Models · Porsche
Porsche 911 Turbo 964 buying guide
The 964 Turbo arrived in late 1990 with an air-cooled 3.3 flat six and a single turbocharger, and was replaced by the 3.6 Turbo for the 1993 model year. Both are rear-wheel drive with a five-speed manual, and the galvanised body stands up well to age.
The versions
- Turbo 3.3 (1991 and 1992 model years): 3.3 single-turbo flat six developed from the 930 engine, 320PS
- Turbo 3.6 (1993 model year): 3.6 single-turbo flat six, 360PS, with larger brakes and three-piece Speedline wheels
- Factory power upgrades were offered through Porsche Exclusive, and a lightweight Turbo S was built in small numbers
- Five-speed manual based on the G50, rear-wheel drive; no Tiptronic was offered on the Turbo
- Right-hand drive cars from March 1991
What to check on a 964 Turbo
3 model-specific things to look at when you view one. They're a starting point, not the full inspection.
The flywheel on early 3.3 cars
What to look for: With the engine warm, listen at idle and when pulling away for a clonk or rattle from the back of the car. Ask whether the flywheel has been replaced, and look for the invoice.
Why it matters: The early 3.3 cars used a Freudenberg dual-mass flywheel with a rubber spring element, which is known to fail. From 1992 a LuK flywheel with metal springs was fitted. On an early, low-mileage car the original may still be in place, so paperwork showing it has been changed is reassuring.
The external oil lines
What to look for: Look under the back of the car, near the rear wheel, where the oil lines run. Note any wet oil, weeping joints or perished outer sleeves.
Why it matters: The oil lines are now around 30 years old and can leak or, at worst, burst near the rear wheel, which is a fire risk as well as an oil loss. Specialists advise replacing old lines as a precaution, and a car that has had them done is a sign it's been looked after.
Blue smoke under load or on the overrun
What to look for: On the test drive, have someone follow or watch the mirror. Note blue smoke when you accelerate hard, and separately when you lift off the throttle after a run through the gears.
Why it matters: Blue smoke under acceleration points to wear in the turbocharger. Smoke on the overrun, after lifting off, points to worn valve guides. Both are repairable, and the history should show a specialist looking at either before you buy.
Also in the full guide
- Oil leaks after storage
- Exhaust flanges
- Rust as a sign of past repair
- Factory power upgrades
- The cold start, test drive and paperwork checks for the exact version you're viewing
The full guide to the 964 Turbo
The CrankSight guide walks you round the car on your phone at the viewing, with every check for the exact version you're looking at: what to look for, where to find it, and what anything you find is likely to cost. As you go it builds an assessment of that car, and if you view more than one, it lines them up side by side.
£29 for the model, used on as many cars as you like, delivered within 72 hours or your money back.
Other generations
Porsche 911 Turbo 992 · Porsche 911 Turbo 993 · Porsche 911 Turbo 996 · Porsche 911 Turbo 997.1 · Porsche 911 Turbo 997.2
General points for the model, last checked October 2026. Every car is different, so treat this as a guide to what to look at, not a verdict on any car. CrankSight is independent and has no connection with Porsche.