# Porsche 911 (997) buying guide

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Buying guide · 2005 to 2013 · Updated Oct 1, 2026

The 997.2 has no IMS bearing, while the 997.1 needs a clean bore scope and IMS paperwork, and that split decides which used 911 to chase.

**Median asking price: $70,034** (Across 550 live listings)

- Asking prices: $30,390 to $730,997, middle half $53k to $90k
- For sale: 550
- Lowest price: $30,390
- Model years: 2005 to 2013
- Versions for sale: 22

## The 997 as a used buy

The Porsche 911 (997) covers the 2005 to 2013 model years, and the first decision is 997.1 or 997.2, because the engine is where the risk sits. It came as coupe, cabriolet and Targa, with rear- or four-wheel drive across the range.

The 997.1 carries the bore scoring and IMS bearing questions. The 997.2 got a redesigned engine with no intermediate shaft, but it has its own habit of carbon on the intake valves. Porsche Club GB and wittwer.nl both put paperwork and a full service history ahead of low mileage.

Start with [used Porsche 997s for sale](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/used/porsche/911/997), then use the sections below to decide which cars deserve a viewing.

## 997 years and versions

The 997.1 used a 3.6-litre flat-six with 325 hp in the Carrera and a 3.8-litre with 355 hp in the Carrera S. Gearboxes were a six-speed manual or a five-speed Tiptronic. The 997.2 update brought direct fuel injection, 345 hp in the Carrera and 385 hp in the Carrera S, plus a choice of six-speed manual or seven-speed PDK. It also added LED daytime running lights and new LED taillights.

The 997.2 engine was a full redesign with a re-engineered cylinder head and no intermediate shaft. [ZRG Classics](https://www.zrgclassics.com/resources/porsche/997/buying/) and [RennDriver](https://renndriver.com/guides/porsche-997/) both call the 997.2 the safer buy for that reason. ZRG still rates an early car as a fine one if it comes with a clean bore scope and IMS paperwork. Our [997.2 Carrera S page](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/cars/porsche-911-997-2-carrera-s) and [997.1 Carrera S page](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/cars/porsche-911-997-1-carrera-s) show what is listed.

RennDriver and [FlatSixFinder](https://flatsixfinder.com/guides/porsche-997-buyers-guide.html) both pick the 997.2 Carrera S as the best-balanced car in the range. It has the larger engine, standard PASM and bigger brakes than the Carrera. The Carrera GTS arrived in 2010 as a 997.2 only, with 408 hp from the 3.8, the wider Carrera 4 body, sports exhaust, Sport Chrono and centre-lock wheels. [JBR Capital](https://jbrcapital.com/buyer-guides/buyers-guide-porsche/buy-porsche-997/) calls it the best 997 to buy, a sleeper and a keeper. [Magneto](https://www.magnetomagazine.com/articles/porsche-997-buying-guide-from-magneto/) calls the manual GTS the ultimate 997, though it adds that plain Carreras can be the sweetest.

JBR also rates a rear-drive manual Carrera coupe as one of the great all-rounders, so see the [997.1 Carrera](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/cars/porsche-911-997-1-carrera) and [997.2 Carrera](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/cars/porsche-911-997-2-carrera) pages too. On the Targa, JBR reports criticism that the canopy raises the centre of gravity and costs a lot to fix if its internals fail. On ceramic brakes, ZRG's advice is to pass on PCCB unless you can pay for new discs when they wear out.

## 997 versions for sale now

Every version in our latest scan, most listed first. Each links to its own page with deal analysis and market history.

| Version | Model years | For sale | Median price |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [997.1 Carrera S](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/cars/porsche-911-997-1-carrera-s) | 2005-2007 | 123 | $58,598 |
| [997.2 Carrera S](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/cars/porsche-911-997-2-carrera-s) | 2008-2012 | 99 | $73,170 |
| [997.1 Carrera](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/cars/porsche-911-997-1-carrera) | 2005-2007 | 72 | $49,127 |
| [997.2 Carrera 4S](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/cars/porsche-911-997-2-carrera-4s) | 2008-2012 | 47 | $79,888 |
| [997.2 Carrera](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/cars/porsche-911-997-2-carrera) | 2008-2012 | 43 | $61,997 |
| [997.1 Carrera 4S](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/cars/porsche-911-997-1-carrera-4s) | 2005-2007 | 28 | $65,359 |
| [997.1 Turbo Coupe](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/cars/porsche-911-997-1-turbo-coupe) | 2007-2008 | 28 | $135,058 |
| [997.2 Turbo Cabriolet](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/cars/porsche-911-997-2-turbo-cabriolet) | 2010-2013 | 16 | $104,944 |
| [997.2 Turbo S Coupe](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/cars/porsche-911-997-2-turbo-s-coupe) | 2011-2013 | 16 | $167,948 |
| [997.2 Carrera GTS](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/cars/porsche-911-997-2-carrera-gts) | 2011-2012 | 15 | $105,490 |
| [997.1 Carrera 4](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/cars/porsche-911-997-1-carrera-4) | 2006-2007 | 13 | $52,145 |
| [997.2 Targa 4S](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/cars/porsche-911-997-2-targa-4s) | 2008-2012 | 12 | $88,866 |
| [997.2 Turbo S Cabriolet](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/cars/porsche-911-997-2-turbo-s-cabriolet) | 2011-2013 | 9 | $119,997 |
| [997.1 GT2 Coupe](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/cars/porsche-911-997-1-gt2-coupe) | 2008 | 6 | $602,660 |
| [997.2 Turbo Coupe](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/cars/porsche-911-997-2-turbo-coupe) | 2010-2013 | 5 | $153,991 |
| [997.2 Black Edition](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/cars/porsche-911-997-2-black-edition) | 2012 | 4 | $77,740 |
| [997.1 Targa 4](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/cars/porsche-911-997-1-targa-4) | 2007 | 3 | $75,890 |
| [997.2 Carrera 4](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/cars/porsche-911-997-2-carrera-4) | 2008-2009 | 3 | $58,135 |
| [997.1 GT3 Coupe](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/cars/porsche-911-997-1-gt3-coupe) | 2007 | 2 | $375,070 |
| [997.1 Targa 4S](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/cars/porsche-911-997-1-targa-4s) | 2007 | 2 | $99,574 |
| [997.2 Targa](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/cars/porsche-911-997-2-targa) | 2009 | 2 | $89,072 |
| [997.2 Targa 4](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/cars/porsche-911-997-2-targa-4) | 2008-2010 | 2 | $76,625 |

## Common 997 problems

The serious worries sit in the 997.1 engine, and the sources put different numbers on them.

### Bore scoring

Porsche Club GB puts bore scoring at perhaps 5% of 997.1 cars, with the 3.8 S engines more prone. Tiptronic cars appear to suffer more than manuals. Look for an oily deposit on the left exhaust pipe, ticking at idle, and one exhaust tip more coked than the other.

### IMS bearing

Early 997.1 cars have a small IMS bearing, and wittwer.nl puts its failure rate somewhere in the 5-10% range. A stronger bearing arrived around the start of the 2007 model year, and Porsche Club GB says most experts see low risk on those cars. Wittwer dates the larger bearing to 2005 and calls failures very rare, so the sources differ on timing.

### Rear main seal and separator

The rear main seal can drip oil, and the repair can be done during a clutch replacement. Cars from 2007 onwards are less affected. A failing air-oil separator shows as exhaust smoke and sludge on the oil cap.

### Intake valve carbon

Direct-injection 997.2 engines can build carbon on the intake valves, which brings rough idle and misfires. FlatSixFinder says walnut blasting typically costs $500 to $800.

### Cooling system leaks

Radiators behind the front bumpers can block with debris and leak. The rubber coolant crossover pipes can corrode too, and both repairs are expensive.

### Exhaust flaps and bushes

PSE exhaust flaps can seize from lack of use and cost a lot to fix. Separately, front suspension-arm bushes wear, giving uneven tire wear and clonks over white lines.

## What to check on a used 997

- Ask for a borescope inspection from the sump side on any 997.1, since that is the best way to check for bore scoring.
- Look at both exhaust tips for one more coked than the other, and at the left pipe for oily deposits.
- Ask for IMS paperwork on early 997.1 cars and for records showing which bearing is fitted.
- Have a shop read fault codes and over-revs with a PIWIS, and compare the DME mileage with the dash, as Porsche Club GB says mileage adjustment is not uncommon.
- Check door shuts for paint lines and use a paint thickness gauge, because accident damage is quite common according to Porsche Club GB.
- Press the clutch pedal and treat a heavy feel as a sign the clutch is near the end of its life.
- Test PASM in both Normal and Sport modes.
- Inspect the air-conditioning condensers in the nose and the radiators behind the bumpers for debris and leaks.
- Check the oil filler cap for sludge and watch for exhaust smoke on a cold start.
- Look for Porsche-approved N-rated tires, and listen for clonks over road markings that point to worn front bushes.

## 997 running costs

JBR Capital gives service intervals as every two years or 20K miles. It also puts a new clutch at close to £1000 (a UK figure), lasting 70 to 80,000 miles.

The big bill is the engine. Wittwer says a full rebuild can easily pass 15k (it gives no currency). Carbon cleaning on a 997.2 is far smaller at $500 to $800 per FlatSixFinder, but exhaust flaps, coolant pipes and ceramic brakes are all described as expensive when they fail.

## 997 recalls and complaints

NHTSA lists four recall campaigns for 2005 to 2011 model years, none of them for the standard Carrera. Two cover wheel hubs and aftermarket center wheel kits on 2010 to 2011 Turbo cars (the hub campaign also names GT3 and GT2 RS), one covers rear wheel hubs on 2010 GT3 cars, and one is a seat belt campaign naming the 2011 GT3 RS and Speedster. A campaign filed for a model year does not mean every car was affected, so check any car's VIN at NHTSA's recall lookup.

Owners have filed 82 complaints with NHTSA, 55 of them about the engine and 12 about engine and engine cooling. They are reports, not proven faults. They include 4 crashes and 2 fires.

## NHTSA recalls for the 997

Every recall campaign the carmaker filed with NHTSA for the 2005 to 2011 model years, newest first, as of Oct 31, 2026. Not every car of a listed year was affected: check a car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

| Campaign | Reported | Model years | Component | What can happen |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 12V558000 | Dec 3, 2012 | 2010 | Suspension | If the rear hub fails, there may be a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 11V409000 | Aug 5, 2011 | 2011 | Seat belts | SHOULD THIS OCCUR, THE SEAT BELT MAY NOT BE ROUTED OPTIMALLY AROUND THE OCCUPANT, OR MAY POTENTIALLY LOOSEN AT SOME POINT IN THE FUTURE INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURY DURING A CRASH. |
| 11V285000 | Jun 10, 2011 | 2010 to 2011 | Wheels | AS THE HUBS WEAR, THE WHEELS COULD LOOSEN, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH. |
| 11E021000 | May 17, 2011 | 2010 to 2011 | Equipment | IF THE WHEEL RETENTION FAILS, A VEHICLE CRASH COULD OCCUR. |

## Owner complaints to NHTSA about the 997

Owners filed 82 complaints with NHTSA for the 2005 to 2011 model years (4 crashes and 2 fires reported). A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. A complaint can name more than one component.

| Component | Complaints |
| --- | --- |
| Engine | 55 |
| Engine and engine cooling | 12 |
| Power train | 5 |
| Electrical system | 3 |
| Fuel system | 3 |
| Gasoline | 3 |
| Unknown or other | 3 |
| Wheels | 3 |

## Best 997 deals right now

137 deals priced below market right now, the best by about $25,366. Members get the VIN, dealer, listing link and a ready-to-send negotiation email for each one.

- 2012 Porsche 911, 997.2 Carrera GTS: asking $88,886 · $25k below market · 37,383 mi · Scottsdale, AZ · deal score 100 of 100
- 2012 Porsche 911, 997.2 Turbo Cabriolet: asking $59,800 · $24k below market · 91,795 mi · Huntington Beach, CA · deal score 100 of 100
- 2007 Porsche 911, 997.1 Carrera S: asking $59,108 · $21k below market · 31,057 mi · San Diego, CA · deal score 100 of 100
- 2007 Porsche 911, 997.1 Targa 4: asking $57,145 · $18k below market · 60,506 mi · Lewisville, TX · deal score 100 of 100
- 2007 Porsche 911, 997.1 Carrera S: asking $44,894 · $15k below market · 75,252 mi · Pompano Beach, FL · deal score 100 of 100
- 2006 Porsche 911, 997.1 Carrera S: asking $43,999 · $14k below market · 80,334 mi · Tampa, FL · deal score 100 of 100

[Unlock all 137 deals](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/upgrade). Members see every deal's VIN, dealer and listing link, plus a negotiation email.

## 997 prices by model year

Median asking price for each model year in our latest scan, with the number of cars listed and their price range.

- [2013](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/used/porsche/911/2013): $169,995 (11 for sale · $95,598 to $251,912 · median 21,147 mi)
- [2012](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/used/porsche/911/2012): $95,494 (61 for sale · $49,920 to $236,189 · median 34,604 mi)
- [2011](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/used/porsche/911/2011): $88,393 (46 for sale · $42,798 to $161,997 · median 48,848 mi)
- [2010](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/used/porsche/911/2010): $88,197 (26 for sale · $59,399 to $250,883 · median 49,320 mi)
- [2009](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/used/porsche/911/2009): $71,912 (61 for sale · $42,496 to $115,150 · median 55,946 mi)
- [2008](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/used/porsche/911/2008): $68,996 (82 for sale · $30,390 to $730,997 · median 55,393 mi)
- [2007](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/used/porsche/911/2007): $71,005 (80 for sale · $34,950 to $400,150 · median 43,814 mi)
- [2006](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/used/porsche/911/2006): $55,080 (138 for sale · $32,250 to $139,598 · median 58,674 mi)
- [2005](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/used/porsche/911/2005): $54,893 (45 for sale · $31,899 to $128,999 · median 58,746 mi)

[911 price guide](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/prices/porsche/911)

## 997 fair values by trim and year

Our fair value is what comparable cars, same trim and model year with typical miles, are listed at in our latest market data. A car well under it is worth a close look; a car well over it needs a reason.

| Trim | Model year | Fair value | Typical miles |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Carrera S | 2009 | $64,285 | 53,200 |
| Carrera S | 2008 | $55,508 | 55,700 |
| Carrera S | 2007 | $56,298 | 49,200 |
| Carrera S | 2006 | $68,225 | 54,800 |
| Carrera | 2008 | $49,470 | 57,100 |
| Carrera | 2007 | $49,201 | 52,600 |
| Carrera | 2006 | $47,770 | 57,200 |
| Carrera | 2005 | $46,613 | 55,100 |
| Carrera 4S | 2009 | $72,605 | 45,400 |
| Carrera 4S | 2008 | $59,551 | 57,300 |
| Carrera 4S | 2007 | $55,517 | 62,700 |
| Carrera 4S | 2006 | $57,348 | 57,300 |
| Turbo | 2011 | $119,113 | 33,300 |
| Turbo | 2010 | $110,878 | 38,500 |
| Turbo | 2008 | $135,964 | 48,100 |
| Turbo | 2007 | $133,732 | 47,400 |
| GT3 | 2011 | $213,271 | 18,400 |
| GT3 | 2010 | $212,303 | 15,100 |
| GT3 | 2008 | $245,259 | 13,800 |
| GT3 | 2007 | $234,112 | 20,300 |

## 997 for sale now

- [2006 Porsche 911, 997.1 Carrera](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/cars/porsche-911-997-1-carrera): $45,887 · 61,160 mi · Durham, NC
- [2009 Porsche 911, 997.2 Carrera 4S](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/cars/porsche-911-997-2-carrera-4s): $49,082 · 91,799 mi · Hermosa Beach, CA
- [2008 Porsche 911, 997.2 Carrera S](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/cars/porsche-911-997-2-carrera-s): $55,145 · 110,117 mi · Lewisville, TX
- [2008 Porsche 911, 997.2 Carrera S](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/cars/porsche-911-997-2-carrera-s): $70,395 · 24,857 mi · Dayton, OH
- [2007 Porsche 911, 997.1 Carrera S](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/cars/porsche-911-997-1-carrera-s): $89,995 · 25,970 mi · Glen Cove, NY
- [2011 Porsche 911, 997.2 Turbo S](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/cars/porsche-911-997-2-turbo-s-coupe): $135,000 · 55,085 mi · Denver, CO
- [2006 Porsche 911, 997.1 Carrera 4](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/cars/porsche-911-997-1-carrera-4): $32,250 · 228,058 mi · San Diego, CA
- [2006 Porsche 911, 997.1 Carrera S](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/cars/porsche-911-997-1-carrera-s): $50,523 · 64,160 mi · Sarasota, FL
- [2012 Porsche 911, 997.2 Black Edition](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/cars/porsche-911-997-2-black-edition): $52,600 · 87,367 mi · Oakbrook Terrace, IL
- [2009 Porsche 911, 997.2 Carrera S](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/cars/porsche-911-997-2-carrera-s): $70,556 · 51,670 mi · St. Louis, MO
- [2006 Porsche 911, 997.1 Carrera S](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/cars/porsche-911-997-1-carrera-s): $78,778 · 43,109 mi · Boca Raton, FL
- [2009 Porsche 911, 997.2 Carrera S](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/cars/porsche-911-997-2-carrera-s): $80,150 · 37,404 mi · Boise, ID
- [2007 Porsche 911, 997.1 Turbo](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/cars/porsche-911-997-1-turbo-coupe): $90,353 · 113,243 mi · Cincinnati, OH
- [2007 Porsche 911, 997.1 Turbo](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/cars/porsche-911-997-1-turbo-coupe): $160,150 · 53,831 mi · Portland, OR
- [2006 Porsche 911, 997.1 Carrera S](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/cars/porsche-911-997-1-carrera-s): $39,694 · 78,219 mi · Charlotte, NC
- [2006 Porsche 911, 997.1 Carrera](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/cars/porsche-911-997-1-carrera): $49,077 · 80,703 mi · Long Beach, CA
- [2006 Porsche 911, 997.1 Carrera S](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/cars/porsche-911-997-1-carrera-s): $57,053 · 79,459 mi · Ontario, CA
- [2010 Porsche 911, 997.2 Carrera S](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/cars/porsche-911-997-2-carrera-s): $71,985 · 47,695 mi · Fairfax, VA
- [2009 Porsche 911, 997.2 Carrera S](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/cars/porsche-911-997-2-carrera-s): $73,084 · 47,717 mi · La Jolla, CA
- [2012 Porsche 911, 997.2 Turbo S](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/cars/porsche-911-997-2-turbo-s-coupe): $170,403 · 36,970 mi · Highland Park, IL
- [2006 Porsche 911, 997.1 Carrera](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/cars/porsche-911-997-1-carrera): $50,716 · 49,157 mi · Birmingham, AL
- [2006 Porsche 911, 997.1 Carrera](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/cars/porsche-911-997-1-carrera): $42,900 · 71,705 mi · La Crescenta, CA
- [2009 Porsche 911, 997.2 Carrera 4](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/cars/porsche-911-997-2-carrera-4): $49,886 · 85,886 mi · St. Augustine, FL
- [2005 Porsche 911, 997.1 Carrera](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/cars/porsche-911-997-1-carrera): $49,995 · 26,753 mi · Lafayette, IN

[Every used 911](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/used/porsche/911)

## Our verdict

If avoiding the IMS bearing matters most, buy a 997.2, and the Carrera S or the GTS are the ones the sources single out. The 997.2 still needs a check for intake valve carbon. If you prefer the 997.1, look for a 2007-on car with a clean bore scope and IMS paperwork, and be warier of a 3.8 S or a Tiptronic.

Whichever you pick, have a specialist read it with a PIWIS before you commit, and keep the engine rebuild figure in mind when you haggle over a car with gaps in its history.

## Sources

We read these pages and checked every fact in this guide against them. The words are ours. Researched Oct 31, 2026.

- [Porsche 911 (997) buying advice](https://www.wittwer.nl/?p=3210) (wittwer.nl)
- [Porsche 997 Buying Guide from Magneto: Here's how to buy one in 2024](https://www.magnetomagazine.com/articles/porsche-997-buying-guide-from-magneto/) (Magneto)
- [Porsche 997: 997.1 vs. 997.2, Specs, and Buying Guide](https://renndriver.com/guides/porsche-997/) (RennDriver)
- [Porsche 997 buyers guide | Porsche 997 register | Porsche Club GB | 997](https://www.porscheclubgb.com/regions-registers/registers/classic/997/porsche-911-(997)-buyers-guide) (Porsche Club GB)
- [Porsche 911 \[997\] Buyer's Guide | JBR Capital](https://jbrcapital.com/buyer-guides/buyers-guide-porsche/buy-porsche-997/) (JBR Capital)
- [Porsche 997 911 Buyer's Guide - ZRG Classics](https://www.zrgclassics.com/resources/porsche/997/buying/) (ZRG Classics)
- [Porsche 997 Buyer's Guide (2005–2012) | FlatSixFinder](https://flatsixfinder.com/guides/porsche-997-buyers-guide.html) (FlatSixFinder)
- [Porsche 997 Buyers Guide: 997.1 vs 997.2 | The Stable](https://www.thestable.cc/journal/porsche-911-997-buying-guide) (The Stable)
- [Porsche 911 (997) Buyer's Guide: Everything You Need to Know](https://www.stuttcars.com/porsche-buyers-guides/porsche-911-997-buyers-guide/) (Stuttcars)
- [Recalls and owner complaints for the 997](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls) (NHTSA)

## Shop the 997

- [Used Porsche 911 for sale](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/used/porsche/911) (2,617)
- [Used Porsche 997 for sale](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/used/porsche/911/997) (550)
- [Porsche 911 price guide](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/prices/porsche/911)
- [Cheapest Porsche 911 for sale](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/cheapest/porsche/911)
- [Used Porsche for sale](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/used/porsche) (3,407)

## More Porsche buying guides

- [Porsche 911 (996) buying guide](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/guides/porsche/911-996) (1999 to 2005)
- [Porsche 911 (991) buying guide](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/guides/porsche/911-991) (2012 to 2019)
- [Porsche 911 (992) buying guide](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/guides/porsche/911-992) (2020 on)
- [Porsche Cayenne (958) buying guide](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/guides/porsche/cayenne-958) (2011 to 2018)
- [Porsche Cayenne (9Y0) buying guide](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/guides/porsche/cayenne-9y0) (2019 on)
- [Porsche 718 Cayman (982) buying guide](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/guides/porsche/718-cayman) (2017 on)
- [Porsche Taycan buying guide](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/guides/porsche/taycan) (2020 on)
- [All buying guides](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/guides)

## Latest Porsche 911 news

- [Used Porsche prices hold steady except for the 718 Cayman, up 2.7%](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/news/porsche-market-report-october-2026) (Oct 31, 2026): The 718 Cayman leaves the market fastest of the four models in our table, in a typical 48 days, while the 911 accounts for 2,617 of the listings.

[All car news](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/news)

## 997: common questions

### What is the best 997 to buy?

The 997.2 Carrera S and the Carrera GTS are the best 997s to buy according to RennDriver, FlatSixFinder and JBR Capital. Both have the redesigned engine with no IMS bearing, and the GTS makes 408 hp. A rear-drive manual Carrera coupe is also well regarded.

### What goes wrong with the 997?

The main 997 problems are bore scoring and IMS bearing failure on the 997.1, intake valve carbon on the 997.2, and coolant pipe corrosion. Exhaust flaps, the air-oil separator, the rear main seal and front suspension bushes can also give trouble.

### Is the 997 reliable?

Mostly yes, if the car is well maintained and has a full service history. Bore scoring is put at a small share of 997.1 cars, and the 997.2 engine has no IMS bearing. Owners have filed 82 complaints with NHTSA, most about the engine.

### How much does it cost to run a 997?

Servicing is due every two years or 20K miles, and JBR Capital puts a new clutch at close to £1000. Walnut blasting on a 997.2 runs $500 to $800 per FlatSixFinder. Wittwer says a complete engine rebuild can pass 15k.

### How much is a used 997?

Asking prices for the 550 cars we track for sale right now run from $30,390 to $730,997, with a median of $70,034. Model year, version, mileage and history move the price most; the prices by model year and fair values on this page show where a car should sit.

### Has the 997 been recalled?

NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns filed for the 2005 to 2011 model years as of Oct 31, 2026, the latest for suspension. Not every car was affected, so check the VIN of any car you're considering at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

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Source: Luxury Car Deals, https://www.luxurycardeals.com/. Prices are live asking prices from US dealer listings in our latest scan, not sale prices. Cite as "Porsche 911 (997) buying guide", Luxury Car Deals, https://www.luxurycardeals.com/guides/porsche/911-997 (updated Oct 1, 2026). Site map for assistants: https://www.luxurycardeals.com/llms.txt.