Used Porsche 911 2012-2019 reliability review

What should I look for in a used Porsche 911?

This is a very sporty car and will have been used enthusiastically from time to time. Check the bodywork carefully for any signs of damage. Look at the alloy wheels closely for kerb damage, as repairs will be costly.

Earlier cars had problems with the dual-clutch transmission, and owners complained about the quality of the paintwork. It’ll be worth taking a Porsche specialist with you if you’re buying one of the older 991 models, as it’s worth checking the condition of the engine and the exhaust very carefully if you’re going to avoid large bills further down the line.

Is a used Porsche 911 reliable?

The 911 didn't feature in our latest What Car? Reliability Survey, though in a previous one it finished three places from the bottom of the coupés, convertibles and sports car class. That said, the score of 90.1% does compare well with the class average and was a lot higher than the models ranked below it.

Porsche, as a brand, languished in 25th place out of 30 car manufacturers in the last survey it appeared in.

If you would like to see the full reliability list, head to the What Car? Reliability Survey pages for more information.

Used Porsche 911: owners' reliability data

As part of our 2023 Reliability Survey, What Car? readers said the 2012-2019 Porsche 911 has proven to be largely reliable, but it’s not without some issues.

A few owners reported problems with the car's electronics, including faulty sensors and occasional warning lights appearing without clear causes. Additionally, there were mentions of minor oil leaks, which, while not widespread, were costly to fix.

Regarding dealer service, the feedback was generally positive. Many readers praised the promptness and professionalism of Porsche dealerships, noting that repairs were typically handled efficiently. However, some did express concerns over the high cost of repairs and servicing. A few owners felt that the dealerships could be more transparent about repair costs upfront.