Porsche’s version of the Goldilocks tale is the 993-generation 911, the one many Porschephiles agree that the company got just right. It’s an ideal blend of technology and classic 911 air-cooled heritage. Today, a naturally aspirated 993 is a fantastic way to score a legendary sports car for V-6–family-sedan coin, but finding and buying a good one may not be just a roll in the edelweiss in lederhosen.
engine
The final version of the air-cooled 911 had a 3.6-liter flat-six engine. Most let out a puff of smoke on startup, which can point to worn valve guides. A good pre-purchase inspection (PPI) with a leakdown test should reveal the extent of any problem.
other problem areas
Leaky rack-and-pinion steering gear • Excessive oil consumption • Rust around the windshield seal • Weak A/C • Electrical gremlins.
cough
All ‘96-and-later 993s are likely to encounter the infamous secondary air-injection clog, which trips the check-engine light. Cleaning can be expensive. Be sure to check with a dealer’s service department to verify whether all recalls have been performed, and scour the engine for oil drips.
993 model-year timeline
1995 Porsche introduces the last air-cooled 911 in ’94 as the 1995 Carrera coupe. A few months later, the Carrera is joined by the 911 Cabriolet and both are available with all-wheel drive (Carrera 4). 1996 Turbo, glass-roofed Targa and wide-body Carrera 4S variants arrive. Engine management gains OBD II and a variable-intake manifold (VarioRam) that boosts output from 270 to 282 horsepower. 1997 Wide-body Carrera S and Turbo S variants show up.
1998 The end of an era: The final year of the 993 made way for the fully redesigned, water-cooled 996.
MODEL
PRICE:
HIGH MILEAGE
LOW MILEAGE
1995 Carrera/Carrera 4/
Cabriolet
$26,000 $39,000
1996 Carrera/Carrera 4/
Cabriolet/Targa
$27,000 $40,000
1996 Carrera 4S
$36,000 $52,000
1997 Carrera/Carrera 4/
Cabriolet/Targa
$29,000 $42,000
1997 Carrera S/
Carrera 4S
$37,000 $54,000
1998 Cabriolet
$29,000 $42,000
1998 Carrera S
$38,000 $55,000
- Instrumented Test: 2013 Porsche 911 Carrera S Cabriolet
- Porsche 911 Generations: The Legend Grows
- Long-Term Road Test: 1999 Porsche 911 Carrera
ask an owner: charles juckett (1995 911 carrera)
C/D: Any surprises with the car?
CJ: The real surprise was that the only place to do a pre-purchase inspection was the Porsche dealership that had been servicing the car since new, and it performed a surprisingly lackluster inspection, only hitting the main points.
C/D: Any regrets?
CJ: In hindsight, I may have opted to spend up front the additional money I spent on a repaint to get a car with good-condition original paint and fewer miles. Additionally, I would have used a non-dealer specialist to perform the PPI.
C/D: Any advice for shoppers?
CJ: Do your research, read the forums, and look for a while before buying. These cars are generally reliable, but quality maintenance is key. Avoid cars in need of immediate engine or drivetrain maintenance–even at a big cost savings. Many jobs require the engine to be removed and are costly.
Other Stories You Might Like