Hello, my name is Steve, I'm new to the forum. Finally, after a year, sold my '71 vette. I am now in the market for to buy my 911. I know this topic has been discussed ad nausea, but I would really appreciate some advice on the best 911 to buy. The three models I am considering are the 964, 993, and 996. I know the porsche purists love the air cooled, hand built, non-plastic 964s and 993s. And I appreciate and relish that about those models. I also know that these cars can be very expensive to maintain compared to the water-cooled 996s which I am reading more and more can go for 200K miles without breaking the bank. I would obviously steer clear of the '99 996s due to the leaky valves issues. The 911 I would buy would only be for weekend use. I really am leaning toward the air-cooled models because those are true 911s and have better styling but am I being too much of a purist? Would the 996 be a more reliable, better performing, inexpensive way to go? Would it be as fun to drive? I have about 25K to spend. Please give me your opinions and advice on what 911 in going to give me the most bang for my buck.
Thankyou.

 

I don't think a 993 is any more expensive than a 996 provided you find a car that has been maintained properly and has good engine numbers. But...with that being said, I also don't think 25k is a realistic budget for a 993 either without high mileage. You could get into a 996 for that money with a lot less miles IMHO. I created a 996 buying guide in the 911 forum that is probably worth a read. Things to really worry about there is the IMS bearing on the lower mileage cars.

A 964 is doable for 25k, but you really need to have a qualified tech that knows those engines to look it over good for potentially expensive oil leak repairs.

 

Thank you for information. I have located a 90k mile 993 with copies of every routine scheduled maintenance check and rapair over the past 13 years up to 2mos ago. It was seviced by the same porsche shop its entire history. Is this the kind of 993 I should be looking for? Asking price is 25K.

And let me ask you this also. Money aside, which model in your opinion is the best built, best styling, most thrilling to drive, and appreciable investment over time? Thank you.