I agree with Chas regarding the 996 GT3, especially considering your location, Ron. I'd go for a 997. My dad's was bulletproof and a IMO a perfect DD. If you want air cooled, 993 is most civilized. Sent via iPhone
I also was in this exact position as I was looking for a fun DD. I went with a '92 964 C4. It's more expensive than a 996 but has the character and provenance of the air-cooled 911's and is much better looking. It has the conveniences of a modern car (power steering, etc.) with the old-school charm and driver engagement that makes driving fun without the annoying computer aids that get in the way (a major reason why I dumped my previous DD). It has all-wheel drive for Canadian winters but German rust-proofing (so far, so good). And, IMO, it's the best looking of the classic 911's. I love mine!
jeff: your opinion is right on!!!!! i have had four 911's. i will be getting my fourth one in a few weeks (my 2012 is on a ship, en route at this moment). they get better with each iteration!
997.2 Carrera S 993 Turbo 930 The Germans didn't really understand AC in the 80s. At least BMW didn't. So if AC is an issue, you may want a newer one unless the AC works in the older two (obviously). The 997 might be a bit easier or comfortable to drive. I havent driven any but that's my logic. Hope that helps.
We have a winner. The 3.2 Targa is terrific. (Although my 993 had much better a/c, so as a daily driver it's easier to live with.) 997s are nice, but too 'normal'. '69-'73 911s are wonderful, but very loud and getting to be very expensive (nice ones are more than a 997). Probably more of a hobby car at this point, for guys who know how to handle the 911 at it's trickiest.
I can't imagine choosing a Carrera over a Turbo. Any other reasons you went with the Carrera or was it mostly the upgraded electronics?
Updated electronics, LED head/taillights, and MUCH lower mileage. The base Carrera is fast enough for my commute. The more time I spend driving it, the happier I am with my choice. The turbo was very tempting but I like the "new" feeling of what I got. What I really wish I could have gotten was a new 991.... but it was just out of my price range. I drove one and it's fantastic. Next time.
I have zero interest in a turbo. power you can't use, AWD, heavier, uglier, wider (that makes a difference in LA), worse gas mileage. no dice. C2/C2S or GT3 for me.
if your happy with an older car buy a 993,i owned new a 993 RS best car i've ever owned. Image Unavailable, Please Login
This thread reconfirms what I think is best about the internet....thoughful, helpful observations, experiences, and recommendations for the original poster. You respondents are to be congratulated for taking the time to help Toggie.
Well...the peanut gallery has decided the most suitable 911 is a variant of either a: 3.2 964 993 996 997 Hopefully we've cleared things up for you
997 GT3 While I love my 993tt S I wouldn't daily drive it and live with the AC vs the water cooled cars. My 964 would be lost as a daily as well. Just not the right car for in and out grocery commute etc. 85k or so 997 gt3 will check all boxes and has the only real engine 997's ever got.
plus 1 When it comes to the day in, day out, week end, week out, month in, month out daily grind of Daily driving, nastalgia can become over-rated. Most of us long for some practicality at the end of the day for DD. Get both! A 997S....and an older porsche. When you absolutely, positively have to be there....see which set of keys you reach for
So I'm the only idiot who would say price no matter, find yourself a 935 DP? 12-15K mi/yr no problem. That would be one hell of a DD!!!
I think I have changed my mind. I think you probably should get a 997 instead of a 993 - the 993 really has become a specialty item over the past 10 years and is more for the air-cooled diehards like myself than for the new generation who want a Porsche daily driver. As was pointed out, a good one can be more expensive than any 996 and many 997s. Incidentally, just for the record - there is nothing wrong with the AC on a 993 if it is in good repair. And I live in Dallas. Of course, these cars should not be left out in the sun to heat-soak all day...maybe another reason to get into a 997 if you have to do that.
We is different. I think the Turbo looks great, AWD is a huge plus for me, and I'd do my damnedest to find a way to use that power.
997's don't really need AWD though, IMO, and I've driven a RWD one in the snow I might go full throttle in my car once every couple of days. traffic, and traffic laws, just don't allow it more than that. and that's with 320 bhp. so 470 (or whatever a turbo has) is just silly. I do miss the low end torque of my 3.8 S, though.
While I agree that the AC works in the 993 it is nothing like the watercooled younger brothers AC. It's either on or off and as a daily it gets tiresome using it this way. That's obviously my opinion I just like the friendlier water cooled systems for AC usage.
I would say go for a nice 997 Carrera S cabriolet, its pretty sweet! If you can, a 2009 and up with the LEDs are even sweeter but the S has everything you need, plenty of power. If a Cabrio is not for you, the coupe is the way to go. You don't need the S c4, most likely you will not be driving this nice car in the snow! I love my 997 Carrera, most reliable I think while giving all of the modern technology you are use to without worried about taking it to the shop every other 2 weeks. How do I know -my 996 was always in the shop. all the best! Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
the 996 had three major problems: a) it wasn't air cooled the purists will always hate that. if the 996/997 was air cooled and the 991 was the first water cooled 911, they'd be up in arms about it now b) the styling wasn't so great. fried egg headlights, no "hips", etc c) really crap, built-to-a-cost interior. the 997 solved problems 2 and 3. in a lot of ways I think the 996 was something of a "sacrficial lamb" in the transition from air to water cooled. still, it's a good car, (great in GT3 form) and a hell of a bargain today.
