Smoothoperator

hello all,

I am in the market for used 991.1 or 991.2 generation base car. Which production should I try to look for now or which production year to avoid?

MingusDew

There were a few updates to the steering during the first few years of the 991.1, and they improved steering feel over those early years. I think mostly software but perhaps someone who knows more can confirm. Updating the early year steering software is possible to do, but in general this was improved further with the 991.2 which had additional changes to the suspension geometry, so they also have different wheel offsets that aren’t compatible with 991.1 without using spacers. I don’t think any years are to be avoided, but the later year 991.1 are in general more desirable than early years because of small updates over those years.

I like the 991.2 turbo motors a lot more, but many 991.1 owners love their motors too; it’s personal preference. 991.2 has some quality of life improvements, like Apple CarPlay, but that can be retrofitted to 991.1 with aftermarket modifications.

I would concentrate most on finding a car from a good owner that has cared for the car properly. I avoid those dealers that buy from auction, and would personally prefer a CPO if buying from a dealer, but in general I avoid all dealers unless buying a new car. I personally look for forum cars from users that have a lot of history, so you can get to know what kind of owner they are by being a creep and reading all their posts

Jack F

19 991.2

991 for Fun

For daily driving, I agree, 991.2...(I've driven both) mine has a tune, and I love it...go CPO if you can...2018 or 19...2017 is first model year of change...I never choose that of any car. To many potential "gremlins"...IMHO

SinkRate

As far as the .1's go, there really isn't a bad year. They kinda just got it right from the start. The first year of the car (2012) has a solid sunroof and the MT cars don't have auto rev-match. If you're looking for the closest driving experience you're going to get to an air-cooled 911 in a modern Porsche, the 991.1 base car with a 7MT is the car to have. It's a revvy car, and you really need to work it to get the power out of it. It's a ton of fun, and there's just nothing like the howl of the NA flat six. If you're looking for something a little more torquey that delivers the power without too much fuss, a .2 car is for you. I drove them both before I bought mine, and found the .1 to just feel like a more engaging overall experience.

At the end of the day, they're both 911's, and there's no wrong answer. Drive as many of them as you can, and choose the one that speaks to you. Because trust me, one of them will.

Cityfisher

I think 17 18 or 19 are all great years for 991.2, that said 17 might have more instances of waterpump failure.. BUT it is under warranty until 2017. so really a non issue. Mine was changed in 2020.

AdamSanta85

They changed a couple of things from 2017 to 2018/2019 991.2... water pump was updated, and for whatever reason how the interior A-pillars attach changed, another thing is they added shields to the wastegate mechanisms on the turbos to prevent corrosion...

Jim M.

A basic Porsche realism is buy the newest model you can afford. They make constant changes and improvements, not necessarily tied to model years.

kimglangley

I find that my 2012 991.1 /Base Carrera / 7speed manual / 20"wheel /sport exhaust option to be the most fun car I've ever had. Reliable in all respects... I've got 103K miles on it It is my daily driver - I have another Porche - 1980 9111SC /G body that resides in the garage - the 991.a sits in the driveway - I don't drive to 991 that hard have not tracked it - don't really intend to It's my "Therapy machine".... make me happy every time I drive it


kgl

detansinn

CPO is more important than model year.

Nandska

Figure out what fits your budget the best. Both are amazing cars. Find several models that you like and see if you can test drive them. If you can get CPO or an aftermarket warranty (Fidelity is a good one), the peace of mind goes a long way.

Highline-Autos.com

991.2 T Is what i'm looking at similarly, good examples of the 991.1 Black Edition would be a contender as well, they just seem harder to find.

Trenton O. Gibson
tgibson@highline-autos.com
Highline Autos
Direct: 602.909.9216
Office: 480.348.0777

vanlieremead

19 took care of the waste gates and water pump

NF4710

Drive both and buy the one you enjoy more. If you buy a 991.2 make sure it has the newer wastegate cover and if it’s an early model make sure the water pump has been addressed.

NF

Bud Taylor

The .1 3.8 is fantastic but is found only on S models and above. All the 3L turbos are the same just plug in a tune and hope the brakes hold the HP. Drive all 3 then decide. The .1 base would not be my choice.