Used 1998 Porsche 911 Consumer Reviews
See Edmunds pricing data
Has Your Car's Value Changed?
Used car values are constantly changing. Edmunds lets you track your vehicle's value over time so you can decide when to sell or trade in.
A garage Queen that makes me feel like a Prince!
I am a life long PORSCHE owner...27 in all over a span of 50 years. I bought my 1997 993 C2S, 6-speed air conditioned garage queen from another Porschephile (its an emotional problem). This is a car that has been truly loved since day one, no rain, minimal sun...presents as new. I am at 40K miles now, and have had to do a few things like cooling fan items ($1200) and surprisingly an alternator replacement (my first in a 911@ $1300) and updated shocks ($3200), but this is a 21 year old automobile, so what the hell? Overall, these are exceptional automobiles in every way. My opinion comes from over a million miles of driving my various 911's of every utility (daily drivers, concours, new purchases, used purchases and racing). The 993 series 911 are exceptional vehicles of the entire 911 range (1964-present) the 993 have had the benefit of evolving over the prior 3+ decades (1964-1997) and that evolution is to your benefit on almost every angle. If your concerns are cupholders and such, I think you are looking in the wrong box....these are a drivers' automobile. These automobiles are meant to be driven and enjoyed...(all the while paying close attention!). I have read where some say the interior is "dated", I think that depends on your perspective. When I slide into my 993, I fall back into my late teens, to my 67 911-S, the seats are familiar; the panoramic five instruments present themselves as "ready", the gear lever falls to my hand like an old friend and the ignition key is exactly where it has always been... and should be...on the left. A twist of the key and a marvel of machinery instantly bursts to life and I am off on another soul satisfying rolling adventure. Life should be so good for all! I think a 993 which has been properly maintained/serviced and inspected will provide you with the most satisfying and fun automotive experience of your lifetime. As for expense: "the only thing more expensive than a NEW Porsche, is a CHEAP OLD Porsche". That is a personal quote based upon decades of experience and personal observation. Go forth and DRIVE a 993, you will wonder why it took you so long to do so.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Speed Yellow
Yes it is speed yellow! This is my 1st 911 and has been an awesome car. This is also my 5th Porsche. I picked up the car in Portland and drove it South of LA. It is not the most comfortable car for long trips, especially with sports seats. But, I got an avg. of 27 Mpg! Unbelievable in such a fast car. It effortlessly does 3 digit speeds, even up hills!! The car was loaded with sport exhaust, drive block, limited slip, sport seats to name a few options. The paint was a $3000 option when new; now it is a std. color on Porsches. The C2S has excellent styling, very quick acceleration and classic 911 interior dash. Recommend to do a corner balance on the suspension and it will handle even better!
- Carrera 4S CoupeMSRP: $239,99342 mi away
- Carrera 4S CoupeMSRP: $297,000162 mi away
- Carrera 4 ConvertibleMSRP: $79,995405 mi away
Best 911 model hnds down
Buy one now before the price goes up and don't worry about the mileage if serviced properly. A lot of folks will recommend buying the "newest 911" you can afford. Don't believe it. My car has 180,000 miles and the only service has been oil changes. Keep the revs over 3,000 rpms. My local Porsche dealership manager drives one. This is last of the air-cooled 911's and this car has evolved to perfection with over 20-years of continuous engineering improvements that came from Porsche's racing engineering history. The new 911's (997 series) are made to look like these. Why? Because it is a mobile Object D'art. My car is 14yo and still folks jaws drop at the gas pump and heads turn.
Awesome Car
I test drove dozens of Porsche's & read a lot about all models, from early 993's, 996's, Turbo 996's and a couple of 997's. There is nothing that compares to the style, sound, power, build quality of the amazing 993 car. It is practical and fun to drive. In my opinion the last of the air cooled Porsche was and still is the best, most stylish all round sports car on the road. Every time I get behind the wheel I am glad I bought the "old school" model, it has a style and personality that will never be manufactured again. It took me 6 months to get used to it but I just love this car.
Camry reliability/Ferrari performance
After 9 years of ownership, here's what I conclude. (1)Annual inspections by a competent 911 technician are very important for spotting oil leaks, etc., in the early stages. (2)Avoid cars that have been tracked or modified...these can be a money pit for subsequent owners. Otherwise, the type 993s represent the best sports car for the dollar available.
A modern classic
One of the most enjoyable cars that I have driven. It is both an exotic in its performance and modernly comfortable its demeanor. Outstanding acceleration and handling. Great for the open road and fun along the switchbacks. As a city car it is less enjoyable with poor mileage and constant attention. Overall, however, it can not be beat for bringing a smile to your face.
Got Speed
Porsche There is no substitute. This car is absolutely amazing. Especially when you consider it's age. Good god I wish I could afford a Turbo. The way this car moves so fast and smooth puts a smile on my face every time I drive it. It's what personifies the terms sports car. Don't expect the comfort of a lincoln but expect the fun of a rollercoaster. "GET U ONE!"
Porsche 4S
The performance of the Porsche 911 4S is totally awesome. It has great handling and accelerates like it's got a plane to catch. I previously owned a Boxster and there is simply no comparison; the 911 is serious, the Boxster is a toy.
C4S, the Turbo without the 400 HP engine
The 993 is the last of the air-cooled, handmade Porsches. Not only a beautiful car to look at, but with all-wheel drive and "big red" brakes, it goes like stink at the track. Don't buy this car if all you want to do is parade down main street. You'll regret it and sell it within a year. It's primitive, noisy, has a lousy stereo. Like an F-16 fighter, its designed to do one thing and do it better than any thing else and that is to get from point A to point B fast. With the 993 series, the 15K manual valve adjustment requirement is gone and they have no bad habits. If you want a REAL sports car, this is one of the top contenders. And if it rains, you'll look like Micheal Schumacher.
Finest car EVER
By far the very best car I've ever owned. Absolutely bullet-proof and a blast to drive.
1996 Carrera 2 Coupe
I've had several sports cars but this one was my dream from the age of 16. No car I can afford is as fun to drive and look at as a typee 993 coupe in silver finish. Fast, great handling and pretty trouble free to operate, though there are a few issues with these cars. To my eye, the 95-98 coke bottle shaped car is better looking than anything earlier and later, and the engine is fairly bullet-proof, with correct maintenance. Buy one of these if you can!
Nearly perfect
I bought my Targa as a year-old car with 12k miles. This car does so many things well that it would be hard to criticize anything. I have used it as one would a Camry for the last four years. The car now has 52k miles and hasn't let me down once. The Targa is my daily commuter for a 100 mile round- trip commute in the Bay Area. It also takes me up and down California Highway one from Monterey to San Luis Obispo. The fact that it does both things equally well should tell you everything you need to know about this car.
Amazing!!!!
THe best Porsche ever built!!!
Gotta Get It
Forget the mass produced liquid cooled ugly 996 monstrosities known for its unreliable engines. You need to get the 993 with its wonderful curves and traditional air-cooled engine! 98' was the last year for this engine.....don't miss out!
993 value should increase
Best true sports car on the road. Low miles - great condition 98 appeals to me more so than a 2004 or 2004 996.
cool ride
This is a great car! I waited far too long to buy it. I love the 4th gear as it has a great pickup and a lot of range when you step on it. Handling is great as well!
WOW!
What a great car! This car is enjoyable to drive at all times, even stuck in traffic. The 993 is a beautiful no nonsense execution of the all time German speed appliance. Add a strut brace for better handleing. Repairs and observations: Brakes are expensive-plan on $500 for pads if you se good ones. Tires-rears last 14K if you are lucky. A/C is not the best Oil change is $200
cool car for us grey heads
I have never had a real sports car until now but drove the boxster and they was no kick at all. I said I just want a nice convertible and so I drove the masda miata and for the same money got a good used 96 911. I have never been sorry, this is fun to drive if I can stay alive long enought. It hits 105 from 4th to 5th and still has plenty to go. This is the lady of my dreams. My wife loves it to.
Porsche Turbo 1996
Awesome car. Still a rocketship with great handling. Excellent German quality.
1996 Porsche 911 Twin Turbo
None better for DRIVING, handling. Handmade and reliable. Much more romance and performance than the watercooled production models of today. An incredible feel that gets better everytime you drive. This car grows on you, and makes anything else you might drive seem silly and mundane. It truly is like a fine pair of gloves or boots, getting better with every wear. Better than sex. Perhaps just a bit cheaper in the long run.
1996 Porsche Carrera-Great Car
This is my fourth Porsche in fifteen years. It is the best looking and best handling of the bunch. The air conditioning is much better than Porsche ever offered in the past. This is the best of the aircooled cars.
Instant Air-Cooled Classic
Fantastic vehicle, although like most of these 1995-1998 911s, the factory Monroe built shock absorbers were marginal by 28,000 miles and merited replacement with Bilstein units. Beyond that, the car has required only routine maintenance and performs reliably and without complaint. These cars seem to be holding their value very, very well - better than the new water-cooled 911s.
My C4S
The interior could use a cup holder. There is a fair amount of wind noise through the sunroof at low speeds. The handling is phenominal. I drive this car 43.6 miles each way to work. I average slightly under 22 mpg. I have put over 23,000 miles on it already, and have had ZERO problems. It is simple to maintain; my long time family mechanic takes care of it, with laudatory comments on its simplicity of design (He is NOT a Porsche specialist) The front bumper cover takes a fair amount of abuse from all the highway miles, as do the rear quarter panels. In my opinion it represents all of the best things 'Porsche'.
Uber Car
After owning a 88 911 I found a 8500 car in showroom condition. The car I dreamed to own is now in my garage. Drives better than any car I have driven. Pinnacle of sports car ownership, the last of the aircooled 911's. If you ever get a chance to drive one you will see why some swear by this marque.
a great weekend car
I've had this car for one year. It is an absolute blast to drive. I've found the A/C works great in the south Florida summer. Go to TireRack for tires (love the Continentals). The ultimate iteration of the original 911 concept. An instant classic, looks like it's brand new. My 2 daughters love to ride in the back seat - plenty of room.
Best of the Porsches
This is a fun car to drive - great pick- up at every gear. Very forgiving drive train. I prefer its styling to that of the latest models. This is my second Porsche, and I am still waiting for improvements in styling and reliability of the new models to replace this one.
It just doesn't get any better.
First, the prices listed on this site are ridiculously low...expect to pay about $65-70k for one 30-50k miles range, and premium for lower mileage. This is one of, if not the highest rated sports cars of all time...but who cares about them, if you like the look, the craftmanship, performance and drive will not disappoint. My friend with an NSX said he felt embarrassed with his Nissan next to the 911 TT. The styling is classic - why do you think Porsche ran back to it for the 997. This car is quick, fast, smooth, unbelievably stable, yet utilitarian enough to be my daily driver. What's the point of having a great car you never drive...otherwise it's just a really expensive piece of art.
Get a leak down test!
This is a great sports car, but buyer BEWARE! Get a leakdown test and compression test before buying. There are tricks that can be done to these cars to make the engine appear to be in good shape when the are clearly not. These cars are know to burn oil as the engine expands and contracts, but they also are known to have issues related to inferior metals used. A top end rebuild will set you back $6,000 or more! My car is definitely burning a little oil but it runs well. The biggest problem is the car will not pass emissions because of the burning oil. Eventually I will get the top-end rebuild. Do yourself a favor and RESEARCH these cars. They are fun but can be very costly if you get a bad one.
What a treat!
Last of the air cooled 911's ('95-'98). The sound and ride are "priceless" as the ad says. Looks, handling, comfort, speed - what else do you need? No cup holders... get over it!
Ulitmate Beast
I've driven a lot of sports cars from every day Ford Mustangs to unique TVR's and I never quite understood the Porsche hype until I drove a 993 Carrera 4. It is awsome beyond belief, so much so that I choose my 9 year old 911 with 90,000 miles over a three year old Porsche Boxster with 25,000 miles and the only thing I believe to be a better choice would be a '96 turbo. I am going through a rough divorce, and driving my Porsche is hands down better than any therapy, an exotic mistress, or spiritual enlightment could ever be as it combines all three into one amazing experience that is available everytime I go for a drive. To think I almost wasted 30 grand on a 350Z or a new Mustang.
Original and Still Happy Owner
My 993 is able to turn a really bad day into something fine in about 15 minutes. There are some great freeways and mountain roads nearby and I sometimes "race" motorcycles on the twisty bends (but I lose to most of them). This is the last of the air-cooled 911s and seems to be a perfect, rugged little tank of a car. It DOES require full attention when driving at higher speeds as it has few computer overrides to save one's butt--but that is OK. It is a third car and I drive it only on evenings or weekends-but once in a while I use as a daily driver when the other cars are in for repairs, and it seems fine for that kind of use. The local dealer's service techs say that this is the best model.
How to wipe that smile off?
This is my 4th in the 911 range in my 12 years. By far the most reliable (save for the CEL issue which was resolved under warranty in my case) and beautiful of the air cooled series. It's a 4th car in the family, so gets limited use these days. Nonetheless, 15 mins in this thing, feeling every nook and cranny of the road, and feathering the throttle to keep the tail in check really, really turns a bad day around. Yes, the folks at the office know what I spend my lunch hour if I return in a better mood. Values are holidng well, and it'll remain a cult classic. I'll add a 5th car soon - a 1997 Twin Turbo and this old workhorse will become my track buddy.
Choices, choices!!!!!
In my mind the ultimate Porsche. Air-Cooled, all wheel drive, 6-speed, powerful, limited production, and more important, dependable enough to be a daily driver. However with the current prices you may just want to enjoy its artistic beauty.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Transmission woes...
I bought the car used with 9,500 miles on it. Thought buying through a dealer was the right thing to do. <B>WRONG!!! </b> At just over 15k miles, the shift fork for 1 and 2 gear cracked. Called Porsche, wrote letter. They said the original cast fork had a known weakness. They paid the $150 for replacement with a new, updated, forged piece- I got stuck with the $4600 labor and misc. parts bill. This dealer is horrible and I would <u>never</u> recommend them to anyone.<p><b>BUYER BEWARE</b>
1997 Targa -third week imperssions
All around great performance car. Could be a bit faster but what car couldn't. Smooth ride, tight handling and excellent style.
Best car I have ever owned and driven
This is by far one of the best cars I have ever owned. I used to have Ferrari 512, and then Ferrari 348 spyder. Porsche 911 turbo is the ultimate beast. 1/4 mile 12.2 sec stock. Best handeling, best breaking and the most head turner car. I love it. If i had money, I would buy another 911 turbo and modify the turbos
997 TT S
What can I say? I had an Aston Martin DB7 before this car, and NO comparison. This was the car, and looks aggressive, is aggressive and most importantly, holds it's value unlike the Aston.
400 hp of fun!
This car is amazing! Despite its age the 993 TT is by far one of the most rewarding cars to drive. The steering is not too heavy nor too light--just perfect for feeling the road and understanding where the car is relattive to its limits. I used to own Mercedes and this is definitely not a Mercedes.
Fantastic
I have owned other Porsches, 635 BMWs,1750 Alfa Romeos and MGs. This car is the most fun, best handling and best looking of all of them. The Turbo-look version (C2S) has all the appearance attributes without the high cost of purchase. Being one of less than 2000 made worldwide makes it desireable and consequently is holding it's value better than standard models, which doesn't hurt either. If this car has a fault, it resides in the difficulty in changing oil filters. During my period of ownership there have been no problems other than a wheel alignment and a dead battery after eight years. This car isn't driven often, but when it's used it's driven with vigor and begs for more.
Cool car
Black is the color.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Bought new, owned 22 years, plan to own it til I d
I love this car. It has no upgrades, drives like it did when I bought it. Only repair was to the airconditioning. I have other cars so drive it for pleasure, only in summer. Love the rare Blue turquoise color. It is a manual transmission and it takes the curves beautifully. I dont find it cramped, but I am 5’7” female. My German Shepherd likes it too. The look is great, I fell for this car after a nice Corvette. Love the tucked in doors, solid feel, great handling and no repairs. I do have to put it on a trickle charger.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Last of the 'air cooleds'
I bought this black on black monster from a dealer in Texas in 2001. It had 8K miles on it. Dealer owned and driven according to Carfax. Still only has 30K well driven miles. I've had 4 Porches and my mechanics... all worked at the Porsche factory at one time... told me this was the one to keep. The turbo setup with the smaller engine is over engineered for driving. In other words... you wear anything out very easy. This is the perfect 'classic' car to own which you can drive without depreciating the price. This car was built to be driven and needs to be pressed at 130-150 every few years just to let you know you're alive. I typically run mine at 3500-4000 rpms on normal. Change oil every 5K.
I love this car
Here's the truth: you will never find a car that's more fun to drive. Period. If you want a luxury car, however, don't buy a porsche. The interior is spartan. The car creaks and croaks and makes other interesting noises. There's no cupholder or other modern accutrements. And the dashboard layout defies logic (you can't even see the AC/Heat controls because they are blocked by the steering wheel). But you will stick to the road. And can take a sharp right at 60. And if you see 6th gear, you're probably going 100 (not that you'd even notice).
The last of the REAL Porsches
1998 was fairwell to the 911(993) as we knew it. While the 911 (996) is a fantastic car it is more of a luxury automobile than a true "drivers" car. The C2S handles like a go-cart, in a good way, and rockets like a sport motorcycle. The 1998 C2S and C4S are destin to be a classic.
Born to Run
This is the machine you always dreamt about driving. Once you drive it, you will dream about how the drive was better than the dream. What a car! Power and handling grace built within a great looking body style. You feel this car's purpose on the curves and straight aways. This is not a car you steer. This is a car you drive. Massage your way through the gears and you are the car. Take the top down and feel the wind. You are living the good life. If you love driving, then this car was born to run for you!! Favorite drive: Pacific Coast Highway south of Big Sur
Great Investment - and Super Fun
It is 20 years old - last of the Air-Cooled - it is not for trashing around in. Joining the PCA and getting friends and advice is the way to go!!! Update: kept it for 10 years and sold it for a nice profit. It had become a 'Garage Queen' to keep mileage under 40k. Bought a used Boxster S I use on street and track - can drive it every and anywhere even if its raining:)
- Safety
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Fabulous car to drive!!
Amazing handling, sticks to the road like peanut butter to the roof of your mouth. Superb engine sounds and very smooth 6-speed manual gear box. Air conditioning is just so so, but not a big deal. Absolutely gorgeous car inside and out. Extremely reliable and well built vehicle. MPG is great, 27+ on the highway, not too bad. I really love driving my 911 993. These air-cooled 911's are built to LAST FOREVER.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value