“ ” OWNER'S VIEW
It’s a very practical Porsche – the rear hatch with the rear seats folding results in a large load area (enough to fit a road bike!) and having the 2+2 configuration is handy. The sunroof is a great option – electric slide tilt is great as ventilation for the cabin, in addition being able to remove it fully like a Targa means fresh air without buffeting. However, the sunroof can be troublesome as it is complex and should be checked. The digital clock from the 944 was changed to an analogue clock and the digital display to outside temperature gauge. The displays were troublesome thus the change – check it’s working as a replacement is expensive.
MODEL HISTORY The auto industry model year (MY) runs from 1st August to 31st July, so a 1993 model could have been produced between 1st August 1992 and 31st July 1993.
1992MY: 968 replaces all 944 models, with RHD models available from April/May. Model available in both Coupé and Cabriolet body styles, manual and Tiptronic.
1993MY: 968 Club Sport introduced in December 1992; very limited edition 968 Turbo S and Turbo RS announced in February 1993.
1994MY: 968 Sport introduced July 1994 to UK only.
1995MY: All 968 production stops July 1995.
Finding a car with a relatively low mileage will be difficult, and the key to long engine life will be a disciplined oil change record throughout its life. It is important to know the belts/idlers have been changed within the past, say, three years. Many cars get stored, when mileage is negligible, but with an all-aluminium engine missing more than perhaps two to three annual changes isn’t recommended. For an engine that has had regular servicing, expect the top end to need a rebuild from 120K miles and a full rebuild from 150K miles. If the engine is smoking or noisy (particularly the cylinder head) it’s probably better to pass on it. Both symptoms may require major engine rebuilds. Issues with the Motronic (fuel and electronics) should be apparent when driving the car and will need an experienced diagnostic expert to fix, while the exhaust system is a consumable item. Expect £400 + VAT for a quality stainless rear silencer. A clonking noise or front wheel shake when driving can suggest worn suspension (either lower
control arm or anti-roll bar droplinks), while floaty handling can suggest worn out shock absorbers (which may be leaking). It’s important to get under the car to assess the suspension condition as well as the brakes and brake lines. A torch is useful for this. The alloys should be damage free and it’s worth looking carefully for damage repairs or cracked rims. Tyres must be checked for tread depth, signs of perishing or simply being more than 10 years old (hardened rubber). To assess the bodyshell, a paint thickness gauge is invaluable to detect heavy filler. Despite being zinc
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ust can be found coated from new, rust llss (under the either in the rear wells rear carpet sides) or around the rear trailing arm bodyshell mounts. Crash damage is not unusual, particularly on Club Sport and Sport models. Signs of cheap body repairs show up as poorly matched paint, poor panel gaps and wet carpets (from water ingress around the tailgate or sunroof). Seats should be intact on a good car with no rips, cigarette burns or sagging. Most importantly, check everything works, including the air conditioning if fitted. A regas may not be enough if the condenser or compressor is faulty – making an aircon rebuild expensive at possibly £750-1K. Always try to drive the car before you buy. Important issues will show up even in a short drive (five miles would be typical). If you don’t have the experience to check the car out yourself, get an independent Porsche specialist to look at the car. They will advise on all aspects of the car’s condition, what needs replacing now and in the short term and whether the car is valued correctly. PP