[helee]

I am new to this list so perhaps this has been discussed before; I'm looking for a good used 911. I have a friend who says that I should stay away from the first water cooled models because they could have problems since Porsche was maybe still working out the kinks. Is this correct or just my friend's bias? Also, if there were water cooled related issues, what should I look for that would indicate problems? One last question, am I correct that the last air cooled models were the 1998 models? Thanks for your advice.

[type954]

You are correct that the last air cooled MY was 1998 with a series referred to as a 993. No comments from me on water cooled 911's, search will be your friend with this.

[Vicegrip]

Good rule of thumb is to buy the newest Porsche you can afford.

[markwemple]

Books have sorta been written on this one. Will it be a daily driver of for pleasure? Will you track it? Will you only drive it on sunny days or in all weather? What's your purchase and annual budget?

[VaSteve]

Originally Posted by markwemple

Books have sorta been written on this one. Will it be a daily driver of for pleasure? Will you track it? Will you only drive it on sunny days or in all weather? What's your purchase and annual budget?

x2. There are too many variables to consider you didn't list. Will you work on it? Daily driver? Tolerance for inconvenience?

The last air cooled command a premium, the first water cooled are cheap. Saw a 1998 for $41K. Saw a 1999 for $20K.

Stop by one of the PCA breakfasts and/or the track and you can see a bunch of cars in all ranges.

[Dr K]

Except for perhaps the newest 911s, these cars have a personality. You should drive a few before you even consider buying. The newer ones (i.e. water cooled and even later air-cooled) are faster and handle better and have effective air conditioning, but feel less responsive. You should definitely drive a 996 and either an SC or a Carrera (1984-1989), unless your budget is >$35K (of course, you could buy two in that case...).

[smdubovsky]

Read up...

http://www.excellence-mag.com/resources/buyers-guide

[helee]

Originally Posted by VaSteve

x2. There are too many variables to consider you didn't list. Will you work on it? Daily driver? Tolerance for inconvenience?

The last air cooled command a premium, the first water cooled are cheap. Saw a 1998 for $41K. Saw a 1999 for $20K.

Stop by one of the PCA breakfasts and/or the track and you can see a bunch of cars in all ranges.

As you stated, I can find a 1999 for $22K or a 1995 for $39K, both look great and it seems strange. Like something must be really wrong with those first water cooled but are they that bad? This will not be a daily driver, I'm retired and will probably only put a few thousand miles a year on it. Thanks.

[roundel]

Originally Posted by helee

As you stated, I can find a 1999 for $22K are they that bad?

No they are not that bad. They have quirky interior design and motors did have some teething problems, but with a PPI (Pre Purchase Inspection) you can be as safe in a 996 (1st water cooled "911") as in any other used car.

[Vicegrip]

It is not the cars, it is the owners. Porsche is not a car you need it is one you want. A lot of people give great value to the last of the air cooled cars. Reasons for wanting a car are not always reasonable. The 996 motors has some issues. The 993, 964, 3.2 3.0 2.7 2.4 2.2 2.0 1.7 1.6 and earler motors had some issues too.

Drive some Porsches and get the one you like. The 996 cars drive and handle well and the comfort levels are better than the air cooled cars in most ways. The heat works, oil vapor free, the AC blows cold air and not just in the winter.