Early 991.1 issues to be aware of?
12-30-2015 | 04:49 PM
#1
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Joined: Dec 2015
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From: Abilene, TX
Early 991.1 issues to be aware of?
Hey guys. Have lurked here for a while (seems to be a common thing to do!) and finally recently registered. Have finally reached the point where I am ready to buy another Porsche. I'm a 57 y/o family doc in west Texas, love Porsches and cars in general. I have been quietly following the market on '09-up 997.2's and am now seeing early '12-13 991.1's show up in the same price range. Primarily interested in either a Carrera S or 4S with PDK. Big question I have is what are the common issues and things to be on the watch for on these early 991's? Thanks in advance for any pearls of knowledge!
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Nickcn911 (12-29-2019)
12-30-2015 | 05:51 PM
#5
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From: Abilene, TX
What are your general thoughts on the PDK? Seems most guys on here prefer the M6... I've had many cars with manuals--just have heard a lot of positive reviews on the PDK in the automotive press. Plus I'm getting old and lazy!
12-30-2015 | 05:53 PM
#7
AutoX
Joined: Dec 2015
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The biggest issue i have with the 991.1 is trying to hold back the urge to buy some customizing accessories (wheels, body kit, exhausts, etc) for the car. other than that. its the best daily driver i've had.
2nd issue is i need larger room for my golf bag and pull cart (thats why i had to keep the suv around - golf duties)
2nd issue is i need larger room for my golf bag and pull cart (thats why i had to keep the suv around - golf duties)
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12-30-2015 | 05:59 PM
#9
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2015
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Driving MT for many years I found the PDK option to be awesome. From time to time I will use the paddle shifters. If you are not sure, just drop by a dealership and test drive a car. Go on what you want and what makes you happy.
12-30-2015 | 06:04 PM
#10
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Joined: Nov 2015
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From: chicago, il
There is definitely a difference in the "raw drive feel" department. Its been puzzling me as well, because while overall a great 911 it did leave me a bit underwhelmed.
One factor is throttle response. Even in Sport it just did not feel as direct and immediate as the 997 GTS or C4S. Perhaps with Sport Chrono this would go away, but the 997 C4S I drove didn't have that and yet it felt fine to me. Another thing, the combination of increased wheel base, track and wheel size with whatever they did with the new LSA suspension to improve ride and noise definitely does improve the ride and make the car quieter, but it also seems to make the ride quite a bit less visceral. I've always been just about the last guy to want a louder exhaust note, but the engine's so quiet it left me actually longing for PSE. And that is a first, let me tell you!
But what is really hard to explain is, these things seemed that way only when I was really paying attention to them. Many other times when I was just driving the car, not really focusing on any one thing, then it just felt like the most natural thing in the world. Not as raw as a 997. But impressively competent.
One factor is throttle response. Even in Sport it just did not feel as direct and immediate as the 997 GTS or C4S. Perhaps with Sport Chrono this would go away, but the 997 C4S I drove didn't have that and yet it felt fine to me. Another thing, the combination of increased wheel base, track and wheel size with whatever they did with the new LSA suspension to improve ride and noise definitely does improve the ride and make the car quieter, but it also seems to make the ride quite a bit less visceral. I've always been just about the last guy to want a louder exhaust note, but the engine's so quiet it left me actually longing for PSE. And that is a first, let me tell you!
But what is really hard to explain is, these things seemed that way only when I was really paying attention to them. Many other times when I was just driving the car, not really focusing on any one thing, then it just felt like the most natural thing in the world. Not as raw as a 997. But impressively competent.
12-30-2015 | 06:30 PM
#11
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From: Chicagoland Area
12-30-2015 | 06:30 PM
#12
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From: FL
Oh my. Now a 997 vs. 991 vs. PDK vs. Manual vs. Chuck911 vs. S vs. 4S thread ... I'm stayin outta it !! 
Back to the original question which has been asked many times before, the 991.1 is VERY solid and reliable starting at 2012.5-2016. Buy with confidence!
Back to the original question which has been asked many times before, the 991.1 is VERY solid and reliable starting at 2012.5-2016. Buy with confidence!
12-30-2015 | 06:31 PM
#13
Racer
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 438
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From: USA
This is a major issue - I have clear bra coming up, bought a Frunk Liner and rear reflectors just today. Also bought clear reflectors up front and a new lip spoiler and Ive only had it a week.
12-30-2015 | 06:34 PM
#14
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From: Palo Alto and Carnelian Bay/Lk Tahoe
interesting to me is the observation that many MT guys say though they comprise less than 10 % ..and possibly because of that .....the preowned market would be very strong for MT as its rarity and the " real " enthusiasts who wait for the initial 40 K haircut taken by the orig owner will then swoop in for the great deal ...yet ...even here in car crazy sports car lovin SF Bay Area / NorCal chock full of heel and toe curvy roads , they sit ...and sit ..and sit , whether base or S , for months , even in the summer .
first , best, only rule : buy what YOU want !
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pkalhan (02-21-2022)
12-30-2015 | 07:28 PM
#15
8th Gear
Joined: Apr 2015
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From: Kent Island
Best car ever out if all my prior Porsche cars. I have driven and owned both aircooled and a10 cyl GT.
The 991 is the best. You might want to look at a 3.4 with pdk and sport chrono. Less money and a stone reliable engine and just as fast. With sport chrono it will run with a 3.8 without and be faster than a 3.8 stick without.
Oh boy, now I am in trouble. Drove both and love the 3.4. If your not going to track it save your money and look at a none s4.
The 991 is the best. You might want to look at a 3.4 with pdk and sport chrono. Less money and a stone reliable engine and just as fast. With sport chrono it will run with a 3.8 without and be faster than a 3.8 stick without.
Oh boy, now I am in trouble. Drove both and love the 3.4. If your not going to track it save your money and look at a none s4.
" most guys here " in not the general broader 991 market where preowned MT cars sit a long time looking for buyers and dealers rarely order MT cars for stock
interesting to me is the observation that many MT guys say though they comprise less than 10 % ..and possibly because of that .....the preowned market would be very strong for MT as its rarity and the " real " enthusiasts who wait for the initial 40 K haircut taken by the orig owner will then swoop in for the great deal ...yet ...even here in car crazy sports car lovin SF Bay Area / NorCal chock full of heel and toe curvy roads , they sit ...and sit ..and sit , whether base or S , for months , even in the summer .
first , best, only rule : buy what YOU want !
interesting to me is the observation that many MT guys say though they comprise less than 10 % ..and possibly because of that .....the preowned market would be very strong for MT as its rarity and the " real " enthusiasts who wait for the initial 40 K haircut taken by the orig owner will then swoop in for the great deal ...yet ...even here in car crazy sports car lovin SF Bay Area / NorCal chock full of heel and toe curvy roads , they sit ...and sit ..and sit , whether base or S , for months , even in the summer .
first , best, only rule : buy what YOU want !