What should I get?

Looking into buying a newer Porsche to go with the other one I have. Anyhow I'm looking at either an 993 or 996 (2000-02) years. I heard some problems with the engines in the 996 and gearbox too. Looking to buy in the next few months. Just need to figure out which one. I love the looks of the 993 with it's air cooled engine, but the 996 is just as sexy and newer. What I plan to do is keep the car for a good amount of time say 5-10 years so I need to buy something that will last and that I will like for. I'm keeping the 951. My other route is going with a new BMW 335 but it's not as fun as a Porsche would be.

I know you'll get a LOT of responses to this! I'm not even going to get into which is "better", but the well-reported 996 RMS issues are less of a problem than they sound. Typically it is just very slight weeping, which can be safely left alone till you get round to changing the clutch. At that stage, one of the new seals is very likely to fix the problem forever. The gearbox is not dramatically changed from the 993, from what I recall of Paul Frere's book.

Any information is great on making my choice. I 'm like the 996 more and more. It's a very nice car and it's going to be hard picking because of that.

I've always been a fan of buy the newest your budget will allow. In your case....the newer will in all likelihood be the less expensive. If you are looking for the car to hold it's value very very strongly...then the 993 is the better route, as they seem to hold their values better than any current 911. However, if it's newness and creature comforts you desire...then the 996 might be your route. I recently went thru the same dilemma, and ended up going the 996 route as I plan on driving the car daily. Best of luck in your search.....you'll find plenty of cars right here on this board. I saw a fantastic '99 red 996, and while you are concerned for the early issues....the car for sale here seems very tight and reliable. Have fun,

996TT is best deal around right now.. some even in the low 50's

There are so many opinions, try some searches on the topic. The 993 and 996 are very different. Do you want a daily driver? Is HVAC important? Maintenance costs are a bit higher on the 993, as are some repairs. This is a very heated topic, so you will have to make up your mind with what you want, read all the info you can, determine your budget, and go from there. Good luck! link to one

have you test driven them? Im sure if you test drive both (stock form) as close to back to back as possible...you will find your answer. Theyre both great cars... 5-10 years is a long time, no one can predict what will happen then.

Both wonderful cars. You can't go wrong with either one.

I see the love we 996 people have for the 993s, I just somehow think they will not see the same love from them towards are water cars! As far as which I would want it depends on what is most important to you? resale, comfort etc... Put your list togeather and your decision will be easy.

My list number one the faster the better. The TT is out of my price range. Comfort really doesn't matter as I'm used to 951 that I put manual steering on and have koni's on it. I do have a daily driver 328i BMW so if I need all that I will drive that. Will add on later more items once I think of them.

Current list I would say the 996, add more and see if it changes.

Have you driven the 335? It's a lot of car. More than a match for the E46 M3 in some ways. And you can't beat a Bimmer as a daily driver. You just don't have to think about it. Which, for me, ended up being the problem. If I thrashed my Bimmers, they were super fun. But it was all too easy in normal driving to forget that you were supposedly in something special. I find the 996 is much more involving and therefore more fun every day, but it's not so much so that you're working too much at it or worrying too much about it (which I would do with a 993, I think). Just my HO, and YMMV and all that.

I've owned both, and there's really no comparison. The 993 is classic, sounds great, and current market has them greatly overpriced. The 996 is more powerful, faster, lighter, much better interior, and prices are more reasonable. Get the '02. That's what I have now. And I'm a Bimmer fan too, so the 335 is a nice alternative, but come on, it's not a Porsche! Michael

If faster is important, the 996 is a big power and handling jump from the 993. However, the 993 is the last air-cooled cars and was produced in smaller numbers (relative to the 996) so it will hold its value much better. As far as reliability goes both cars have their issues. The 996 can experience RMS leaks, cracked coolant tanks, intermix issues, and the rare engine failure. The 993 can experience SAI clogs, valve guide wear, lower valve cover gasket leaks, high engine temps in stop and go traffic, and at high mileage will require a top end rebuild. Since the 996 is easier to work on and has longer service intervals, it will be less costly to own and maintain short of an engine failure. Additionally, you can purchase a clean, low mileage, well maintained example of the 996 for less than a clean, low mileage, well maintained 993. Bottom line (IMHO) is that they are both great cars that have some issues (all Porsches seem to have some issues), but will most likely provide very reliable operation. If I were you I'd make the decision on the car you preferred driving. The 993 has a great nostalgic feel and character, while still providing strong performance. The 996 has a more modern feel and character and still higher levels of performance. Both are great 911's. Drive both and see which model "speaks" to you more.

Here's one 993 guy who loves 996s. Though I must admit I love 997s more (must be that round headlight thing). I've been watching the prices of 02 996s lately. These cars are incredible deals. Will probably buy one as a DD at some point (but never will sell the 993).

i agree with the statement above... the 996TT are at record low's right now.... if you look hard enough, you'll find a nice decent one in the 50's....... Now that's a bargain........for the power and look, you can't beat the TT's