The short answer: the air-cooled 911s (930, 964, 993) are the classics, the 996 and 997 are the best-value modern cars, and the 991 and 992 are the most usable every day. The right one depends on how you'll use it, not which is "best".
| Generation | Years | Engine | Typical UK price* |
|---|---|---|---|
| 930 Turbo | 1975–1989 | Air-cooled turbo flat-six | £90k–£180k+ |
| 964 | 1989–1994 | Air-cooled 3.6 | £60k–£110k |
| 993 | 1994–1998 | Air-cooled 3.6, last air-cooled | £75k–£130k |
| 996 | 1997–2005 | Water-cooled M96 / Mezger (Turbo, GT3) | £18k–£60k |
| 997 | 2004–2012 | M97 (.1) / 9A1 DFI (.2) | £28k–£85k |
| 991 | 2011–2019 | 9A1 N/A (.1) / 3.0 turbo (.2) | £45k–£95k |
| 992 | 2019– | 3.0 twin-turbo | £80k+ |
*My own indicative ranges for good cars in late 2026, not a valuation.
Which 911 generation should I buy?
For weekends and character, an air-cooled 964 or 993. For the most car for the money, a 996 or 997. For daily use, a 991.1 Carrera S. My full pick per generation is in the best used 911 to buy.
Air-cooled or water-cooled?
Air-cooled cars feel mechanical and raw and have become collector cars. Water-cooled cars are faster, quieter and cheaper to own. Neither is better - they're different things.
The buyer's guides, generation by generation
- Porsche 996 buyer's guide
- Porsche 997 buyer's guide
- The IMS bearing explained (996 and 997.1)
- Bore scoring explained
See the used Porsche 911s for sale now, or book a consultation.
Quick answers
Which Porsche 911 generation should I buy?
An air-cooled 964 or 993 for character, a 996 or 997 for value, and a 991.1 Carrera S for daily use.
What was the last air-cooled 911?
The 993, built from 1994 to 1998.
Which 911 generations have the IMS bearing?
The 996 Carrera and 997.1 Carrera. Turbo, GT2 and GT3 models with the Mezger engine do not.
