5 Things to Consider When Buying a 911
There are many Porsche 911s to choose from. But which one is right for you?
1. So Many to Choose From
The Porsche 911 has been amazing since its debut in 1963. Rear-mounted six-cylinder boxer engine with all round independent suspension that has gone through a continuing evolution while maintaining elements of the very first model. It is engaging, driving enthusiast-centric, soulful machine with world-class performance. But which one should you choose?
2. Oil or Water?
Many enthusiasts break Porsche into two categories: the air-cooled era and when water helped to drop temperatures. When Porsche started producing the 911, the engines used air along with oil, and it was good. Then one day in the nineties, Porsche said, "Hey, those Ferraris are awful annoying. If we're going to keep pace with those prancing horses, we need to change things up." That's when the water-cooled variations started and brought along with them greater performance and less engine noise.
3. People Will Stare so Make it Worth Their While
Porsche has been around for a long time with many models to choose from. The design of them has changed but the underlying essence, the passion that the car brings has remained steadily there. From the clean, focused design of the 930 to the rakish yet menacing stance of the 991 GT3 RS. You really can't lose no matter which one you choose, as they beautiful as they are enticing.
4. It Pays to Be in the Know
The majority of 911s you will come across will be well-maintained with records kept by meticulous owners who value the car and the milestones it passes. More than 70 percent of ALL Porsches ever built are still milling about on the road. But be wary that each generation has its own quirks and problems that you should be aware of when looking to purchase. Early Porsches produced before the chassis became galvanized are prone to rust. The 996 wasn't always the most reliable car and some suffered engine failure.
5. To Boost or Not to Boost?
If you want a 911 that has a little extra something going on under the trunk lid, you should steer yourself towards a turbo. These models have been available since 1973, with earlier models being rear-wheel drive and evolving to all-wheel drive to better put down power and improve stability. If the output from a normal turbo 911 isn't enough to get you going, there are even higher designations like the Turbo S, GT2, and GT3.