The newer cars seem to be less fun to drive as the driver is insulated from the car. These are known to be some of the most reliable sports cars on the market and that is in part to the fact that the 911 has been around for so long and Porsche has nearly perfected the mechanical aspects of these cars. The Turbo's old four-speed transmission was replaced by the G50 five-speed for 1989, and five-speed Turbos command a premium on the market today. The 992 story is still being written. The first 997 GT3 arrived shortly after the Turbo, with a 415-hp version of the naturally aspirated Mezger 3.6-liter flat-six and an enormous rear wing. We may earn money from the links on this page. For the first time since the 911s initial release, nearly 35 years prior, the 911 had a new chassis. The MSRP for this Carrera was $83,115 in 2001 and the current Carfax retail value is $34,160. This is ironic because the 996 wasnt the first car to feature them. The performance is wonderful, because it is a quality car. Once again, it was a bit of a niche model. Porsche brought the mostly-unchanged Turbo back to the U.S. for the 1986 model year, adding Targa and Cabriolet variants, though the latter is quite rare. Simultaneously, it became clear that Porsche couldnt keep adapting its Sixties-derived 911 platform and air-cooled engine to meet the needs of the 21st century. However, it's been referred to as the "poor. An Idiot's Guide To Understanding The Complicated Porsche 911 Range Answer (1 of 8): Hmm, I should probably go anonymous before posting this but let's take a shot. And, they didnt forget about the keystone of the 911 brand: performance. Although the GT2s success speaks for itself, Porsche claimed it produced 450 horsepower. Now, if youre buying a 911 on a budget theres really only one that comes to mind, the 996 (1999-2004). Stop trying to eat your own, Porsche cars are family. The base Carrera made 296 horsepower from a 3.4-liter flat-six, paired with either a new six-speed manual or a five-speed Tiptronic automatic. The Mercury Grand Marquis was a car manufactured, Read More Which Grand Marquis Years To Avoid and Why? A year later, the Turbo S arrived with 530 horsepower and only one gearboxPDK. Two huge influences shaped the 996-generation 911. Now, let us look more closely at the Porsche 911 years-. The first 993s were all rear-drive Carrera 2s. But, another undeniable fact is that some models do not fall in that reliable category due to faulty or broken head bolts, radiator leaks, and coolant hose slip issues. Additional photos can be taken on request. Talked to porsche as it was such low mileage but they would not even offer a discount on the parts because it was out of warranty. It would be a crime to talk about the Porsche 911 without talking about the 930, which is the turbo versionand a sacred machine to most motoring enthusiasts. If you want to use the 911 as an investment the three best options are the 911 (1964-1989), 930 (1975-1989), and 993 (1995-1998). Power increased to 217 hp in 1986, and in 1987, the old 915 transmission was replaced by the much-improved Getrag G50 five-speed, with a hydraulic clutch instead of the old cable-operated design. The Carrera 4 arrived in 1995 with a totally new all-wheel drive system that fixed the understeer prevalent in the 964 Carrera 4 and brought substantial weight and cost savings. The Most highlighted symptoms of 2014 models were radiator leaks and coolant hose slipping tendency. The 2013 Porsche 911 is a four-seater rear-engine sports car that features an all-wheel-drive system, luxurious interior, improved driving position, flat-six engine, and seven-speed manual to deliver ultimate sporty performance. Eventually, the engine completely shuts down while driving and never re-start again, even after several attempts. It has since 1964 been among the top sports car brands. Engine problems are the most common failures in the Porsche 911, ranging from broken head bolts to leaking hoses. A new Porsche 911 Speedster will reportedly be revealed later this year before going on sale in 2024. Most Porsche 911 cars are reliable with little to no problems at all. There are tons of valuable 911s, and interest in air-cooled models in particular is at an all-time high. I feel like I am in complete control when I drive it. Among the 996 generation, there are deals to be had, though the special models, the GT2s, GT3s and GT3 RSes, are climbing in value, as are the Turbos. Porsche built a lightweight Carrera RS in 1992 and a more powerful RS 3.8 in 1993, but these werent imported to North America. Consumers reported noticing the issue as soon as the vehicle reached 32,000 miles, and had to spend $1,500 repairing it. Sporty, powerful, fun; expensive to maintain somewhat practical. This car is very nice because it is fast and very reliable. Today, early 911s are quite valuable as they're the rarest and purest of the breed. There are only two truly desirable 996-generation Porsches in our market: The 2001-2004 Turbo and the 2004 GT3. What Year Porsche 911 to Avoid? - Car Care Portal There was also a new Speedster, of which just 356 units were built. The 2009 Porsche 911 year model is the most problematic of all of them, and you should absolutely avoid purchasing one. 2002 Porsche 911 is a classically distinctive car. We search every car at every dealer so you don't have to, we give you data and insights you won't find anywhere else, and we rank every car so it's easy to find the best car at the best price. With over 50 other dependable year models, there are many better picks for your used Porsche 911 than these. I have driven this beauty daily over 50,000 miles without hardly any issues and can sell it today for $5000.00 for what I paid for it. Also, Porsche officially issued 220 TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETINS (TSBS). Other improvements included an intercooler, anti-roll bars, and larger brakes. (Explained), Which Grand Marquis Years To Avoid and Why? This years model users again complained about the vehicles engine problem due to scored bores. WE ACCEPT ALL YEAR, MAKE, AND MODEL TRADE-INS. While the visual differences are subtle, modifications under the sheet metal were extensive. Porsche 911 History | Porsche 911 Through the Years - Popular Mechanics Which Years Of Used Toyota Tundras Are Most Reliable. He even claimed that all fluid drained away through the leaking hoses. Porsche brings the driving attitude and visual cues of its sports cars to the family-friendly Cayenne. Plus, it offered the first AWD 911, branded the Carrera 4 (the traditional RWD version of the 964 was labeled the Carrera 2). 5 Best And 5 Worst Porsche 911 Models Over The Years - HotCars The IMS bearing used in the M96 was supposed to be lifetime-lubricated, but the bearing can overheat and fail, which can damage the IMS and potentially throw off cam timing enough to cause valves and pistons to collide. Porsche didnt have enough money to completely redo the 911, so they kept the suspension and Targa roof system from the 993. This has divided opinion and has caused serious confusion. Which year models of used Porsche 911 to avoid? - CoPilot IMS and RMS were fixed and we got a great deal on a low mileage Porsche. Porsche hadnt launched an all-new car since the 928 came along in 1978, and the automaker was hard up for cash. Via Porsche. Beautiful, six speed, high performance. In an ever-changing automotive world, it's a remarkable constant, still powered by a rear-mounted flat-six nearly 60 years after production began in 1964. I've put 26000 trouble free miles on it and have never done anything but service it. The SC and Carrera 3.2 are both excellent usable classicsthe former is lithe and pared-back, while the latter is muscular and modern. Avoid scams, deal locally Beware wiring (e.g. Following tradition, Porsche gave the 911 a significant mid-cycle update in late 2015. Porsche has decided to give the driver maximum control over how the GT3 RS drives. Our car experts choose every product we feature. And with countless variants, there's a 911 for just about every buyer. Most have no complaints whatsoever, and if they do, theyre extremely minor. When you shop for a new or used car, CoPilot helps you know more. Users also commonly coolant hoses leaking issue, which mostly arise at 28,000 miles, and on average the typical fixing cost of this problem is $300. Most buyers pay a big premium for 1987-1989 cars with the G50 gearbox. When you're ready to buy your next car, CoPilot helps you make sure you never get taken advantage of at the dealership. All 992 Carreras now use the widebody fenders that were previously exclusive to the Carrera 4, and all 911s now have staggered wheels. When the 996-generation 911 debuted in 1997, it shared numerous partsincluding virtually everything from the A-pillar forwardwith the Boxster that had been introduced a year before. 2010 Porsche 911 CARRERA S 2D Convertible - $59,950 (Luxury Auto Plex) image 1 of 24 image 1 of 24 However, what hurt Porsche fans the most was the fried egg-looking headlights. ICloud drive for hours in the comfortable seats. While the 991 is undoubtedly a 911, it offers a very different driving experience from its predecessors. Reports also claim that most engine troubles were initiated by broken head bolts, blown or cracked gasket head, scored bores, failed or loosed IMS shaft bearing, and defaulted engine. Worse still for Porsche, this generation of the 911 wasn't terribly profitable. Porsche completely redesigned the 911 for the 991, making it the third completely new platform in 911 history. That being said, when purchasing a 911, you need to know what you want from it. This series started as a fraction of 911 in 1999 and lasted till 2005. The last two models from the first run of the 991 were spectacular. Essentially a lightened 911 S with wider fenders to accommodate 15x7 wheels and a bigger 2.7-liter 210-hp flat-six, the RS introduced the now-iconic Carrera door decals and ducktail spoiler. The car is finished in black over matching leather upholstery, and power comes from a turbocharged 3.6-liter flat-six paired with a five-speed manual transaxle. All 992-generation 911s get the eight-speed PDK transmission standard, but S models are available with a revised version of the old seven-speed manual. The dogleg 901 gearbox was replaced by the updated 915 unit with a conventional five-speed shift pattern, but this gearbox is often criticized for its vague shift action. I really like feel of the steering wheel. Porsche 911 Buyers Guide 991 | Used Porsche 911 Guide | 991 - pCarWise This is because it's an older model, and thus may require more repairs. An evolution of the 991 chassis, with increased track width and updated interiors. New electric architecture brings new safety and interior tech. Rumors indicate that the 992 could spawn a future hybrid variant. High-performance models like the S and Carrera RS command the most money, though even a good E can easily climb into the $100,000 range. I don't agree that the 996 era cars undesirable. 2023 Vehicle History Inc. All Rights Reserved. Performance is what makes the 993 the perfect 10. Users also mentioned that these issues mostly occur at 25,000 to 28,800 miles. It felt like a sedan not sport car. As with any vintage car purchase, beware basket cases, shoddy mods, or questionably-repaired wrecks. You may be familiar with the dreaded IMS bearing failure. The M96, like its air-cooled predecessors, drives its camshafts off an intermediate shaft (or IMS) that sits parallel to the crankshaft. For more than 50 years, the 911 has been a sports car benchmark. Porsche Could Be Bringing Back The 911 Speedster When the Porsche 964 was released in 1989, Porsche claimed that it was 85% new. Named Tiptronic, the torque-converter transmission allowed manual gear selection via toggle-switches on the steering wheel or a dedicated gate on the console shifter, state of the art at the time. A new GT3 arrived in early 2013. Well, in this guide we'll address the main issues and Porsche Boxster years to avoid providing you with buying assistance. Porsche didnt stop there; they also improved the 964s power steering and AWD systems. If youre more interested in a newer, off-lease ride, try CoPilot Compare, the search engine for nearly-new cars. Porsche addicts swoon from the jaw-dropping looks of the 993. The SC of 1978-1983 and Carrera of 1984-1989 added refinement. We recommend purchasing any of the aforementioned Porsche 911 year models. The 2009 model users mainly mentioned excess oil consumption, engine stalling, coolant hoses leaking, and window operation malfunctioning. Nevertheless, looks arent the only reason the 993 is regarded as the best 911 by the majority of Porsche enthusiasts. Porsche also brought back the Targa, using the sliding-glass-panel design seen on the 993. 11 Images. The 2002 users also mentioned experiencing troubles like aluminum coolant tube blowing apart, steam or smoke coming from the engine bay, loose coolant line, faulty or failed manifold fitting, or bad Odor. 1988 Porsche 911. You can get big power out of a 930, and many did, sometimes cutting corners when these cars were cheap. Built using the same technology as dealerships use, well show you everything you want to know about each listing - like how long its been on the lot, or if there are similar vehicles at a better price nearby. The CoPilot app is the smartest way to buy a car. The PT Cruiser is a sedan that offers, Read More Which PT Cruiser Years to Avoid and Why? Introduced in late 1996, the Porsche Boxster is Porsche's first road vehicle designed as a roadster for quite a while, being a two-seater mid-engine roadster. For the first time, Porsche offered a wingless version, the GT3 Touring, functionally similar to the previous 911 R. The 991.2 GT3 RS wore slightly different bodywork, with a slightly hotter version of the GT3 engine. Old-school charm and such aside, we suggest the 2011 Carrera 997, the first of the 991 series. Hence, the new Porsche became known as the 911. I like a smaller car and feel more able to control my driving because of the size. CoPilot Compare breaks down pricing and feature differences between Porsche 911 years so you can find the sweet spot between value AND reliability. year to help you gain confidence about one of your largest purchase decisions. Reportedly, when the top is opened or closed, the vehicle window either stays open or close. For 2002, all 911 Carrera models received a 3.6-liter version of the M96 engine making 320 hp, a light facelift with those new Turbo headlights, and some interior tweaks. Western Union), cashier . All appearing under 30,000 miles, difficulties that drivers of the 2009 year model have experienced include stalling, excessive oil consumption, and leaking hoses. It's built like a tank and I've never witnessed nor seen better quality than a Porsche. It has four seats which helps if you have a large family. The wheels are amazing but that's cause I changed them the tank rarely needs to be filled up. On one side, owners are happy to spend less on maintenance and believe the car is so reliable that this isn't an issue. For 1996, a new Targa arrived, eschewing the lift-off top for a large slide-back glass panel. It was also the first with a Tiptronic automatic transmission and standard power steering and ABS. This style and color. The last reason why 911 enthusiasts seem to go absolutely mental in the presence of the 993 is that its the last air-cooled 911. The 997 GT2 was much more finely honed than its 996 sibling, though hardcore enthusiasts still seem to prefer the naturally aspirated GT3. 2008 Porsche 911 offers smooth performance, better handling control, excellent transmission operation, stability, and Maneuverability. It is stiff so it feels sporty and helps you be in control with the car. Filling the gap left by the discontinuation of the small, affordable 914, the 1976 912 E used that models 2.0-liter, Volkswagen-designed flat-four engine. This years Porsche 911 also got 4.8 consumer ratings out of 5. At this price, it leads to a lot of prospective buyers wondering if it is worth the money. The 964 still represents a considerable step forward in comfort and capability over the G-series, coupled with classic 911 style and sound. It has good gas mileage and it is a car that is very comfortable. One 2001 owner also mentioned that the side airbag failed to deploy, and because of that, his vehicle was severely damaged. Plus, the updated model is excellent, with reliable, durable engines, great looks, and a smaller, more old-school feel than the generation that replaced it, the 991. Keep reading the following article to discover more about those troublesome Porsche 911 models and decide whether to consider them or not-. 63k miles and going strong! of the 996 model I'd have to say f. Mild styling updates, subtle chassis tweaks and improved shift action on the seven-speed manual rounded out the changes. A complaint of broken head bolts was reported in the 1983 Porsche 911, popping up at around 30,000 miles and costing $1,500 to replace. There's not a bad one in the bunch, so find the best example that fits your needs and budget. The model was withdrawn from the U.S. market in 1980 due to tightening emissions regulations, and with Porsches resources focused on the 924, 944 and 928, the 911 languished. Today, the C4S is probably the most desirable 996 Carrera model. The first 911 Turbo arrived in 1975, a paradigm shift for Porsche. All 991.2-generation Carrera models use a 3.0-liter twin-turbo flat-six, a change aimed at improving fuel economy that also brought more power and torque. Best Years for Porsche 911: 2001 2012 2018 2019 2020 Worst Years for Porsche 911: 1983 1989 2004 2005 2009 I will be listing down why they are the best and worst models, so make sure to read until the end. 2002 Porsche 911 = Most unappreciated Carrera. It looks like Porsche plans to release even more configurations for the 992 with a hybrid version slated to release in 2024. The 993 generation was rather short-lived, but it spawned a handful of homologation specials. (Explained), Which Porsche Cayenne Years to Avoid and Why? So case in point nothing is wrong with my car. The turbocharged 3.6-liter M64 flat-six was new for 1993 and used . The air-cooled M64 3.6-liter engine was carried over from the 964, here making 272 horsepower and 243 lb-ft of torque. The 992 (2019-present) is the latest generation of the 911 and it comes loaded with modern technology. For 1984, the SC was replaced by the Carrera, with a 3.2-liter flat-six making 207 horsepower and more luxury options. (Explained). The Turbo arrived in 2020 with 580 hp, rising to 640 hp in the Turbo S. The Targa also made a return, sporting an updated version of the roof mechanism from the 991. Euro-market power grew to 188 hp in 1980, then 204 hp in 1981, though U.S. cars never saw these increases thanks to stricter emissions regulations. Any Turbo will be more expensive than a naturally aspirated G-series, but stay away from poorly-modified examples. In fact, Porsche focused mostly on interior and exterior styling when designing the 997. Only 2092 examples were built, with the model being replaced by the front-engine 924 as Porsches entry-level sports car late in 1976. The pick up of speed is really great also. Buying a used or CPO luxury car is one of the smartest buys you can make - you can get a lot of car for not much money. A quarter-century into the models production run, the 911 finally got its first comprehensive update. 2023 Porsche 911 Edition 50 Years Porsche Design For driving enjoyment, there isn't really a bad 993. These sports cars have been advancing every single year with newer specs and functions. Versus the competition: Though some competitors can keep up with the 911's speed, none can match how it feels to drive the rear-engine Porsche. A Porsche mechanic can detect this problem with a borescope. Another huge change came in 1975 with the introduction of the first 911 Turbo. Well have to agree with enthusiasts, the 996 models (1999-2004) are the worst years of the 911 (yes, the non-circular headlights were the dealbreaker for us). At the time, the RS America was the cheapest variant of the 964 and a hard sell for Porsche dealers, but now it's among the most sought-after cars of this generation. The GT2 made its return in late 2007, with chassis hardware from the GT3 and an upgraded 3.6-liter turbo flat-six. Then, Porsche decided to turn it up to 11 and release the Porsche 911 GT2. This model was produced from 1998-2005 and was plagued with engine problems. I think I lost the go kart feeling in the 2020 I feel very lucky with the 2019 but may be unjustifiable. With so many years of production, its surprising that almost every year model of the Porsche 911 is a worthy purchase. This, from the first time I read about it, made me nervous for two reasons: 1) as Colin Chapman said . The first Porsche 911 to avoidis the 996. Prices remain high on the 996 GT3, especially the rare GT3 RS, and GT2s are extremely sought after by collectors. Original Porsche 911 went from 0 to 60 in 8.3 seconds, before Porsche enlarged the engine several times over a 25-year span. And while the GT3s are all-time greats, a base 997.1 Carrera with a manual will be more than satisfying. (Explained). Year : 2006 Make : Porsche Model : 911 Trim : Carrera S . And they still improved upon the 930s setup by decreasing turbo lag. But the big news for 1996 was the new 911 Turbo. You won't find many for under $75,000 today, and good examples will easily fetch $100,000. $49,900. Porsche closed the book on the 991 with a new Speedster, based on the GT3 and sporting a revised version of the naturally aspirated 4.0-liter with independent throttle bodies. Production was limited to 1948 units. New Porsche 911 Speedster to be unveiled later this year - report For the 997 generation, the 911 was available in base Carrera or Carrera 4 (either coupe or Cabriolet), or uprated Carrera S or 4S (again, coupe or Cabriolet). 5 Best And Worst Years For The Porsche 911 - WVDOT Automotive Tell us what two-door sports car youre looking for and well find it, searching every dealership in your area to create a personalized list of the best buys for you. Engine failure was the only complaint highlighted against this years Porsche 911 models, which most commonly occurs at 41,000 miles. That all sounds good. According to Carcomplaints.com, 2009 & 2014 models have the most cooling system issues reported by the users. The last 911 Speedster was revealed in April 2019 as a homage to the original Porsche 356 . . However, judging by the recent climb in 912 values, it's safe to say there's strong demand for 4-cylinder 911s. No problems so far at all with my car because it is still somewhat new. 2003 *Porsche* *911 CARRERA C4S* BLACK METALLIC - cars & trucks - by I took offense. This years Porsche users had to encounter power window malfunctioning, where they noticed that sometimes the power window wont respond accordingly or stopped working completely. These days, the 911 . 2001 Porsche 911 Cabriolet w/37k - cars & trucks - by dealer Early G-series cars with the magnesium-crankcase 2.7-liter engine can be tricky to work on, and later aluminum-crankcase models are preferred for highly-tuned builds. The 911 became a staunch performance car when Porsche introduced it in 1964. Perhaps the only thing I do not like is the gas consumption. 2011 Porsche 911 Carrera is such a great handling car. For 2009, Porsche updated the 997, making whats known as the 997.2. The idea was to create a 911 that had even friendlier handling than the 997 while bolstering the car's GT credentials, losing weight, and maintaining the ineffable quality that has defined the 911 throughout its history. Thank you Porsche!! Even the rare Targa has unique appeal, and the Turbo is quick even by todays standards. (Explained)Continue, As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Also in 2009, the Turbo was updated with a 500-hp 3.8-liter version of the old Mezger engine and a PDK gearbox available as an option. In the Seventies, Porsche executives believed that the company's future lay in front-engine cars, so development focused on the 924 and 928. Turbo and Turbo S models each got a 40-hp bump, and Porsche added the Carrera T, a stripped-out enthusiast version of the standard rear-drive Carrera, named after a late-Sixties base-model 911. Which Porsche 996 Years to Avoid and Why? (Explained) - MotorAudit Also, the most highlighted complaints against 2009 models were engine stalling and excess oil consumption, which commonly arise at 25,000-28000 miles. It was the lightest of the 991s, and it sold out almost immediately. I HAVE A 2012 911 BLACK EDITION WITH 32,000 MI,THE CRANKSHAFT BEARING JUST WENT,SO MUCH FOR GREAT PORCHES. Finally, for those who want the latest edition, the 992 (2019-Present) is promising with several different configurations. 996 Years to Avoid? - Pelican Parts Forums Of this generation, a Turbo with the G50 gearbox is the most desirable model, followed closely by the Clubsport. Besides that, 2014 Porsche 911 models seemed to have structural body or paint defects and visibility or wiper defects. Dealership. For the 991.2, Porsche stretches the inspection recommendation to 20K miles or two years. There have been outside players too who have been trying their hand at reimagining the 911. One issue I do have in regards to the car is that the oil needs to be changed frequently. Based on the PORSCHE 911 MODEL YEAR COMPARISON representation, the following Porsche 911 years are safe since there are no complaints reported against these models-. Porsche 911 Buyers Guide 997 | Used Porsche 911 Guide | 997 - pCarWise The Pontiac Vibe comes with a stronger powertrain, Read More Which Pontiac Vibe Years to Avoid and Why? According to reports, the 1983 Porsche 911 may experience head bolt problems after only 40,000 kilometers. 2012 Porsche 911 C2 S Pdk * Pse Sports Chrono * 991 Techart Add Ons