You want the lowest price into a 911
911 Carrera (996)
296-320 hp and a manual or Tiptronic; it and the Carrera 4 are the cheapest cars here.
Check first: Proof of an IMS bearing upgrade, and smoke or oil use that points to bore scoring.
Porsche 996 vs 997: Prices and Which to Buy
The short answer
A 996 Carrera typically sells for $27K and a 997 Carrera $44K in our sales data, and a 996 Turbo $70K against $102K for a 997 Turbo. Buy the 996 for the lowest price into a 911; buy a 2009-on 997 for the direct-injection engine with no IMS bearing.
Find your starting point
You want the newer car
911 Carrera S (997)
355-385 hp from the 3.8; the 2009-2012 cars add direct injection and drop the IMS bearing.
Check first: On a 2005-2008 car, the IMS bearing and a bore-scoring inspection.
You want a Turbo
911 Turbo (996)
415 hp and all-wheel drive from the Mezger-based engine, for well under a 997 Turbo.
Check first: Pinned or welded coolant pipes, and boost leaks from the hoses and valves.
Get notified about new Porsche 911 (996 Carrera) listings
Seen across 19 sites in the last 30 days.
996 vs 997 prices, version by version
Median completed-sale price for each version, with the number of sales behind it.
| Version | 996 | 997 | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carrera | $27k526 sold | $44k170 sold | 996 $17k less |
| Carrera 4S | $39k125 sold | $61k161 sold | 996 $22k less |
| Targa | $32k30 sold | $65k41 sold | 996 $33k less |
| Turbo | $70k211 sold | $102k200 sold | 996 $32k less |
| Turbo S | $85k27 sold | $115k54 sold | 996 $30k less |
| GT3 | $127k26 sold | $171k27 sold | 996 $44k less |
- Carrera996 $27k 526 sold997 $44k 170 sold996 $17k less
- Carrera 4S996 $39k 125 sold997 $61k 161 sold996 $22k less
- Targa996 $32k 30 sold997 $65k 41 sold996 $33k less
- Turbo996 $70k 211 sold997 $102k 200 sold996 $32k less
- Turbo S996 $85k 27 sold997 $115k 54 sold996 $30k less
- GT3996 $127k 26 sold997 $171k 27 sold996 $44k less
Specs side by side
| Car | Engine | Power | Body and seats | Gearbox | Drive |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 911 Carrera (996) | 3.4 flat-six (to 2001), 3.6 flat-six (2002 on) | 296 hp (3.4), 320 hp (3.6) | Two-door 2+2 coupe, cabriolet or Targa | 6-speed manual or Tiptronic automatic | Rear-wheel drive |
| 911 Carrera (997) | 3.6 flat-six; direct injection from 2009 | 325 hp (2005-2008), 345 hp (2009-2012) | Coupe or cabriolet | 6-speed manual, or a Tiptronic automatic to 2008 and PDK from 2009 | Rear-wheel drive |
| 911 Carrera S (997) | 3.8 flat-six; direct injection from 2009 | 355 hp (2005-2008), 385 hp (2009-2012) | Coupe or cabriolet | 6-speed manual, or a Tiptronic automatic to 2008 and PDK from 2009 | Rear-wheel drive |
| 911 Turbo (996) | 3.6 twin-turbo flat-six (Mezger) | 415 hp | Coupe, or cabriolet from 2004 | 6-speed manual or 5-speed Tiptronic automatic | All-wheel drive |
| 911 Turbo (997) | 3.6 twin-turbo flat-six with variable turbine geometry (2007-2009); 3.8 with direct injection from 2010 | 480 hp (3.6), 500 hp (3.8) | Coupe or cabriolet | 6-speed manual, or a 5-speed Tiptronic to 2009 and 7-speed PDK from 2010 | All-wheel drive |
911 Carrera (996)
- Engine
- 3.4 flat-six (to 2001), 3.6 flat-six (2002 on)
- Power
- 296 hp (3.4), 320 hp (3.6)
- Body and seats
- Two-door 2+2 coupe, cabriolet or Targa
- Gearbox
- 6-speed manual or Tiptronic automatic
- Drive
- Rear-wheel drive
911 Carrera (997)
- Engine
- 3.6 flat-six; direct injection from 2009
- Power
- 325 hp (2005-2008), 345 hp (2009-2012)
- Body and seats
- Coupe or cabriolet
- Gearbox
- 6-speed manual, or a Tiptronic automatic to 2008 and PDK from 2009
- Drive
- Rear-wheel drive
911 Carrera S (997)
- Engine
- 3.8 flat-six; direct injection from 2009
- Power
- 355 hp (2005-2008), 385 hp (2009-2012)
- Body and seats
- Coupe or cabriolet
- Gearbox
- 6-speed manual, or a Tiptronic automatic to 2008 and PDK from 2009
- Drive
- Rear-wheel drive
911 Turbo (996)
- Engine
- 3.6 twin-turbo flat-six (Mezger)
- Power
- 415 hp
- Body and seats
- Coupe, or cabriolet from 2004
- Gearbox
- 6-speed manual or 5-speed Tiptronic automatic
- Drive
- All-wheel drive
911 Turbo (997)
- Engine
- 3.6 twin-turbo flat-six with variable turbine geometry (2007-2009); 3.8 with direct injection from 2010
- Power
- 480 hp (3.6), 500 hp (3.8)
- Body and seats
- Coupe or cabriolet
- Gearbox
- 6-speed manual, or a 5-speed Tiptronic to 2009 and 7-speed PDK from 2010
- Drive
- All-wheel drive
What separates a good one from a costly one
Prices and recent sales come from our completed-sale data.
What moves the price
- Lower-mileage examples sell for about 35% more than higher-mileage ones of the same year.
- A manual sells for about 30% more than a Tiptronic of the same year.
- A coupe sells for about 15% more than a cabriolet or Targa of the same year.
- The 2002-2004 3.6-liter cars sell for about the same as the 1999-2001 3.4s.
Known issues and what they cost
| Issue | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| The IMS bearing can fail and wreck the engine | About $3,000 for a preventive upgrade; a rebuild after failure from about $30,000 |
| Bore scoring on the 3.4 and 3.6 engines | The fix often costs more than the car is worth |
| Rear main seal leaks | About $1,000 or more extra when done with the IMS or clutch |
Walk away if
- No record of an IMS bearing upgrade, or metal in the oil filter.
- Blue smoke at start-up or heavy oil use: signs of bore scoring.
Recent sales
- 2001 Porsche 911 Carrera Coupe24,000 mi, Bring a Trailer, Nov 10, '26$32k
- 1999 Porsche 911 Carrera Coupe84,000 mi, Bring a Trailer, Nov 8, '26$31k
- 2000 Porsche 911 Carrera Cabriolet55,000 mi, Bring a Trailer, Nov 6, '26$32k
What moves the price
- The 2009-2012 direct-injection cars sell for about 45% more than the 2005-2008 cars.
- A manual sells for about 45% more than a Tiptronic or PDK car of the same year.
- Lower-mileage examples sell for about 35% more than higher-mileage ones of the same year.
- A coupe sells for about 15% more than a cabriolet or Targa of the same year.
Known issues and what they cost
| Issue | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| The IMS bearing can fail and wreck the engine, most often on 2005 and some 2006 cars; the 2009 engine has none Check: On a 2005-2008 997.1, ask for proof of an IMS bearing upgrade: the bearing fails most often on 2005 and some 2006 cars, and the larger later bearing comes out only with the engine apart. | Early engines keep the serviceable 996 bearing; the larger later bearing comes out only with the engine taken apart |
| Bore scoring on the 2005-2008 3.6 Check: On a 2005-2008 997.1, listen for loud ticking from one cylinder and scan for misfire codes, the signs of bore scoring; the case and sleeves alone cost about $5,000-$6,000 to repair, and a rebuild $15,000-$30,000 or more. | About $5,000-$6,000 to repair the case and sleeves; $15,000-$30,000 or more for a rebuild |
Walk away if
- No record of an IMS bearing upgrade, or metal in the oil filter.
- Loud ticking from one cylinder, or misfire codes: signs of bore scoring.
Recent sales
- 2009 Porsche 911 Carrera Cabriolet65,000 mi, Bring a Trailer, Oct 30, '26$50k
- 2005 Porsche 911 Carrera Cabriolet67,300 mi, Cars & Bids, Oct 21, '26$39k
- 2009 Porsche 911 Carrera Coupe125,000 mi, Bring a Trailer, Oct 3, '26$37k
What moves the price
- Lower-mileage examples sell for about 35% more than higher-mileage ones of the same year.
- A coupe sells for about 30% more than a cabriolet or Targa of the same year.
- A manual sells for about 30% more than a Tiptronic or PDK car of the same year.
- The 2009-2012 direct-injection cars sell for about 25% more than the 2005-2008 cars.
Known issues and what they cost
| Issue | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| The IMS bearing can fail and wreck the engine on 2005-2008 cars; the 2009 engine has none | The larger bearing used from mid-2005 to 2008 comes out only with the engine taken apart |
| Bore scoring on the 2005-2008 3.8 Check: On a 2005-2008 997.1, listen for loud ticking from one cylinder and scan for misfire codes, the signs of bore scoring; the case and sleeves alone cost about $5,000-$6,000 to repair, and a rebuild $15,000-$30,000 or more. | About $5,000-$6,000 to repair the case and sleeves; $15,000-$30,000 or more for a rebuild |
Walk away if
- A seller who refuses a pre-purchase inspection.
- Over-rev events in the upper ranges on a scan.
- Loud ticking from one cylinder, or misfire codes: signs of bore scoring.
Recent sales
- 2005 Porsche 911 Carrera S Coupe63,000 mi, Bring a Trailer, Nov 10, '26$52k
- 2011 Porsche 911 Carrera S Coupe89,100 mi, Cars & Bids, Nov 10, '26$57k
- 2010 Porsche 911 Carrera S Coupe65,000 mi, Bring a Trailer, Nov 6, '26$60k
What moves the price
- A manual sells for about 50% more than a Tiptronic of the same year.
- Lower-mileage examples sell for about 35% more than higher-mileage ones of the same year.
Known issues and what they cost
| Issue | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| Glued-in coolant pipe fittings on the Mezger engine can pop out and dump coolant Check: On a 996 Turbo, ask whether the glued-in coolant pipes have been pinned or welded. | No recall; pinning or welding them is the fix, which owners report at about $2,500-$3,500 |
| Boost leaks from aging hoses, the three one-way check valves and the plastic diverter valves | Wear parts, replaced as they fail |
| Clutch and dual-mass flywheel wear on manual cars | Parts alone run about $1,645 for a reinforced clutch kit and $895 for a factory dual-mass flywheel, before labor |
| Recalls: fuel line chafing and the manual clutch pressure line (2001), the power steering pressure line and front seat backs (2003) | Free at a dealer; confirm each was done |
Walk away if
- No record of pinned or welded coolant pipes, or a coolant smell or loss.
- No dealer over-rev report, or one showing the upper ranges (damage has usually occurred).
Recent sales
- 2001 Porsche 911 Turbo Coupe64,000 mi, Bring a Trailer, Nov 10, '26$73k
- 2001 Porsche 911 Turbo Coupe34,900 mi, Cars & Bids, Nov 9, '26$83k
- 2002 Porsche 911 Turbo Coupe76,000 mi, Bring a Trailer, Nov 5, '26$58k
What moves the price
- A manual sells for about 55% more than a Tiptronic or PDK car of the same year.
- Lower-mileage examples sell for about 40% more than higher-mileage ones of the same year.
- A coupe sells for about 30% more than a cabriolet or Targa of the same year.
Known issues and what they cost
| Issue | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| On 2007-2009 cars, glued-in coolant pipe fittings can pop out and dump coolant Check: On a 2007-2009 997 Turbo, ask whether the glued-in coolant pipes have been pinned or welded. | No recall; pinning or welding them is the fix, which owners report at about $2,500-$3,500 |
| Recalls: center-lock hubs can wear early (2010-2011 cars with center-lock wheels), and seat belt anchor plates (2012 cars built May 31 to June 10, 2011) | Free at a dealer; confirm each was done |
Walk away if
- On a 2007-2009 car: No record of pinned or welded coolant pipes, or a coolant smell or loss.
- A 2010-2011 car on center-lock wheels without the hub recall done.
- No dealer over-rev report, or one showing the upper ranges (damage has usually occurred).
Recent sales
- 2008 Porsche 911 Turbo Cabriolet10,000 mi, Bring a Trailer, Nov 4, '26$120k
- 2007 Porsche 911 Turbo Coupe119,000 mi, Bring a Trailer, Oct 26, '26$119k
- 2009 Porsche 911 Turbo Coupe 6-Speed45,000 mi, Bring a Trailer, Oct 11, '26$121k
Make a better purchase
Before you buy
On a 996 Carrera or a 2005-2008 997 Carrera or Carrera S, ask for proof of an IMS bearing upgrade (the Mezger-engined Turbos and GT3s have none); the bearing on cars from mid-2005 on comes out only with the engine apart. The 2009-on 997 has no IMS bearing.
On a 996 or 997.1 Turbo or a GT3, ask whether the glued-in coolant pipes have been pinned or welded.
Power: the 996 Carrera made 296-320 hp, the 997 Carrera S 355-385 hp, the 996 Turbo 415 hp and the 997 Turbo 480-500 hp.
Compare manual with manual and coupe with coupe before comparing generations.
The full price ladder
Median completed auction price and the middle 50% of sales. Ranges share one scale; a wider bar means a wider spread of sale prices.
Swipe across for sale counts, trends and mileage →
| Model / version | Median Price | Middle 50% | Sales | 12-mo Trend | Avg Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 996 Carrera | $27,000 | $21,629 – $33,004 | 526 | +10.7% | 72,967 |
| 997 Carrera S | $53,500 | $43,000 – $66,000 | 298 | +0.9% | 58,491 |
| 996 Turbo | $70,000 | $55,000 – $89,000 | 211 | +35.8% | 50,875 |
| 997 Turbo | $102,000 | $82,000 – $138,998 | 200 | +28.4% | 39,743 |
| 997 Carrera | $43,944 | $33,750 – $53,375 | 170 | +29.7% | 66,740 |
| 997 Carrera 4S | $60,850 | $47,350 – $73,000 | 161 | +0.9% | 54,526 |
| 996 Carrera 4 | $27,500 | $22,700 – $32,750 | 137 | 0.0% | 72,499 |
| 996 Carrera 4S | $39,000 | $32,000 – $48,000 | 125 | +7.6% | 67,129 |
| 997 Turbo S | $115,000 | $97,875 – $135,500 | 54 | +20.2% | 34,693 |
| 997 Carrera GTS | $95,000 | $79,636 – $114,625 | 51 | +11.1% | 40,479 |
| 997 Targa | $65,005 | $52,500 – $77,000 | 41 | +22.7% | 62,665 |
| 996 Targa | $31,800 | $26,312 – $34,353 | 30 | — | 80,299 |
| 997 GT3 RS | $346,750 | $274,000 – $498,750 | 28 | — | 13,299 |
| 997 Carrera 4 | $45,750 | $34,625 – $52,500 | 27 | — | 61,638 |
| 996 Turbo S | $85,000 | $66,998 – $136,996 | 27 | — | 40,393 |
| 997 GT3 | $171,000 | $135,250 – $202,250 | 27 | — | 31,623 |
| 996 GT3 | $126,513 | $105,999 – $147,312 | 26 | — | 35,338 |
Questions, answered.
- Should I buy a 996 or a 997?
- Buy a 996 for the lowest price into a 911; buy a 2009-on 997 for the direct-injection engine with no IMS bearing. A 996 Carrera typically sells for $27K in our data and a 997 Carrera $44K.
- How much is a 996 Carrera?
- A 996 Carrera typically sells for $27K across 526 sales in our data, with the middle half of sales between $22K and $33K.
- How much is a 997 Carrera S?
- A 997 Carrera S typically sells for $54K across 298 sales in our data, with the middle half of sales between $43K and $66K. The 2009-2012 cars sell for more than the 2005-2008 cars.
- Does the 997 have the IMS problem?
- The 2005-2008 997 Carreras do; the 2009-on direct-injection engine has no IMS bearing. The Turbos and GT3s use a different engine without the IMS bearing problem.
- Is the 996 Turbo a better buy than the 997 Turbo?
- For value, yes: the 996 Turbo is the cheaper way into the Mezger-based Turbo engine, at $70K in our data; the 997 Turbo adds variable-geometry turbos and, from 2010, a 3.8 and the PDK gearbox, and typically sells for $102K.
Methodology
Based on 2,139 completed North American auction sales from the last 2 years on the online auctions and auction houses we track, priced in US or Canadian dollars. Sales in other currencies are left out, since their prices carry other taxes and duties, and so are fixed-price listings, which record an asking price. Canadian prices are converted to USD. Each price is the median sale, the way our valuations work, and typical ranges show the middle half of sales (25th–75th percentile). The sample is refreshed regularly. A change in the cars sold can change the median without any individual car gaining or losing value.
Continue your research
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© 2026 Hypercars Technologies Inc. All rights reserved.
Hypercars Technologies Inc. is not affiliated with the companies or individuals mentioned on its site. Third-party trademarks and logos belong to their respective owners; use does not imply endorsement or affiliation. Data is provided "as is" without warranty of accuracy, completeness, or timeliness.
© 2026 Hypercars Technologies Inc. All rights reserved.
Hypercars Technologies Inc. is not affiliated with the companies or individuals mentioned on its site. Third-party trademarks and logos belong to their respective owners; use does not imply endorsement or affiliation. Data is provided "as is" without warranty of accuracy, completeness, or timeliness.