Models · Porsche
Porsche 911 Carrera 991.1 buying guide
The 991.1, built from 2011 to 2015, was an all-new 911 with a longer wheelbase and the last naturally aspirated Carrera engines: a 3.4 in the Carrera and a 3.8 in the S. It came as a coupé, cabriolet and, from 2014, a Targa with a motorised roof, with rear or four-wheel drive.
The versions
- Carrera, Carrera 4 and Targa 4: 3.4 direct-injection flat six, 350PS
- Carrera S, Carrera 4S and Targa 4S: 3.8 direct-injection flat six, 400PS, or 430PS with the factory power kit
- Carrera GTS (from 2014): 3.8, 430PS
- Coupé, cabriolet and Targa bodies; the Targa is four-wheel drive only
- 7-speed manual, or 7-speed PDK dual-clutch
What to check on a 991.1 Carrera
3 model-specific things to look at when you view one. They're a starting point, not the full inspection.
The over-rev record and fault codes
What to look for: Ask whether a specialist can plug in a Porsche diagnostic tester, or whether a recent printout is available. It shows stored fault codes, the over-rev record, and the mileage stored in the engine control unit.
Why it matters: The engine logs every time it went past the rev limit, by range. Low ranges are normal. High-range entries on a manual point to a missed gearchange. The stored mileage should match the dashboard.
Signs of bore scoring
What to look for: Before starting, wipe inside each tailpipe with a white cloth and compare: both should be a similar dry grey. Listen from cold for a knock that persists after the first 30 seconds or so.
Why it matters: Bore scoring is unusual on this generation but can still happen. If anything points that way, a borescope inspection by an independent specialist gives a clear answer.
Oil change history
What to look for: Look for oil changes every year, in addition to the two-yearly main service, especially on a low-mileage car.
Why it matters: The factory interval is two years, but specialists recommend yearly oil changes on these direct-injection engines, particularly for cars used little or on short trips. It's a good sign of an owner who has looked after the car.
Also in the full guide
- PDK shift quality
- The 7-speed manual
- Front radiators and condensers
- Targa roof operation
- The cold start, test drive and paperwork checks for the exact version you're viewing
The full guide to the 991.1 Carrera
The CrankSight guide walks you round the car on your phone at the viewing, with every check for the exact version you're looking at: what to look for, where to find it, and what anything you find is likely to cost. As you go it builds an assessment of that car, and if you view more than one, it lines them up side by side.
£29 for the model, used on as many cars as you like, delivered within 72 hours or your money back.
General points for the model, last checked October 2026. Every car is different, so treat this as a guide to what to look at, not a verdict on any car. CrankSight is independent and has no connection with Porsche.