The good news is that, generally speaking, the quality of stock for Porsche 993s is quite high – you can check out an array of 993s for sale by approved specialists on the 9WERKS Marketplace. 993s never got down to the seriously cheap levels of 964s or subsequent 996s, and so because of this, they tend to have been well maintained. Nevertheless, there are still a few points to look out for if you’re in the market for one.
Generally speaking, the 993’s flat-six engine is considered pretty bullet-proof, as is the six-speed manual gearbox, though you should check underneath for any leaks, particularly from lower cam covers. If properly looked after though, these engines can get well into six figures before requiring a rebuild.
It’s important to remember any 993 is now over a quarter of a century old, so there’s a good chance some money is going to need to be spent on its chassis if it hasn’t already. Take a test drive and check for any knocking noises which will point to perished suspension bushes, these usually fail on lower control arms over time. Rear chassis legs are a weak spot for corrosion, though you’ll need to take the rear bumper off to properly inspect them.
The 993’s galvanized steel body should be immaculate and shouldn’t have suffered from corrosion – any presence of this could point to poor accident damage repair. Likewise, doors should open and close nicely with even gaps on each side. For peace of mind, check for the presence of the factory sticker under the front boot – these weren’t replaced on cars that have needed a replacement 993 bonnet or comprehensive front-end resprays.
However, corrosion has been known to manifest around the front and rear screens, so check for rust bubbles around the rubber seals. The front and rear windows have been known to flex, which allows water and dirt to get in under the rubber seals and sit there. Depending on how long the rust has been allowed to manifest, this can become a big job to put right.
With the Targa and Cabriolet models, check for leaks as water ingress can play havoc with the car’s ECU. The Targa’s glass roof system is also known to get a little rattly over time, so take a test drive and review.
As with any 911, it’s difficult to properly inspect a 993 without getting it on a ramp and taking a good look underneath. 9WERKS recommends undertaking a pre-purchase inspection done by a professional, which should be able to identify any red flags and offer some insight as to what bills are likely on the horizon.
As a classic Porsche is now decades old, you should always have some contingency money put aside, but a good example will ensure the maintenance spend is far less than a tired example
