Above: 997.2-generation Carrera coupe and Cabriolet.
Article by Rob Sass
Photos courtesy Porsche
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. The 997.2-generation 911 Carrera, which celebrates its tenth birthday later this year, may well go down as being one of the most loved/sought-after of the water-cooled 911s. We should probably be snapping them up in droves now. Here’s why:
Above: 997.2 Carrera 4 models typically command a premrium over a Carerra.
Looks
I find the 997’s predecessor, the 996, to be an attractive car. I’ve owned two of them now, a base Carrera and a Turbo. Still, I get a twinge of jealously whenever I see a 997 — it’s an exceptionally pretty car both inside and out. From the engine compartment lid louvers to the headlights, indicators, and hood cut line, a 997, particularly in a funky color like Macadamia or Malachite Green, is a very attractive car. The interior re-design was also a success, giving the 911 a center stack that for the first time looked like something other than an afterthought.
Above: Interior.
Durability
Overhyped or not, the bane of any M96/M97-engined Porsche is the intermediate shaft (IMS) bearing. In the 997.1, it’s a particularly nuanced situation — from mid-2005 through 2008 the bearing is not replaceable without an engine removal and tear-down. While those flat-sixes have among the lowest failure rates of IMS-equipped water-cooled engines, the feeling of the Sword of Damocles hanging over one’s head is still there to some extent. The 997.2 introduced in the fall of 2008 for model year 2009 at last did away with the IMS bearing and introduced direct-injection and Porsche’s brilliant PDK gearbox. The 997.2 engines were simpler designs with 40% fewer parts than its predecessor and has developed few reported hiccups and certainly no pattern of catastrophic failures.
Above: 997.2 Carrera Cabriolet.
Performance
In terms of usable performance, the 3.6-liter 997.2 base Carrera is all anyone needs in a daily driver. It’s relatively light at around 3,200 pounds, and with 345 horsepower, zero-to-60 miles per hour comes up in around four-and-a-half seconds. The top speed is somewhere around 180 mph. Maybe not absolute top-shelf today, but neither will you be smoked by a Kia Stinger.
Above: 997.2 Carrera.
Intangibles
The 997 looks and feels like a rear-engined car. Despite technology like PDK, active suspension, and advanced traction control, it’s still an old-school 911 as Car and Driver noted a decade ago in their first drive in the summer of 2008: “Sometimes a gentle plow suddenly locks into a vicious bite, which spirals quickly into tail wag if you lift, as your right foot is seemingly screaming to do. Slow in, fast out. That old saw should be engraved on the dash of every 911.” It doesn’t get any more old school 911 than that.
Above: 997.2 Carrera 4.
Price
Now for the best part: The base Carrera is hands-down one of the biggest bargains in the Porsche world. The starting point for a 2009-10 car is around $35,000 for a lightly optioned car with 60,000 to 100,000 miles. (Here's a current ad for a 2009 model for less than $40,000; click here for archived version.) That’s a bargain for a car with no IMS worries, excellent reliability and an available PDK gearbox for those who don’t want to shift for themselves. There might be a hair of depreciation left in the 997.2, but my gut tells me that this is the bottom of the curve, and we’re unlikely to see examples (other than the ones with lunar miles) in the twenties.
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FAQs
There aren't too many years of the Porsche 997, as it is another version of the classic Porsche 911. Still, there are some Porsche 997 years to avoid. We recommend staying away from the 2004, 2005, 2006, 2009, and 2011 models. These won't provide the most value for your investment.
Why is 997.2 the best 911? ›
Performance. In terms of usable performance, the 3.6-liter 997.2 base Carrera is all anyone needs in a daily driver. It's relatively light at around 3,200 pounds, and with 345 horsepower, zero-to-60 miles per hour comes up in around four-and-a-half seconds. The top speed is somewhere around 180 mph.
Is the 997 gen 2 a good investment? ›
A sound investment
With its strong reliability and stunning looks, the 997.2 is without a shadow of a doubt a Porsche generation to watch out for in the future.
Is the 997.2 reliable? ›
It can be said that the engines are known for their reliability. Especially compared to the M97, there is relatively little collateral damage. However, you should keep an eye on the oil consumption and even more on the engine case for leaks. As usual, the rear main seal is often the cause of damp engine undersides.
Which Porsche to stay away from? ›
Early Porsche 911s
While recent models of the Porsche 911 are in high demand, Saari suggested staying away from earlier models — those built around 1969 or earlier — due to their array of shortcomings.
Does the 997.2 suffer from bore scoring? ›
However, some Porsche 997 and 997.2 models have experienced bore scoring. Lokasil Blocks: Bore scoring has been more commonly reported in these engines. Any debris or contaminants in the oil become trapped against the cylinder walls and are dragged by the piston rings, resulting in scratches.
Will the Porsche 997 become a classic? ›
The year 2023 will be a big one for 997 owners around the world, as it becomes an official Porsche classic.
What year Porsche 911 is the best to buy? ›
911 Carrera 3.2, 1984–1989
Arguably the most desirable classic 911 was launched in 1984 in all three body styles: coupe, Targa, and drop-top. At the end of the 3.2's run, 2103 Speedsters were made, which featured a shorter windshield and a unique top. Why choose the 3.2 over the SC?
What is the top speed of a Porsche 997.2 Carrera? ›
The Carrera S model is capable of accelerating from 0–97 km/h (0–60 mph) in 4.7 seconds and can reach a top speed of 300 km/h (186 mph), while the base Carrera model can accelerate from 0–97 km/h (0–60 mph) in 4.8 seconds, and can attain a top speed of 290 km/h (180 mph).
How much does it cost to rebuild a 997.2 engine? ›
The cost of an engine rebuild for a Porsche 911 996 or 997 can vary from $15,000 to $30,000 or more including the cost of cylinder bore scoring repair.
Is it a reliable car? Yes, the 997 model is hugely reliable, and a popular choice among Porsche owners. There are however good and bad 997 options, so we want you to have all of the details before proceeding.
What is 997.2 Black Edition? ›
The special features of the Black Edition are all present, and include a unique numbered plaque 495/1,911 on the glovebox, black painted centre console and stainless steel door entry guards with Black Edition logo. Engine and Transmission.
What is the most reliable Porsche 911 engine? ›
The 993, esp. by 1997 and `1998 were very reliable... however, the 1984-1989 carrera had few problems due to its more simple design and less power equipment.....the 993 is nicer to driver and is faster also....
What engine issues does the Porsche 997 have? ›
In essence, the Porsche 997 (non-Mezger) engines can suffer from bore scoring and IMS failures. Bore scoring is where the piston prematurely wears through the cylinder liner, leaving a gap for oil to pass into the combustion chamber.
What is the difference between 997.1 Carrera S and 997.2 Carrera S? ›
One thing to differentiate would be the sound. As the 997.1 Carrera (S), especially in combination with a flap exhaust, creates even more emotion. The direct injection in the 997.2 Carrera (S) meant that some of the typical Porsche intake noise was lost.
What are bad years for Porsche 911? ›
Quick Answer: Avoid 2001, 2002, 2004, and 2005 Porsche 996s
With such big changes to the chassis, engine, cooling system, and front suspension, you might expect there to be tons of problems with the 996 generation of Porsche 911.
What is the problem with the 997 engine? ›
In essence, the Porsche 997 (non-Mezger) engines can suffer from bore scoring and IMS failures. Bore scoring is where the piston prematurely wears through the cylinder liner, leaving a gap for oil to pass into the combustion chamber.
Does the 997.2 have a Mezger engine? ›
Not true, the 997.1 also have no Mezger, as the 997.2 also not. The Mezger was in the 997.1 Turbo and GT3 and in the 997.2 GT3 (GT2). Only because in the designation GTS also the GT is contained there still long no other engine in it.
What year was the Porsche 911 engine problem? ›
Since it has also been verifiably documented that some IMS bearings have failed after just 3,000 miles, while others still have lasted for 200,000 miles or more, the only safe conclusion that can be drawn is that all M96 and some M97 engines in Porsche 911's (996 or 997), and all Boxsters (986/987) from 1997 through ...
