Good evening everyone!
I am am currently the owner of a Porsche Boxster 2003 and am thinking of upgrading to the Porsche 911 Convertible (2014-2020). I was wondering what to expect in terms of reliability and maintenance costs. I drive approximately 10-12k miles a year so this car would definitely be used as a Daily Driver. If I were to get this car I would definitely get automatic transmission so I wouldn't have to deal with the cost of replacing the clutch (plus the roads in LA are not conducive to manually gear shifting).

How reliable would a Porsche 911 (2014-2020) be as a daily driver? I'm thinking of getting one with between 10 and 40k miles on it. How much should I expect to spend on maintenance every year?

My current 2003 Boxster has been an absolute NIGHTMARE in terms of repairs. I got it in 2014 with 50k miles on it and with only driving 40k more, I have had to replace the transmission, engine and many other parts. I have spent $10k a year on repairs since 2014 and the car has broken down so many times (including on the freeway) that I've had to have it towed 5+ times. I am hoping this is abnormal and am wondering what your experiences are with 911s as DDs? Also, for those of you who have owned Boxsters, is this typical?
Thanks in advance for your help and I am excited that this is one of my first posts to rennlist Please bear with me and I apologize in advance if this post is not in the correct location

 

You simply can't compare them to Boxsters
911.1 & 2 are surprisingly reliable. Can't speak to 992 reliability.
Depending when you take ownership in a cars life, you may end up facing the major service bills.
Porsche dealers seems to charge what they want (but not in the realm of Audi R8 service prices), so shop around.
But you are hands-on or have a good indy, you'll be just fine. These cars are EXTREMELY easy to work on when it comes to the basics.

Btw, there are dozens of variants. so do your research to meet your needs.

P.S. Do a search on "Stealership" on this forum to read more about our experiences..

 

My 2015 911s has been completely reliable after a few warranty issues were repaired early on (first 10,000 miles) including a new replacement engine and new motor mounts. That was four years ago and I haven't had any problems since.
Research the PDK transmission reliability though. Mine is 7MT. Annual service costs have been around $400 (not including a set of tires) but the major service items are still ahead.
UPDATE: Coolant leak today looks like water pump.

 

Thank you for your response! I actually do bring my car to a great indy, but it has broken down CONSTANTLY for the past 6 years. I think its a lemon personally...

 

Thank your for the info! That's crazy that you had to replace your engine so early on tho... What did they say the cause was? Great to hear you haven't been having any problems since!

 

Can’t help u as I drive a manual

 

A clutch replacement is a lot cheaper than a PDK transmission replacement

That said, all 991 cars are very reliable.

 

Just curious: why would you keep such an unreliable car for six years?

 

991’s seem pretty reliable.

My car is a .2. The ‘17 - ‘19 seem to have water pump issues, ‘17s mostly. Don’t see much beyond that. Maybe door panel warping?

Service costs vary DIY vs Indy vs Dealer. My last oil change cost me $92 in parts. A dealer might be (guessing) $300 or so. There should be some threads with the service schedule if you look, but it’s typical stuff; oil change 10k, cabin and frunk filters 20K, plugs at 30k (on mine anyway). Nothing that should break the bank.

MT vs. PDK is almost a religious choice, can’t help you there. I’ve not actually seen a clutch replacement thread, but I’m new here.

 

First let me say that I love the 911. That said, maintenance costs at the dealer are unfathomable. $2300 for oil change, brake flush, plugs, and air filter? Had the same done on the old Audi S4 for under $1000. Same dealership. Just Porsche tax.

Don’t even get me started on the colonoscopy without anesthesia that they call an alignment. When I mentioned the $350 was excessive I was informed that many owners pay more for cars with radar cruise, etc. God bless them.

Candidly I adore the brand and it’s cars. But it’s very clear that the brand allows dealers to extort its clientele simply bc “they can afford it.” Just doesn’t sit well with me. And all of this before actual repairs ! One has to go Indy or DIY to even consider owning this car IMO.

My guess is 10 years with a dealer maintained 911 will exceed $15k in maintenance not even including consumables. Add in the $4k brake jobs, the tires, etc and even a heavily depreciated 991.1 seems a poor value.

All of that said the howl as that flat 6 approaches redline may just make it worth it...

Cheers,
N

 

Good question! It's actually the 1st car I've every owned so I have a huge personal attachment to it. I also kept fixing it in the hope that it would stop having problems..

 

Sounds like you had an IMS bearing failure on your '03 Boxster. My 2008 Boxster was dead nuts reliable, as is my 2014 991S

​​​​​​$ 2,300 for oil change, brake flush, plugs, and air filter?

Well, I know I did all that in my own garage on a easy afternoon, parts costs was under $ 250 for everything. About four hours, including wandering off to take a break. Dunno about you guys, but I don't make $ 500 and hour so crawling around on the garage floor a little pays off !

 

Why is 2020 included in the title? That’s the 992 body type and out for a very short period of time and has its own forum.

 

Thanks for your insight! I actually paid to have the IMS bearing replaced and when the engine died, my mechanic said they could not tell at all why the car died. Literally, I was driving on the freeway and the engine just stopped. Luckily I pulled over and then smoke started coming out of the car; it was a surreal experience. That's great to hear that your Boxster was great along with your 2014 991S. I've always wanted to learn how to work on the car myself, but haven't had the time to do so, so far...

 

Dr Collie you are setting the example by doing it yourself. That will be my route next time. Having little experience in the past I was reluctant to learn on the 911...if I had the tools and a decent garage I’d skip the dealer gouging too. That said I still fear I would need repairs eventually and the dealership will be only too happy to trade some small replacement part for a kidney. It’s the Porsche way!

Cheers,
N