Porsche 911 (997) (2004 – 2008) Review
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Porsche 911 (997) (2004 – 2008) At A Glance
Quick, sharp and fun yet also docile in traffic, comfortable and comparatively practical.
Second-hand examples relatively expensive.
On average it achieves 90% of the official MPG figure
What do owners think of the Porsche 911 (997) (2004 – 2008)? Check out our Owners' Reviews from people who live with the car day in, day out.
Car seat chooser
Child seats that fit a Porsche 911 (997) (2004 – 2008)
Our unique Car Seat Chooser shows you which child car seats will fit this car and which seat positions that they will fit, so that you don't have to check every car seat manufacturer's website for compatibility.Real MPG average for a Porsche 911 (997) (2004 – 2008)
Real MPG was created following thousands of readers telling us that their cars could not match the official figures.
Real MPG gives real world data from drivers like you to show how much fuel a vehicle really uses.
Average performance
90%
Real MPG
17–32 mpg
MPGs submitted
99
Diesel or petrol? If you're unsure whether to go for a petrol or diesel (or even an electric model if it's available), then you need our Petrol or Diesel? calculator. It does the maths on petrols, diesels and electric cars to show which is best suited to you.
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Ask Honest John
What's best - a Porsche 997 GT3 RS or a 991 GT3 Touring?
There are no bad choices here, as both versions of the 911 are outstanding machines in their own right. Arguably the GT3 Touring is more usable than the track-focussed GT3 RS and so has the potential to be driven more frequently, but the GT3 RS will likely hold its value better over the years.
Answered by David Ross
Could you suggest a relatively easy to maintain and economic to fix modern classic?
It's going to be tricky to tick all these boxes. If you want something that turns heads, that normally means a premium model such as a Porsche. In which case, you'd be expected to have anything but the most basic oil and filter it serviced at a specialist. Plus, if you're after mod cons like power steering, air-con, decent stereo (and soundproofing) then you're looking at cars that are a bit more complicated. If you're after something that's easy to get in and out of and doesn't have harsh ride, then you may have to think outside the box. You could go for something traditional such as a Triumph Stag (assuming you want to keep it Triumph), which is still very much a classic two-seater with a great engine. Alternatively, look at 911 ownership for a bit of wow-factor, and a decent compromise between mod cons and specialist servicing... and don't discount the later Jaguar XJ-S. We know plenty of people who own Honda S2000s and are terrifically happy with them - stunning performance and reliability (see also Nissan 350Z). Sightly left of centre coupe options to consider - BMW 8-Series and Mazda RX-7 or RX-8 if you're feeling brave, Toyota Supra. We'd also have a look at hot hatches - cars like the Mk1 Golf GTi and Peugeot 205 GTI are excellent to drive, have reasonably mod cons, and can be maintained at home... they also have plenty of wow-factor. Perhaps something like a TVR Griffith would also suit you.
Answered by Keith Moody
Could you offer some tips on buying a vehicle from a private seller?
We get less feedback on Porsche than an enthusiasts' site such as Pistonheads, but do have: http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/carbycar/porsche/911-997-2004/ You can't test drive it unless you have insurance to do so or the vendor gets it for you via someone like https://www.dayinsure.com/. There's no warranty from a private buyer so you have to ask pertinent questions such as "does it have a full Porsche service history", "has anything ever seriously gone wrong with it?" "has it ever been over-revved?" "are you aware of any faults at all with it." That then makes it a Breach of Contract if the vendor misleads you in any way. How to pay is up to you, but whenever I sell I want to do it in a bank where it effectively becomes a cash transaction that cannot later be revoked.
Answered by Honest John
Porsche 911 starting problems
Why does anyone ever steam clean an engine and run the risk of getting pressurised moisture into the electrics? Nuts. Leave it as it is. It's electrical/electronic multipin connectors and the ECU they need to be looking at.
Answered by Honest John
