Would you sell your 1er for a 993?

[squidge]

I love my 128i and had no intentions of selling it any time soon, but through sheer coincidence I found out about a white '97 Carrera 2 potentially for sale in my area that seems like a nice deal on a clean car.

993 is currently worth about double my 128i, but in another 5-10 years, when the 128i's value is down to like 30% and the 993 is up to who knows what, the financials change significantly.

Would you swap? Keep in mind I have two small kids and will actually use the car, albeit infrequently (weekends and HPDEs mainly.) I've wanted one since I was a kid, and I'm afraid if I want another 5-10 years I'll just never buy one because they'll be so stupid expensive by then.

[wjk_glynn]

If I had the funds, I definitely would. Air cooled 911s will hold their values, most likely offsetting the significantly higher maintenance costs. And then there's the fact that you only live once, so if you have means I'd recommend it.

BTW, I assume you're well versed on 993 issues such as SAI port problems?

Very important to have a thorough PPI. There's plenty of reputable Porsche Indy shops in your area.

Karl.

[wjk_glynn]

And is it a coupe or cab?

Unlike say a 996 cab, you typically can't HPDE a 964/993 cab because there isn't deployable roll over protection.

Karl.

[NorthernDancer]

I LOVE my 128 but would change in a heart beat for a 993. Six years ago when I was looking, they were $25-35K for what I wanted. Today, those same cars are $30-40K. I did offer $42K for an exceptional car (4S I think) but it was turned down. PPI is critical, maintenance records are very important. Educate yourself, SAI is an issue.

[squidge]

Thanks for the input! It's a coupe, and I'd definitely get a PPI for a car like this. LOL at only living once. Indeed.

NorthernDancer, I think they've appreciated way more in the last six years than you may even realize. Carreras like this one are more like $45-55k and people ask even stupider money for the 4S, even though it's less of a driver's car. More like $65-75k from what I've seen.

Thanks for the heads up on SAI -- I haven't really got serious enough in the process to start reading about what problems to look for, but I'll definitely do my homework if I lean towards purchasing.

[Tommm]

Get off the computer and get to putting the deal together. the 993 is a superior car period.

[Dackelone]

I'd sell it in a heartbeat! I'd sell my soul to own one!!

[KNS]

I own both. The driving experience of a 993 (pretty much most 911s) is fantastic. If you are able to pick up a 993 now do it because like you said they won't be affordable in a few more years unless there is some sort of economic turn like in 2008. I've owned three 911s and the 993 is the sweet spot between the older cars and the modern 911 (I have zero interest in ever owning a new 991 - too big, too complex and too luxurious). And, of course, the 993s are the last of the air cooled cars.

The price climb of the last few years has slowed a little bit but nice cars are still hard to find.

If it is a manual trans coupe don't think about it too long, it might be sold by the time you've made up your mind.

[KNS]

If funds are a problem or hauling around kids, I'd buy the 993 and then get something fun but cheap like a Ford Focus or Mazda 3. Basic but nice driving cars to daily.

[snub-nose 28]

Originally Posted by Tommm

Get off the computer and get to putting the deal together. the 993 is a superior car period.

Yeah, what he said.

My gmail handle has my name followed by 993@gmail.......

Sell all the other toys, drive a Camry daily, or take the bus. Penultimate config is 993 C2, as you described. The value is in the driving, the having, the once I had one, (sadness forever so don't sell it). It is so beyond... never on a 993 go to the dark side, an 'investment' object.

993 need no rationale'.

[squidge]

Okay, thanks for all the input. I hear you loud and clear -- do it if I can.

It really comes down to whether or not my wife and I can stomach pulling the money out of investments that feel less risky. Not risky in terms of 911 prices falling per se, but more like things happening to the car that diminish its value but aren't outright insurance claim events.

That said, I can't do track days in a mutual fund. (But I can do them in an affordable, half paid for 128i. Gahh)

[Dat Aus]

Without hesitation.

[Cmoney135i]

why would I spend $10k-$15k more for 100 less hp?

if I had a 128 yes I'd swap, but modded 135 > 993.

[wjk_glynn]

Originally Posted by Cmoney135i

why would I spend $10k-$15k more for 100 less hp?

if I had a 128 yes I'd swap, but modded 135 > 993.

While a stock 135i Coupe is just a smidge quicker than a stock 993 Coupe, for sure a modded 135i is on a completely different level compared to a 993.

But it's not always about outright HP/acceleration per $.

There's other characteristics that may or may not appeal depending on the individual. A 993 brings the whole historic/air-cooled/rear-engine/aesthetic that comes with that platform. They're full of 'character' that is very appealing (at least to me).

However there's lots of other people who think the same and so the market for those cars is very strong. They're worth more money than I'm will to pay for any car at this time.

Karl.

[wjk_glynn]

This Rennlist thread has pics of white 993s...

http://rennlist.com/forums/993-forum...3-gallery.html

A few other examples:




Karl.

[Cmoney135i]

Originally Posted by wjk_glynn

While a stock 135i Coupe is just a smidge quicker than a stock 993 Coupe, for sure a modded 135i is on a completely different level compared to a 993.

But it's not always about outright HP/acceleration per $.

There's other characteristics that may or may not appeal depending on the individual. A 993 brings the whole historic/air-cooled/rear-engine/aesthetic that comes with that platform. They're full of 'character' that is very appealing (at least to me).

However there's lots of other people who think the same and so the market for those cars is very strong. They're worth more money than I'm will to pay for any car at this time.

Karl.

993 is lighter no doubt, but with the listed 198 bhp and taking into consideration getting it to the wheels and the older the car the more HP it loses (potentially depending how well the car was kept). I find it hard to believe this car would even sniff a 135. But to each their own

[wjk_glynn]

Originally Posted by Cmoney135i

993 is lighter no doubt, but with the listed 198 bhp and taking into consideration getting it to the wheels and the older the car the more HP it loses (potentially depending how well the car was kept). I find it hard to believe this car would even sniff a 135. But to each their own

Sorry, but they make a lot more than 198 bhp.

The 1995 993 Coupe made 270 bhp, and weighed just under 3,100 lbs.

Independent instrumented tests by magazines showed that it would trap the 1/4 mile in the 102-104 mph range. The 1996 993 introduced Varioram and gave a modest bump in output yielding 282 bhp. But it didn't seem to give any meaningful increase in acceleration, so call it a wash with the 1995 version.

Stock N54 135i coupes trap the 1/4 mile in the 104 to 107 mph range (per the often same magazines).

So a stock 135i is a bit quicker, but a 993 is definitely in with a sniff.

Karl.

[sprp85]

Sorry, but

Any 911 > E82. Including 996 (Maybe not the Pre-lci one..)

[Cmoney135i]

Originally Posted by wjk_glynn

Sorry, but they make a lot more than 198 bhp.

The 1995 993 Coupe made 270 bhp, and weighed just under 3,100 lbs.

Independent instrumented tests by magazines showed that it would trap the 1/4 mile in the 102-104 mph range. The 1996 993 introduced Varioram and gave a modest bump in output yielding 282 bhp. But it didn't seem to give any meaningful increase in acceleration, so call it a wash with the 1995 version.

Stock N54 135i coupes trap the 1/4 mile in the 104 to 107 mph range (per the often same magazines).

So a stock 135i is a bit quicker, but a 993 is definitely in with a sniff.

Karl.

Google lied to me... did a quick 993 spec search and 198 bhp is the first listed so my apologies

[KNS]

Originally Posted by Cmoney135i

why would I spend $10k-$15k more for 100 less hp?

if I had a 128 yes I'd swap, but modded 135 > 993.

You're obviously a horsepower/torque guy and that's fine so not much is going to sway your opinion.

A 993 is about the driving experience not its horsepower (the way a rear engine 911 puts its power down to the road is also quite unique).

Speaking of power, a Ferrari Dino has about 175 horsepower, far less than a Porsche 993. I'd trade my 993 and a testicle for a Dino.

[KNS]

To the OP, my 128i feels a bit quicker off the line than my 993, the 128i makes quite a bit of low down torque that the 993 doesn't. Must be the Vanos and Valvetronic, you notice it.

Peak Tq - 128i is at 2750 RPM
Peak Tq - 993 is at 5000 RPM (1995 model).

If forced to sell one the 128i would be gone tomorrow (and I really like my 128).

[wjk_glynn]

Originally Posted by Cmoney135i

Google lied to me... did a quick 993 spec search and 198 bhp is the first listed so my apologies

No worries at all.

Karl.