Carrera / Carrera S (991.1)
2012–2016
Naturally aspirated: a 3.4L with 350 hp or a 3.8L with 400 hp. The purist's choice, with a high-revving character.
Desirability
Buyer's Guide
Porsche 991 911
2012–2019
Overview
The 991 is a big, fast, sophisticated 911: longer and wider than the cars before it, with electric steering and, from the 991.2 on, turbocharged Carreras. Purists prefer the naturally aspirated 991.1 for its sound and throttle response; the 991.2 has more torque everywhere. There's no IMS bearing, and the common problems are minor next to older 911s, but it's still a modern Porsche, and PDK and PASM work isn't cheap. Service history matters more than mileage.
- Production
- 2012–2019
- Built
- ~217,000 worldwide
- Price range
- $60,000–$400,000+
- Best years
- 2017–2019 (991.2 refined, proven reliability)
What to Pay
Prices checked January 2026. Rough US market ranges. Location, history, and options move these a lot.
Project
$50,000–$70,000Higher-mileage base Carreras or cars with service needs.
Driver
$70,000–$100,000Good Carrera S or 4S examples with reasonable miles.
Excellent
$100,000–$180,000Well-maintained GT3, Turbo, or low-mileage GTS examples.
Concours
$180,000–$450,000+GT3 RS, GT2 RS, or exceptional low-mileage special editions.
Which One to Buy
Carrera / Carrera S (991.2)
2017–2019
Turbocharged 3.0L with 370–420 hp. More torque everywhere, and a different character.
Desirability
Carrera 4 / 4S
2012–2019
All-wheel drive, with the wider rear body. More planted in all conditions.
Desirability
GT3 / GT3 RS
2014–2019
The track-focused GT3s, with naturally aspirated engines making 475–520 hp. PDK only on the 991.1 GT3; a manual returned on the 991.2. Exceptional driver's cars.
Desirability
Turbo / Turbo S
2014–2019
Twin-turbo, 520–580 hp, and all-wheel drive. Staggering acceleration with everyday comfort.
Desirability
GT2 RS
2018–2019
700 hp from a twin-turbo 3.8L, rear-wheel drive, and built for the track. Priced like the collectible it is.
Desirability
Targa 4 / 4S
2014–2019
The power-operated Targa roof, with all-wheel drive only. Elegant, if heavier.
Desirability
Walk Away If…
- PCCB brakes with visible damage or excessive wear
- Evidence of track abuse without proper maintenance
- Salvage or rebuilt title
- PDK with shudder or transmission codes
- Missing service documentation
- Aftermarket tune without supporting modifications
- GT cars with questionable racing history
Pre-Purchase Inspection
What I'd check on any 991 before buying, with a rough cost if it's bad. Print it and take it with you.
Engine 4 checks
- Oil Consumption 991 engines can consume some oil, especially when driven hard. Monitor levels. If bad: Monitor and maintain
- Turbo Condition (991.2/Turbo) Check for boost leaks, wastegate operation, and proper boost pressure. If bad: $3,000–8,000
- Coolant System Check expansion tank and radiators for leaks. Overheating can ruin the engine. If bad: $500–1,500
- Engine Mounts Can wear on higher-mileage cars causing vibration. If bad: $600–1,200
Transmission 3 checks
- PDK Operation Most 991s have PDK. Check for smooth operation, proper clutch wear indication. If bad: $2,000–6,000
- Manual Transmission If equipped, test all gears. Check for synchro wear on high-mileage cars. If bad: $2,000–4,000
- PDK Fluid Service Verify PDK fluid has been serviced at proper intervals. If bad: $500–800 for service
Suspension & Brakes 4 checks
- PASM Shocks Most 991s have PASM. Test in all modes for proper damping. If bad: $3,000–6,000
- PCCB Brakes If equipped with ceramic brakes, check rotor condition carefully. Extremely expensive to replace. If bad: $15,000–25,000
- Control Arm Bushings Can wear on track-driven or high-mileage cars. If bad: $800–1,500
- Rear Axle Steering (if equipped) Test for proper operation. Complex system. If bad: $2,000–4,000
Electrical & Technology 3 checks
- PCM System Test navigation, connectivity, and all infotainment functions. If bad: $1,000–3,000
- Sport Chrono If equipped, verify all modes function including launch control. If bad: $500–1,500
- Convertible/Targa Top Test full operation. Targa mechanism is complex. If bad: $2,000–5,000
Body 3 checks
- Paint Condition Check for rock chips, especially on front fascia. Clear bra recommended. If bad: $500–3,000
- Wheel Condition Check for curb rash. Factory wheels are expensive to replace. If bad: $500–2,000 per wheel
- Accident History Check panels for consistent gaps and paint matching. If bad: Varies significantly
Worth Paying Extra For
- Carrera S or GTS for best all-around package
- 991.1 for naturally aspirated character
- 991.2 for more everyday power
- A manual GT3 if driving it is the whole point
- Complete Porsche service documentation
- Sport Chrono and PASM (both options on many cars)
- Avoid PCCB unless budget allows for replacement
- Factory CPO warranty if still applicable
Running Costs
- Insurance
- $2,000–4,000/year
- Annual maintenance
- $1,500–3,500 for regular service
- Common repairs
- $1,000–2,500/year typical
- Fuel economy
- 19–25 MPG
Before You Buy
- The 991 is one of the most refined and capable 911s ever made.
- Purists prefer the naturally aspirated 991.1.
- The 991.2's turbo engines are quicker in everyday driving.
- A manual GT3 is the enthusiast's pick.
- Skip the ceramic brakes (PCCB) unless you can afford to replace them.
- The PDK is quicker. The manual is more engaging.
- A Porsche CPO warranty is worth paying for on a car this complex
- Budget for proper maintenance. These are complex cars.
- Looked after properly, the 991 is a very dependable 911.
- The GT2 RS and GT3 RS are already collector cars.
Own a 991?
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