Models · Porsche
Porsche 911 Carrera 997.2 buying guide
The second 997 generation, built from 2008 to 2012, brought new direct-injection engines without an intermediate shaft, and the PDK dual-clutch gearbox. It came as the Carrera, Carrera S, Carrera 4 and 4S, Targa 4 and 4S, and later the GTS, in coupé, cabriolet and Targa forms.
The versions
- Carrera and Carrera 4: 3.6 direct-injection flat six (MA1.02), 345PS
- Carrera S and Carrera 4S: 3.8 direct-injection flat six (MA1.01), 385PS
- Carrera GTS (2010 to 2012): 3.8, 408PS, wide rear body
- Targa 4 and Targa 4S: four-wheel drive with a sliding glass roof
- 6-speed manual, or 7-speed PDK dual-clutch (replacing the Tiptronic)
- Tell it from a 997.1 by the LED daytime running lights in the front bumper and LED rear lights
What to check on a 997.2 Carrera
3 model-specific things to look at when you view one. They're a starting point, not the full inspection.
Tailpipe soot and a cold-start tick
What to look for: Before starting, wipe inside each tailpipe with a white cloth: both should be a similar dry grey. Start from cold and listen at the back. A light tick that fades within about 30 seconds is normal. A knock that carries on, or one tailpipe much blacker and oilier than the other, is the thing to note.
Why it matters: The 997.2 engines were redesigned and bore scoring is much less common than on the 997.1, but specialists say it isn't unknown. A borescope inspection gives a clear answer if anything points that way.
Oil change history
What to look for: Look at how often the oil has been changed. Regular changes, ideally yearly whatever the mileage, are what you want to see.
Why it matters: Direct injection can let some fuel into the oil, especially on cars used for short trips, so specialists recommend changing it more often than the factory maximum. Frequent oil changes are one of the clearest signs of a car that's been looked after.
The over-rev record
What to look for: Ask whether a specialist can plug in and read the engine management's over-rev record, or whether a recent printout is available.
Why it matters: The engine control unit logs every time the engine went past the rev limit, in ranges, and when. Counts in the lowest ranges are normal. Entries in the high ranges on a manual suggest a missed gearchange, which is worth knowing about.
Also in the full guide
- Front radiators and condensers
- PDK gearbox behaviour
- Targa roof
- The cold start, test drive and paperwork checks for the exact version you're viewing
The full guide to the 997.2 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.