Porsche 997 for Sale
The 911 generation that brought back the classic silhouette and hydraulic steering, with a chassis that still feels analog.
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997.12007 Porsche 911
997.22009 Porsche 911
997.22009 Porsche 911
997.22009 Porsche 911
997.12006 Porsche 911
997.22009 Porsche 911
997.22011 Porsche 911
997.12006 Porsche 911
997.22010 Porsche 911
997.12007 Porsche 911
997.22012 Porsche 911
997.12007 Porsche 911
997.22009 Porsche 911
997.22012 Porsche 911
997.22009 Porsche 911
997.22011 Porsche 911
997.22012 Porsche 911
997.22011 Porsche 911
997.12007 Porsche 911
997.12007 Porsche 911
997.12008 Porsche 911
997.22011 Porsche 911
The short answer
The 997 is the 911 sold in the US for model years 2005 through 2012, depending on the variant. It comes in two phases. The 997.1 (2005–2008 for the Carrera models) uses the earlier flat-six with an IMS bearing. The 997.2(2009–2012) uses a new direct-injection engine without an IMS bearing and offers Porsche’s PDK dual-clutch gearbox as the alternative to the six-speed manual. For most buyers who want a 997 to drive, a well-documented 997.2 — especially a manual Carrera S, 4S or GTS — is the place to start.
997.1 vs 997.2 at a glance
| 997.1 | 997.2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Carrera model years (US) | 2005–2008 | 2009–2012 |
| Carrera engines | 3.6L (Carrera), 3.8L (Carrera S) | New direct-injection 3.6L / 3.8L |
| IMS bearing | Yes | No |
| Manual | 6-speed | 6-speed |
| Automatic | 5-speed Tiptronic S | 7-speed PDK |
| How to spot it | Earlier lights and taillights | LED daytime running lights, revised taillights |
| Best for | Lowest entry price into a 997 | Most buyers: newer engine, PDK option |
Every 997 variant, explained
Carrera and Carrera S — Rear-wheel drive, narrow body. The S has the larger 3.8L engine. Coupe or Cabriolet.
Carrera 4 and Carrera 4S — All-wheel drive. The 4S uses the wider rear body.
Targa 4 and Targa 4S — All-wheel drive with a sliding glass roof and an opening rear glass hatch.
Carrera GTS (2011–2012) — The 3.8L engine with Porsche's Powerkit, the wide body, center-lock wheels and Alcantara trim. Offered in rear- and all-wheel drive.
Turbo and Turbo S — All-wheel drive and twin turbos. The 997.1 Turbo uses the race-derived Mezger engine; the 997.2 Turbo moved to a new direct-injection engine. The Turbo S joined the 997.2 range.
GT3 and GT3 RS — Naturally aspirated Mezger engine, rear-wheel drive, manual only, built for the track. The 997.2 range ended with the GT3 RS 4.0.
GT2 and GT2 RS — Twin-turbo Mezger engine, rear-wheel drive, manual only. Rare and collectible.
Limited editions — Sport Classic, Speedster and Black Edition. Each is valued car by car.
Manual vs PDK vs Tiptronic
The six-speed manual is the gearbox most enthusiasts look for, and manual 997s are in high demand. PDK, available on the 997.2, shifts faster and is the easier daily car. Tiptronic S, on the 997.1, is the least sought-after. If resale matters to you, a manual is the safe choice.
Which 997 should you buy?
- Driver's car on a budget: 997.2 Carrera or Carrera S, manual if you can.
- All-weather 911: Carrera 4S or Targa 4S.
- The most complete 997 for the road: Carrera GTS.
- Investment-grade: GT3, GT3 RS, GT2 and the limited editions — buy on provenance and history.
What to check before you buy a 997
997.1: IMS bearing and bore scoring. The 997.1 engines still use an IMS bearing. Ask for service records and any IMS or engine work. A borescope inspection by an experienced Porsche mechanic is the clear answer on cylinder bore condition.
997.2: records first. The 997.2 engine has no IMS bearing. Focus on service history and how the car was used.
All 997s: Check the cooling system (radiators and coolant lines), the air-oil separator, and any oil weep at the rear main seal. Paperwork — service records, ownership history and a clean Carfax — separates great cars from risky ones.
Ask us for a full walkthrough of the exact car — by FaceTime or in person.
How much is a Porsche 997 worth?
Prices depend on the variant, phase, gearbox, mileage and history:
- 997.1 Carrera and Carrera S: the most affordable way into a 997.
- 997.2 Carrera S, 4S and Targa: a step up for the newer engine and PDK option. Manual cars carry a premium.
- Carrera GTS: above the Carrera S and 4S.
- GT3, GT3 RS, GT2, Turbo S and limited editions: collector pricing. Every car is valued on its own.
See current asking prices in the inventory above.
Buying a 997 from out of state
Most of our buyers live outside Oregon. Here’s how it works:
- Walkaround video and photos of the exact car, plus the Carfax and window sticker.
- Live video call or in-person visit, whichever you prefer.
- Paperwork and financing handled remotely.
- Delivery to your door, anywhere in the US.
Why buy your 997 from Grand Prix Motorcars
We are independent and Porsche-focused, and we hand-pick our 911s. A 997 rewards careful buying: the right gearbox, honest mileage and a documented history make all the difference. We do the homework before we list the car.
Porsche 997 FAQ
What years is the Porsche 997?
The 997 generation of the 911 was sold in the US for model years 2005 through 2012, depending on the variant. The 997.1 Carrera covers 2005–2008 and the 997.2 Carrera covers 2009–2012.
What is the difference between the 997.1 and 997.2?
The 997.2 has a new direct-injection engine without an IMS bearing, offers the 7-speed PDK instead of the Tiptronic automatic, and has LED daytime running lights and revised taillights.
Does the 997.2 have the IMS bearing?
No. The 997.2 engine does not use an IMS bearing. The 997.1 engines do.
Is a manual 997 worth more than a PDK?
Generally yes. Manual 997s are in higher demand, especially the Carrera S, 4S and GTS.
Which 997 is the best to buy?
For most buyers, a well-documented 997.2 Carrera S, 4S or GTS. For collectors, the GT3, GT3 RS, GT2 and limited editions.
What is a Porsche 997 GTS?
The Carrera GTS (2011–2012) combines the 3.8L engine with Porsche's Powerkit, the wide body and center-lock wheels. It was offered in rear- and all-wheel drive.
Can I buy a 997 from you if I live in another state?
Yes. Most of our buyers live out of state. We do video walkarounds, handle paperwork and financing remotely, and deliver to your door.
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Talk to our team
Independent, Porsche-focused — nationwide delivery, full walkthrough by FaceTime or in person.