Is a 964 for me?

[Guest]

Hi all,

I've been interested in buying a 911. Originally was looking at a 3.2 Carrera but more recently someone suggested a 964 911. I like the look and am thinking I should take the plunge!

I've driven 4WD cars before and thought they were good. After a little more fun tho and thinking perhaps a 964 2 would be better?

My top price would be £15.5k. What can I expect for this? I don't want a LHD...

I've read the buyers guide in 911 & Porsche World. Any other tips? I'll be having a PPI carried out...

Thanks for taking the time to read.

James

 

[Guest]

I have a 964RS and absolutely love it. I think the standard 964 must be pretty similar and for sure it is a really well made car, so even higher mileages don't seem to detract from the car too much.

I drove a Carrera 4 964 a while back and remember that for me it wasn't quite as pure as the 2wd car but was a lot easier to slide around safely because the front drive kept chipping in to pull you out of trouble!

I'd definately recommend a 964 - but I suppose the best bet is to have a drive in a few and see what you think.

 

[Guest]

JRSE,

If you like the classic looks of the original 911 but want something that is thoroughly modern, then the 964 is the one for you. If you buy a late one, you will get a car where all those niggly things that gave it it's dubious reputation sorted, ie. stronger clutch, distributor/light cluster breather hoses as std. cup mirrors, 17" cup wheels, if C2 - 4-pot rear calipers (std. on all C4s), all engine gaskets in place, plastic plenum chambers, a couple of switch designs short of a 993 interior etc. etc.

I know you said that you don't like LHD, but there some very good deals to be had on these, and the pedal box is in the right position (instead of pushed over to the left in RHD) and you have somewhere to put your clutch foot! (3 guesses what side my steering wheel is on)
Provinence is almost the most important thing when buying on of these.

Tiptronic is a very good system, but unfashionable- money to be saved there.

I agree with Mr Thompson, drive lots and take your time finding one. From experience, 'excellent condition' is interpreted in many ways by different people.

 

[Gary Bullen]

One of my favourite Porsches was my 964 C2. It was a late 1993 car with the final upgrades before the 993 came along.

As with all the Porsches I have owned it never missed a beat.

Take your time, get to drive a few, get to know the foibles of the 964.
Have a look at John Miles web site deicated to 964's - http://www.porsche964.co.uk/

Also a vast wealth of knowledge on www.titanic.co.uk/964

There is also a book written specically about 964's -Porsche 911, Enthusiast's Companion, Carrera 2, Carrera 4 and Turbo 1989-1994, "Auftragsnummer 964"
by Adrian Streather

Buy a good one and look after it and it will always be a good one. Buy an old dog, spend laods of money on it and it will still be an old dog![]

 

[Guest]

Thanks for the feedback and advice...

Is the budget decent enough to find a nice RHD C2 (sorry no LHD even tho I'd prob be better getting one!).

I was offered a Porsche 964 C2 - 91 RHD model registered late in '92 "K". Private plate, Guards red, new clutch and brakes all round, 103k miles, new carpets, lowered, sports exhaust... Personal car owned by a Porsche mechanic at a very good specialist garage.

Bad points: Was a repo with limited history (mechanic owned for last year). Rust appearing around window and rear quarters... £13.5k. I was interested until he mentioned rust. One to avoid? Presume they shouldn't rust and must be a repair of previous damage?

A 964RS would be nice but I see they fetch very good money!

Intention is to keep the Porsche for a good few years. I don't do high mileage and want a very nice one that will serve me well.

 

[Guest]

Also what sort of mileage can the top end cope with? I'm a little paranoid looking at 100k + ones...

 

[Melv]

In answer to your question:

YES!! []

 

[Guest]

The rust thing around the rear quarters is pretty normal I think as long as it is only on the black metal trim - water seems to get under it and then it rusts.

My RS is a 28000 mile 91/92 car and has been garaged a lot but still had signs of bubbling starting in the paint on those trims! I had them replaced beacuase I was having the car totally refurbished but I think if you just wanted to change them you'd have to have the side windows taken out to do it (but worth it because rust/bubbles look awful!)

Do test drive a LHD car.

The 964 is very narrow and compact unlike a modern car and affords excellent visability - especially into deep right hand turns.

Also with the amazing performance you can afford to "have a look" when overtaking and then using the torque squirt past the offending dodderer!!

You should drive one - it took me much, much less time than I thought to become used to it - now it feels really special to drive because it is so different.

Then again I don't run the RS every day so perhaps that is a point but I'm sure looking forward to a continental blast if I ever get time!

 

[graham harvey]

Hi,

I ditto Julian's comments on LHD ownership. I have now had my C2 for over 9 months having never driven a LHD and love it to bits. It took no time at all to adjust to it and swopping in and out of the Porker to the RHD Merc SLK is no problem.

Go and test drive one - the wheel's on the side it was intended to be !!

 

[Guest]

Personally, I would avoid anything with any rust atall. It is a shore sign of a bad repair. These cars shouldn't rust atall. The window surrounds can get damaged and start corroding (they are alloy though so can be refinished without to much hassle).
I also am a strong believer of LHD, they are a better car and the better choice.
Maybe you should identify the reason or reasons why you don't want one and weigh up the pros and cons.
With all due respect, I can see no reason why anybody can't drive a LHD on british roads unless one is incompetent as a driver.
Go on consider it....

 

[Guest]

I phoned up today about the 964 mentioned and advised the owner I wouldn't be pursuing that one. I thought being galvanised they shouldn't rust unless as you say a bad repair.

 

[Guest]

what was the reaction to that?

 

[Guest]

I didn't know those window trims were alloy - it's interesting that quite a lot of standing water seems to stay under them and I wonder if that's why they corrode a bit?

Did the car you were looking at have rust on the actual body around the windows?

 

[Elliot Davies]

http://www.porsche964.co.uk/ go to technical and then body and interior for some info on 964 rusting

 

[Guest]

I never actually seen that 964 in the flesh... It was 100 odd miles away from me and I arranged to have some pics emailed before arranging transport (I'm without a car at th mo). The 964 did look immaculate but when I phoned the owner he was totally honest and advised all the bad points (hence £13.5k). So can't comment on the rust but was told around the window and rear quarters... Also an slight oil leak which I was told would be fixed if I purchased the car. The drivers seat had the usual signs of wear, etc. That along with limited history put me off...

I'd rather spend a bit more on a better car.

 

[Guest]

with regards to your last post; good decision.
I suppose it was good of the owner being honest with you.
The way to go with these things is buy the most expensive you can afford, as original as possible and remember, the better the car, the chances of you buying a money eater are reduced.

Good luck with your search.