will enjoy it however on weekends/street and occasional track? Yea can't be beat, it's such a well rounded car...

So true, and I'll be the first to admit I'm just the average person. I used to track regularly, but have not had much seat time in the last ten years. I'd love your GT2!

I had a '91 RS America in 1994 and really miss that car. Living at 8,150 ft during the winters a two wheel drive car does not make sense.

[77T]

I've had a few - two 911's and a Boxster. These pics are just what I could find on the web - my own pictures have long been lost - the era of film and paper prints ya know...




In my opinion, the 20 y.o. ones will cause you some problems in parts sourcing and finding very good techs to keep them in tune. Both the 911's took some monthly fiddling to stay on top of the curve performance-wise.

Once you get one, take a decent amount of professional training - else you will get the old snap spin your first time in a panic.

The newer ones lack the raw driving experience due to over-damped suspensions. Of course you can get a 2000-ish era car and replace parts to get the old feel back. The advantage of a 10 y.o. car is easier access to parts and maintenance.

[bayerische]

This:




Oh so it was a 964 in Bad Boys! Sorry for my mistake.

[DMac225]

Here are my two...

[KJacques]

Originally Posted by bayerische

I think a 993 is the best looking 911, and should be solid as a rock. Still air-cooled too! Early 996's have had a lot of troubles with the cooling. (water cooled)

Are you speaking from experience or hearsay? I've owned every 911 version since the 911 SC and neither experienced any water cooling problems in the early 996 nor saw it in other cars. Any water cooled system in any car can have a problem, and all Porsche 911 versions have some issue or another and that includes every one of the air cooled versions. The 996 was no different but many of these are overblown myths. The 996 is a superb car.

[Christiaan]

Nothing beats an SC for reliability. Had 2 and never had a problem, ever.

[subtona]

wow the information is getting good this thread is going exactly as i hoped thanks so much for the participation.

i can add this about my expectations:
i have some understanding and appreciation for the cars unique handling attributes and i will embrace them and take the recommended driving lessons (i heard there is a wonderful school here on the east coast.)

Speed, i am a bit on the practical side and don't crave the fastest car.

Ergonomics of the interiors would be of interest to me, as that is where i will spend my time

Price: was thinking in the ballpark of 30K +/- , does this seem like a realistic #?

Turbo: i see some mention of turbo models, i may have my information wrong but i understand these models to have very large service bills due to the complex work needed?

but mostly, the model year with the best track record for staying out of the shop, the service experience and its associated costs is something i have had too many negative experiences with owning bmw motorcycles for 20 years.

again thanks for this amazing input and beautiful pics so far!

[texex91]

Had 997 and got new 991 and it's a true daily driver (granted it's new and not used).

Very smooth ride, comfort and very refined.

[BH13GMT]

For me it would be a late 993 varioram with 6 speed manual. I have heard the glass targa roofs eat electric motors so best swerved. Stay away from the tiptronik on the 993 as this hinders performance. As already mentioned the 996 will be a better performer and a lot cheaper to buy, the front end is often confused with a Boxter which has a very similar look. If u want the faster car (996 over the 993) try to bag the facelift model from 2002, this has the turbo front lights, larger 3.6. Engine giving around 320bhp over the earlier 3.4 giving 300bhp.
Good luck in your choice, look forward to seeing the end result.

[beaglehusky]

There are a few other factors that you may want to consider:
- Living in NY, you may want all-wheel drive. I am NOT saying that a 2WD Pcar cannot handle snow, but just for your own comfort and peace of mind.
- If you're doing mostly city driving, automatic transmission (I know, I know) may be a better option for your needs.
- Although the air cooled engines are in many people's opinion the best 911, you are talking about a car that is at least 14 years old. Is that something that may bother you?
- The 996 models have the huge (and IN MY OPINION overblown) stigma of the RMS and IMS issues. There are some new diagnostic tools (look up Raby Engineering) that would help you ease your mind, as well as giving the car proper preventive maintenance.
- I'd recommend browsing through classifieds so you can get a better idea of what your budget can afford. Excellence magazine, 6 speed, renlist, and pelican parts are a great starting point for technical info and the experiences of fellow owners. Excellence even offers a free (!) buyers guide so you better understand the options and changes in 911 models through time. The Porsche community is not unlike the Rolex community, there are many people happy to help you learn from their experiences.
- If you get a chance, go to a Porsche driving school. I think for the US, it's in Alabama. You will find out what these amazing machines can do and you'll get to drive one like you'd never dare to drive your own.
- If you take anything away from my post, take this: It is very important that you find a Porsche mechanic in your area and that you conduct a PPI prior to your purchase. Make sure that the guy works for you and that he has your best interest in mind.

I have owned a 911 40th Anniversary Edition for about 3 years and I could not be happier. I also attended a course in Leipzig and had an amazing time learning the capabilities of my car.

Enjoy the process and do your homework. Good luck!

[Rsvrider]

Stay away from 996 unless you are planning on doing the upgrades yourself or buy a car with the documented upgrades. There are many here defending the 996 with good reason..they own one. BUT think of the day youll want to sell it or trade it.
No one will give you a fair price, trust me. I traded my 996 Cab (with the upgrades) to the dealership who sold it to me and they gave me the same song and dance about how hard they are to move etc.
Be advised but it's your money and your taste. Do check Rennlist and Pelican for the PpI.
Start test driving even if you are not ready to buy. Btw the tiptronic on these cars not o good. On the 964 it's very expensive to fix (Dakar system) very robust but if it goes, not good. Get the Full Monty and get one with a third pedal IMHO.

[FNFZ4]

993 hands down. The last true 911. But that is just my 2 cents...996 997 991 are great cars. But too much electronics kills the fun in a 911 IMHO.

[Swearengen]

Originally Posted by KJacques

Are you speaking from experience or hearsay? I've owned every 911 version since the 911 SC and neither experienced any water cooling problems in the early 996 nor saw it in other cars. Any water cooled system in any car can have a problem, and all Porsche 911 versions have some issue or another and that includes every one of the air cooled versions. The 996 was no different but many of these are overblown myths. The 996 is a superb car.

Porsche M96/M97 have a weakness regarding the IMS, this is well known. But still it is fairly rare now as a lot of the problem motors have been weeded out by natural slection

[conrail]

Originally Posted by Beek

993 all the way. The last real Porsche and best looking 911.

x2. Loved it in Bad Boys.

EDIT: Oops, just saw it was a 964 in Bad Boys - well close enough ;-) Still an awesome body style.

[Power Play]

Having wished for a 911 since I was a kid, I finally pulled the trigger on a 2006 Carerra Cab in pristine condition with only 8k miles. I paid about half of the original cost.

This car was a life-changing event. I couldn't wait to get up and drive to work in the thing. The sound of the engine on start-up, the feel of the clutch and shift lever, the unbelievable steering feedback, the smell of the leather dash and the ungodly beautiful rear fenders in the rear vew mirror were absolutely amazing. Cost of ownership was very moderate and there were no unexpected service visits in the two years I enjoyed this work of art.

IMHO, the 997 series, which began in 2005, is one of the best ever and is eminently driveable and enjoyable as a daily driver.

Unfortunately, the need to continuously carry big hockey bags meant that the 911 needed to be replaced by a new Cayenne S, but that's another story entirely.

I'm really glad I had the opportunity to own and enjoy such an amazing machine and such an icon of automotive history. I hope that you get the same....

[Rsvrider]

So its clear that the majority will concur that it must me a 993 or earlier.

Let's talk colors!

Yes tradition and silver rules but in NYC you DONT want to be lost in the crowd. No yellow bc of the cabs. (used 964 just for example)
How about:

[conrail]

That deep blue is really pretty (bottom right pic). I'd stick to sharp colors like that blue, yellow, red, or black. Although the orange and green are pretty cool too, but I think the curves/lines of the car would get lost in a greenish color and that light blue.

[Rsvrider]

Originally Posted by conrail

That deep blue is really pretty (bottom right pic). I'd stick to sharp colors like that blue, yellow, red, or black.

Heres an answer with a question at the end, remember this ad?

[subtona]

so much great info, the 993 seems to be catching my eye in this thread.

i am not one to tinker, i would like to keep it stock (would prefer not to have to do significant upgrades) if possible and would be more comfortable if it wasn't tinkered with before my purchase... the 996 seems more likely to have work done???

i do favor a standard shift vs tiptronic, i have driven a few cars (not porsche) with tiptronic and always put off by what seems to be a delay in responsiveness. as far as standard in nyc, i would hopefully be heading out of the city everytime i was behind the wheel

would probably be drawn to simpler / standard colors.

4 wheel drive would certainly be useful here in nyc and on the road trips i would like to take... does it take away from the traditional 911 driving experience?

can anyone ballpark a $$$$ for a nice 993?

i am taking notes here regarding the great recommendations, as i mentioned i am not ready to dive into the forums just yet.... it would be too time intensive for me at the moment.

thanks for the great sharing

[nejo]

What do you think of the 997 ? Haven't been mentioned that much this far...

[Zed Homme]

Originally Posted by bayerische

Just a side note, the 993 is a classic, due to low production numbers, was in production for about 3 years?... If I remember correctly. The 996 is all over the place, so it the 997.

993 is the car Will Smith had in the first "Bad Boys" movie if my memory serves me.

I believe that was a 964 turbo, awesome car.

To the OP, I'd add another vote for the 993. Stay away from early 996s, they had alot more problems than the rms, 997s have rms problems as well. Besides, with the boxster headlights, the 996 just doesn't look right IMO.

Originally Posted by DMac225

I live in Dallas (RUF Home Town)

By Dallas you meant Pfaffenhausen right?

[DMac225]

Originally Posted by Zed Homme

I believe that was a 964 turbo, awesome car.

To the OP, I'd add another vote for the 993. Stay away from early 996s, they had alot more problems than the rms, 997s have rms problems as well. Besides, with the boxster headlights, the 996 just doesn't look right IMO.




By Dallas you meant Pfaffenhausen right?

http://www.racperformance.com/?//

[Power Play]

Originally Posted by Rsvrider

So its clear that the majority will concur that it must me a 993 or earlier.

Let's talk colors!

Yes tradition and silver rules but in NYC you DONT want to be lost in the crowd. No yellow bc of the cabs. (used 964 just for example)
How about:

Absolutely right on with the colors! The orange and green are absolutely the best 911 colors ever. My next GT3 will be one of these two colors for sure!

[Esexx]

During my research for my first 911 I was trying to avoid the 996. I read a lot and spoke with mechanics and owners. IMHO, IMSB failure is a known problem and does happen but not as often as the stories say on the net. I think of it as a plane crash, doesn't happen often but when it does hundreds of people are effected. In the case of a 996 it equates to a $15k to $20k new engine.

I had a budget and finally bought a 996 C2 cab. I figure buying a 996 around $28k and spending $4k on IMS/Clutch/RMS/Water Pump/etc would make it a $33k p-car. A stripped down mid year 997 (early year 997's still had IMS problems) in descent condition were going for well over $35k and the same for a turbo 996.

993, if I could find one were going towards $39k. (my next car)

I wanted a daily driver and that is what I got in my budget. I could not be happier.

Just be patient, don't get emotional over a car when shopping and the right p-car will find you!

Check this guy out...amazing!!

[iLLGT2]

Any thought on a Cayman S? FANTASTIC CAR!!!!!!!

[Zed Homme]

Originally Posted by DMac225

http://www.racperformance.com/?//

Are you confusing your local speed shop for RUF? I don't understand your post. RUF is in Germany, not Texas...

[topgear]

Gentlemen,
I am also interested to hear from the Carrera 911 experts here how does the Cayman measure up to Carrera 911. Of course Carrera is supreme in terms of heritage and performance compared to the Cayman.

However, does Cayman offer the same 'Porsche experience' - in terms of ride and handling?