Used Porsche 911 Coupe 2001 - 2006 review

What's the used Porsche 911 like?

The Porsche 911 is that rarest of supercars - it's as comfortable trawling to the shops and back as it is haring round a track at break-neck speed.

For your more devil-may-care moments, the 911 is simply thrilling. Performance is breathtaking from any of the engines and the handling is taut, lithe and wonderfully accurate.

Overview

The Porsche 911 is a supercar you can use everyday - it's perfect

Pros

• It's incredible as a supercar, yet still a realistic everyday car

Cons

• Traction control isn't standard on all models

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When you're in a more sedate mood, the 911 is a controllable beast. The ride is comfortable on any surface and it's arguably the easiest supercar there is to drive, so pottering around town isn't out of the question.

Refinement is excellent, too, both in town and when cruising, although you do notice some rumble from the tyres.

There's even space for two kids on the rear bench, and if the family isn't in tow the bench can be folded down for extra luggage space.

Our recommendations

Which used Porsche 911 should I buy?

Whichever version you go for, you won't be making a bad choice - all are terrific. The base-level Carrera cars come in coupe, cabriolet or targa body styles, and are powered by a 320bhp version of the awesome 3.6-litre engine, enough to propel it from 0-60mph in around five seconds.

Carrera 4 and 4S models have the same engine output, but also have four-wheel drive. These come in the coupe or cabriolet body styles only.

Then there's our pick, the Turbo. It'll cost more, but let's face it, no version will be cheap. Power is hiked up to 420bhp, meaning that performance turns from blistering to Tarmac-shredding. The standard 911 is special, but the Turbo is truly an event.

There are also two stripped-out racing models: the 375bhp Carrera-based GT3, and the 462bhp Turbo-based GT2. These are perhaps best kept for track use.

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