Carrera / Carrera S (997.1)
2005–2008
The first generation, with a 3.6L (325 hp) or 3.8L (355 hp). It still has an IMS bearing, though a stronger design than the 996's. The S is the one I'd buy.
Desirability
Buyer's Guide
Porsche 997 911
2004–2012
Overview
The 997 is the 911 I'd recommend to most people: modern enough to use every day, traditional enough to still feel like a 911. The 2009 update (997.2) brought direct injection, PDK, and an engine without the intermediate shaft bearing, and it's the safer buy. A 997.1 with a clean bore scope and IMS paperwork is still a great car for less money. The GT3s, and the 997.1 Turbo, use the Mezger engine and live in their own market.
- Production
- 2005–2012
- Built
- ~213,000 worldwide
- Price range
- $40,000–$500,000+
- Best years
- 2009–2012 (997.2 with improved DFI engine)
What to Pay
Prices checked January 2026. Rough US market ranges. Location, history, and options move these a lot.
Project
$30,000–$50,000997.1 cars with known engine issues. Salvage or high-mileage with concerns.
Driver
$50,000–$80,000Good 997.1 Carrera S or entry 997.2 examples. Excellent daily drivers.
Excellent
$80,000–$150,000Well-maintained 997.2 Carrera S/4S, clean Turbos, or lower mileage GT3.
Concours
$150,000–$600,000+GT3 RS, GT2, GT2 RS, or exceptional low-mileage examples.
Which One to Buy
Carrera / Carrera S (997.2)
2009–2012
The second generation, with direct injection: 3.6L (345 hp) or 3.8L (385 hp), no IMS bearing, and the PDK as an option. The safer buy.
Desirability
Carrera 4 / Carrera 4S
2005–2012
All-wheel drive, with the wider rear body. More planted in all conditions.
Desirability
GT3 / GT3 RS
2007–2012
The track-focused GT3s, with the Mezger engine making 415–500 hp and no IMS bearing. The RS adds aero and loses weight. Highly collectible.
Desirability
Turbo / Turbo S
2007–2012
Twin-turbo, 480–530 hp, and all-wheel drive. The 997.1 uses the Mezger engine; the 997.2 moved to a new direct-injected engine.
Desirability
GT2 / GT2 RS
2008–2012
The rear-drive Turbo, with 530–620 hp. The most extreme 997, and the GT2 RS is one of the wildest 911s ever made.
Desirability
Walk Away If…
- 997.1 with unknown IMS status or bore scoring symptoms
- Check engine light with multiple codes
- PCCB brakes with visible damage or wear
- PDK with shudder or rough engagement
- Salvage title without clear documentation
- GT3/RS with track damage or unknown racing history
Pre-Purchase Inspection
What I'd check on any 997 before buying, with a rough cost if it's bad. Print it and take it with you.
Engine (997.1 IMS) 3 checks
- IMS Bearing Status (997.1 only) 997.1 still has IMS bearing but improved design. Failure is less common but still possible. Check if retrofitted. If bad: $2,500–4,000 for retrofit
- Bore Scoring (997.1) M97 engine can develop cylinder bore scoring. Check for knocking, smoke, or oil consumption. If bad: $15,000–25,000
- D-Chunk Failure (997.1) Early 997.1 engines can suffer from crankcase cooling duct failure. If bad: Engine replacement if severe
Engine (997.2 DFI) 3 checks
- Carbon Buildup DFI engines can develop intake valve carbon buildup. May need walnut blasting at high mileage. If bad: $500–1,000
- Direct Injector Condition DFI injectors can fail causing rough running. Usually diagnosed with scan tool. If bad: $800–1,500
- Oil Consumption Some oil consumption is normal. Monitor level between services. If bad: Monitor and maintain
Transmission 3 checks
- Manual Transmission Test every gear. The six-speed manual is tough and well liked. If bad: $2,000–4,000
- PDK (997.2) Check for smooth operation and proper clutch wear. PDK requires fluid service. If bad: $1,500–5,000
- Clutch Manual car clutch engagement should be smooth. Dual-mass flywheel is expensive. If bad: $3,000–5,000
Suspension & Brakes 3 checks
- PASM Shocks If equipped, test in all modes. Shocks can develop leaks. If bad: $2,000–4,000
- Control Arm Bushings Check for clunking and worn bushings. Common wear item. If bad: $600–1,500
- PCCB Brakes (if equipped) Ceramic brakes are expensive to replace. Check rotor condition. If bad: $10,000–20,000 for replacement
Electrical & Interior 3 checks
- PCM/Navigation Check touchscreen function and navigation. Older units may need updates. If bad: $500–2,000
- Convertible Top (Cab) Test full operation including automatic wind blocker if equipped. If bad: $1,000–3,000
- Sport Seat Bolsters Driver side bolster wear is common on sport seats. If bad: $500–1,500
Worth Paying Extra For
- 997.2 for best reliability (no IMS concerns)
- Carrera S or 4S for best all-around package
- Manual transmission (purist choice) or PDK (faster, easier)
- Complete service documentation
- Sport Chrono Package
- PASM adaptive suspension
- GT3 for track use (Mezger engine, no IMS)
- Lower mileage with consistent service history
Running Costs
- Insurance
- $1,500–3,500/year
- Annual maintenance
- $2,000–4,000 for regular service
- Common repairs
- $1,000–3,000/year typical
- Fuel economy
- 18–25 MPG
Before You Buy
- The 997.2 (2009 on) is the safest buy: no IMS bearing.
- The GT3 and 997.1 Turbo use the Mezger engine, which is very durable.
- The PDK is quicker. The manual is more engaging. Pick what you'll enjoy.
- The 997 Carrera S is one of the best all-round sports cars ever made.
- GT3 and GT3 RS values have climbed a long way.
- Skip the ceramic brakes (PCCB) unless you can afford to replace them.
- Budget for a pre-purchase inspection by a Porsche specialist.
- Rennlist has a deep 997 community.
- Looked after properly, a 997 makes a dependable daily driver.
- Factory sport seats and Sport Chrono help resale.
Own a 997?
Track it in My Garage
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