The move boosted sales, and profits, almost immediately. This years Porsche 911 users also reported engine trouble, and the reason behind such occurrence was the blown or cracked gasket head. 2014 Porsche 911 great handling and acceleration. The 964 still represents a considerable step forward in comfort and capability over the G-series, coupled with classic 911 style and sound. But the 996 is not without faults. Only offered in rear-drive form, the new Targa was an interesting curiosity at the very least. Porsche 996 Years to Avoid (List of Years) There are many problems associated with some years of Porsche 996. This is my 4th Porsche and love it. 2023 Vehicle History Inc. All Rights Reserved. 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. CC-1699822. Two huge influences shaped the 996-generation 911. 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. Fresh In Stock! (Explained). Throughout this long journey, the Porsche 911 went through several notable redesigning, modifications, and upgrades to meet the standard of being one of the most desirable sports car series. 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. 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. This is the most common complaint against Porsche 911 models, and according to the Carcomplaints.com report, most reported complaints were against Porsches 1983, 2001, 2004-06, and 2009 released models. Ten years after the 911's introduction, the Carrera RS 2.7 was launched in 1973 as a homologation special. 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. It is a beautiful car to look at and drive. Whether purists liked it or not, it was a successful 911, during its run it sold the one-millionth Porsche 911. Besides engine problems or failures, the other most highlighted issues were the cooling system and window malfunctioning. Which Porsche 997 Years You Should Avoid and Why? 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. The Porsche 996 (1999-2004) is clearly the odd man out in the 911 family and doesnt get much love. Western Union), cashier . 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. 993s are generally the most expensive air-cooled cars (save for pre-74 longhood models), as they offer great refinement mixed with old-school charm. Open Gallery. Thus, avoid the years models that are marked as problematic and choose between the rest of the available options. 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. (Explained)Continue, As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. With new safety and emissions regulations kicking in, the 911 got its biggest update yet for the 1974 model year. This issue mostly gets noticed at 65,550 miles, and the only solution is replacing the engine, which might cost approx. 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. The car was also purchased with the hard top delete (-$1465). Many owners had to replace the entire engine, at a cost of over $20,000. Western . 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. RS America toolkit Part# 964 721 115 01 Dan $500 - will ship for $20 more . Having been manufactured for over 50 years means that theres a great number of used Porsche 911 year models to choose from. 2018 Porsche 911 is economical to operate. This was the first year for the tea tray spoiler, devised to fit the additional equipment in the engine bay. You won't find many for under $75,000 today, and good examples will easily fetch $100,000. 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. 2019 Porsche 911 Targa 4S - $154,900 Year: 2019 Make:Porsche Model:911 Trim:Targa 4S Mileage:10,052 Stock #:4342 VIN:WP0BB2A9XKS125574 Trans:7 Speed PDK Color:White Vehicle Type:Exotic State:CA Drive Train:AWD Engine:3.0 Liter Notes Luxury Motorcars is offering a 2019 Porsche 911 Targa 4S with 9k Miles from new. (Explained), Which Pontiac Vibe Years to Avoid and Why? After four years of planning and building, Porsche first showed it a year ago "it" being a 1999 996-series 911 Carrera 2 with a 996.2-series GT3 powertrain and heaps of additional special . It's a great vehicle. 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. I bought this wonderful 40th Anniversary 911 Special Edition with 76,000 miles from official Porsche dealer in Nashville. 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. 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). Besides increasing power by 15%, for the first time, they offered a six-speed transmission, dual-flow exhaust, and larger brakes. The pick up of speed is really great also. So case in point nothing is wrong with my car. Now, lets learn more details about the most common Porsche 911 problems-. Here's what you need to know before buying any generation of Porsche's rear-engine legend. 2008 Porsche 911 offers smooth performance, better handling control, excellent transmission operation, stability, and Maneuverability. 1967 was an even bigger year for the model with the introduction of the hotter 911 Swith 160-hp and 131 lb-ft from a 2.0-liter flat-six, plus iconic Fuchs alloy wheelsas well as the open-top Targa model. 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. (Explained), Which Ford F-250 Years to Avoid and Why? 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. For example, the only complaint in the 2002 year model is a broken seat belt, which can be fixed for only $400. And, they didnt forget about the keystone of the 911 brand: performance. That all sounds good. Porsche began building the 901 in 1964, though only about 60 cars were completed before Peugeot threatened legal action, claiming a right to all three-digit car model names with a zero in the middle. CoPilot searches every car at every dealer, every day, and ranks them based on what matters to you. On one side, owners are happy to spend less on maintenance and believe the car is so reliable that this isn't an issue. Then, Porsche decided to turn it up to 11 and release the Porsche 911 GT2. The Porsche 911 is a relatively expensive vehicle with a starting price of $101,200 for a brand new 2022 model. All appearing under 30,000 miles, difficulties that drivers of the 2009 year model have experienced include stalling, excessive oil consumption, and leaking hoses. I bought it used with 50k miles. This, from the first time I read about it, made me nervous for two reasons: 1) as Colin Chapman said . There was also a new Speedster, of which just 356 units were built. 1999 Porsche 911 Carrera 3.4 Consumer Ratings: Overall for 1999- 9.2 / 10 Even the rare Targa has unique appeal, and the Turbo is quick even by todays standards. A year later, the Turbo S arrived with 530 horsepower and only one gearboxPDK. Here is the list of bad Porsche: The first Porsche 911 to avoidis the 996. 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. 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. Really weak support for such an expensive car. Porsche 911, the two-door 2+2 high-performance sports car has a rear-mounted flat-six engine coupled with versatile self-governing suspension. The 911 became a staunch performance car when Porsche introduced it in 1964. For 1996, a new Targa arrived, eschewing the lift-off top for a large slide-back glass panel. The 1983 Porsche 911 reportedly has issues with broken head bolts that may pop up under 40,000 miles. Originally, Porsche only released four models being the Carrera, Carrera 4, Carrera S, and Carrera 4s all being powered by a 3.0L H6 Turbo engine. I think I lost the go kart feeling in the 2020 I feel very lucky with the 2019 but may be unjustifiable. In the Seventies, Porsche executives believed that the company's future lay in front-engine cars, so development focused on the 924 and 928. The 911 Carrera 997 was Porsche's second go round at moving on from the air-cooled 911. Would you like to know more than the salesperson? Early 991 Carreras are beloved as the last naturally aspirated models, while later turbocharged Carreras offer impressive performance. Still, there are some Porsche 997 years to avoid. It is a little expensive but very comfortable and feels very good when you turn and drive generally. It was also the most expensive 911 ever, with a base price beyond $300,000. Old-school charm and such aside, we suggest the 2011 Carrera 997, the first of the 991 series. You can pick up a three-year-old luxury car for about half of what youd pay new. 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. We may earn money from the links on this page. Nevertheless, looks arent the only reason the 993 is regarded as the best 911 by the majority of Porsche enthusiasts. Finished in White over Agate Gray. 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. When Porsche released the 993, they made sure they fixed everything that was wrong with the 964. As 356 production ended in 1965, Porsche introduced the 912, a bargain model 911 with the 356SCs four-cylinder and fewer luxury items. Porsche also ditched the hydraulic steering in favor of electric assist, and the standard transmission became a seven-speed manual that shared internals with the PDK automatic. $400 to fix. When hes not busy writing about cars, he can be found hosting videos on his popular automotive YouTube channel, Kinneys Reviews, which has grown to garner over 4,000 monthly views, and his writings have been viewed over 200,000 times. The vehicle has received particular praise for its air-cooled opposed rear-engine design (water-cooled since 1998) and independent suspension. Later that year, the Targa returned with a new automatic roof mechanism and styling that paid tribute to the original. Another problem area is scoring of the cylinder bores on 3.8-liter 997s. 2003 Porsche 911 is worth every penny and it wont let you down. My car handles amazingly. 2002 Porsche 911 = Most unappreciated Carrera. The GT department continued its hit parade with a new GT3 in 2017, powered by a heavily revised naturally aspirated 4.0-liter flat-six making 500 hp and, praise be, connected to a manual transmission. Most have no complaints whatsoever, and if they do, theyre extremely minor. It is beautiful and very comfortable for me to drive. The 993 is the pinnacle of the air-cooled 911, and even though the earliest examples will turn 27 years old this year, they're still modern, usable cars with no major weak points. The car is extremely reliable and it is completely worth the money. It had even wider bodywork than the Carrera 4, but for the first time, the Turbo was automatic only. (Explained), Which Grand Marquis Years To Avoid and Why? 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. 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 original 911 was not the powerful race car we know today. 16 Avoid: Porsche 914. via wikipedia.org. Every time I get into my car, its a great driving experience. The turbocharged 3.6-liter M64 flat-six was new for 1993 and used . I really like feel of the steering wheel. 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 models have had very few complaints and suffer from minor issues at worst. Most of the later years model came out bad but not worst and some early years are included here as well. 2013 Porsche 911 Carrera 4S: Scored Cylinders after 9000 miles no warranty support. However, judging by the recent climb in 912 values, it's safe to say there's strong demand for 4-cylinder 911s. Acceleration is beautiful. Porsche 997 Years To Avoid (List of Years) Porche 997 was referred to as the better-modified version of the Porche 911 model. A Complete Breakdown, CV Joint Replacement Cost: Everything You Need To Know, Here Are The Jeep Wrangler Years To Avoid, Toyotas Car Chip Shortage: What It Means For Automakers. 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. Proving that Porsche admirers are quick to forgive and forget, they welcomed the 997 (2005-2011) with open arms. 2007 Porsche 911 Carrera Cabriolet - California Car - 3.6L H6 - 6 Speed Manual Transmission - Silver . Also, the most highlighted complaints against 2009 models were engine stalling and excess oil consumption, which commonly arise at 25,000-28000 miles. For a time it was the fastest production car around the Nurburgring as well as a host of U.S. tracks. Facing an existential crisis, Porsche hired consultants from Toyota, who recommended radical ways of streamlining engineering and manufacturing. We expect a GT3 in the coming months, with GTS models to follow. I took offense. The 9A1 engine was carried over from the 997, but the base model shrank by 200 cc to become a 3.4 liter. The 996 was manufactured from model year 1999 to 2004. Only 600 were built, and now they're among the most valuable water-cooled 911s out there. 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. 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. It was also the first GT3 officially exported to the U.S., and we're thankful, because it's an absolute gem. Throughout this long journey, the Porsche 911 went through several notable redesigning, modifications, and upgrades to meet the standard of being one of the most desirable sports car series. Top of the market is the extremely rare 993 Turbo S, followed closely by the non-S Turbo. Founded in Dearborn, Michigan, United States, Ford Motor, Read More What Years Are Ford Diesel Engines to Avoid and Why?Continue, As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Some users even claimed that both windows sometimes fail together, and they had to replace the whole set. Perhaps because of its styling, the Porsche 993 (1995-1998) is often regarded as the 911 Holy Grail by enthusiasts. Porsches two-door 911 sports car has been in production since 1963 and garnered numerous awards over the years. This is because it's an older model, and thus may require more repairs. 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. 2023 Porsche 911 Edition 50 Years Porsche Design (992) New Car This car is not yet at the dealership. 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. Most buyers pay a big premium for 1987-1989 cars with the G50 gearbox. That engine would swell to a 300 horsepower, 3.3L H6 in 1978, thanks to a massive refresh. The last two models from the first run of the 991 were spectacular. And with countless variants, there's a 911 for just about every buyer. The new generation of the 911 ups the car's performance ceiling, and its effortless thrills spoil you perhaps too much. A quarter-century into the models production run, the 911 finally got its first comprehensive update. It has the highest number of reported problems and some may pose a threat to your safety. Be wary of IMS issues, but dont fear a 996 with a documented IMS bearing upgrade. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. That bit of information is enough to steer some buyers away from the 996 completely, but the risk is sometimes overblown. Now, if youre buying a 911 on a budget theres really only one that comes to mind, the 996 (1999-2004). The brand needed a new model with improved performance and comfort, and at the 1963 Frankfurt Motor Show, that successor arrived. (Explained)Continue, Which Ford Taurus Years to Avoid and Why? A Porsche mechanic can detect this problem with a borescope. What Does TBC Fault Mean On A Ford Truck? Purists were quick to get over the looks as they hated the new electric steering, claiming it ruined the feel of a 911. The MSRP for this Carrera was $83,115 in 2001 and the current Carfax retail value is $34,160. Chris Perkins is the Web Editor for Road & Track magazine. The RS America, once the ugly duckling of Porsche showrooms, commands huge money today, as does the rare Turbo 3.6. The reworked 930 powerplant made an impressive 320 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque; when the turbocharged version of the new 3.6-liter engine finally arrived in 1993, it offered an astonishing 360 horsepower. 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. saving the 911 was one of his very first acts, a more affordable mid-engine model, the Boxster, in mid-2-second times with ruthless efficiency, a significant mid-cycle update in late 2015, a heavy update of the preceding generation. 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 aluminum crankcase was replaced with a new magnesium unit, saving 22 lbs, and fuel injection was added to high-end models. This is ironic because the 996 wasnt the first car to feature them. Finally, in early 2021 Porsche released the GT3 and GT3 Touring models. For the easiest way to find a reliable used Porsche 911 in your area, download the free CoPIlot car shopping app. Porsche also brought back the Targa, using the sliding-glass-panel design seen on the 993. It is stiff so it feels sporty and helps you be in control with the car. Porsche was relentless in updating the 991, making the Carrera GTS a regular part of the lineup in early 2014. One particular 2012 model owner claimed that he noticed a faulty rear window just after receiving his newly purchased car, which is frustrating. The original 911 Turbo came with a 260 horsepower, 3.0L H6 engine. I HAVE A 2012 911 BLACK EDITION WITH 32,000 MI,THE CRANKSHAFT BEARING JUST WENT,SO MUCH FOR GREAT PORCHES. At the time, Porsche was in dire straits and knew they needed a solution to help solve their financial crisis. The first all-new 911 body and platform since 1964. Ultimately, the engine either needs to rebuild or replaced with a new one. 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. The following year saw the return of the Turbo, powered by a version of the old 3.3-liter flat-six from the 930. (Explained)Continue, As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Gap insurance can prevent you from making payments on an already-totalled car, but is gap insurance worth it? Offered in Targa 4, 4S and 4 GTS forms, this was the heaviest iteration of the 991, though possibly the most charming. Other improvements included an intercooler, anti-roll bars, and larger brakes. To the unfamiliar, it eats tires & brakes at a rapid rate, but this is the result of excellent handling & stopping power. Porsche AG claims to revise the engine as well as make significant interior and exterior styling while bringing Porche 997 into the market as the 2005 Porche 911 model. The SC and Carrera 3.2 are both excellent usable classicsthe former is lithe and pared-back, while the latter is muscular and modern. Stop trying to eat your own, Porsche cars are family. As the 993 generation drew to a close, Porsche had to radically rethink how it built sports cars. They released over 30 different models, including some of the fastest models the 911 had ever seen. Early cars are quite expensive, and even the once-unloved 912 can push past $50,000. The wheels are amazing but that's cause I changed them the tank rarely needs to be filled up. While the 991 is undoubtedly a 911, it offers a very different driving experience from its predecessors. 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.