Chiboy

I have an acquaintance who used to work for Porsche and is a big enthusiast. He has owned many 911s and recently bought a 2012 GTS 4 Cab. He mentioned that he always understood that it was a bad idea to buy the first year of a new Porsche model. I have certainly heard this about BMWs and many other makes. Is there anything that has come out about 2012 991s that would steer me to 2013 or 2014 models instead of the 2012? I haven't studied it carefully but it seems like almost nothing has changed, saved for a few more options available in later models, none of which I would pop for.

I'm interested to hear from those who know a lot more than me...

LexVan

I'd like to know too.

vjd3

I have owned 911s ranging from 1980 to 2012 ... the first rule of thumb is usually, buy the newest model you can afford.

However, there is something to be said for being careful about the first iteration of a major change on a 911.

The early 911SC models had issues with the CIS fuel systems that got better.

The mid range 3.2 Carrera had problems with the G-50 clutch in 87 and 88 which was addressed in 89.

The first engines on the 964 had problems with leaks at the cylinder heads and dual distributor failures. That was solved by 93.

The 993 was pretty good right out of the gate, but it was largely based on the 964 drivetrain with some tweaks.

The early 996 engines had some block casting issues, and all of them had the potential to self destruct due to the IMS bearing failures ... and that problem carried through the the 997 from 05-08, and although it was improved it was never fully solved.

The 997.2 DFI engine proved to be pretty bulletproof from 2009 on, and that's carried over to the 991, so I think the 2012 car is a solid one.

YMMV, of course.

kitwetzler

a 2012 GTS Cab is the final year of the 997, not a 991. There isn't a 991 GTS (yet)

Chiboy

Yes, what I was trying to say is that he chose to get a 2012 997, rather than a 2012 or newer 991.

meine911

You might search the site for "open campaigns" on the 991. There were several first year issues that are to be expected with most first year models. This might give you some input. I believe most have been resolved.

John 996 TT Cab

I was also wary of buying first year of a new generation Porsche due to inevitable teething/production issues. My car was built January 18, 2013 and I've now got about 5,000 miles on it and have had zero problems/issues other than the service light coming on once when it shouldn't have. These days with Porsche doing constant software updates to correct previous things I'd not be too concerned though with a 2012. Remember we have 4 year warranty from into service date.

JamesKen

IMHO Really bad choice. My dealer had a 2012 GTS and 2012 991CS for sale. Both the same color 4,500 miles and almost the same price. I chose the 991 and I don't think the two were in the same league.

Nicoli35

My '12 991 has been bulletproof. I've not been easy on her. After hearing of problems with later models, I've been wondering if Porsche took special care rolling out the first set of 991's. I have no idea.. I just adore my car after 10k miles. Looking forward to driving all winter again.

MacAna

Would have to agree here... I had a similar choice to make and I'm very happy I opted for the 991 over a 997 GTS - in fact I parked next to one yesterday and in my eyes the GTS looked noticeably dated next to the 991.

As to the original question, I'm a recent owner of a MY2014 and my limited time behind the wheel feels exactly the same as the numerous test drives I enjoyed in the earlier model 991 demos... most of the important bits are in software now anyway, so the tweaks get made to the earlier models too.

I also did not take any of the MY2014 newer options on offer, but I'm happy I waited for the new model year.

chuckbdc

I have an early build (January 2012) C2S. It went through all of the campaigns with me never experiencing any symptoms of what was corrected. Most of the fixes were to prevent future problems, so be sure to get the records and have a dealer check the computer records at PCNA. Apart from a couple of minor trim rattles that the dealer eventually found and fixed, the car has performed flawlessly, feels new at 15k miles.