A what porsche thread, brought to you by wherethefmi.

Matt B wrote: People don't buy these cars because they want to be practical. In my eyes, the 993 is one of the most beautiful cars ever designed, not to mention an icon. If I had the extra cash, the choice would be no-contest. I would probably just crack open a beer and stare at it in the driveway after work for an hour or so every day.

Yup.

Although the 993 technically has back seats so it could be considered more practical.

wherethefmi wrote: Well I hadn't considered them, though now I might, and I may be opening up to the 996 too.

Run away screaming. They have the same engine issues as the Boxsters. As in many catastrophic engine failures. One of the reasons why I don't own a Boxster right now, either.

Stick with the aircooled car.

so the 996 is evil and should be avoided at all costs cool thanks.

Sorry to thread jack, but where can i find a list off all these confusing numbers

Edit* what #s are "911s"

here's a list

956

911

912

993

996

997

998

959

967

944

928

ok I'm a smart ass.

I just use good old wiki

Winston wrote:

wherethefmi wrote: Well I hadn't considered them, though now I might, and I may be opening up to the 996 too.

Run away screaming. They have the same engine issues as the Boxsters. As in *many* catastrophic engine failures. One of the reasons why I don't own a Boxster right now, either. Stick with the aircooled car.

He means the 996, not the 964... the 964 had some early head problems but otherwise is stone reliable like an anvil.

Here be mine, it's only issue is that it is red:

Yarh, that be a good looking Porsche, what years be the 964?

And I figured he meant the 996 I don't really like the styling on them enough for me to seriously consider them.

The 964 is the unloved bastard predecessor to the 993. 1989->1994 including the '93 RS America which mine is a wannabe of. They came out in 89 as C4 only, 90 began the C2s and after 92 they were really solid. 90/91s if the factory fixes were done are just as good.

The keys if you are looking is to make sure the heads have gaskets (early models had leak issues), the dual ignition is functioning and the vent tube that keeps the ozone from eating the distributor belt drive to the second ignition is in place. Otherwise, same ppi as an older car but with an even more complicated heater (it works though). BTW, the car in the pic is really as nice as it looks and I bought it for way under $20k.

I see, I think if I go 911 this might be the direction I go. they are about 10k closer to my supposed budget. Should I be able to snag one for 15K or less?

You can - but do your homework and know the costs. This was a short run and some parts are no longer available so you have to fit the 993 parts, refurbish the old one or pay out the nose. A small for instance... I had a bad master cylinder... the older car's part is $100, the 993 part is $380 my car's was $1900!?! . I had a machine shop sleeve it for $275 but could have used the 993 part with a small fitting change if that wasn't going to work out. Happy shopping.

928s4 (with a 5 speed) (Heavy gt car. Think German sports car with american V8 goodness that can actually handle.)

Or the newest 951 (for the $$$ probably one of the fastest cars you can get and 350-400 hp and only a couple mods away) These care are light toss-able fun cars. Why back roads were invented!

Both very fast and still look really cool cars. Just get the one that has the best documented maintenance and you will be ok.

As of right now I think I'm out of the FR market I want to try my hand at some thing different for a change. Admittedly those 928s are cool just not interested at the moment. Most likely a year from now I may feel differently about all of this. And I guess that depends on what the HOT topic on here is lol. I do have to admit that the parts thing scares me a little, I need to be realistic and hopefully if I do go this rout a good PPI will save me a lot of trouble down the road.

Okay so after going to the ORPCA autocross today, I got to see a bunch of Porsches. On the 911 front I think I'm out, cost of ownership doesn't seem to be limited to purchase price. Now the Boxster is looking like a great way to go, and with the way some of those 914 were running well they may have changed my mind $hit Box especially. Well Still have a yearish to make up my mind, a 2001+ Boxster S doesn't seem to unobtainable.

In Reply to P71: Yeah I know how fun the RX7 was, not ruling one out in the future, I remember they're cheap.

Make SURE you're familiar with the Boxster engine maladies before purchasing.

Nathan

Mine?

That said, I do love the 993. The 993 will cost more to own than the 986S. Handling is an easy win for the 986. It's not an "easy button" it is just flat out a better handling car. Tell me it's "easy" when you are in a 4 wheel drift or hit the low polar moment....

Boxsters are better to live with too. They have an A/C and it works. They can sit in traffic all day with no worries. They have 2 trunks, perfect for a set of golf clubs and a cooler of beer. Chicks dig'em and they come with a convenient door storage for "hair scrunchies" and a brush for her hair.

If I had a beater / daily driver, I would say the 993. If I wanted a Porsche that was amazing to drive every day I would say the 986. And don't worry, you'll still get plenty of looks!