Buying a 996

Why is it the 996's seem cheaper in a relative sense than the 993's. For example a 1999 996 can be purchased cheaper than say a 1996 993. Are they inferior? I must say I do like the look of the 993 better, but what else should I be considering (pros and cons). I'm looking for a driver for year to use year round in a Northern climate. Any comments would be appreciated. Thanks.

Its all personal preferance of course. I believe the 996's are cheaper for 2 major reasons. 1- They're were many more 996's produced then 993's so simple lack of supply raises pricing. 2- The last model years of the air cooled 911. This done not imply by any stretch that the 996 is inferior in any way, I find the opposite to be true. Bottom line is you need to choose which car makes you smile the most. For me it was the 996 hands down.

Both cars are great both cars have a totally different character.First the looks of a 993 are simply stunning.The Int of the 993 is terrible IMHO.The 996 is a better daily driver , has more power, handles better and is most cases lighter.If your going to track the car both will do great , after all they are Porsches, If you like the heritage the 993 is for you, If you want maybe a car with warranty the perhaps the 996. I don't think anyone here will tell you the 993 is not a great car. If you go to the 993 forum most of those guys are really bias and I am sure they will tell you the 996 is garbage.Drive both and find out which one suits you better. The value of the 996 is dropping , but don't kid your self the 993 id taking a pretty big hit since the 997.Like all porsches once the new model is out the previous on drops then stables off and it will pick up in value, just give it time. Ask your self this do you want to drive a car that the technology is over 11 years old? Ever porsche is better then the year before, I always suggest buy the newest you can afford, but dam a nice WB 993 is a work of art and really nice to look at .. but in this forum there is allot of 996's that look better then a 993...

993 looks better, in some eyes. but everything else, 996 is way bettter.

One is soon to be a classic because it's air cooled. Basically an end of an era.

Also, the big problem that many people have with the 996 is that its front is the same as that of the Boxster. Not many people like paying a premium for a car that looks identical to a car that costs half as much.

Great Answer! Can we ask the Rennlist admins to post this in the FAQ. It should be cast in stone.

A vehicle is only worth what someone is willing to pay. I think that the last of the air-cooled cars will be getting a premium price for the next several years. IMHO, I like the looks of the old 911 a little bit more then the new ones, but feel the improvement in the 996 outweights the 993 overall.

Throw an aero kit on a 996....it won't look like a boxster anymore.

I LOVE the look of a 993, especially when it's lowered with an aftermarket set of rims - that said, after a very lengthy search for a 993, I drove a 996 and never looked back. You'll be happy either way, but with the premium paid for 993s, you'll get much more bang for your buck if you go pre-owned 996.

A 996 would definately be a better daily driver than a 993 IMO.

AHEDAU, Posting in this forum you're gonna the 996 tilt. I recently purchased my '99 and was contemplating the same as you. For me the 996 was the better bang for the buck and fit my needs better. It's my daily driver, roomier inside for my wife and two kids, more comfortable, and still had a warranty. No doubt 993's are nice but I think 996's are better for daily drivers. That said if I were single, I probably would have ended up with a modded 993