992 - 991 return madness ?
Discussion
Currently in my second 992 (manual Touring - after an early C2S).
Whilst my commute has changed so I don’t drive daily any more anyway I’m finding the touring a bit much (ordering it with buckets probably a mistake in hindsight….). I’ve also not really loved fit / finish / build quality of either of them vs what I remember of my 991’s and 997’s. We’ve only got space for two cars and one needs to be true family wagon (wife does drive near daily).
I find even on track days (self insuring) I’m not thrashing it worried about the financial aspects etc whereas my 991 C2S had a whole heap of post track day related squeaks etc after a couple of years of happy abuse (didn’t track the 991 Cab). I’m also not just grabbing it for a milk run as I have half an eye on miles… it’s a lot of capital tied up.
Ive also found the 992’s both a bit too clinically quick and needing a weekend outing to even exploit 60%.
Anyway. Thinking of going back to either a 991.1 GTS or a 991.2 Turbo (probably not S) and may even (sacrilege) get a Cab.
However… it’s been a few years since I had a 991..
- anyone else done similar? Am I just getting fogey’ish? Do I have a problem?!
- am I wrong about the built quality question? Have I just got pickier
- these are going to be 10yrs old +- cars? They’re definitely going to feel a bit looser (though the ones I’ve test driven haven’t been too bad) - are they going to still feel special?
- .1 GTS feels like a better decision - feels like they’re holding value incredibly well? But Turbo a bit more wow factor? Is a GTS Cab a mistake? Feels like rarity of them might be a protection?
- If Turbo would I regret not getting an S?
- not thinking 997 or other more classic because that’s probably not quick enough and I do like a little bit of tech…
At my age I shouldn’t be asking strangers for advice 😂 but I feel like I’m making an odd decision I could benefit from other’s experiences.
Whilst my commute has changed so I don’t drive daily any more anyway I’m finding the touring a bit much (ordering it with buckets probably a mistake in hindsight….). I’ve also not really loved fit / finish / build quality of either of them vs what I remember of my 991’s and 997’s. We’ve only got space for two cars and one needs to be true family wagon (wife does drive near daily).
I find even on track days (self insuring) I’m not thrashing it worried about the financial aspects etc whereas my 991 C2S had a whole heap of post track day related squeaks etc after a couple of years of happy abuse (didn’t track the 991 Cab). I’m also not just grabbing it for a milk run as I have half an eye on miles… it’s a lot of capital tied up.
Ive also found the 992’s both a bit too clinically quick and needing a weekend outing to even exploit 60%.
Anyway. Thinking of going back to either a 991.1 GTS or a 991.2 Turbo (probably not S) and may even (sacrilege) get a Cab.
However… it’s been a few years since I had a 991..
- anyone else done similar? Am I just getting fogey’ish? Do I have a problem?!
- am I wrong about the built quality question? Have I just got pickier
- these are going to be 10yrs old +- cars? They’re definitely going to feel a bit looser (though the ones I’ve test driven haven’t been too bad) - are they going to still feel special?
- .1 GTS feels like a better decision - feels like they’re holding value incredibly well? But Turbo a bit more wow factor? Is a GTS Cab a mistake? Feels like rarity of them might be a protection?
- If Turbo would I regret not getting an S?
- not thinking 997 or other more classic because that’s probably not quick enough and I do like a little bit of tech…
At my age I shouldn’t be asking strangers for advice 😂 but I feel like I’m making an odd decision I could benefit from other’s experiences.
SydneyP said:
Currently in my second 992 (manual Touring - after an early C2S).
Whilst my commute has changed so I don’t drive daily any more anyway I’m finding the touring a bit much (ordering it with buckets probably a mistake in hindsight….). I’ve also not really loved fit / finish / build quality of either of them vs what I remember of my 991’s and 997’s. We’ve only got space for two cars and one needs to be true family wagon (wife does drive near daily).
I find even on track days (self insuring) I’m not thrashing it worried about the financial aspects etc whereas my 991 C2S had a whole heap of post track day related squeaks etc after a couple of years of happy abuse (didn’t track the 991 Cab). I’m also not just grabbing it for a milk run as I have half an eye on miles… it’s a lot of capital tied up.
Ive also found the 992’s both a bit too clinically quick and needing a weekend outing to even exploit 60%.
Anyway. Thinking of going back to either a 991.1 GTS or a 991.2 Turbo (probably not S) and may even (sacrilege) get a Cab.
However… it’s been a few years since I had a 991..
- anyone else done similar? Am I just getting fogey’ish? Do I have a problem?!
- am I wrong about the built quality question? Have I just got pickier
- these are going to be 10yrs old +- cars? They’re definitely going to feel a bit looser (though the ones I’ve test driven haven’t been too bad) - are they going to still feel special?
- .1 GTS feels like a better decision - feels like they’re holding value incredibly well? But Turbo a bit more wow factor? Is a GTS Cab a mistake? Feels like rarity of them might be a protection?
- If Turbo would I regret not getting an S?
- not thinking 997 or other more classic because that’s probably not quick enough and I do like a little bit of tech…
At my age I shouldn’t be asking strangers for advice ?? but I feel like I’m making an odd decision I could benefit from other’s experiences.
My wife runs a 17 year old 997 4S cab manual for these very reasons (albeit a completely refreshed one, including upgrade to 4.1 to give it a bit more go).Whilst my commute has changed so I don’t drive daily any more anyway I’m finding the touring a bit much (ordering it with buckets probably a mistake in hindsight….). I’ve also not really loved fit / finish / build quality of either of them vs what I remember of my 991’s and 997’s. We’ve only got space for two cars and one needs to be true family wagon (wife does drive near daily).
I find even on track days (self insuring) I’m not thrashing it worried about the financial aspects etc whereas my 991 C2S had a whole heap of post track day related squeaks etc after a couple of years of happy abuse (didn’t track the 991 Cab). I’m also not just grabbing it for a milk run as I have half an eye on miles… it’s a lot of capital tied up.
Ive also found the 992’s both a bit too clinically quick and needing a weekend outing to even exploit 60%.
Anyway. Thinking of going back to either a 991.1 GTS or a 991.2 Turbo (probably not S) and may even (sacrilege) get a Cab.
However… it’s been a few years since I had a 991..
- anyone else done similar? Am I just getting fogey’ish? Do I have a problem?!
- am I wrong about the built quality question? Have I just got pickier
- these are going to be 10yrs old +- cars? They’re definitely going to feel a bit looser (though the ones I’ve test driven haven’t been too bad) - are they going to still feel special?
- .1 GTS feels like a better decision - feels like they’re holding value incredibly well? But Turbo a bit more wow factor? Is a GTS Cab a mistake? Feels like rarity of them might be a protection?
- If Turbo would I regret not getting an S?
- not thinking 997 or other more classic because that’s probably not quick enough and I do like a little bit of tech…
At my age I shouldn’t be asking strangers for advice ?? but I feel like I’m making an odd decision I could benefit from other’s experiences.
I run a 991.1 as daily - with OPC warranty, which I can extend for another 2 years, which I will as it has saved me an absolute fortune in repairs.
If I were you I'd go for a 991 GTS. I love that generation's interior, with properly engineered cup holders and pleasant to the touch materials, as opposite to modern Porsches with that ghastly shiny middle panel which belongs to a Chinese microwave.
Buy one with a warranty and you'll have a great experience.
I might go that way myself next if my daily commute changes significantly.
If I were you I'd go for a 991 GTS. I love that generation's interior, with properly engineered cup holders and pleasant to the touch materials, as opposite to modern Porsches with that ghastly shiny middle panel which belongs to a Chinese microwave.
Buy one with a warranty and you'll have a great experience.
I might go that way myself next if my daily commute changes significantly.
991.1 GTS is the one. Very special car, although I’d buy a sunroof coupe. Lost 10k on mine after 5 years and 30k miles, kept up with everything and would still do 38mpg on the motorway. Outside of a GT3 they make a magnificent noise too.
You also never hear of horror stories with this gen, the engine is bulletproof.
You also never hear of horror stories with this gen, the engine is bulletproof.
Well I can’t say I’ve dailyed a 992 touring - I’m sure it’s a fantastic car .
However I personally think the 992 interior feels more cheap than the 991 gen. I looked at several 992 (C & S’s) cars and a few were already looking and feeling tired , and the door trims just feel lightweight and boxy.
In the end I went 991.1 Turbo S as it just felt better quality even with the age.
I think its impossible to have a single car that does everything brilliantly (weekend fun, popping out for milk in the grime of winter), but the the turbo is the closest I’ve come to it. Real Jekyll and Hyde character. It’s never going to be a outright fun as a GT product (I have a 981 GT4) but it’s fairly close but the winning aspect is I use it everyday all year round and people don’t take too much notice of it which I like day to day. I just wish they did a manual version and it would be spot on.
However I personally think the 992 interior feels more cheap than the 991 gen. I looked at several 992 (C & S’s) cars and a few were already looking and feeling tired , and the door trims just feel lightweight and boxy.
In the end I went 991.1 Turbo S as it just felt better quality even with the age.
I think its impossible to have a single car that does everything brilliantly (weekend fun, popping out for milk in the grime of winter), but the the turbo is the closest I’ve come to it. Real Jekyll and Hyde character. It’s never going to be a outright fun as a GT product (I have a 981 GT4) but it’s fairly close but the winning aspect is I use it everyday all year round and people don’t take too much notice of it which I like day to day. I just wish they did a manual version and it would be spot on.
And they are a great price now for low milers.
https://rpmtechnik.co.uk/porsche-sales/vehicle/991...
https://rpmtechnik.co.uk/porsche-sales/vehicle/991...
Why do so many of the 991/992 for sale have (imo) that ghastly glass sunroof? (The steel is fine) It ruins the coupe surely better to buy a Targa if you want that open top experience?
I notice that 991.1 prices have firmed if not gone up a little, I suppose most prefer the pre 2018 Gpf and non turbo cars with the lovely 3.4/3.8 engines. Although I remember a lot of chatter on here about how crap the early gen electric steering was!
I notice that 991.1 prices have firmed if not gone up a little, I suppose most prefer the pre 2018 Gpf and non turbo cars with the lovely 3.4/3.8 engines. Although I remember a lot of chatter on here about how crap the early gen electric steering was!
Edited by GT4P on Saturday 10th May 10:48
Edited by GT4P on Saturday 10th May 10:48
I’d go for the turbo s. 991.2 turbo s cab a pretty rare car by way of example way less turbo s cabs than GT3s. They were made in limited numbers for UK i think to help residuals. My wife’s covered 36,000 miles in hers she loves hers. If a nice spec 991.2 turbo cab pops up you don’t lose anything in terms of performance. I can’t tell the difference both turbo and turbo s ridiculously quick.
Did someone say turbo S cab, not a 991.2 but a very nice 991.1
https://finder.porsche.com/gb/en-GB/details/porsch...
https://finder.porsche.com/gb/en-GB/details/porsch...
Thanks all
Great set of feedback. I think an exercise like this for me is less creating a poll but more it solicits extra perspectives that I may not have factored in, and there’s some reinforcement and some new ones here! Strangers on the internet can be great. 😊
- biggest driver of .2 turbo was 4 wheel steer - interested in any takes on that? Feels noticeable on test drives
Does feel like so much of the 991 was “peak”
- potentially over engineered engine after the various bearing issues
- most of the modern infotech you need (no CarPlay on the .1 but easily fixed) but not screen dominant
- most of the best of “driving tech” pretty much the same PSC / ABS etc as today (there’s only so many IMU axes..) - as a real world daily I rarely turn things off
- far nicest of the recent interiors (997 next)
- the cup holder question 😂. This is actually a real thing and one of the top 3 reasons my one recent non-Porsche disappeared so quickly (Vantage - worst cup holder ever)
- electric steering was only ever a journalist talking point in my mind
- still a modestly sized car (if find anything earlier than 997 to be cramped as a daily tbh)
- less nanny state intervention in emissions / “safety” etc
- .1 GTS best sounding none true GT# car ever
Broader topic.. current family wagon is Audi Q8 EV (irrefutable tax perks and a ridiculous / below cost price deal I got) but C7 RS6 feels like it has same qualities and represent peak Uber Wagon… am I wrong to think picking up a few of these types of car now while we still have them because as they go from 10yo to 15yo this fact pattern won’t change but who has owned them and how they’ve been looked after will become critical (why i’ve struggle to buy the E92 M3 again) - much more so than previous more analogue generation cars…? Still miss my 3.6l Macan Turbo 95B as well.
Great set of feedback. I think an exercise like this for me is less creating a poll but more it solicits extra perspectives that I may not have factored in, and there’s some reinforcement and some new ones here! Strangers on the internet can be great. 😊
- biggest driver of .2 turbo was 4 wheel steer - interested in any takes on that? Feels noticeable on test drives
Does feel like so much of the 991 was “peak”
- potentially over engineered engine after the various bearing issues
- most of the modern infotech you need (no CarPlay on the .1 but easily fixed) but not screen dominant
- most of the best of “driving tech” pretty much the same PSC / ABS etc as today (there’s only so many IMU axes..) - as a real world daily I rarely turn things off
- far nicest of the recent interiors (997 next)
- the cup holder question 😂. This is actually a real thing and one of the top 3 reasons my one recent non-Porsche disappeared so quickly (Vantage - worst cup holder ever)
- electric steering was only ever a journalist talking point in my mind
- still a modestly sized car (if find anything earlier than 997 to be cramped as a daily tbh)
- less nanny state intervention in emissions / “safety” etc
- .1 GTS best sounding none true GT# car ever
Broader topic.. current family wagon is Audi Q8 EV (irrefutable tax perks and a ridiculous / below cost price deal I got) but C7 RS6 feels like it has same qualities and represent peak Uber Wagon… am I wrong to think picking up a few of these types of car now while we still have them because as they go from 10yo to 15yo this fact pattern won’t change but who has owned them and how they’ve been looked after will become critical (why i’ve struggle to buy the E92 M3 again) - much more so than previous more analogue generation cars…? Still miss my 3.6l Macan Turbo 95B as well.
Owning both generations of Tourings, I cannot relate to comments that the 991 has better quality, fit and finish compared to the 992. In my case it's the opposite, maybe driven by the extra carbon in the 992 that lifts the cabin. My 991 feels flimsy compared to the 992. That effect may be reinforced by my 991 having the "slack in gearbox" issue that let's an otherwise great car down - but OPC insists is well within tolerances. The 992 gearbox feels as tight as a Porsche manual should feel, though
I have a 991.1 C4S having done a lot of homework in terms of what I really wanted. The 3.8 non turbo was probably the biggest 'want', followed by minimal tech/screens.
I found a low mileage one which I bought privately and added the multiyear warranty.
It seems the perfect GT car and for most of the time it's quite placid - until it's in the upper rev range. Sounds great too.
I can't comment on the GTS, but knowledgable friends/collectors seem to be heading this way - ie wanting slightly older 911's rather than the latest models.
I found a low mileage one which I bought privately and added the multiyear warranty.
It seems the perfect GT car and for most of the time it's quite placid - until it's in the upper rev range. Sounds great too.

I can't comment on the GTS, but knowledgable friends/collectors seem to be heading this way - ie wanting slightly older 911's rather than the latest models.
Dr S said:
Owning both generations of Tourings, I cannot relate to comments that the 991 has better quality, fit and finish compared to the 992. In my case it's the opposite, maybe driven by the extra carbon in the 992 that lifts the cabin. My 991 feels flimsy compared to the 992. That effect may be reinforced by my 991 having the "slack in gearbox" issue that let's an otherwise great car down - but OPC insists is well within tolerances. The 992 gearbox feels as tight as a Porsche manual should feel, though
Have to say - my 992 Touring manual box will be sorely missed. Never have I made so many gratuitous changes. As for a little heel and toe under hard braking… just gives me the raging H..However both 992’s have had recurrent silly build quality issues (sport chrono not properly seated as a recent example)
Edited by SydneyP on Monday 12th May 10:22
Really interesting reading. Goes to show that we all look for different things from our cars. Without having been in one, I love the idea of a Touring.
I can't comment on the comparatives, but I bought a .1 GTS last year (albeit a Targa). Perfect combo for me. It was always going to be an open top car for summer tootling and touring. I chose the Targa to retain the classic 911 profile. After lots of reading and viewing, every review of the GTS marvelled at the noise and feel of the thing. It's certainly delivered on that. What's great is the different personalities. In comfort it is very quiet and refined. In Sport it growls, howls and pops.
Good synopsis here
I do prefer the looks of the 991.2 and I'm sure the infotainment is much better but I wouldn't trade those for the NA engine at this point.
There does seem to be a growing love for the 991.1 GTS so prices should remain steady if you went back but then changed your mind.
I can't comment on the comparatives, but I bought a .1 GTS last year (albeit a Targa). Perfect combo for me. It was always going to be an open top car for summer tootling and touring. I chose the Targa to retain the classic 911 profile. After lots of reading and viewing, every review of the GTS marvelled at the noise and feel of the thing. It's certainly delivered on that. What's great is the different personalities. In comfort it is very quiet and refined. In Sport it growls, howls and pops.
Good synopsis here
I do prefer the looks of the 991.2 and I'm sure the infotainment is much better but I wouldn't trade those for the NA engine at this point.
There does seem to be a growing love for the 991.1 GTS so prices should remain steady if you went back but then changed your mind.
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