Home/Buyer's Guides/991.1 Carrera & Carrera S
The last naturally aspirated 911 · 2011-2015The end of an era: prices, weak points, checks and checklist. So you can assess condition, history and options with confidence.
The Porsche 911 of the 991.1 series (built from the end of 2011 to the end of 2015) was a complete new design with a longer wheelbase, a wider track and an innovative aluminium-steel body. But its most important feature today is a historical one: it kept the naturally aspirated engines .
The Carrera used a new 3.4-litre DFI engine (MA1.04) with 350 PS, the Carrera S a further developed 3.8-litre DFI engine (MA1.03) with 400 PS. Because its successor (991.2) moved to turbo engines, the 991.1 counts as the last true Carrera with linear power delivery and an unadulterated sound. It is not affected by the IMS problems of the 997.1 era, but still calls for a detailed technical inspection.
Carrera, 3.4-litre naturally aspirated
Carrera S, 3.8-litre naturally aspirated
Manual or PDK
Aluminium hybrid chassis
350 PS · 390 Nm · MA1.04
400 PS · 440 Nm · MA1.03
| Transmission | The assessment |
|---|---|
| PDK (seven-speed) | Fast, efficient and very common on this model |
| Manual (7-speed) | The world's first 7-speed manual gearbox. Seventh is a pure overdrive for saving fuel. The shift feel is sometimes criticised as notchy, but it is extremely sought after today (a factor in value growth) |
The 991.1 is solid, but it has specific ailments that can become expensive.
The engines are regarded as robust. Bore scoring is extremely rare (unlike on the 997.1), but with neglected servicing it cannot be ruled out entirely (a borescope inspection if there is any suspicion or any noise).
The PDK is efficient, but carries a financial risk.
The interior ailment: a classic 991.1 problem is door trim panels coming away (warping). The adhesive lets go at the top edge next to the window and the panel bows upwards. Replacement is expensive (around €1,500 per side).
Important recalls (check these):
444 pages of expert knowledge on the 991.1 Carrera and Carrera S: detailed weak points (COV, PDK sensors), engine codes, specification details, inspection checklists, production figures, value-enhancing options and price forecasts.
The 991 is modern, but repairs come at premium prices.
| Work / fault | Approx. cost | Note |
|---|---|---|
| PDK gearbox replacement | 5,000 - 15,000+ € | Porsche often replaces the whole unit |
| High-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) | €1,500 - €3,000 | Replacement after a failure |
| Door trim panel (each) | 1,500+ € | Where it has come loose (warping) |
| PDCC repair | 2,000 - 4,000+ € | Hydraulic components |
| COV valves (set) | €500 - €1,000 | Often hard to reach |
| Major service | €1,500 - €2,500 | Every 60,000 km / 4 years |
| Convertible roof repair | €500 - €3,000 | Depending on the fault (motor/fabric) |
The 991.1 benefits enormously from the "last naturally aspirated" premium.
| Model / mileage | Price range |
|---|---|
| Carrera (more than 100,000 km) | €65,000 - €70,000 |
| Carrera (under 100,000 km) | €75,000 - €95,000 |
| Carrera S (more than 100,000 km) | €75,000 - €80,000 |
| Carrera S (under 100,000 km) | €85,000 - €110,000 |
Factor: manuals are rare and, depending on the buyer, can command a premium. Convertibles are often a little cheaper than Coupés.
A modern, reliable and comfortable 911 with the coveted naturally aspirated character. It is the perfect bridge between the classic and the modern. Investment: Always check the recall history and whether the door panels are coming away. A well-kept 3.8 S manual is the best asset.
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