Porsche 997 Buying Guide: Every Submodel Ranked

Rankings

1. 1
   997 Carrera SAvg $51,989 12-mo +3.7%

   n=445 sold

   The sweet spot of the 997 range with a reliable DFI engine (997.2), no IMS worries, and great value

   The 997.2 Carrera S (2009-2011) with the 3.8L DFI engine is the most recommended buy. Manual cars trade at a premium over PDK — about 7% on the Carrera S in our data, far more on rarer submodels. Expect $55K-$75K for clean 997.2 examples, $40K-$55K for 997.1 cars. Budget for IMS upgrade on 997.1 models.

   Sep 12, '262006 Porsche 911 Carrera S Coupe$77k

   Sep 11, '262007 Porsche 911 Carrera S Cabriolet 6-Speed$56k

   Sep 11, '262006 Porsche 911 Carrera S Coupe$101k
2. 2
   997 GT3Avg $140,269 12-mo +36.6%

   n=64 sold

   The track weapon with a Mezger engine, one of the greatest driver's cars Porsche ever made

   2007-2011 across two generations. The 997.2 GT3 (2010-2011) is the sweet spot. The market has repriced all 997 GT3s upward — recent sales cluster near $200K. Only available with a manual gearbox. The Mezger flat-six is bulletproof — no IMS concerns at all.

   Sep 10, '262009 Porsche 997 GT3 Cup$90k

   Aug 25, '262007 Porsche 911 GT3$183k

   Aug 21, '262006 Porsche 911 GT3$102k
3. 3
   997 TurboAvg $104,668 12-mo +13.2%

   n=319 sold

   All-weather supercar with bulletproof Mezger power. The manual is an emerging blue-chip

   Both 997.1 and 997.2 Turbos use the Mezger engine — buy either with confidence. Manual Turbos command a 30-50% premium over Tiptronic (997.1) or PDK (997.2) and are emerging blue-chip collector cars. Expect $70K-$120K depending on spec and generation.

   Sep 13, '262008 Porsche 911 Turbo Coupe$80k

   Sep 11, '262007 Porsche 911 Turbo Coupe 6-Speed$202k

   Sep 9, '262008 Porsche 911 Turbo$94k
4. 4
   997 GT3 RSAvg $379,493 12-mo +2.7%

   n=52 sold

   The hardcore track variant, lighter, louder, and more focused than the standard GT3

   The most hardcore street-legal 997. The 997.2 GT3 RS 4.0 (limited to 600 units) trades deep into six figures. Standard GT3 RS values have outrun the old guidance too — recent sales run $250K to $670K depending on generation and spec. All are Mezger-powered. These are appreciating assets.

   Sep 6, '262008 Porsche 911 GT3 RS$204k

   Jul 6, '262010 Porsche 911 GT3 RS$573k

   Jul 4, '262011 Porsche 911 GT3 RS 3.8$306k
5. 5
   997 Carrera 4SAvg $55,989 12-mo +11.2%

   n=214 sold

   All-wheel-drive Carrera S confidence with wide-body looks for year-round 911 driving

   Sep 12, '262005 Porsche 911 Carrera 4S Cabriolet$23k

   Sep 10, '262010 Porsche 911 Carrera 4S Cabriolet$55k

   Sep 3, '262007 Porsche 911 Carrera 4S Coupe$46k
6. 6
   997 Turbo SAvg $120,673

   n=45 sold

   The ultimate 997 with more power, ceramic brakes, and sport seats as standard

   Sep 11, '262011 Porsche 911 Turbo S Cabriolet$155k

   Sep 10, '262013 Porsche 911 Turbo S Coupe$136k

   Sep 9, '262012 Porsche 911 Turbo S Cabriolet$117k
7. 7
   997 CarreraAvg $49,726 12-mo -14.3%

   n=240 sold

   The entry-level 997, a proper 911 experience at the most accessible price point

   The entry point to 997 ownership. Manual 997.2 Carreras are the value play at $45K-$60K. The 997.1 Carrera starts as low as $30K-$40K but requires IMS bearing consideration. The 3.6L engine is perfectly adequate for street driving.

   Sep 11, '262005 Porsche 911 Carrera Coupe$38k

   Sep 10, '262010 Porsche 911 Carrera$37k

   Sep 7, '262006 Porsche 911 Carrera Cabriolet 6-Speed$46k
8. 8
   997 Carrera 4Avg $49,348

   n=21 sold

   AWD base Carrera, a great daily driver with all-weather capability

   Aug 2, '262008 Porsche 911 Carrera 4 Cabriolet$31k

   Jul 29, '262006 Porsche 911 Carrera 4 Coupe$74k

   Jun 12, '262006 Porsche 911 Carrera 4 Cabriolet$36k
9. 9
   997 GT2Avg $311,848 12-mo +26.6%

   n=22 sold

   The twin-turbo, rear-drive monster and the most powerful (and dangerous) 997

   Aug 16, '262008 Porsche 911 GT2 Clubsport$193k

   Jul 26, '262008 Porsche 911 GT2$450k

   Mar 31, '262007 Porsche 911 GT2$193k
10. 10
    997 Carrera GTSAvg $98,263 12-mo +12.1%

    n=53 sold

    The best-of-everything naturally aspirated 997 with wider body, more power, and great spec

    Sep 5, '262011 Porsche 911 Carrera GTS Coupe 6-Speed$178k

    Aug 27, '262012 Porsche 911 Carrera GTS$116k

    Aug 25, '262011 Porsche 911 Carrera GTS$84k
11. 11
    997 TargaAvg $60,792 12-mo +10.5%

    n=49 sold

    The glass-roof 911 with unique style, open-air feel, and the full 911 driving experience

    Aug 24, '262007 Porsche 911 Targa 4$25k

    Jul 27, '262009 Porsche 911 Targa 4$49k

    Jul 24, '262009 Porsche 911 Targa 4S$77k
12. 12
    997 Sport ClassicAvg $543,847

    n=5 sold

    Ultra-rare limited edition, one of the most collectible modern 911s ever made

    Jan 24, '262010 Porsche 911 Sport Classic$775k

    Oct 10, '252010 Porsche 911 Sport Classic$412k

    Sep 18, '252010 Porsche 911 Sport Classic$400k
13. 13
    997 SpeedsterAvg $323,950

    n=8 sold

    Only 356 made, a collector's dream that commands astronomical premiums

    Aug 16, '262011 Porsche 911 Speedster$495k

    Apr 19, '262011 Porsche 911 Speedster$302k

    Dec 10, '252011 Porsche 911 Speedster$270k

Comparison

How to Choose

• The 997.2's DFI engine is the main reason to pay the premium. No IMS bearing risk.
• On a 997.1 Carrera, know the IMS story: 2005-early 2006 engines take the $2K-$3K preventive bearing retrofit, while later 997.1s use a larger bearing that rarely fails but can't be swapped without opening the engine.
• 997 Turbo and GT3 models use the Mezger engine (no IMS) across both generations. Buy either with confidence.
• The 997.2 has updated headlights (LED turn signals) and a cleaner rear end, easy to spot visually.
• PDK (available from 997.2) is an excellent gearbox. The 997.1's Tiptronic is significantly worse.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between 997.1 and 997.2?

The 997.2 (2009+) has a new DFI engine (no IMS bearing concern), PDK dual-clutch gearbox option, updated headlights with LED turn signals, slightly more power, and better fuel economy. The 997.1 (2005-2008) has the older Tiptronic auto option and IMS concern on Carrera models.

Does the 997.1 have IMS bearing problems?

The 997.1 Carrera carries some IMS risk with its single-row bearing, the same design used in late 996s. Failure rates are lower than the 996 overall, but preventive replacement ($2K-$3K) is still recommended. The 997.2 (2009+) eliminated the IMS bearing entirely. Turbo and GT3 models use the Mezger engine and aren't affected.

Is the 997.2 worth the extra money?

For most buyers, yes. The DFI engine's reliability, PDK availability, and slightly better performance justify the 15-25% price premium. If you're buying a Turbo or GT3 (Mezger engine), the IMS difference doesn't apply and the 997.1 offers better value.

How much is a Porsche 997?

997.1 Carrera: $35K-$55K. 997.2 Carrera: $50K-$75K. 997 Turbo: $65K-$120K. 997 GT3: $150K-$200K+ (recent sales cluster near $200K). 997.2 GT3 RS 4.0: $400K+. All prices depend heavily on transmission, mileage, and condition.

Should I buy a 997 Carrera or Carrera S?

The Carrera S adds a larger 3.8L engine (vs 3.6L), PASM adaptive suspension, larger brakes, and 19-inch wheels. In our data the average gap to a base Carrera is only a few thousand dollars — the S is the better buy. The S is worth the premium for the better engine and suspension.