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Porsche 997.2 Turbo

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The perfectionist · 2009-2013

Porsche 997.2 Turbo & Turbo S Buyer's Guide

The first modern supercar: weak points, prices, technical checks and checklist. So you can check condition, history and turbochargers in advance.

Turbo vs Turbo S Technical check Running costs Market prices Conclusion & recommendation
What to look out for when buying

The clean break

With the facelift (997.2), Porsche made a clean break on the Turbo: the legendary Mezger engine was retired, replaced by the entirely new 3.8-litre direct-injection unit (MA1.70). The result? 500 PS, lower consumption and an unprecedented level of everyday usability.

At the same time the dual-clutch transmission (PDK) arrived, lifting performance to a new level. Anyone looking for the ultimate package chose the Turbo S: 530 PS and a full specification from the factory. Particularly interesting for investors: the extremely rare manuals of the standard Turbo.

500 PS

Turbo, DFI engine MA1.70

530 PS

Turbo S, 700 Nm as standard

3.3 s

0-100 km/h (Turbo S)

PDK

7-speed, Turbo also manual

The evolution of power

Two power levels, two philosophies

Comparison: Turbo vs Turbo S

Feature911 Turbo911 Turbo S
Power500 PS (368 kW)530 PS (390 kW)
Torque650 Nm (700 Nm on overboost)700 Nm (standard)
Transmission6-speed manual / 7-speed PDK7-speed PDK only
EquipmentExtensiveFull specification: PCCB, centre lock, Sport Chrono, PTV, dynamic cornering lights
0-100 km/h3.4 s (PDK)3.3 s

The 911 Turbo

The flexible one

  • It could still be ordered with a manual gearbox. Those cars are extremely rare today and fetch enthusiast prices
  • Technically it already offers everything you need, including optional PTV (torque vectoring)

The 911 Turbo S

The flagship

  • Porsche put everything that was good and expensive into the "S"
  • PCCB ceramic brakes, dynamic engine mounts and 19-inch RS Spyder wheels with centre lock were standard
  • The ultimate everyday hypercar of its time
Specialist knowledge

Technical check: MA1.70 and ancillaries

The move to DFI brought reliability, but new challenges.

1. The DFI engine (MA1.70): robust and modern +

The new 3.8-litre block is regarded as extremely durable. The Mezger problem of bonded coolant pipe stubs no longer exists here. Bore scoring is extremely rare on the Turbo (a different alloy and cooling from the naturally aspirated engine).

  • High-pressure fuel pump (HPFP): a known DFI issue. If it fails, the car goes into limp-home mode or will not start (cost: €1,500 - €3,000)
  • VTG turbochargers: the variable turbine geometry is brilliant, but the adjustment linkages can seize with corrosion (particularly on cars that mostly stand still). One turbocharger costs more than €2,500 (plus fitting)
  • Ignition: the high thermal load makes the ignition coils wear faster (cracks in the housing lead to misfires)
2. Transmission: PDK vs manual +

PDK (7-speed): extremely fast and efficient. But: it is a highly complex assembly. Faults in the mechatronic unit, the sensors or the clutch packs are very expensive. A replacement transmission costs more than €15,000. A regular oil change is essential.

Manual (6-speed): available only in the standard Turbo. The gearbox is very robust (derived from the GT3). The clutch is a wear part, but cheaper to replace than the PDK.

3. High-tech suspension and PCCB +
  • PCCB (ceramic): standard on the S. Braking performance is outstanding, with no brake dust. But: a set of discs costs more than €10,000. Check them meticulously for damage (the edges)
  • Centre lock (standard on the S): it looks superb, but it is a nuisance in everyday use. Special tools and 600 Nm of torque are required. Observe the service intervals for the hubs.
  • PDCC and PTV: active roll stabilisation (PDCC) and torque vectoring (PTV) make the car fast, but are potential (expensive) sources of faults with age (hydraulic leaks)
4. Body and cooling +
  • Radiators: the large air intakes at the front collect leaves and stones, and the result is corrosion of the condensers and radiators
  • LED rear lights: a 997.2 classic. Moisture gets in and LEDs fail. Replacement is required (around €600 each)
The Porsche 997.2 Turbo & Turbo S model bible

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

250 to 600 pages of expert knowledge (depending on the edition) on the 997.2 Turbo and Turbo 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 & risk calculation

The 997.2 Turbo is reliable, but the high-tech components come at a price.

Work & typical faults

Work / faultApprox. cost (€)Note
PDK transmission (replacement)10,000 - 15,000 and moreWith a total failure of the mechatronics unit
PCCB brake discs (per axle)5,000 and moreParts only.
VTG turbocharger (replacement)2,500 - 5,000 and morePer turbocharger, fitting included
High-pressure fuel pump (HPFP)1,500 - 3,000Replacement
Major service (PDK)1,800 - 2,500Every 60,000 km
LED rear light (each)500 - 800If it fails
Tyres (set, 19-inch)1,200 - 1,800N-rating recommended
Market prices & investment, as at May 2025

Current price ranges

The 997.2 Turbo is more expensive than its predecessor, but also more modern.

Model / conditionPrice range
Turbo (2010, more than 100,000 km)€85,000 - €90,000
Turbo, well kept (under 100,000 km)€90,000 - €115,000
Turbo S, well kept€110,000 - €140,000
Turbo manualAn enthusiast premium is possible

The strategic conclusion from 911Finder

The 997.2 Turbo is the perfect everyday supercar. Technically mature, brutally fast and stable in value. Risk check: Pay meticulous attention to the condition of the PCCB brakes and to how the PDK works. Those two items can add €20,000 to the purchase price after the event.

The next step

Buy this 911 with confidence, with 911Finder.

Do you already own a 911 from this model series? The Vehicle Documentation & Market Valuation puts the history, the paperwork and the market value of your car in order (€249 incl. VAT). Still looking? Then the right route is the Sourcing Enquire and name the model: Request a Digital Audit for a car from this model series.