Home/Buyer's Guides/993 Carrera & Carrera S
The last air-cooled 911 · 1993-1998The completion of an era: the differences in engineering and body, typical weak points, servicing costs, price levels and a buying check for the last air-cooled 911.
The Porsche 993 represents a significant milestone: it is not only the fourth generation of the 911 but the last with an air-cooled flat six. That fact gives it a special status among enthusiasts and collectors.
Thirty years of development culminate in it. With the new multi-link rear axle (LSA) and its harmonious design, it counts as one of the most beautiful and most fully developed 911s. But this icon too has specific weak points that have to be checked before a purchase.
Focal points of the inspection: The VarioRam check, the LSA rear axle, the corrosion protection analysis, investment grade.
3.6L flat six, from 1996 (VarioRam)
3.6L flat six, to 1995
Six speeds as standard for the first time (G50/20)
Carrera S built (1997-98)
Standard body
Turbo wide body / rear-wheel drive
Turbo engineering without the turbo
From 1995 (model year 1996)
Click the sections for the full assessment.
The M64 is regarded as robust (hydraulic lifters), but it has specific issues.
Variants:
Weak points:
For the first time, the 6-speed manual gearbox (G50/20) as standard. The alternative was the 4-speed Tiptronic S (with paddles on the steering wheel).
LSA rear axle: „Leichtbau, Stabilität, Agilität“, or lightweight, stability, agility. The multi-link axle eliminates the treacherous oversteer of earlier models.
Fully galvanised and well protected. Even so, there are critical points.
A classic layout, solid build quality.
Concentrated expert knowledge on the 993 Carrera and Carrera S: detailed weak points, inspection checklists, production figures, value-enhancing options and price forecasts.
The 993 is robust, but spare parts and specialists are expensive.
| Repair / servicing | Estimated cost (€) |
|---|---|
| Engine & engineering | |
| Engine resealing (comprehensive) | 4,000 - 8,000 |
| Engine rebuild (complete) | 12,000 - 18,000+ |
| Clutch replacement | 1,800 - 2,500 |
| Twin-plug distributor service | 500 - 800 |
| Air-conditioning repair | 1,500 - 2,500 |
| Suspension and body | |
| Suspension overhaul (dampers/bushes) | 2,500 - 4,000 |
| Window frame corrosion repair | 1,500 - 3,000+ |
| Door check strap repair (per side) | 800 - 1,500 |
| Targa roof overhaul | 1,500 - 3,000 |
Annual servicing budget: Allow around €2,000 - €4,000 to maintain the value.
Prices have stabilised at a high level.
| Model | Price range (condition grade 2) |
|---|---|
| Carrera Coupé (manual) | €85,000 - €110,000 |
| Carrera cabriolet | €80,000 - €105,000 |
| Carrera S (2S) | €120,000 - €150,000 |
| Carrera 4S | €130,000 - €165,000 |
| Tiptronic cars | around 10-15 % less |
Estimated ranges for cars in condition grade 2, as at May 2025. Documented median sale prices from June 2026 (MarqueScope SOLD archive, all conditions): Carrera Coupé €85,000, cabriolet €79,993, Targa €95,993, Carrera 4S €141,000, Carrera S €150,440. All the details in the 993 Carrera price report.
Investment: The Carrera 2S and 4S offer the greatest potential thanks to their coveted Turbo looks and smaller numbers. Driver's car: A late Carrera 2 (VarioRam) is the most agile and most purist 993 for the open road.
The listing, the paperwork and the price checked against real market data before you travel to view the car. A PDF dossier, usually within 24 h.
€199 incl. VAT · fixed price Assessment Level 2 · remoteDigital Audit plus follow-up questions, dealer answers, paperwork and a negotiating strategy, through to a clear buying decision.
€499 incl. VAT · audit included Assessment Level 3 · on siteA physical assessment where the car is: paint measurement, diagnostic readout, technical check, test drive and a negotiation brief.
from €790 incl. VAT · plus travelDo you already own a 911 from this model series? The Vehicle Documentation & Market Valuation puts the history, the paperwork and the market value of your car in order (€249 incl. VAT). Still looking? Then the right route is the Sourcing Enquire and name the model: Request a Digital Audit for a car from this model series.