In the Seventies, Porsche executives believed that the company's future lay in front-engine cars, so development focused on the 924 and 928. Which Porsche Boxster Years to Avoid and Why? The defining 911 of this era came in 1974 and was the original 911 Turbo. For 1996, a new Targa arrived, eschewing the lift-off top for a large slide-back glass panel. (Explained). The car was also purchased with the hard top delete (-$1465). Owned for 16 years! But I realized the cars 2020 are actually beautiful. Answer (1 of 8): Hmm, I should probably go anonymous before posting this but let's take a shot. I have have gone ahead and added a few extras such as intake plenum, muffler delete via x pipe, performance chip and soul performance cat headers. When the 991 (2012-2019) was released, enthusiasts loved the way it looked and claimed it was the best-looking 911 in decades. 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 avoid this problem entirely, shop for a Turbo, GT2, or GT3, all of which used a different IMS bearing design.). The pick up of speed is really great also. The 1967 Porsche 911 S Is a Triumph of Engineering, The First All-Wheel Drive 911 Was Revolutionary, The RS America Was the Cheapest 911 In 1993, The 993 Targa Was a Strange Mix of New and Old, The 993 Porsche 911 Turbo Was a Mindblower in 1996, The 996 GT3 Is One of the All-Time Great 911s, The 997 Carrera S Is the Perfect First Porsche, The Carrera T Is the Perfect Send-Off For the 991, 2020 Porsche 911: Everything You Need to Know, The Manual 2020 911 Carrera S Is the One to Get, Subaru WRX and STI: Guide to Each Generation, Mazda MX-5 Miata: Guide to Every Generation, Toyota Supra Buyer's Guide: Every Generation, BMW M3 Buyer's Guide: Every Gen from E30 to G80, BMW E46 M3 Buyer's Guide - Common Issues, Problems, Porsche 911 Buyer's Guide: Every Generation From Original to 992. Now, whats so bad about it? The aluminum crankcase was replaced with a new magnesium unit, saving 22 lbs, and fuel injection was added to high-end models. The Turbo got wider bodywork, a new whale-tail rear spoiler, and the first iteration of the now-iconic "turbo twist" wheels, here measuring 18 inches. My reliability order is also accurate, as far as insurance. This is one of the finest Porsches ever built, but due to the stupidity of the owners who wanted round headlights, the car is under appreciated. In 2015, the GT3 RS arrived sporting a 500-hp 4.0-liter naturally aspirated flat-six and some truly outrageous aerodynamic accouterments. This years Porsche 911 also got 4.8 consumer ratings out of 5. Original Porsche 911 went from 0 to 60 in 8.3 seconds, before Porsche enlarged the engine several times over a 25-year span. Answering this in 2018, two decades after the modern template for the 911 was issued with the more aerodynamic lines, water-cooled engine, stability management, etc. Dealership. Facing an existential crisis, Porsche hired consultants from Toyota, who recommended radical ways of streamlining engineering and manufacturing. 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. So case in point nothing is wrong with my car. Quick Answer - Avoid Porsche 997 Year Models 2004, 2005, 2006, 2009, and 2011 There aren't too many years of the Porsche 997, as it is another version of the classic Porsche 911. The air conditioning broke after 1 week of owning. But the ultimate 997 was the GT3 RS 4.0, which put the 500-hp 4.0-liter Mezger engine from the contemporary 911 race car in a chassis with GT2 RS components and more aero. These years saw a number of problems with the engine and transmission, which can be expensive to fix. View Photos Porsche 964 1989-1994 First major update to. Love the 2011 Porsche 911 Carrera S convertible. S engines stayed at 3.8 liters, and both had more power than before. I've put 26000 trouble free miles on it and have never done anything but service it. There has not been a bad version of it in over 50 years. It has been 57 years since the first model of Porsche 911 was publicly introduced in 1964. In 1969, Porsche evolved the 911 further, stretching the wheelbase for improved handling and stability and widening the wheels further. More challenging is the 911 GT2, introduced in 2001, which was essentially a rear-drive Turbo with more horsepower and a reputation for tricky handling. The way it handles curves and holds the line is fantastic. We do not recommend purchasing either of these models, especially considering the plethora of other, safer options. Western Union), cashier . The 911 Carrera 997 was Porsche's second go round at moving on from the 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. The Porsche 911 is a relatively expensive vehicle with a starting price of $101,200 for a brand new 2022 model. 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. I like a smaller car and feel more able to control my driving because of the size. Via Porsche. First was the spectacular GT2 of 1995, essentially a rear-drive 911 Turbo with even bigger fender flares. 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-. (Explained)Continue, As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Also, the driver had to experience severe head trauma. 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. The 2009 model users mainly mentioned excess oil consumption, engine stalling, coolant hoses leaking, and window operation malfunctioning. Nothing handles like it! In particular, be wary of the 2002 model, which had 13 registered complaints, three recalls, and an investigation. The 911 S delivered an output of 175 hp. I'm not a fan of the seats though, I feel they could be more soft and not leather. In fact, Porsche focused mostly on interior and exterior styling when designing the 997. The only way to fix an IMS failure is to do a full engine teardown. An evolution of the 356, powered by an all-new 2.0-liter air-cooled flat-six. The hotter 911 S arrived in 1967, as did the innovative Targa. The engine grew to 2.7 liters for the '73 Carrera RS. Also in 1976, the Carreras engine grew from 2.7 to 3.0 liters. Only 600 were built, and now they're among the most valuable water-cooled 911s out there. The 997 also got an updated PSM system, optional sports exhaust, and the first iteration of the Sport Chrono package, which includes an analog clock/stopwatch on the dashboard and a new Sport driving mode with more aggressive throttle and chassis settings. My policy is usually to avoid the first year or two of any new. They released over 30 different models, including some of the fastest models the 911 had ever seen. It does have very thing I could expect from a 911 Porsche . My 2005 996 Turbo S' power and true sports car driver feedback is amazing t experience, This feel disappeared with the 991. And while the GT3s are all-time greats, a base 997.1 Carrera with a manual will be more than satisfying. It was the first 911 to cross the 500-hp barrier, sending 530 hp to the rear wheels. 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. It looks like Porsche plans to release even more configurations for the 992 with a hybrid version slated to release in 2024. 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. Only offered in rear-drive form, the new Targa was an interesting curiosity at the very least. A new base model, the SC, sported a 3.0-liter engine, while the Turbo got a larger 3.3-liter engine and an intercooler. The first-ever 911 GT3 arrived in 1998 as a homologation special for various 911 race cars. The 992 is to the 991 as the 997 is to the 996basically, a heavy update of the preceding generation, sharing the same underpinnings but sporting restyled bodywork, revised engines, and an all new interior. A year later, a new Carrera 4 arrived, using a variant of the 993s all-wheel drive system. It's a predictable choice in the sports car market for good reason. 2003 Porsche 911 is worth every penny and it wont let you down. Porsche didnt use head gaskets on the 3.6-liter engine until 1991, and pre-gasket engines can show some oil leaks around the heads. (Explained), Which Pontiac Vibe Years to Avoid and Why? Among Seventies models, SCs are generally less valuable than the slightly more refined Carrera 3.2. The recall only affected 584 units so far, and is due to a strut pin that may fracture and allow the strut to separate from the vehicle. 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. The five-passenger SUV has the soul of a sports car, but still offers everyday practicality, so even the base Cayenne is quite a steal for $39,000. Vehicle History's team of automotive experts brings you the most accurate and up-to-date used car information. Also in 1997, Porsche built 345 examples of the Turbo S, with bigger turbos making 450 horsepower (424 in the U.S.). The engine in a Porsche 911 should have no problem going over 150,000 miles as long as they are properly cared for. IMS and RMS were fixed and we got a great deal on a low mileage Porsche. This was the last generation to offer the Targa roof until the 991 brought it back in 2012. Any rare, racy model is worth a good chunk of change, as is any Turbo in clean original condition. 1988 Porsche 911. We break down what gap insurance is, if its worth it, and more - simply and with plenty of examples. Ultimately, the engine either needs to rebuild or replaced with a new one. Check out this list of the best used luxury cars on the market to find the best deals. Today, its hard to find a cheap G-seriespretty much any vintage 911 is valuable, and when one generation of 911 hits stratospheric prices, the next generation starts to gain interest. Porsche. Power steering, ABS, and an active rear spoiler were also available on the 911 for the first time. The original 911 (1964-1969) would go from 0 to 60 in 8.3 seconds, which is a tenth of a second slower than the 2021 Honda Civic. Porsche didn't export the 996 GT3 to the U.S., and though it's a lovely car, besides the engine, it's not radically different from a Carrera. 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. According to Carcomplaints.com, 1983 & 2009 models have the most engine-related issues reported by their consumers. The SC and Carrera 3.2 are both excellent usable classicsthe former is lithe and pared-back, while the latter is muscular and modern. These sports cars have been advancing every single year with newer specs and functions. In most cases, due to the problems high severity rate, consumers had to either rebuild or replace the entire vehicle engine, which was not a cheap deal to handle. With just 95 horsepower on tap, the 912 Es rarity doesnt necessarily translate to desirability, though the one-year model has its fans. The new 911 came with some significant new technology, too. The Porsche 996 (1999-2004) is clearly the odd man out in the 911 family and doesnt get much love. Also, users claimed to notice broken seatbelts at around 30,000 miles and required approx. Every time I get into my car, its a great driving experience. The highlight is a new family of direct-injection engines, dubbed 9A1, still displacing 3.6 liters in base models and 3.8 liters in S models. The Ford F-250 Super Duty pickup truck has, Read More Which Ford F-250 Years to Avoid and Why? Perhaps the only thing I do not like is the gas consumption. Our car experts choose every product we feature. The first 993s were all rear-drive Carrera 2s. Otherwise, the 964 is relatively stout. Based on owner reviews it seems that the 911 is worth the money, and that helps them hold their value on the used market as well. WE ACCEPT ALL YEAR, MAKE, AND MODEL TRADE-INS. It is a beautiful car to look at and drive. I wish it had more passenger space. We research hundreds of models each IMS failures are most common on 996s built between 2000 and 2004, though issues can happen in earlier cars. Later that year, the Targa returned with a new automatic roof mechanism and styling that paid tribute to the original. I cant imagine a better car on the road. Porsche was relentless in updating the 991, making the Carrera GTS a regular part of the lineup in early 2014. 2023 Vehicle History Inc. All Rights Reserved. Engine problems are the most common failures in the Porsche 911, ranging from broken head bolts to leaking hoses. The good news is, Porsche specialists have gotten very good at detecting IMS bearing problems and replacing suspect bearings, and companies like LN Engineering offer upgraded bearings with improved lubrication. There was also the Carrera RS 3.8, made for Japanese GT3 regulations. 12 Avoid: Porsche 911 (996) via investor.bg. I don't agree that the 996 era cars undesirable. Porsche offered a turbo version again for the 964. To search results. 2019 Porsche 911 4S acceleration and the white paint. 63k miles and going strong! The first all-new 911 body and platform since 1964. For 1984, the SC was replaced by the Carrera, with a 3.2-liter flat-six making 207 horsepower and more luxury options. 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. Thats nearly half of what youd spend on a 2019 or newer. There's not a bad one in the bunch, so find the best example that fits your needs and budget. No corner too tight. It has four seats which helps if you have a large family. Avoid scams, deal locally Beware wiring (e.g. They also griped for the same reason when Porsche decided to make all Carreras turbocharged from 2015 onwards. The 180-hp SC was a return to form for the 911 compared to its underpowered, unreliable 2.7-liter predecessors. As with any vintage car purchase, beware basket cases, shoddy mods, or questionably-repaired wrecks. 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. However, not all the Porsche 911 models are entirely flawless, and some models are known for being problematic due to engine and other issues. 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 keen drivers choice is probably a facelifted GT3 or GT3 RS. It was the lightest of the 991s, and it sold out almost immediately. 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. Reportedly, this kind of engine failure might cost one to spend $11,000-35,000 based on the engine condition to rebuild. Performance is what makes the 993 the perfect 10. Everything about my 2003, 996, C4S Porsche is perfect. Nobody else should either. The 2006 Porsche 911 users commonly encountered this problem at 64,000 miles, and the ultimate solution was replacing the engine. These can be found on the market for a cool $50,000 with standard features and about 46k miles. We may earn money from the links on this page. It is very smooth and easy to drive. Beautiful, fast and a blast to drive. The car is extremely reliable and it is completely worth the money. 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 they still improved upon the 930s setup by decreasing turbo lag. The CoPilot app is the smartest way to buy a car. 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. As a result, these years have been placed on the avoid list. 4 complaints were reported against this years vehicles by their users. 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. At his insistence, the 911 Cabriolet arrived in 1982, the first true drop-top 911 variant. 10 Best: 2017 Porsche Cayenne. In the worst case, one might have to rebuild or replace the entire engine, and rebuilding from Porsche authorized dealership or mechanic might cost approx. At this price, it leads to a lot of prospective buyers wondering if it is worth the money. . I really like feel of the steering wheel. This years Porsche 911 users reported 2002 vehicle seatbelt trouble. Pelican Parts Forums Porsche . For the most part, the 996 Carrera is a very solid car. 993 Turbo in 1995 the first with twin-turbochargers and all-wheel drive Capable of 0-100 in 3.4 seconds Your ego may want this one, but best to get a few years of 911 experience first The last. It is undeniable that the list of problematic Porsche 911 years models is quite long, but if you are looking for a decent used sports car, no other option can beat the quality that some of the Porsche 911 models can serve. These are the most common problems reported by owners on platforms such as carproblems.com, carcomplaints.com, and Car Talk Community. When I drove the 2020 I said to the salesman no no I want a 1911. Old-school charm and such aside, we suggest the 2011 Carrera 997, the first of the 991 series. Not only do we exclusively show you models that are 5 years or newer with low mileage (most with CPO availability), well also break down how much you save buying used vs. new and show you the best nearly-new listings in your area. (Explained)Continue, As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. 2002 Porsche 911 Amazing Performance & Handling! 1999 to 2001 is referred to as MkI while the mid-cycle refresh from 2002 to 2004 is known as MkII. Then, Porsche decided to turn it up to 11 and release the Porsche 911 GT2. Further backing our thoughts on the 2011 model, there were no registered complaints with the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration (NHTSA), and only a single recall. The following year saw the addition of the entry-level 911 T (replacing the 912), the luxurious 911 L, wider wheels, and the option of a semi-automatic Sportomatic transmission. CoPilot helps you avoid any tricks, traps, and scams. CoPilot is one of the most trustworthy apps on the market - we dont work with dealerships, so there are no promoted or sponsored listings - just the best cars in your area. Its a similar story with newer generationsGT-series cars command a big premium, and the ultra-limited-edition models like the 911 R sell for huge bucks. These cars were powered with a 3.0-liter six that was a huge step up in reliability from the preceding 2.7-liter unit, and laughed at road salt with their fully galvanized body shells, an industry first. The Porsche Boxster is a convenient way to get into the Porsche family without paying the full price for a 911. For 2009, Porsche updated the 997, making whats known as the 997.2. Only 2092 examples were built, with the model being replaced by the front-engine 924 as Porsches entry-level sports car late in 1976. We expect a GT3 in the coming months, with GTS models to follow. Prices remain high on the 996 GT3, especially the rare GT3 RS, and GT2s are extremely sought after by collectors. (Explained). The new 911 was more roomy, yet lighter and safer, with more power and a better-honed chassis than the 993. 2011 Porsche 911 Carrera is such a great handling car. As the engine is a modified carryover from the 996, its possible for 997.1 Carreras and Targas to have IMS bearing issues, though the incidence rate seems to be much lower. Few manufacturers have ever used this type of engine, and even in modern models, nothing else sounds like it. This is where electronic chassis controls starting playing a big role in the 911 lineup. Next came the GT2 RS, with a 700-hp version of the Turbo's 3.8-liter paired with PDK and tons of downforce-generating aero. Also, the most highlighted complaints against 2009 models were engine stalling and excess oil consumption, which commonly arise at 25,000-28000 miles. I love the inside and how fast it picks up speed. PDK and all-wheel drive helped the Turbo S blast from 0-60 in mid-2-second times with ruthless efficiency. And, they didnt forget about the keystone of the 911 brand: performance. Additionally, the 1974 model is a bit more difficult to drive than newer models, due to its manual transmission. The passenger side windows on German cars sometime do not roll all the way up, for convertibles. The 9A1 engine was carried over from the 997, but the base model shrank by 200 cc to become a 3.4 liter. I've thought about upgrading to a newer car but I'm content where I currently am and will continue to enjoy it some more before that day comes. 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. If you find one today, expect to pay $500,000 at least. 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. A rear-drive Carrera S came for 1997, though production was very limited. In spite of all that, Porsche wowed the world with a new masterpiece: the 993-generation 911. The 911s place in the Porsche lineup was simple; it was the bigger version of the 356, with two more seats. You can get big power out of a 930, and many did, sometimes cutting corners when these cars were cheap. Thats why NHTSA recalled the affected models. Sporty, powerful, fun; expensive to maintain somewhat practical. The car is fun and exhilarating to drive, yet can be used every day. This is ironic because the 996 wasnt the first car to feature them. 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. That being said, when purchasing a 911, you need to know what you want from it. The 996 also has issues with its electrical system and interior components falling apart. Why Is Tesla Better Than Other Electric Cars? It was a very different GT3 than previous iterations, and its launch was marred by reports of engine fires on early-build cars, which forced Porsche to recall 785 examples and replace their engines. Porsche is one of the most reliable cars out there. That same year, Porsche introduced a new variable-length intake system called Varioram, which brought the M64 engines output up to 282 horsepower and broadened its torque curve. Purists were quick to get over the looks as they hated the new electric steering, claiming it ruined the feel of a 911. For a long time, 964s were the black sheep among air-cooled Porsches, but theyve had a real renaissance lately. Only the 1983 and 2009 models of the Porsche 911 should be avoided out of the more than 50 years' worth of models. The flat-six engine from a 1975 Porsche 911 (930) Turbo. The turbocharged 3.6-liter M64 flat-six was new for 1993 and used . I think I lost the go kart feeling in the 2020 I feel very lucky with the 2019 but may be unjustifiable. The Mercury Grand Marquis was a car manufactured, Read More Which Grand Marquis Years To Avoid and Why? Buy a new Porsche 911 Edition 50 Years Porsche Design in Porsche Dublin. 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. Thankfully, later 997.2 models are not at risk for IMS bearing failure, as the 9A1 engine did away with the intermediate shaft entirely. This style and color. Also, power window malfunctioning or no response window opening or closing issues were visibly available in 2009 and 2012 Porsche models. The first 911 Turbo arrived in 1975, a paradigm shift for Porsche. The seats are super comfortable and so is the driving adjustment. Beautiful, six speed, high performance. Thus, if you are looking for new or used Porsche 911 models, avoid the following years: Porsche 911 got an overall rating of 3.5 out of 5.0 on Porsche 911 Reliability | RepairPal, which indicates the decent reliability of most Porsche cars. 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. As we said in the beginning, the Porsche 911 is a massively successful car, and its no wonder why. Besides increasing power by 15%, for the first time, they offered a six-speed transmission, dual-flow exhaust, and larger brakes. This 1988 Porsche 911 Commemorative Edition 25 Year Anniversary Edition features a 3.2L FLAT 6 CYLIN . As before, the GTS was essentially a Carrera S with a bit more power plus the sport options you wanted, all in one smartly-priced package. Of over 50 years of year models, there are really only two Porsche 911 models you should truly avoid: the 1983 year model and the 2009 model. Early examples were badged "Turbo Carrera, though the name was soon simplified to Turbo. This years Porsche 911 users also reported engine trouble, and the reason behind such occurrence was the blown or cracked gasket head. Porsche was in a bad way in the early Nineties. (Explained). I wish it was a bit more green like the taycan. Here's what you need to know before buying any generation of Porsche's rear-engine legend. In later years, Porsche bumped the power a bit and added a seven-speed sequential transmission. The Porsche 912 was sold until 1969, and again as a 1976 model year car. My car handles amazingly. A Complete Breakdown, Are Mazdas Reliable? Via Porsche. Just be on the lookout for rust, as 911 bodies weren't fully galvanized until the mid-Seventies. While this issue hasnt been widely reported, its still advisable to steer clear of this model just to be safe. Your new car directly from Porsche dealer. Eventually, the engine completely shuts down while driving and never re-start again, even after several attempts.