Corrosion: Shoddy exterior repair jobs can lead to corrosion, but the 993 was made of good galvanised steel so resists it generally well. Due to the front and rear screens flexing, water and grit get in under the rubber seals, so check there as well. The headlights can also trap dirt and grit, damaging the metal and leading to corrosion.
Also worth knowing
Porsche never built a 993 GT3, but the Carrera RS is close in concept. A Clubsport version, also known as the RSR, was produced as well, lacking the carpets, power windows, air-con and radio to save even more weight. It also got a larger rear wing and a deeper chin spoiler than the RS.
In Cabriolet models, the roof’s switch can fail, although in the event can still be used manually. In any case, check the fabric looks clean and watertight and it operates smoothly.
How much to spend
£15,000–£24,999: Early, high-mileage (over 80,000) Carreras in poor condition. One with no engine or gearbox is available if you fancy making a restomod…
£25,000–£39,999: Carrera Cabriolets with a high mileage but in decent condition.
£40,000–£59,999: Some Carrera 4s and later Carreras. Mileages often remain high, sometimes exceeding 100,000.
£60,000–£99,99: Pristine Carreras and Carrera 4s with 50,000 miles. A leggy Carrera S.
£100,000-£149,999: Another Carrera S and a couple of Turbos with around 50,000 miles.
£150,000–£199,999: A Turbo in very good condition.
£200,000 and above: Any Carrera RS or RSR.
One we found
Porsche 911 Carrera, 1994, 78k miles, £59,990: With a respectable mileage and condition, this is what you can expect if your budget will stretch only to a good Carrera. It’s also a manual. The only thing that could put you off is that it’s a left-hand-drive import.