991.2 Carrera 4S - common issues & reliability question

[hegdesh]

Hi guys,

I am looking to move back into a 911, having owned a 996 C4S, and then a 997.1 C2S. I had to sell my 997.1 C2S back in 2021 when it developed the first telltail signs of borescoring…

Having switched over to a BMW M car and recently sold it, I now want (read ‘need’) to get back into a 911. Based on my budget and also the love of the 991 shape over the 992, I am looking at 991.2 C4S’s with the right spec, lowish mileage and full service history/minimal previous owners.

Given the experience of the 997.1 borescoring issues, I was wondering if you guys could give me a balanced view on whether buying a 8-9-10 year old 991.2 is a good idea, and what I should be looking out for? Any common issues, or things that would immediately raise red flags?

Any and all feedback would be greatly appreciated!

[Blue62]

I’d register on 911uk forum if I were you, more active and plenty of good advice there.

[mr pg]

Turbo related failures is the biggst thing on .2's. Google that topic. Disappointingly common.

[Maxus]

mr pg said:

Turbo related failures is the biggst thing on .2's. Google that topic. Disappointingly common.

This is it unfortunately. You will hear some people say they haven't had a problem but plenty others who have. It is definitely "a thing".

The OPC cost to replace turbos is £15k or so hence it being a big discussion. These type of bills are normally attributed to the cost covered under warraty. You'd go to a specialist if not under warranty but it would still likely be a £5k+ bill.

Superb car but I personally wouldn't run one without a Porsche warranty which then comes with the OPC service costs.

[Jon_Brown91]

I have previously pwned a 991.2 4S. A fabulous car and a great drive, I used mine as a daily and covered 20k miles in 2.5 years. The turbos are a well documented fault, as ware water pumps,I had tow water pump failures during ownership. I would strongly recommend a Porsche Extended Waranty, if just for peace of mind

[Grantstown]

Low numbers of owners a good sign. Why do you want 4wd on your 911?

It needs to go up on a ramp so that you can see if it’s a crusty mess from winter driving, or pleasant viewing like my car still is at 9 years old. If it’s the former then your turbo oil lines are probably more likely to be shot.

A good independent much better than OPC in my experience.

[hegdesh]

Thanks very much for all the replies and advice back. From what I have also read it seems like turbos and water pumps are the weak points as most of you have confirmed.

I will definitely look into a Porsche extended warranty, but is this is only possible if the car has a full OPC service history?

Thanks again!

[Maxus]

To add the Porsche warranty the terms are:

- You’ve owned the car for 90 days
- The last service needs to be at an OPC
- The car passes the 111 point check

If you buy privately and the car has the warranty it can be transferred to you. If you buy from an independent dealer, the warranty can’t be transferred to you (SOR may be possible but probably a grey area)

The 111 point check is stringent. If the car has aftermarket parts on it will fail unless parts are replaced.

[996Targa]

If the car already has the Porsche Extended Warranty and you wish to extend it the 111 point check is not required.

[ooid]

Jon_Brown91 said:

The turbos are a well documented fault, as ware water pumps,I had tow water pump failures during ownership.

I'm quite surprised cooling is still an issue (water pumps). I had engine failure thanks to water pump failures with my old 986 and dad 997.1 also had similar problems many moons ago.. You would think they already sorted these engineering issues, pretty disappointing imho.