Porsche 911 is more than simply a sports car. An icon in the automotive world, the 911 sits somewhere on the list of dream cars of just about every keen driver. Not to forget the status it holds amongst those who really aren't into driving but who want to be seen in a Porsche to enjoy its pose value.

This German car is a pure sports machine at a relatively affordable price, this Porsche is hot property on the used-car market in Australia and good ones retain excellent resale value.

The 911’s most unusual feature is the installation of the engine behind the back wheels. That’s right, behind the rear wheels, not just in front of them in the ideal mid-engined layout. This engine location has long since fallen out of favour with every other car maker and the Porsche engineers have on several occasions tried to abandon it altogether.

But Porsche purists liked the car with all its faults and would have nothing to do with the cars designed to replace it. Porsche 924, 944, 968, 928, and more, have all fallen by the wayside. Instead the engineers have worked hard at the design and have (almost) tamed the sometimes vicious handling characteristics created by the 911’s tail-heavy layout.

Cautious souls won’t feel comfortable with the dynamics of a 911 as it wags its tail around at times. Indeed, it can even do so when travelling in a straight line on roughish surfaces. Adventurous types will love the way it feels and enjoy the feel of a car with genuine character.

The later the Porsche 911, the easier it is to drive, with models from the 1998 996 series being the better bet for those put off by horror tales of the older models. However, we recommend additional driving lessons before you try to get serious with these cars as they can turn and bite you if you get it wrong.

 

Porsche 911 997 series was introduced to Australia October 2004. A purer shape than the somewhat contrived look of the 996, it has gained immediate sales success.

Most Porsche 911s are two-plus-two coupes (though those travelling in the back seats had better be pretty small people). There are quite a few Cabriolets and Targas and these are often regarded as being the most desirable of them all.

Engine capacities in the 911s being examined here start at 3.2 litres. Over the years these expanded to sizes of 3.3, 3.4, 3.6 and 3.8 litres. Early ones use full air cooling, a long time Porsche tradition; water-cooled cylinder heads were later introduced to better control combustion temperatures. All engines from the 996 series of January 1998 have full water-cooling.

Water-cooled Porsche 911s were once frowned upon by the purists, but these guys have gradually come to terms with the concept. In any case, clever engineering means that the water-cooled engines (almost) sound as though they are air-cooled – and isn’t that what's important? Because there is no other sound quite like that of a Porsche 911 on full song.

Most Porsches use rear-wheel drive but some have 4WD for additional traction. Mainly called Carrera 4, the latter are heavier so aren't always as quick in acceleration as their 2WD brothers because of their extra weight. One reason for extra traction requirements is the use of turbocharged engines in some variants.

Standard Porsches already have stunning acceleration, the Turbo goes significantly harder! The Porsche Turbo is one of the all-time sports car classics and is highly desired by the serious punter.

 

It’s important a 911 has been well cared for throughout its life. That doesn’t necessarily mean servicing by an authorised dealer as there are many smaller specialists. In quite a few cases the latter are operated by guys who have spent time in official factory workshops before setting up their own businesses. Having said that, cars that come with written proof that they have always been maintained by an official dealer will command top dollar.

Spare parts are expensive, though not outrageously so for a car in this relatively rarified class. The Porsche dealer network is well established in Australia and we don’t hear a lot of complaints about parts availability.

Talk to your insurance company before falling in love with a Porsche 911, all the more so if the car has a turbocharged engine. If you have any plans to race, or compete in any format of motorsport, disclose this fact during your application for insurance.

WHAT TO LOOK FOR
Former racing cars are generally easy to spot and should generally be avoided unless you want to go racing yourself. In which case negotiate a specific deal.

Porsche 911’s body is well engineered and solidly built. Unless it has been poorly repaired after a crash there's generally nothing to worry about.

If you do suspect after-crash repairs have the body and underbody professionally inspected, particularly for correct chassis alignment.

Look for oil leaks at the centre of the crankcase where O-rings at the through-bolts may have aged. You may also find oil seepage at the power-steering drive.

Heavy-duty operation of the clutch is likely to mean it’s due for an overhaul. Not a complex job, but there are no cheap repairs on a Porsche.

On early 1990s models listen for a rattle at the flywheel when the engine is first started and/or turned off.

Look over the condition of the interior for signs of misuse or careless placement of luggage and the like.