Air Cooled- Water Cooled?

I’m finding myself increasingly interested in purchasing a Porsche 964 model. As I preform my research I’m talking to people who have owned both variants. So far the general consensus is to steer clear of the 964 model. There value is overinflated and they are money pits. Maintenance is extremely labor intensive on them. I was advised to purchase a 996 on up model. They are far superior cars in both safety, handling and technology. They also require less maintenance then a 964 model. Again these are not my words but advise from others. Any and all opinions are welcome to assist me in making a final decision.

Totally different in appearance as well. Test drive one and see what you think. Might feel slow, might feel awesome. There is no right answer on these types of purchases.

996 has dramatically better performance. It has better HVAC. 964 - is the bridge car.. Modern niceties like ABS and Airbags (assuming not an '89 C4). But maintenance intensive issues like Valve adjustments and only a 5spd. Style is in the eye of the beholder. I always thought the 996 was a reset button back to the narrow body "midyear" cars.. 74-77.. 964 is 80% new compared to the 3.2 911 before it. It languished on the markets and now may be slightly over valued, but then again, they are the basis for some dramatic offerings (Think Singer 911s) 996 (M96 motor cars) have their own issues, and due to the modern build practices, they tend to be more disposable than the older cars. Plastics and computers can fail.. and fixing isn't easy. Then there is the mailigned IMS issue which can turn your bargain basement performance car into a fancy paperweight. imho, while always tempted by the 996 and early 997 cars, i am afraid of them.. but that low price pulls me in... 993 is the last good aircooler. Excepting the GT2/GT3/Twin Turbos, the best "early" watercooled cars seem to be the 997.2 of 2009+ Aircooled have a unique sound and drive. Test drive em both.. nothing to lose there.

[QUOTE=stutt66;10486807]I’m finding myself increasingly interested in purchasing a Porsche 964 model. As I preform my research I’m talking to people who have owned both variants. So far the general consensus is to steer clear of the 964 model. There value is overinflated and they are money pits. Maintenance is extremely labor intensive on them. I was advised to purchase a 996 on up model. They are far superior cars in both safety, handling and technology. They also require less maintenance then a 964 model. Again these are not my words but advise from others. Any and all opinions are welcome to assist me in making a final decision.[/QUOTE All this is correct & good advise.

Thank you for the advise!

I owned a 71 and 76 30 years ago, a 964 that I just sold a couple of years ago and I have a 996 and a 78 sc now. I love them both and I loved the 964. I only sold the 964 because my wife wanted an SUV. I got rid of the wife a little after and wish I'd have kept the 964. No bs Anyways, the 964 and SC drive completely different than than 996. If you like modern conveniences like AC, ps, power brakes, etc than the 996 is for you. If you want a much more involved driving experience than go for the 964. Whatever you do make sure you have a PPI with a leakdown and compression test done by a Porsche 911 experienced shop and not just a regular auto shop and hopefully if there's any issues you'll discover them before you buy it. I'm sure if post where you are you'll find some Pelicans nearby willing to lend a hand finding a good shop and giving you some other pointers. Good luck Tony

Thanks Bigtoe32067 for the advise. I've owned a 996 Turbo and it had a lot of problems. I've own a 1976 tubo as well as 2 993's and a 79 sc. I've enjoyed them all. I think as far as drivability and comfort the 993's were the best. I have never owned a 964 and feel I need to experience this model. Thanks for the advise on a leakdow and compression test. My mechanic told me it was crucial to have those numbers checked on an early 964.

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What kind of problems on the 996TT? I have a 930 and M3. Selling the M3 and looking for a 996TT. Keeping the 930.

Funny - my 996TT has been problem free. It doesn’t stop me hankering after a 930 though. OP if you want a 964 go for it. Ignore the nay sayers and see if you like it in your garage. Worse case you sell it - but at least you scratched the itch.

The 964 is by far better then a 996, when it come to the value of the cars. 996 cars to me are modern, and can be just as bad as a 964 for maintenance But the big question is do you care about a car losing money or gaining money? 996 are the most common 911 ever built, my 91 C2 Manual only has 801 examples that year. You must understand about production numbers drive costs 964 came in Tip, Cab, and Targa and those cars make up over 70% of the 964 volume So a C2 or C4 in Manual is not common You can always find a 996 to buy

Get what you want. People buy these cars for many different reasons and one probably suits your lifestyle better than another. There are no wrong answers here, just the best suited car for your needs and wants. The 964 is a great car and will likely hold it's value pretty well over time. They are more finicky and have old school suspension compared with a more modern car but it is a nod to the past and pretty fun to drive. 996 is not my favorite Porsche style wise but they are a lotta car for the $$ right now. There are a handful of model specific issues that must be addressed but they are a modern appliance with A/C that works great. My current favorite models in terms modern convenience, performance and bang for the $$ is the 997.2 and 987.2 (2009-2012). I don't expect to see the kind of appreciation in value as air cooled cars but for a bulletproof, high performance, comfortable ride with zero issues they are hard to beat. $30k buys an awful lot of car with these right now.

I have had 6 air cooled 911s the last a highly modfied 77 930, I think the air cooled thing has a lot of romance involved with it vs reality, in the winter air cooled cars are a blast summer they overheat and forget about AC BTDT spent thousands trying its worthless lol, constant old leaks on the air cooled cars whiffs of burning oil smoke splashing on headers at stop lights. I think the prices are absolutely absurd for them now having had them when they were cheap Trying a 997 cab now will see lol

So I just picked up my 997 Cab drove it back 550 miles all I can say is wow what a car. The 997 is clearly superior to the air cooled cars, mine a 6 speed shifts better than any air cooled car I have driven or owned very precise no stick in a butter churn bucket feel I had a 78 Targa and it had a lot of chassis flex the 997 has none. It has styling cues from the 993 body wise and interior similar to older Carreras super well built. My only issue could be its a little quiet need a better exhaust

Anyway seemed I hijacked your thread with my last post but I have always heard the 964s were the most problematic of the air cooled 911s, the 964 Turbos were very solid though but more expesnive to maintain than 930s. Opinions are opinions each has there own specific desires they want from there cars, at one time after I sold my 77 930 I wanted just Ferraris BTDT then went to a Diablo which collects dust, I am much happier with my new to me 997 C4 Cab 6 speed than the Italians its a true drivers car, get what you want.