The Porsche 911 is a wildly popular car, as we stated at the outset, and it makes sense. It hasn’t had a terrible iteration in more over 50 years. Having said that, you must be clear about your needs before buying a 911. You should buy a 911 (1964–1989), 930 (1975–1989), 964 (1990–1994), or 993 (1995–1998) if you want the authentic 911 formula that enthusiasts like.
The 911 (1964–1989), 930 (1975–1989), and 993 are the three greatest possibilities if you want to use the 911 as an investment (1995-1998). Now, if you’re looking to purchase a 911 on a tight budget, only the 996 comes to mind (1999-2004). Check out the 997 (2005-2011) or 991 for individuals who want a contemporary Porsche but are willing to pay more for better looks than the 996. (2012-2018). Finally, the 992 (2019-Present) is promising with a variety of configurations for those who seek the newest model.
Aside from retro appeal and other things, we advise the 2011 Carrera 997, the first model in the 991 series. With standard features and roughly 46k kilometers, these are available for a cool $50,000. That is almost half of what you would pay for a 2019 model year vehicle.
The fact that there were no complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration (NHTSA) and only one recall supports our assessment of the 2011 model. The strut pin that may fracture and cause the strut to split from the vehicle is the cause of the recall, which has only so far affected 584 units.
What is the Porsche 911’s worst year? The 996 models (1999–2004) are the worst years of the 911, we have to concur with fans (yes, the non-circular headlights were the dealbreaker for us). Watch out for the 2002 model in particular, which had 13 complaints filed against it, three recalls, and an inquiry.
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Which Porsche 911 model year is the best used purchase?
A 2017 Porsche 911 is the ideal year to get one. Although it costs substantially less, it still has all the amenities of the 2018 and 2019 models and the same exterior as the 2020 model because it was the first car to be produced with the most recent update to the 991 construction of the Porsche 911.
There are certified pre-owned Porsche 911s from 2017 that have minimal mileage and are still covered by the manufacturer’s warranty. It’s almost identical to the 2020 model but costs less than two-thirds as much for a vehicle with as classic-looking of a look as possible.
You want to find the ideal combination of affordability and dependability when purchasing a used car. Utilize CoPilot Compare to compare the cost savings between buying new and nearly new.
The Best And Five Worst Porsche 911 Models Ever
Even though it’s undoubtedly the most well-known and adored, the Porsche 911 wasn’t always among the top sports cars available.
Porsche is one of those automakers that follows its own path. Japanese and German automakers like BMW and Audi both excel in the production of sports cars. Amazing pickup vehicles are made by companies like Ford, as are Chevy and Toyota. Every Ferrari has a Lamborghini counterpart. You see what I mean. The greatest, at least in their segment, is the level of refinement and class that Porsche offers to its vehicles. Porsche provides a more affordable portal into the world of exquisite luxury and performance than companies like Bentley or Rolls-Royce.
Porsche’s 911 series has contributed significantly to its prestige. They represent the standard sports vehicle lineup that we identify with Porsche. When Porsche unveiled the 911 in 1964, it cemented its reputation as a performance vehicle. The 911 automobiles evolved and de-evolved over time as the times changed, changing along with them. There have also been outside actors who have been attempting to reimagine the 911. All the positive aspects of the car have been improved by people like Singer and RUF, but today we are dedicating to Porsche’s Zuffenhausen facility in Stuttgart and the vehicles that came out of it alone. In 2017, they created over a million 911 automobiles, and we’ll examine the five greatest and the five worst.
911 Sport Classic Porsche (2012)
There were only 250 made, all of which were sold to collectors, and the Porsche 911 Sport Classic was created to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Porsche 911. To honor classic 911s from the past, the Sport Classic receives aesthetic modifications including a ducktail spoiler and Fuchs alloy wheels.
The 402 horsepower of the 911 Sport Classic is a respectable amount of power. Speed is undoubtedly comparable to the Sport Classic, with a 0-60 mph acceleration time of only 4.6 seconds. The Sport Classic combines them all into one fantastic package as a tribute to the best of the 911 lineage.
More wise words from Ron:
- Since the 993 was the final model to use an air-cooled engine, it is also the best. By then, everything had been resolved.
- There were a few issues with early 964s, including as oil leaks, distributor troubles, and flywheel problems, but by this point, all of them ought to have been resolved.
- Great vehicles can be found in the final G Series (1984–89) models. Your best bet for dependability is anything made after 1984. The versions from 1987 to 1989 are the best of those because they had a better transmission.
Porsche 911 No. 1 (Classic)
Nothing compares to the original. Production of the 911’s first generation lasted from 1963 to 1989. It was modified several times over that time period, so this one “generation” is actually more like two or three generations combined. With a terrific sounding flat-6 boxer engine and steering feel appropriate for a race vehicle, the early cars provide one of the best vintage automobile driving experiences available. They also have lovely, straightforward appearance.
The subsequent models of this generation—built in the 1970s and 1980s—brought in a few additional contemporary comforts while maintaining the excellent driving experience of the earlier models. In addition to the well-liked coupes, these vehicles also appeared in convertible and targa variations.
The 930 turbo, the first turbo 911 that offered approximately 300 horsepower and raised the 911 to compete with far higher priced automobiles, is the holy grail of the classic generation.
What were the Porsche 911’s worst years?
Only the 1983 and 2009 models of the Porsche 911 should be avoided out of the more than 50 years’ worth of models.
According to reports, the 1983 Porsche 911 may experience head bolt problems after only 40,000 kilometers. The model from 2009 would be the worst choice because more issues have been recorded with it than any other model. This includes hoses that stall or leak.
The best approach to purchase a car is through the CoPilot app. We’ll show you all you need to know about each listing, including how long it’s been on the lot and whether or not there are comparable cars in the area for less money, thanks to technology developed using that used by dealerships.
Which Porsche 911 generation is the best?
Because it is the newest and best 911, the Porsche 992 ranks in the top 3. It has many advantages, but only time will tell if it becomes a classic like the vehicles mentioned above. There are numerous models and two transmissions—a 7-speed manual transmission and an 8-speed PDK dual clutch transmission—to choose from (yes thats right, 7). The non-turbo engines have a horsepower range of 380 to 450, but if you choose a turbocharged engine, that range can increase to 641 horsepower.
Are Porsche 911s dependable vehicles?
According to the J.D. Power 2022 U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS), which was just issued, the Porsche 911 is the model with the best ownership experience. The sports car legend won the study’s top prize for the third time in the last four years, making this the second year in a row that it had done so. In the category of Upper Midsize Premium SUVs, the Porsche Cayenne was rated as the most trustworthy vehicle.
As we persistently focus on meeting and, ideally, exceeding the expectations of our consumers, it is pleasant to see the efforts of so many colleagues, both here in the United States and in Germany, said Kjell Gruner, President and CEO of Porsche Cars North America, Inc. “The top rankings this year for the Porsche 911 and the Cayenne reflect our commitment to designing and delivering exciting vehicles that their owners can rely on, drive after drive,” the company said.
The 33-year-old study counts the problems per 100 vehicles (PP100) that three-year-old automobiles’ original owners encountered in the previous year. A lower rating indicates greater dependability. The research for this year used automobiles from the 2019 model year.
The Porsche 911 had the fewest PP100 of any model across the whole automobile industry with 94. Porsche finished third overall among luxury brands.
What Porsche 911 is the least coveted?
The 996 was the first of the Boxster-related 911s with water cooling. It has been the least desirable 911 generation for a while, and pricing have reflected this
How far can a Porsche 911 go before needing repair?
Yes, they are constructed to function, but they are built to function for a very long time. The lifespan of a Porsche 911 engine is rated at 100,000 kilometers and 10 years. Porsche 911s, like any other vehicle, live longer with good, regular maintenance and care. The majority of Porsche vehicles have a lifespan of at least 150,000 miles.
Which Porsche 911 offers the best level of comfort?
The steering configuration of the most recent 911 makes it far more comfortable than previous models on highways. It feels as though you could whisper to your passenger while driving in seventh gear on a smooth surface because to how refined the comfort-spec versions are. However, lighter variants like the Carrera T have less soundproofing, which results in audible tire roar at highway speeds. The base Carrera model boasts a smooth ride for a sports car, and thanks to the included adaptive dampers, you can adjust the ride stiffness to suit your driving preferences.
Given its outrageous appearance and even more outrageous performance, the GT3 is still amazingly comfortable on lengthy trips. It is true that its strong suspension jars over urban potholes, but this only lasts a short distance before smoothing out and settling down on the freeway. The bucket seats are comfortable even for extended periods of time behind the wheel, as befits a vehicle that has an endurance-racing mentality.
Is the Porsche 911 used every day?
According to Porsche, “Porsches are not your typical sports cars. It’s a daily driver sports car.” In light of this, let’s examine some of the essential qualities that make the Porsche 911 a surprisingly useful high-end sports car.
When did Porsche experience engine issues?
The dreaded intermediate shaft (IMS) bearing failure is the most noticeable and well-publicized problem you’ll encounter on the used market. An IMS bearing failure can result in a loss of the engine timing, which would completely destroy the engine. A Porsche engine replacement is not inexpensive, as you might expect.
The M96 and M97 flat six-cylinder engines used in 911s, Boxsters, and Caymans between 1997 and 2008 frequently experience IMS bearing failure.
However, the 996-era Porsche 911s and 986 Boxsters experienced the most significant IMS bearing issues up to 2006. Despite the significantly lower IMS bearing failure rate in the later year samples, it is still feasible.
Before buying a car, it’s crucial to check the VIN and service records. It is best to budget for an urgent replacement of the IMS bearing if you locate a car in this time frame that you are interested in purchasing. It might cost up to $2,500 to have an IMS bearing replaced by a skilled mechanic.
The cost of replacing an engine, though, can be more than triple that. As a result, it is imperative to replace the bearing before anything else.
You would be hard-pressed to identify any significant failure areas of Porsche flat engines if the age of IMS bearing problems were excluded. Given their great performance, Porsche engines are known to be remarkably durable whether they are new or old.
Some more recent models hardly ever have “bore score,” which is the engine cylinder walls scraping together as a result of inadequate lubrication.
However, if a Porsche has been well maintained, you won’t likely encounter any significant problems.