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The facelift of perfection · 2008-2012

Porsche 997.2 Carrera & Carrera S Buyer's Guide

The modern reference: faults, prices, technical checks and checklist. So you can check history and engineering reliably on site.

Technical revolution Weak points Running costs Market prices Conclusion & recommendation

What to look out for when buying

Technically a quantum leap

The second generation of the Porsche 997 (997.2) marks a technical quantum leap. Only discreetly refined on the outside (LED lights), a revolution took place beneath the bodywork: the introduction of the entirely new DFI engines (direct injection) and the PDK transmission.

The 997.2 is regarded today as perhaps the best compromise between classic size, hydraulic steering and modern reliability. Because the IMS problem was eliminated by design, it is the first choice for drivers looking for peace of mind. But this engineering is not infallible either.

345 PS

Carrera 3.6-litre DFI (MA1.02)

385 PS

Carrera S 3.8-litre DFI (MA1.01)

PDK

7-speed dual clutch

No IMS

Eliminated by design

The technical revolution beneath the bodywork

Why the 997.2 is an entirely different car

Comparison: 997.1 (pre-facelift) vs 997.2 (facelift)

Feature	997.1 Carrera S (2004-2008)	997.2 Carrera S (2008-2012)
Engine	M96/M97 (port injection)	MA1 (direct injection, DFI)
IMS bearing	Present (a risk)	Not present (eliminated by design)
Automatic	5-speed Tiptronic S (torque converter)	7-speed PDK (dual clutch)
Power (S)	355 PS	385 PS
Infotainment	PCM 2.1 (DVD)	PCM 3.0 (touchscreen, hard disk)

Carrera / Carrera 4

3.6L · 345 PS

The new 3.6-litre base engine (MA1.02) is extremely eager to rev and efficient
At 345 PS it is almost at the level of the old S model
Ideal for everyday use

Carrera S / 4S / GTS

3.8L · 385-408 PS

The 3.8-litre DFI (MA1.01) offers massive torque
The GTS (from 2010) with 408 PS and the wide body (available with rear-wheel drive too) is the most sought-after model today

Specialist knowledge

Weak points: engines and PDK

Even the "best" water-cooled 911 has its risks. Here is the unvarnished truth.

1. Engines (MA1): bore scoring and the high-pressure fuel pump +

The MA1 engines are regarded as very robust (closed-deck construction). The IMS bearing is gone. Even so:

Bore scoring on the DFI? Yes, it happens, though considerably less often than on the preceding M97. The cars affected are usually those from cold regions (cold-start wear) or with long oil change intervals.

Symptoms: high oil consumption, soot at the exhaust, ticking
Diagnosis: here too, a borescope inspection is the gold standard before buying.

High-pressure fuel pump (HPFP): The pump for the direct injection system can fail (a known issue). Symptom: starting problems, limp-home mode. Cost: €1,500 - €3,000.

Sooting: DFI engines tend towards sooty tailpipes and inlet valves

2. PDK transmission: a blessing and a curse +

The dual-clutch transmission shifts at lightning speed. Early cars (2009) can judder (a software update often helps).

Risk: the PDK is very complex. With faults in the mechatronic unit or the sensors, Porsche often replaces the entire transmission
The cost trap: a replacement transmission costs more than €10,000. Specialist rebuilders are rare
Servicing: the transmission oil change (including the clutch oil) is essential and expensive

3. Body, suspension and electrics +

Corrosion: exhaust clamps and flanges corrode badly. The dampers (PASM) start to leak
Cooling: the front radiators and air-conditioning condensers rot through leaf debris. Leaks at the coolant cross-over pipes (the coolant pipes above the transmission) are known
LED lights: rear lights start to leak or go blind. Because they are bonded, replacement is often required (around €600 each)
PCM 3.0: the navigation system (touchscreen) can fall into a boot loop (a failed hard disk). Repair is possible

The Porsche 997.2 Carrera & Carrera S model bible

The complete knowledge: the Investor Dossier & Technical Compendium, in German

248 pages of expert knowledge on the 997.2 Carrera and Carrera S: detailed weak points, engine codes, specification details, inspection checklists, production figures, value-enhancing options and price forecasts.

€97

incl. VAT

To the compendium (German)

Realistic estimates, as at 2025

Running costs in detail

More reliable than its predecessor, but premium prices for parts.

Work & typical faults

Work / fault	Approx. cost (€)	Note
High-pressure fuel pump (HPFP)	1,500 - 3,000	Replacement
PDK transmission (replacement)	10,000 - 15,000 and more	With a total failure of the mechatronics unit
PASM damper (pair)	1,500 - 2,000	Wear item
Coolant pipes	500 - 1,500	Corrosion/leaks
LED rear light (each)	500 - 800	Where water has got in
Brakes, complete (S)	1,500 - 2,500	Discs + pads
Major service (PDK)	1,800 - 2,500	Transmission oil included

Market prices & investment, as at May 2025

Price ranges

The 997.2 is considerably more expensive than the 997.1, and rightly so.

Model / condition	Price range
Carrera (base) more than 100,000 km	€55,000 - €60,000
Carrera, well kept (under 100,000 km)	€60,000 - €75,000
Carrera S / 4S, well kept	€70,000 - €85,000
Top examples / GTS	€90,000 and more

The strategic conclusion from 911Finder

The 997.2 is the safest choice for drivers. The DFI engines are robust. Investment tip: Look for a Manual. They are extremely rare (because almost everyone bought the PDK) and will rise substantially in value.

The next step

Buy this 911 with confidence, with 911Finder.

Request buying advice The 997.2 Carrera dossier Services & Pricing

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