Porsche 993 VIN Decoder

Lookup and check the Porsche 993 VIN number for Free. 🛡️✅ Need the full vehicle history? Upgrade in one click.

No VIN?
Get EpicVIN reports
  • NIADA Logo
  • Blockchain confirmed data
  • NMVTIS Logo

Quick Facts about Porsche 993

$65,000
Avg price (good)
68,881
Total built
18 MPG
EPA combined
452,000
Odometer fraud/yr

Why Check Your Porsche 993 VIN History?

The Porsche 911 (993) is the last air-cooled 911 (1995–1998) and highly sought after by enthusiasts. Trims and options vary widely. Age-related maintenance strongly influences condition and price in the U.S. market. VIN history helps separate well-kept cars from neglected or modified examples.

When checking a Porsche 993's VIN history, buyers should pay special attention to:

  • Documented suspension refresh (control arms, bushings, shocks) and post-work alignment.
  • Varioram intake service and vacuum/actuator repairs on 1996–1998 cars.
  • Turbo/Turbo S records for turbocharger, wastegate, and intercooler maintenance.
  • Carrera 4/4S AWD servicing, including differential and transfer case fluids.
  • Brake/ABS work (caliper rebuilds, wheel-speed sensors) on higher-mileage cars.
  • Completion of any recalls or service campaigns confirmed via Porsche/NHTSA VIN checks.

A complete VIN record verifies build spec, major repairs, and title status. Hidden accident damage, skipped maintenance, or unresolved recalls can significantly affect reliability, safety, and value on a 993.

Porsche 993 Generations & Years

993 (1994-1998) - Fourth Generation

Key Details:

  • Body: 2-door Coupé, Cabriolet, Targa
  • Engines: 3.6L H6 NA (272–285 hp), 3.6L H6 TT (400–450 hp)
  • Production: Zuffenhausen, Stuttgart, Germany
  • Highlight: Final air-cooled 911; multi-link rear suspension; Varioram introduced (1996).

996 (1999-2004) - Fifth Generation

Key Details:

  • Body: 2-door Coupé, Cabriolet, Targa
  • Engines: 3.4–3.6L H6 water-cooled, Turbo 3.6L TT
  • Production: Zuffenhausen, Stuttgart, Germany
  • Highlight: First water-cooled 911; new platform and interior, expanded electronic systems.

964 (1989-1994) - Third Generation

Key Details:

  • Body: 2-door Coupé, Cabriolet, Targa
  • Engines: 3.6L H6 NA, Turbo 3.3/3.6L
  • Production: Zuffenhausen, Stuttgart, Germany
  • Highlight: Introduction of ABS, power steering, and Carrera 4 AWD; bridge between classic and modern 911s.

Porsche 993 Engine Options by Year

Year Model Engine HP 0-60 mph MPG (City/Hwy) Transmission
1998 Turbo S 3.6L H6 Twin-Turbo 450 3.7s 13/19 6-Speed Manual
1997 Carrera 4S 3.6L H6 NA (Varioram) 282 4.9s 15/21 6-Speed Manual
1997 Turbo 3.6L H6 Twin-Turbo 400 3.7–3.9s 11/17 6-Speed Manual
1996 Carrera 3.6L H6 NA (Varioram) 282 ~5.2s 15/23 6-Speed Manual
1995 Carrera 3.6L H6 NA 272 ~5.3–5.5s 15/23 6-Speed Manual
1995 Carrera 4 3.6L H6 NA 272 ~5.6–5.8s 15/22 6-Speed Manual
1995 Carrera (Tiptronic) 3.6L H6 NA 272 ~6.5–7.1s 15/23 4-Speed Auto

What to Check When Buying a Porsche 993

When decoding a PORSCHE 993 VIN and reviewing its history, buyers should focus on generation-specific issues documented for air-cooled 911s.

⚠️ 964 Generation (1989-1994)

  • Oil leaks & top-end refresh: Common on higher-mileage M64 engines; look for valve cover, chain housing and head work in records.
  • Dual-mass flywheel/clutch: Verify replacement history and proper parts on manuals; invoices should match VIN and Porsche parts references.
  • AWD system (C4): Confirm viscous coupling/differential fluid services; look for ABS/PSM sensor replacements in service history.

⚠️ 993 Generation (1994-1998)

  • Suspension wear: Control arms, bushings and shocks often age out; check for documented refresh and alignment after major work.
  • Varioram & intake service (’96–’98): Inspect records for intake runner/actuator maintenance; verify CEL fixes and vacuum line replacements.
  • Turbo models: Confirm turbocharger, wastegate and intercooler service; look for OEM parts and proper boost control repairs.
  • Brake and ABS sensors: Aging wheel speed sensors and lines are typical. Invoices should show quality parts and bleed procedures.

⚠️ 996 Generation (1999-2004)

  • IMS/RMS on early NA engines: Verify documented IMS solution and RMS work on 3.4/3.6 NA cars. Parts invoices should match VIN.
  • Cooling system & AOS: Check for coolant tank/radiators and air-oil separator replacements with mileage timelines in records.
  • Electrical/immobilizer: Look for water ingress fixes and key/immobilizer module replacements tied to the VIN.

💡 Pro Tip: A 993 with detailed invoices for suspension refresh, brake overhaul, and intake maintenance typically drives better and holds value. Verified accident repairs and resolved recalls reduce risk and make pricing easier to justify.

Risk Statistics for Used Porsche 993

Key Risk Impact on Buyers Mitigation Steps
Odometer Rollback Fraud NHTSA estimates ~452,000 U.S. vehicles/year with altered mileage. Risks persist on older cars. Compare VIN mileage across titles, service records, and inspections. Use NHTSA guidance.
Unrepaired Safety Recalls Older models may have outstanding campaigns. Completion varies by VIN and owner history. Check NHTSA and Porsche recall portals by VIN. Verify dealer invoices.
Hidden Flood or Salvage History Flood-damaged vehicles often re-enter the market after storms. Review title brands and auction photos. Inspect for corrosion and moisture.
Theft Risk Sports cars can be targeted in certain regions during theft spikes. Verify title status. Consider immobilizers/secure parking; check insurance theft data.
Depreciation Variability Collector-grade 993s depreciate less than mainstream cars. Pricing varies by trim and originality. Compare comps by trim/mileage; verify originality via VIN build data.

Data Sources & Methodology

This PORSCHE 993 information is compiled from trusted sources:

Quick Generation Comparison

Feature 964 (1989–1994) 993 (1994–1998) 996 (1999–2004)
Reliability Score 7.2/10 7.8/10 6.8/10
Avg. Annual Maintenance $2,400 $2,700 $2,200
Avg. Mileage (used market) 90,000 mi 75,000 mi 85,000 mi
Fuel Economy (combined) 18 mpg 18 mpg 19 mpg
Hybrid Available No No No
Technology Level ★★☆☆☆ ★★★☆☆ ★★★★
Best For Analog purists Collectible daily Budget 911 entry

Sample Porsche 993 VIN Decoder Results

Results for VIN Decoding for
VIN# WP0CA29983S652882

2003 PORSCHE 911

BLOCKCHAIN Confirmed Data Approved NMVTIS Data Provider
2003 PORSCHE 911
  • Odometer

    No problems

  • Safety Recalls

    No records

  • Accidents

    1 problem

  • Last mileage

    290,290 km

  • Auction Sales

    1 sale found

  • Owners

    2+ owners found

  • Year

    Year 2003

  • Make

    Make Porsche

  • Model

    Model 911

  • Fuel Type

    Fuel Type Gasoline

  • Engine

    Engine 3.6L

  • Made in

    Made in GERMANY

What you can get:

  • Title Status & High-Risk Labels: Shows salvage, rebuilt or flood branding and helps judge risk on older, collectible 993s.
  • Mileage History & Heavy Use Detection: Tracks odometer entries to spot rollbacks common in older vehicles with rising values.
  • Accident & Structural Damage Events: Flags severe incidents or airbag deployments that can affect chassis integrity and value.
  • Recall & Service Campaign Tracking: Confirms open or completed Porsche/NHTSA campaigns critical for safety compliance.
  • Usage Type & Ownership Timeline: Identifies personal, fleet, or export/import history that impacts wear and valuation.
  • Equipment & Build Data Verification: Confirms original trim and options, important for Carrera S/4S/Turbo authenticity.

FAQ: Porsche 993

Where can I find the VIN on a Porsche 993?

At the base of the windshield on the driver's side. Also, check the driver-door jamb and front trunk label.

How do I decode the characters in a Porsche 993 VIN?

The 17-character VIN includes the WMI (e.g., WP0), body/engine/restraint codes, model year, plant, and serial sequence.

Which Porsche 993 variant is generally the most reliable?

Well-maintained Carrera/Carrera 4 models with documented suspension and intake service are regarded as dependable. Service history often matters more than mileage.

What are typical maintenance costs for a used Porsche 993?

Annual costs are usually higher than mainstream vehicles, especially if suspension, brakes, or intake components need refreshing. Budget for specialist labor and OEM parts.

Are there important recalls to check on a 993?

Older campaigns may apply to specific trims or years; verify VIN status through NHTSA and Porsche's recall portals, and keep dealer repair confirmations.

Which 993 trims are best for value and collectability?

Cars with original specs and documentation - such as Carrera S/4S and low-owner Carrera manuals - often command premiums; authenticity verification via VIN is essential.

Related Porsche Models

Get Your Complete Vehicle History Today

Don't let hidden problems cost you thousands. Our results include accident history, mileage verification, title issues, auction photos, and much more.

Similar Articles

Discover expert tips, news and advice on buying and maintaining used vehicles

Save Thousands of Dollars

Learn everything there is to know about your next car.

  • NIADA Logo
  • Blockchain confirmed data
  • NMVTIS Logo