The seats are super comfortable and so is the driving adjustment. Two huge influences shaped the 996-generation 911. The 3.6-liter engine got twin turbochargersone for each bank of cylinders, rather than two operating in sequence as with the 959. A rear-drive Carrera S came for 1997, though production was very limited. While the 991 is undoubtedly a 911, it offers a very different driving experience from its predecessors. The 2009 Porsche 911 year model is the most problematic of all of them, and you should absolutely avoid purchasing one. Stop trying to eat your own, Porsche cars are family. This years Porsche 911 vehicles seemed to have an electrical problem, where several users noticed software issues. And then there are one-off builds like this, the Porsche 911 Classic Club Coupe, a collaboration between the automaker and the Porsche Club of America. It was easy for them to add it to their garage because it marked a clear departure from the 996 with its return to round headlights. Dealership. Owned 3 months and no problems ,comfortable on long trips ,navy blue real head turner, always getting thumbs up. 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 SC and Carrera 3.2 are both excellent usable classicsthe former is lithe and pared-back, while the latter is muscular and modern. The move boosted sales, and profits, almost immediately. Our car experts choose every product we feature. I cant imagine a better car on the road. I feel like I am in complete control when I drive it. But the 996 is not without faults. Even the rare Targa has unique appeal, and the Turbo is quick even by todays standards. Early 991 Carreras are beloved as the last naturally aspirated models, while later turbocharged Carreras offer impressive performance. All in all, the 993 was a huge step forward for the 911. Whats the worst year for the Porsche 911? So, they decided to completely redo their 911 to increase sales. The 180-hp SC was a return to form for the 911 compared to its underpowered, unreliable 2.7-liter predecessors. At this price, it leads to a lot of prospective buyers wondering if it is worth the money. In the probably not too distant future, we'll be able to look at a 911 history broken into three epochs: air-cooled, water-cooled, and hybrid. Many owners have expressed their dissatisfaction with particular model years after filing many complaints about them. 2007 Porsche 911. The speed. And while the GT3s are all-time greats, a base 997.1 Carrera with a manual will be more than satisfying. The Porsche 996 (1999-2004) is clearly the odd man out in the 911 family and doesnt get much love. It was the lightest of the 991s, and it sold out almost immediately. Porsche also made a lightweight, stripped-out GT3 RS, a tribute to the old Carrera RS, though unfortunately, the only way to get one in the U.S. is via NHTSA's Show and Display exemption. These sports cars have been advancing every single year with newer specs and functions. It did, however, come with stiffer suspension and an optional limited-slip differential. When you shop for a new or used car, CoPilot helps you know more. It's also the most affordable generation of the 911, thanks to the controversial looks, Boxster parts-sharing, huge production numbers, and the reputation damage of the IMS bearing issues. To the unfamiliar, it eats tires & brakes at a rapid rate, but this is the result of excellent handling & stopping power. With new safety and emissions regulations kicking in, the 911 got its biggest update yet for the 1974 model year. With just 95 horsepower on tap, the 912 Es rarity doesnt necessarily translate to desirability, though the one-year model has its fans. Porsche. 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. The keen drivers choice is probably a facelifted GT3 or GT3 RS. The engine grew to 2.7 liters and gained Bosch K-Jetronic fuel injection, and the model range was tweaked with a new base model, the 911 2.7, sitting below the midrange 911 S and the top-spec 911 Carrera. While you still couldn't buy a new 911 Turbo in the U.S., Porsche offered a "Turbo look" package on the Carrera Coupe and Cabriolet, with wider fenders, wheels and tires. The 993 generation was rather short-lived, but it spawned a handful of homologation specials. In 1969, Porsche evolved the 911 further, stretching the wheelbase for improved handling and stability and widening the wheels further. Porsche also brought back the Targa, using the sliding-glass-panel design seen on the 993. Another Porsche 911 to avoid is the 997 Turbo S. Would you like to know more than the salesperson? Contact Dealer. I like the compactness of it and the gas mileage. The Porsche Boxster is a convenient way to get into the Porsche family without paying the full price for a 911. That engine would swell to a 300 horsepower, 3.3L H6 in 1978, thanks to a massive refresh. As we said in the beginning, the Porsche 911 is a massively successful car, and its no wonder why. The 964 still represents a considerable step forward in comfort and capability over the G-series, coupled with classic 911 style and sound. 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. Now, if youre buying a 911 on a budget theres really only one that comes to mind, the 996 (1999-2004). 11 Images. Love the 2011 Porsche 911 Carrera S convertible. 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. Still, there are some Porsche 997 years to avoid. Photos courtesy Porsche. We recommend staying away from the 2004, 2005, 2006, 2009, and 2011 models. Porsche retired the 997 in 2012, but not before building some seriously special run-out-the-clock models. . This car is amazing. The 2009 year model would be the worst purchase with more problems reported than any other models. IMS and RMS were fixed and we got a great deal on a low mileage Porsche. 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. It was the first 911 to cross the 500-hp barrier, sending 530 hp to the rear wheels. What Years Are Ford Diesel Engines to Avoid and Why? And while the shape has hardly changed, the 911 has undergone numerous updates big and small over the decades. Porsche 996 Years to Avoid (List of Years) There are many problems associated with some years of Porsche 996. There's a good reason: The car is excellent. Everything about my 2003, 996, C4S Porsche is perfect. The cost of the money-losing 959, combined with a worldwide recession, meant Porsche didnt have the resources to develop a new turbocharged engine. In 1990, the rear-drive Carrera 2 arrived, as did a new automatic gearbox with manual shifting capability. Learn more about how CoPilot works on our About Us page. However, what hurt Porsche fans the most was the fried egg-looking headlights. A Complete Breakdown, Are Mazdas Reliable? The first Carrera 4 sent 69 percent of its torque to the rear. Porsche would restyle the 997 again in 2009 for a mid-cycle refresh. Check out this list of the best used luxury cars on the market to find the best deals. The company planned to quietly discontinue its rear-engine sports car, but in 1981, American Peter Schutz was appointed president and CEO, and saving the 911 was one of his very first acts. And they still improved upon the 930s setup by decreasing turbo lag. Another problem area is scoring of the cylinder bores on 3.8-liter 997s. This years vehicle users only complained about one particular electrical issue- premature battery failure. 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. According to a blog post on Porsche 911 Years to Avoid, the years 1997-1998 and 2005-2006 are generally considered to be the worst years for this model. 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. (Explained), Which Ford F-250 Years to Avoid and Why? Western Union), cashier . (Explained), 6.0 Powerstroke Towing Capacity | Everything You Should Know, 7 Easy Solutions For Hydra Tuner Problems On 7.3 Powerstroke, 6.0L Powerstroke Injection Control Pressure Problems Troubleshooting. There was also a new Speedster, of which just 356 units were built. 2018 Porsche 911 is economical to operate. Beautiful, fast and a blast to drive. I bought it used with 50k miles. As 356 production ended in 1965, Porsche introduced the 912, a bargain model 911 with the 356SCs four-cylinder and fewer luxury items. (Explained), Which Pontiac Vibe Years to Avoid and Why? The comfort-oriented 991 variants focused more on grand touring, while the GT special editions were for hardcore enthusiasts. You won't find many for under $75,000 today, and good examples will easily fetch $100,000. 2010 Porsche 911 CARRERA S 2D Convertible - $59,950 (Luxury Auto Plex) image 1 of 24 image 1 of 24 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. A 996 with a documented IMS bearing upgrade can be a great way into 911 ownership at a relative bargain. Road & Track participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites. Thats nearly half of what youd spend on a 2019 or newer. One of the major updates for the refresh in 2002 included a larger engine, going from a 3.4 liter to a 3.6 liter flat six. 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. First major update to the 911 in 15 years. All-wheel drive debuted on the 1989 Carrera 4, and remains a 911 staple. The 964 finally ditched the primitive torsion-bar rear suspension for coil springs. The defining 911 of this era came in 1974 and was the original 911 Turbo. Its been well maintained and of course I have continued to spoil the car as well as myself. Still, the 911 got significant updates in 1978. . Avoid scams, deal locally Beware wiring (e.g. 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. Cars with the updated G50 gearbox are the most desirable of this lot, commanding a significant premium over 915-equipped models, though with just three model years produced, G50 cars are somewhat uncommon. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. 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. Not convinced yet? 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. I just got a 2007 911 Carrera. 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). Also in 1997, Porsche built 345 examples of the Turbo S, with bigger turbos making 450 horsepower (424 in the U.S.). The 993 Turbo took several risks. The 1983 Porsche 911 reportedly has issues with broken head bolts that may pop up under 40,000 miles. (Explained), Which Porsche Cayenne Years to Avoid and Why? My policy is usually to avoid the first year or two of any new. The 911 grows in size with a new chassis, and the engine moves slightly forward. All Carrera models go turbocharged in 2015. GT3 goes PDK-only in 2013; after uproar, the manual returns in 2016. The way it handles curves and holds the line is fantastic. The 911 Turbo was no longer a widowmakerit was an all-weather supercar. A comprehensive reworking of the 996, this new generation of the 911 carried over the M96 engine, but got a new transmission, all-new bodywork, a wider stance, an improved interior, optional adaptive dampers, and spawned a slew of new sub-models and variantsstarting with the Carrera S, which had a 3.8-liter flat-six making 355 horsepower in place of the base car's 3.6-liter, 325-hp unit. 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. 1974 also saw Porsche constructing 109 examples of the 911 Carrera RS 3.0, a homologation special thats immensely sought after today (50 of which were RSR race cars). This issue mostly gets noticed at 65,550 miles, and the only solution is replacing the engine, which might cost approx. That being said, when purchasing a 911, you need to know what you want from it. By the late Fifties, Porsche knew that its first sports car, the four-cylinder 356, was growing old. Some users even claimed that both windows sometimes fail together, and they had to replace the whole set. ICloud drive for hours in the comfortable seats. Engine problems are the most common failures in the Porsche 911, ranging from broken head bolts to leaking hoses. . Production was limited to 1948 units. $59,999. Today, the biggest reliability concerns among 964-generation cars are with early examples. Another year of the Porsche 911 to . 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. These cars have a history of engine issues that the other year models dont have. And, they didnt forget about the keystone of the 911 brand: performance. While this issue hasnt been widely reported, its still advisable to steer clear of this model just to be safe. 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. Finally, for those who want the latest edition, the 992 (2019-Present) is promising with several different configurations. Reportedly, this kind of engine failure might cost one to spend $11,000-35,000 based on the engine condition to rebuild. Porsche built a lightweight Carrera RS in 1992 and a more powerful RS 3.8 in 1993, but these werent imported to North America. Performance is what makes the 993 the perfect 10. According to Carcomplaints.com, no other issue has not reported yet by the consumers. It is stiff so it feels sporty and helps you be in control with the car. Most of the later years model came out bad but not worst and some early years are included here as well. 1988 Porsche 911. We may earn money from the links on this page. There have been outside players too who have been trying their hand at reimagining the 911. This is my 4th Porsche and love it. Also, the most highlighted complaints against 2009 models were engine stalling and excess oil consumption, which commonly arise at 25,000-28000 miles. It so happens, I love the shape of the headlights and after 18 years, It is still my favorite Porsche 911 Carrera on the road. Which PT Cruiser Years to Avoid and Why? It paired the GT3 RS engine with a new six-speed manual in a sleek body with none of the GT3s aero baubles. $49,900. WE ACCEPT ALL YEAR, MAKE, AND MODEL TRADE-INS. 2012 PORSCHE 911 C2 S PDK * PSE SPORTS CHRONO * 991 TECHART ADD ONS Exterior Color: Carrara White Interior Color: Black . The 997 marked the beginning of a strategy Porsche continues to use today, offering an ever-expanding variety of models for just about every conceivable use case. These years saw a number of problems with the engine and transmission, which can be expensive to fix. For those who want a modern Porsche but are okay with spending more for better looks than the 996, check out the 997 (2005-2011) or 991 (2012-2018). (Explained), Which Grand Marquis Years To Avoid and Why? Porsche has decided to give the driver maximum control over how the GT3 RS drives. You can get big power out of a 930, and many did, sometimes cutting corners when these cars were cheap. 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. First was the spectacular GT2 of 1995, essentially a rear-drive 911 Turbo with even bigger fender flares. Most shops charge around $2000 to replace the IMS bearing on an M96 engine (provided there hasnt already been a catastrophic failure), and since the fix involves dropping the transmission, it makes sense to couple the bearing replacement with a clutch job. 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. Many owners had to replace the entire engine, at a cost of over $20,000. This years Porche 911 models got 5 complaints, including One Recall issued by National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The wheels are amazing but that's cause I changed them the tank rarely needs to be filled up. For a time it was the fastest production car around the Nurburgring as well as a host of U.S. tracks. Proving that Porsche admirers are quick to forgive and forget, they welcomed the 997 (2005-2011) with open arms. According to Carcomplaints.com, 2009 & 2014 models have the most cooling system issues reported by the users. Though the 993 was a masterpiece, it wasn't a particularly strong seller: fewer than 68,000 were made. I've put 26000 trouble free miles on it and have never done anything but service it. (Explained)Continue, As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. The 964-generation car got a new 3.6-liter flat-six engine and new coil-spring rear suspension to replace the old torsion bars. According to reports, the 1983 Porsche 911 may experience head bolt problems after only 40,000 kilometers. Porsche. Among Seventies models, SCs are generally less valuable than the slightly more refined Carrera 3.2. The car is extremely reliable and it is completely worth the money. 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. 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. The engine in a Porsche 911 should have no problem going over 150,000 miles as long as they are properly cared for. Porsche 997 Years To Avoid (List of Years) Porche 997 was referred to as the better-modified version of the Porche 911 model. The answer was an all-new 911, plus a more affordable mid-engine model, the Boxster, both powered by a newly-designed water-cooled flat-six engine, the M96. Open Gallery. Besides engine problems or failures, the other most highlighted issues were the cooling system and window malfunctioning. Just 200 were built in order to meet eligibility requirements for the BPR Global GT Series. When the 991 (2012-2019) was released, enthusiasts loved the way it looked and claimed it was the best-looking 911 in decades. The times changed and the 911 cars changed with them by both evolving and de-evolving over the years. The GT3 and GT3 RS got a new 3.8-liter version of the famous naturally aspirated Mezger and a host of chassis and aero changes; the GT2 RS was the first 911 to surpass the 600-hp mark, with a 620-hp twin-turbo 3.6-liter. 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. If you can figure out the issue in the early stage of the engine damage, it might not cost you more than $1,500 to $2,000. I wish it had more passenger space. Nevertheless, looks arent the only reason the 993 is regarded as the best 911 by the majority of Porsche enthusiasts. The CoPilot app is the smartest way to buy a car. In fact, Porsche focused mostly on interior and exterior styling when designing the 997. 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. The GT3 had the Carrera's optional Aerokit bodywork, fixed-back front seats, and no rear seat. They also offered a new seven-speed transmission for the first time. Following tradition, Porsche gave the 911 a significant mid-cycle update in late 2015. That all sounds good. Back in the days, the 930 Turbo was the fastest supercar known that kept Lamborghini and Ferrari engineers awake at night. Early examples were badged "Turbo Carrera, though the name was soon simplified to Turbo. The 911 L was replaced by the 911 E, which sat between the base-model T and high-performance S. For 1970, engine capacity grew from 2.0 to 2.2 liters, increasing again to 2.4 liters in 1972. Included are images of each of the 19 components in the kit (including the vinyl tool roll) followed by an image clearly. Impact bumpers brought a new look, but the underlying car was much the same. The first 911 Turbo arrived in 1975, a paradigm shift for Porsche. The SC of 1978-1983 and Carrera of 1984-1989 added refinement. The top speed is above what I am ready for but I 'm working on it! Targa 4 and 4S arrived in 2007 (no more rear-drive Targa), as did the new Turbo, with a revised version of the 996 Turbo's 3.6-liter flat-six using variable-vane turbos to make 480 hp with improved throttle response. Porsche was in a bad way in the early Nineties. The car was also purchased with the hard top delete (-$1465). I bought this wonderful 40th Anniversary 911 Special Edition with 76,000 miles from official Porsche dealer in Nashville. However, Porsche brought back the original Targa top resembling the one found on the 964. For a long time, 964-generation cars were a relative bargain among 911s, but as with all air-cooled Porsches, prices are on the rise. Porsche hadnt launched an all-new car since the 928 came along in 1978, and the automaker was hard up for cash. Porsche 911 is one of the most famous and influential sports cars, which began its journey in 1963 and still serving the industry with some remarkable models. 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. Only 2092 examples were built, with the model being replaced by the front-engine 924 as Porsches entry-level sports car late in 1976. Although the GT2s success speaks for itself, Porsche claimed it produced 450 horsepower. Those bumpers also necessitated a shorter, flatter hood911s built before 1974 have come to be known as "longhood" models in Porsche circles. Also, power window malfunctioning or no response window opening or closing issues were visibly available in 2009 and 2012 Porsche models.