Why No Love For The 993 (and others)?

"Tom McParland" (tommcparland) 01/05/2014 at 09:00 • Filed to: explain it to me, porsche, 993

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I love the Porsche 911, and I mean love in a slightly obsessed and unhealthy way. Perhaps I've been influenced by Richard Hammond or have been hanging around here too much. Because this is one of the few places that understands the strange obsession with the "fancy Beetle."

I'm also not picky about which 911 strikes my fancy, new ones, old ones...and how can I forget about the racing ones! But I couldn't help but notice that only certain generations get all the love.

Since the 991 is the new kid on the block that is understandable. And folks like Singer, RWB, and Magnus Walker have brought new life back into the 964. What about those in the middle? Take the 993 for example, no one really talks about that body style, which is too bad because it was the last air-cooled 911, it still had round headlamps (looking at you 996) and was an impressive performer.

So what say you...are we forgetting about some great Porsches (911s or otherwise)? Or are some in that weird zone of not old enough to be classic but also not the latest itineration?

Goshen, formerly Darkcode > Tom McParland 01/05/2014 at 09:05

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I'm not much of a Porsche guy - in my town they're mostly driven by soccer moms (Cayenne), Chinese nouveau riche (Panamera) and middle aged men (911, Boxster/Cayman), but I personally think the 993 is the most beautiful 911 generation.
I don't feel that it's underrated, most people I know who are into Porsches are quite fond of it.

Brian Silvestro > Tom McParland 01/05/2014 at 09:08

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Personally, I love the 993. But I don't think they get as much attention because for the price of a well sorted one, you can get a CPO 997.

BlazinAce - Doctor of Internal Combustion > Tom McParland 01/05/2014 at 09:11

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The 993 has been my favorite 911 for a long time now... For the exact reasons you mentioned, including its clean design and air cooled engine. Also, it was on Scud Race/Sega Super GT, so, as usual, there's nostalgic about as well.

Shady Balkan Subject, Drives an Alfa > Tom McParland 01/05/2014 at 09:16

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I love the 993s, they have something incredibly cool about them, but I can't say what or why. Maybe it is because it look very similar to the 959. I also like very much the 964, but more or less I not a big fan of anything after that, whit the exceptions of the GT3s.

edlovessabarth > Tom McParland 01/05/2014 at 09:21

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To me the back of the 993 is pretty, but the front looks like a poor integration of the 930/964 era and 996/997 era.

DollaMoneyAve > Tom McParland 01/05/2014 at 09:36

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My boss has the fastest street legal 996 in the world , so that's my favorite generation, hands down. I watched that thing go from stock to 1300 hp. It's been featured in European car and ran 234mph at the Texas Mile.

Tom McParland > DollaMoneyAve 01/05/2014 at 09:38

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But those headlights! Just kidding they were bonkers cars.

DollaMoneyAve > Tom McParland 01/05/2014 at 09:44

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Speaking of bonkers, he just bought a Gallardo SuperLeggera and sent it to UG for their twin turbo kit for 2000 hp.

Kmccauley > edlovessabarth 01/05/2014 at 10:06

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Haha, I always consider the 964 to be a weird halfway between the 930 and the more fully-realized, aerodynamic 993! Guess just different perspectives.

Road Magazine > Tom McParland 01/05/2014 at 10:09

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The 993, 997.2 and the 991 have been my favourite 911's. If you offered me a brand new 911 GT3 vs a 993 GT2, I'd easily take the 993.

Kmccauley > Tom McParland 01/05/2014 at 10:09

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There's plenty of love for the 993! A 993 C2 S is considered by many to be the most desirable 911.

Just wear your damn mask... > Tom McParland 01/05/2014 at 10:12

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What exactly do you mean by "no one really talks about" the 993? For a not insignificant percentage of Porschephiles, who believe liquid coolant is the devil's work, the 993 is the ultimate expression of what they love about Porsche. There is no shortage of conversation about the 993 among enthusiasts.

Tom McParland > Kmccauley 01/05/2014 at 10:13

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Maybe they just deserve more press...actually never mind we don't want them succumbing to E30 M3 syndrome.

xxcatchmyshadowxx > Tom McParland 01/05/2014 at 10:15

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the new 991 is the prettiest 911 ever for me, almost Aston Martin kind of pretty, the really early 911s a(i)re cooler tho. those earlier than the 993. i don`t get the hype, the 930 for example is the much cooler 911 imho..

JayHova > Tom McParland 01/05/2014 at 10:15

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There are people out there who don't like the 993?

If the title had read something "Why no love for the 996?", I would have understood that, but the 993?

1337HPMustang > Goshen, formerly Darkcode 01/05/2014 at 10:20

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Not to mention the 993 GT2 is an incredible machine both visually and performance wise. My personal favorite Porsche.

Masterofgoingfaster > Tom McParland 01/05/2014 at 10:21

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I'd say everyone talks about the 993s, they are the most expensive ones without being old enough to be classics and everyone that knows 911 knows they are the last air cooler ones and most think they are the prettiest. I believe the 964s still don't get much love and certainly the 996s

Masterofgoingfaster > Tom McParland 01/05/2014 at 10:21

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I'd say everyone talks about the 993s, they are the most expensive ones without being old enough to be classics and everyone that knows 911 knows they are the last air cooler ones and most think they are the prettiest. I believe the 964s still don't get much love and certainly the 996s

PardonMyFlemish16 > Tom McParland 01/05/2014 at 10:25

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I think the 993 gets plenty of love. It's the ultimate air-cooled Porsche....

Bronson Jonson > Tom McParland 01/05/2014 at 10:26

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I don't think there is a lack of love for the 993. Quite the opposite. Go over to the Pelican forums and see for yourself. Outside of my 71E', my favorite body style.

I love you but I've chosen hooning! > Tom McParland 01/05/2014 at 10:27

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Plenty of love for all Porsche 911s (and some others too). The 993 is a gem and in my opinion one of the most beautiful iterations of this iconic sports car. The 964 is also plenty cool but just looks like a G-Modell with different body panels, even though its almost a completely new car.

Only recently have I developed a taste of the derided 996 (especially the facelift). Yeah, yeah no round headlights and all but that body looks extremely good! Saw one next to a 991 and sweet baby jesus - is that a tiny car compared to it's younger brother. Also prices are currently very low, so you could get a nice car for the summer. From what I've heard maintenance isn't that much of a problem either and unlike other sports cars in that category (looking at you, Aston) you can also bring it to your garage around to the corner to have someone work on it.

SkankHunt42 > Tom McParland 01/05/2014 at 10:28

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Your spot on about this. The 993 should be more desirable than many others because it is still air cooled and for that it sounds different than many others of today. I think the problem is that people today cannot see the difference in the 911's so they only look at the old ones or the new new ones today for what is desirable.

etype > Tom McParland 01/05/2014 at 10:29

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At least in Germany the 993 gets lots of love. Good ones are almost always more expansive than 964s and 996s. To me it's the most beautiful modern 911 out there - and because it's the last of the aircooled it will always be special. To me it's the top of the evolution - but too expensive. So I settled for a '77 g-model - which is the cheapest aircooled. But hey - i'm not complaining ;-)

strokeofgenius > Tom McParland 01/05/2014 at 10:34

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A favorite scene of mine which uses the 964. Martin Lawrence is apparently not a fan of the 964.

Nugmast3r > Tom McParland 01/05/2014 at 10:36

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As everyone else has said, 993s are HIGHLY sought after (especially the C2S/C4S and Turbo). A 993 in good condition is going to go for almost 1.5x-2x as much as a used 996 in the same condition. Hell, a low mileage 993 turbo can go for as much as a new turbo!

Rob > Tom McParland 01/05/2014 at 10:40

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I fully intend in the next 5-10 years to pick up a 993 Carerra S. What an utterly gorgeous piece of art.

GFFFFF > Tom McParland 01/05/2014 at 10:45

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I love the 993, that is all. 4 valve cylinders did it in among probably a half dozen engineering reasons. But I'd take a 993 over a modern variant any day of the week. Air cooled engines are a brilliant design, and if you haven't driven one you won't understand until you do.

993_4S > Tom McParland 01/05/2014 at 10:45

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Well, I think that there is a lot of love for the 993. I have a C4S, which is constantly more admired than 964s or 996s and I adore driving it. It is totally usable as a daily driver and will still pull to handsome speeds in Germany. Also, the car continues to appreciate......

Tom McParland > 993_4S 01/05/2014 at 10:46

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Cool got any pics you'd like to share?

chriswhotakesphotos > Tom McParland 01/05/2014 at 10:48

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It's not that I forget about them, it's just that I could never tell you which 911 was which based on the slightly more detailed number that isn't 911. I just like 911s.

Have Jeep, will travel. > Tom McParland 01/05/2014 at 10:49

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993 was the pinnacle of the original 911. New ones are nice but obviously not the same car. They have a huge following and have held value very well. Your question would be better asked of the 964. Also a fantastic car, has some issues but its the middle child between the "original" 911's last gasp as the 3.2 Carerra (some say only 911's with long hoods are "real" 911's) and the final 993. Its like B.C./A.D. The 993 was the last true 911. I think a good one would be a C2S. The later cars like the 996/997 are fantastic but its not the same as the old cars. Fact: a windshield from a 60's 911 fits a 993.

rctsCanada > Tom McParland 01/05/2014 at 10:54

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I thought it was understood that the 993 was THE 911 to get. The 964 had a lot of electrical gremlins from a time when Porsche said "hey let's put a bunch of electrical stuff in the car and hope it works out". The 996 is the 996 and needs no explanation, it will not age well. the 997 and 991 are awesome lookers and performers.

The 993 was the last of the true classic styling, just look at the dash on them! air cooled fun is a plus and the turbos are great. They really keep you on your toes. They are very expensive to buy when compared to a 996.

fivepointnine > Tom McParland 01/05/2014 at 10:56

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Easily the best looking 911 generation ever made, and because of that, they are very overpriced (in my opinion) even with their inherent engine issues (valve guide issues, secondary air injection issues). When I was looking at them, I saw a shocking amount of 993's that had new engines prior to 100k miles. 964's are easily the best bargain right now, closely followed by the SC.

bradledy > Tom McParland 01/05/2014 at 10:56

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Check out the 993 RS Clubsport. One of my 5 favorite Porsches.

993_4S > Tom McParland 01/05/2014 at 10:56

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Here it is at the top of the Silvretta Hochalpenstrasse in Austria this past September - behind it are a Cayman R and a 991 C4S convertible.

Reborn Pyrrhic > Tom McParland 01/05/2014 at 10:58

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I always loved the air cooled ones, including 964 and 993. My favorite have always been the lower horsepower early 80s 911 SC. Why? Because those are the closest to me actually owning a 911.

Sharpel0007 > Tom McParland 01/05/2014 at 10:58

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Considering 964 go for a good bit lower then a 993, G model even less, I say there pretty appreciated. Its hard to discuss perfection. Manual trans, very few electric nannies, etc.

Bot also 993 speedster

112358132134 > Tom McParland 01/05/2014 at 10:58

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I think there is strong and continuous love for the 993. They have always maintained their value well, are always praised as the last aircooled, and I personally have never heard a bad word spoken about the styling. I personally love the looks and the beautiful interiors. I think the fact that a 993 c4s regularly sells for more than most 996 997 997.2 c4s really demonstrates the appreciation for the model

DollaMoneyAve > 1337HPMustang 01/05/2014 at 11:00

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Such an amazing car. It's definitely one of my favorite cars ever, from any manufacturer.

Jason955i > Tom McParland 01/05/2014 at 11:03

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I hope people ignore the 993 enough for it to become cheap, then appreciate in value as more people who grew up lusting after them start collecting them. It's still my favorite, especially in Turbo form. Would gladly go for a C2 or C2S if one is proces right!

monovich > Tom McParland 01/05/2014 at 11:07

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Why no love? That may be a bit off. These get plenty of love and are often highly celebrated. I would give my left gonad for a 993 Turbo and I think the 993 in general is the best single example of the 911 shape.

monovich > Brian Silvestro 01/05/2014 at 11:08

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Bingo. The values prove that they are in fact well loved. Did they ever depreciate all that much?

CJinOB > Masterofgoingfaster 01/05/2014 at 11:09

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993s hold their value the best of post-901 Porsches. The reason they don't get modified like 964s is precisely because people love them just as they are, while the 964 has always been considered ripe for improvement. The least loved 911s are the 996, 964, and '74-'77 911s built between the introduction of big bumpers and the introduction of the reliable 911SC.

The-Ever-Socially-Apathetic TBAL > Tom McParland 01/05/2014 at 11:10

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The best 911 is the 964 Turbo.

Last of the air cooled, rear wheel drive, big single turbo cars. Especially in 3.6 guise. Also, it just looks straight up class.

I don't think any other 911 signifies "911" in the way the 964T does, visually.

A widow maker indeed.

Ltd783 > monovich 01/05/2014 at 11:11

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This was what I came here to say. I would say the 993 is probably the MOST loved 911 right now, the ultimate air cooled 911. When a nice 1999 costs half as much as a 1998, that does indicate something is up...

mcseanerson > I love you but I've chosen hooning! 01/05/2014 at 11:14

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I've recently become fond of the 996 as well. They are at rock bottom prices right now and as far as Porsches go I think they are probably the most mundane when you're not driving like a madman, and sometimes that's a good thing.

79MZsidecar > I love you but I've chosen hooning! 01/05/2014 at 11:19

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I've read that the 996' transmission is problematic. I had to find out why whey are so cheap! Some issues with the water cooled engine (which are avoidable if dealt with in advance) seem to be the biggest (and most expensive) problem.

I'd love getting one, but don't have the room to do the prophylactic engine rebuild, and would never pay the price of letting someone sort it out. They should also be a sound investment, prices can only go up!

Brian Silvestro > monovich 01/05/2014 at 11:29

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I honestly think they never depreciated. The 996 came out right after this one, so people went right back to buying 993's. By the time the 997 came out, they were very popular.

burglar can't heart click anything > Tom McParland 01/05/2014 at 11:36

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The nice thing about the 911 is that everyone has their favorite, and nobody is really wrong. Judging by prices, I'd say the 993 gets most of the love.

I love you but I've chosen hooning! > 79MZsidecar 01/05/2014 at 11:39

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The crank axle is indeed somewhat problematic, yet apparently less so in the revised M96.2 and M96.3 motors from 2002 onwards . My mechanic told me that if I wanted to get a 996, I should get a 2002 4s. In his opinion they are a perfect mix between a sports car and a daily driver.

burglar can't heart click anything > Kmccauley 01/05/2014 at 11:40

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The 993 C2S / C4S are to my eye the prettiest 911s ever made.

maximum_sarge > DollaMoneyAve 01/05/2014 at 11:42

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What does one do with 2000 hp in a street car? drive around in 6th gear all the time? I've driven some cars in the 700+ hp range, and I cannot imagine how you could even put 2,000 hp down on the pavement, ever. Not without drag slicks and a wheelie bar.

I suppose this is for things like the Texas Mile, where you're in sixth gear at 200 mph and still accelerating like you're in first gear... but still.

DollaMoneyAve > maximum_sarge 01/05/2014 at 11:44

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That's exactly what it's for. He races in straight line events like that throughout the year. His Porsche wasn't able to keep up with the twin turbo Gallardos and Ford GT's anymore.

DETROIT > Tom McParland 01/05/2014 at 11:47

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I don't think anyone forgot about the 993; quite the opposite - they may be some of the most loved. Last air-cooled, voluptuous body, plenty of variants. They are more expensive than 964s and that's a start to why people don't mod them as much (thank the Lord that RWB hasn't gotten a hold of them). I didn't think Walker did 964s either, I thought he was more into the first gen. They are truly great cars, modern 911's aren't really sports cars (dimensionally) but rather GT cars. The turbo variant of the 993 is one of the most beautiful Porsche street cars ever.

monovich > Brian Silvestro 01/05/2014 at 11:51

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As it should be. Thank you 996.

Brian Silvestro > monovich 01/05/2014 at 11:52

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You're welcome.

Kmccauley > burglar can't heart click anything 01/05/2014 at 11:53

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I drove a friend's '98 C2 S last year — this was my driveway when a few friends came over to watch a F1 race (I have since pressure washed the driveway!)

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NoahthePorscheGuy > Tom McParland 01/05/2014 at 11:54

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993 has always been one of my favorites. I actually think the 964 is the most forgotten of the models, because it wasn't a drastic change and it wasn't around for a while. Values of special 993's have recently skyrocket too.

Magnus also prefers to work on the original 911's, I don't think he customizes past 88.

Mhmmm RWB

Alex87f > Kmccauley 01/05/2014 at 11:58

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When I was a 6 years old, my grandfather had a car magazine with this very picture. I can remember staring at it for hours..

DETROIT > Reborn Pyrrhic 01/05/2014 at 11:58

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Get one while you can! There was a time when 356's were dirt cheap. I love air-cooled 911's; the new ones (while great cars!) just don't feel or sound like the air-cooled cars (and are huge in comparison).

The director of design for Bugatti actually has an SC that has been stripped and has carbon body-panels. It's really pretty cool and interesting since it is the exact opposite of the philosophy of a Veyron. Very tasteful too since it doesn't look on the exterior very any different from a stock SC. Look it up, there are some vids of it floating around.

maximum_sarge > DollaMoneyAve 01/05/2014 at 11:59

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Does it get a taller final drive or new diff ratios as well? Where would stock sixth top out... 210 or so?

VideoSP > Tom McParland 01/05/2014 at 12:00

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"Why No Love for the 993?" What's your next post, OP? "Am I the only one that like Manual Transmissions?" or "I'm pretty sure I'm the only dude that likes E30 BMWs and Miatas."

DollaMoneyAve > maximum_sarge 01/05/2014 at 12:01

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It's a full package, from what I'm told. Tranny, suspension, etc., everything you'd expect to put down 2000 hp "reliably." Not sure where it would top out.

catram > strokeofgenius 01/05/2014 at 12:07

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Epic

DETROIT > The-Ever-Socially-Apathetic TBAL 01/05/2014 at 12:08

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ahem... Turbo 3.6 S would be ultimate :)

agreed though - my mechanic had a Yellow Turbo S (not the 3.6) on a lift a couple months back. Badass ride!

Rob > Rob 01/05/2014 at 12:08

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And actually who in the hell calls themselves a Jalop, or an automotive enthusiast in general, and doesn't covet the 993?

maximum_sarge > Tom McParland 01/05/2014 at 12:08

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I've always been a fan of these. I think a lot of people are, which explains the value of them these days...

Iamopenlyjudgingyou > Tom McParland 01/05/2014 at 12:10

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I was under the impression that everybody loves the 993 and its the early 996 that everybody hates.

Who the hell in their right mind (besides the xbox types who are all about "Mah nerbergs timez brah") lacks love for the 993.

993 is probably the only Porsche I'd actually put in my garage.

J "oppo" Zeke > Tom McParland 01/05/2014 at 12:12

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It's like the E36 BMWs, or the 348 Ferrari: stuff in the mid 1990s is both too new and not old enough currently, and the production numbers for performance cars in the 90's skyrocketed from other years.

I love the 993, but that they aren't quite as raw as the original 911s (up to 89) or as technomarvels as the 997s mean they are currently less than top banana. Combine that with none of the daily livability of the 996 (which thanks to watercooling and refinement is truly a 911 for every day) or precious little of the durable simplicity of pre-964 911s and they're going to languish for a time before the market loves them.

Which means for me, I'll wait a couple more years until I can find one at a bargain price and snatch it up for future love.

The-Ever-Socially-Apathetic TBAL > DETROIT 01/05/2014 at 12:12

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Agreed. Turbo 3.6S! In black.

ejp > Tom McParland 01/05/2014 at 12:13

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I'll echo the others statements in here and add some justification for what you're seeing.

As others have said, the 993's are highly sought-after in the p-car community, and good ones carry a hefty price tag to match. This is one of the reasons why the 964's are seeing some love from enthusiasts. They were previously unloved, and were valued accordingly. Good ones are still pretty cheap to snag. An air cooled 911 that was still fairly quirky, but had working AC, a twin-plug motor, and a factory power steering delete is available. Some variants do carry a high price tag, and always will like the the RS America (or the turbo).

The 964's are often backdated over 993's for a number of reasons. First, it doesn't make sense to tear apart such a valuable car. Second, the body of the 993 is clearly different than the 964, lacking items like the old 911 fenders up front. Backdating a 993 is significantly more body work than a 964.

Lastly, when it comes to the C4's, my understanding is that the 964's AWD system is superior to the 993's . The 964 used a computer controlled multi-clutch system, derived from the 959. The 993 used a much simpler (and cheaper) viscous cup system (usually, I'd say that simpler is better - but I'm not sure that it's the case here). That change, combined with the change in weight distribution has resulted in (what has been described to me as) an anemic, un911-like driving experience. Undeersteered into corners (like a 911), and understeered out (unlike a 911) - kind of robbing the joy of the thing.

Personally, I prefer the simplicity and rawness of the earlier cars; anything with torsion bars, really. It would be neat to have a perfect 993 C2 to drive around every day, though.

Tom McParland > VideoSP 01/05/2014 at 12:13

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Actually dude, I'm pretty sure I'm the only one who likes wagons. :D

79MZsidecar > I love you but I've chosen hooning! 01/05/2014 at 12:15

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Exactly. And avoid the Tiptronic. But what fun would a 911 be without a proper shifter?

Blze001 > Tom McParland 01/05/2014 at 12:15

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My favorite Porsche, personally, is the 911's little brother, the 912. 90hp of flat-4 aircooled fury! In a car that weighs just over 2000lbs.

velyse > Tom McParland 01/05/2014 at 12:16

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993 is the best 911, hands down, and the used car market on them proves it 100 times over, look at how expensive they are compared to close year models (964s and 996s). 993's are near twice as much to own as the similar previous or newer body.

covesidekid > Tom McParland 01/05/2014 at 12:16

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Possibly the worst car decision I ever made was selling my 993 turbo S. Writing this article was an equally bad decision.

Somethingwittyer likes noisy > Tom McParland 01/05/2014 at 12:17

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Not to come off as a douche (though I probably will), but the 993 is far from underrated. Porsche fanboys love the thing and pretty much agree that it's the best of the air cooled 911s. That's partly why everyone hates the 996 so much.

shogunjack > Tom McParland 01/05/2014 at 12:18

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Here is mine, I love it and these days 993 are becoming more popular because they are approaching the status of classic. And that's the generation with the best design IMHO

Tom McParland > Somethingwittyer likes noisy 01/05/2014 at 12:18

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Yeah I am realizing that now...I just noticed that other than Porsche forums they don't get much press anymore and was wondering why?

quattrofl > Tom McParland 01/05/2014 at 12:19

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I want the 993 more than any other generation of 911

Tom McParland > covesidekid 01/05/2014 at 12:20

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I can forget about this piece and move on...you can't forget about selling your 993 Turbo. :P

Seriously though, at least you can cross it off your bucket list of awesome cars you have owned.

MattyF > Just wear your damn mask... 01/05/2014 at 12:25

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Honestly I thought the OP was just trolling when he wrote that. This is just more proof the Jalopnik and Oppo are filling with articles written by idiots who consider themselves enthusiasts, yet have never owned a Porsche in their life and have no clue what they are talking about.

Dr.Kamiya > Tom McParland 01/05/2014 at 12:26

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It's already happened.

993 Turbos are already well above $100k, and GT2s are pushing $300k.

Dukes_of_Atlanta > Tom McParland 01/05/2014 at 12:26

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The 993 doesn't get a lot of loud love, but it gets quiet respect.

Look at how inexpensive the 996s are compared to the 993, and the price drop to the 964. Porsche enthusiasts want 993s...

Best looking 911 of all time, in my opinion. (Well, maybe minus the late 60s models.) Smooth lines very clean, and it still looked like a classic 911.

MattyF > Tom McParland 01/05/2014 at 12:29

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you can't "love the Porsche 911, and I mean love in a slightly obsessed and unhealthy way" and not know that the 993 (the last of the air-cooled) is considered by many to be the epitome of the Porsche experience. How can you own a 911 and not know this?

Tom McParland > Dukes_of_Atlanta 01/05/2014 at 12:29

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That explains it exactly. :)

Tom McParland > MattyF 01/05/2014 at 12:30

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My poorly made point was that other that Porsche forums you just don't read about them much on places like Jalopnik and other car blogs.

Vandito > rctsCanada 01/05/2014 at 12:30

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Electrical gremlins? What are you talking about? The electronics on the 993 and 964 are pretty much interchangeable.

MattyF > Tom McParland 01/05/2014 at 12:36

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also, for the record: The 964 is not a car that Magnus Waker is obsessed with. He's into longhoods and Singer uses 964s because collectors would flip out if they chopped and desecrated the 933.

I mean no disrespect and this is just plain solid advice. Go buy a 911. Any one you can afford. They are hands down the greatest driving experience you can buy at any price point (don't even talk to me about Miata). It will change your life.

BionicPhil > Tom McParland 01/05/2014 at 12:38

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No love for the 993? If you look at used prices (the market being the best empirical measure of demand) you'll see the 993 is worth more than the 964 before it and the 996 after it. Yes, this was a short run of cars (1994-1998) but the values are absolutely there.

Tom McParland > MattyF 01/05/2014 at 12:38

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Trust me owning a 911 of any generation is on my list of things to do before I die.

R W > DollaMoneyAve 01/05/2014 at 12:38

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So. Drugs, or family money/connections?

Rattleface Blouses > Tom McParland 01/05/2014 at 12:40

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It is my favorite generation 911 by far. Seriously, just listen to it.

TheCraigy > Tom McParland 01/05/2014 at 12:41

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Because they're freakin expensive.

DollaMoneyAve > R W 01/05/2014 at 12:42

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It's not mine, it's my bosses. We do construction in NYC. Business is good.

bubrubb > 79MZsidecar 01/05/2014 at 12:42

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As a 996 C4 owner, I can tell you personally that mine has been absolutely bullet-proof.

The main rub on the 996 line is the failure rate of the Intermediate Main Shaft (IMS) Bearing and the leaking Rear Main Seal which affected Boxsters as well.

The IMS bearing can fail and detonate the engine. There is no particular rhyme or reason, but it seems to affect more cars that have been 'garage queened'. In recent years, failure detection systems by Flat 6 Innovations have provided some piece of mind.

rctsCanada > Vandito 01/05/2014 at 12:56

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we have one at our shop. The owner has had a couple of 964's and has always had issues with electrical bugs. I have been told that this is pretty common in them (especially earlier ones) the 993 however was more straight forward.

Autojunkie > Tom McParland 01/05/2014 at 12:57

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I would rather have a 993 over one of the newer ones. I actually have never heard anyone talk bad about the 993. I do know that they're still not cheap enough for me to buy one though.

Vandito > rctsCanada 01/05/2014 at 12:58

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What specific electronics-related problem is the one at your shop experiencing?

Tom T > Tom McParland 01/05/2014 at 13:02

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I'm not so sure about them getting no love. Just look at the used prices of a 95-98 aircooled 993. Good luck finding anything decent below 50,000$. Skip to 1999/2000 and you can pick up the early water cooled version for below 20,000. As the last of the air cooled 911's I see their popularity and price just going up. I own a 1986 Carrera because I can't afford one from the late 90's!