LIT

Hi everyone.

I am not an owner yet but I am looking at a 2009 911 Turbo and I would like to know about any issues or reliability problems I should be aware of before I do. Also the differences between the .1 and the .2 and which is preferred.


The reason I am making this post is because I also own a Z06. Its a great car but turned out to have huge guide wear issues which can lead to catastrophic failure. There is also no clear path to fixing it so even if you inspect and find problems and address them you need to continue to inspect constantly. Living in fear of blowing up a 17K engine constantly stinks and takes the fun out of driving it. I am hoping there are no issues like this with the 911.

Thanks in advance!

CincyScott

there's no simple answer to that question. I'd google Mezger engines and start there. The 2009 was the last of this very desireable engine in the 911's, as the 997.2 used a whole new platform. The old platform is very solid, but there are always things to be aware of.

Are there things that catastrophically fail on the Mezgers? Yep. Is it a low incidence? Yep.

ilko

These cars are generally quite reliable. Some common problems include clutch slave cylinder, rear spoiler hydraulics, and coolant pipe fittings on top of the engine. Some plastic interior trim pieces do not last too long but they are cheap and easy to replace.

Many people prefer the 2007-2009 997.1TT for the 3.6L Mezger engine which, with stock internals, can handle a lot of power upgrades and hard driving. It has been used in motorsports for over 30 years and is still currently in use. 2009 cars have the updated PCM which seems more desirable to some.

2010+ 997.2 cars have updated headlights, rear bumper, and LED tails, along with a new 3.8L 9A1 engine which seems pretty robust, but has not been used in motorsports, and is not as mod-friendly.

Just for the record, a 997TT crate engine costs about twice the $17K of the Z06 you mentioned

parkerfe

I would go with a 2010-12 Turbo with the superior 3.8L DI engine and suspension. While it was a good engine in its day, the Mezger engine is way over-rated IMHO. And I currently own a 1988 911 Cabriolet and have owned previously owned a 1997 993.

LIT

Thanks for the info! Yes I'm sure the 997TT crate costs twice as much. But twice as much with no failures is much better than half as much with a high probability of one. lol


2010 is more than I want to spend. I'm looking to keep it under 100K. I thought the 997.2 started in 2009? PDK as well.

aa909

ilko

2009 and PDK was for Carreras. Turbos got the facelift in 2010.

CincyScott

Yeah, that's a quote I wouldn't touch with a 10 foot pole either

cjcam930

It sounds like an '09 .1 is what you are after. That's what I bought earlier this year and I had similar criteria to you -- as new and clean as I could find with manual transmission under $100K. The updated PCM 3 (nav, bluetooth, iphone/ipod) is definitely nice to have as the earlier technology is (even more) outdated.

If you get a .1 you can do some selective power and handling mods and still be less expensive than a .2

TT Surgeon

Superior in what way?
LeMans and Daytona wins?

TT-911

Funny post of the year, you should try stand-up, you might be good at it.

CincyScott

The best quote I've read is that the Mezger is a race engine that Porsche mass produced, while the 9A1 is a mass produced engine that Porsche intends to race.

Summed it up well for me.

TT Surgeon

A mezger 3.6 long block runs about 27k, the 9a1 8k.

parkerfe

The Porsche Turbo and Turbo-S are both awd performance GT street cars, not race cars. The DI 3.8l engine and suspension are both more modern designs, which make for a much better GT street car in every performance category, plus more comfort. Now, if you want a Porsche Turbo race car, that would be a GT2.

TT Surgeon

When did they ever race a gt2?
The only turbo they ever raced was the 930. I have one. The 934, 935 winning record speaks for itself.
But, how is the 9a1 superior, you brought it up?
I politely say that, if anything, it's cheaper and inferior to the mezger.