Porsche 911 (997) Buyer’s Guide

Porsche 911 (997) Buyer’s Guide

In 2004, the Porsche 911 997 was launched and quickly became one of the iconic versions of the 911. This is a car that drivers and car enthusiasts love, and there is no better version to mix quality with luxury than the Porsche 911 997. 

For those looking to invest in this supercar, there are options available that let you get the car of your dreams. With Magnitude, you can get one of our affordable finance deals for your Porsche that will be within your budget

If you are interested in buying a Porsche 911 997, this guide is made for you. We’ll cover: 

  • The history of the Porsche 911 (997)
  • Why financing is a popular choice 
  • A detailed explanation of the Porsche 911 997 models on the market 
  • Which Porsche 997 is the best to choose
  • What to look for when buying a 997
  • The different finance options available from Magnitude

History of Porsche 911 (997)

In 2004 Porsche launched the 911 977 which was a significant step for the company. Both the interior and exterior of the car were updated along with the return of the “bug-eye” round headlights that many owners loved. 

Despite there being a financial crash during its production run, the Porsche 911 997 still became one of the best-selling of the original 911s. It retained much of the rolling chassis of its predecessor the 996, along with the water-cooled flat-six engine. 

The wider body design along with the larger 18” wheels gave the 997 a more aggressive look and improved its handling on the road. The engines also saw a significant upgrade with the 3.6L 321 hp Carrera version going from 0-60 in 4.8 seconds, and the 3.8L 355 hp Carrera S doing the same in 4.6 seconds. This improvement made it 20 seconds faster than its 996 counterparts around the Nurburgring. 

There were two generations of the Porsche 911 997, the first was in production from 2004 until 2009, with the second generation in production from 2009 until 2012. The first generation had either a 6-speed manual or a 5-speed Tiptronic gearbox. All models came with assisted steering and brakes which meant that any driver could get the best from this car. 

With the second generation, there were changes to the styling along with direct injection. Another change was the introduction of a 7-speed PDK dual-clutch transmission which was faster and lighter than version one. Power was also increased which gave the 3.6 version 345 hp and the 3.8 385 hp. 

However, the Porsche 911 997 isn’t just about performance and power, they were also built to a high standard and enjoyed a reliable production run. The first generation had an incredible first MOT pass rate of 85%, but the second generation improved on that statistic even further. 

Both the first and second generations of the 997 had a classic design that car owners loved. It not only had classic elements on the exterior but also on the interior. These elements made it a quick favourite with Porsche enthusiasts and made owning one a best of both worlds. With the classic elements of the design together with the latest technology inside and under the surface. 

Owning a car like this doesn’t have to be a dream. With Magnitude, you can get affordable car finance that will give you the ability to own this piece of Porsche history. 

Over the past few years, there has been a huge increase in the number of people that are choosing to get their car through a finance deal. In approximately eight in every ten new car sales, finance is used. 

One of the reasons finance is a good choice is because of the low-interest rates that most finance companies can offer. This allows car buyers to spread the cost of their car over many months, but not have high-interest rates. This means car finance agreements can be completed quicker and gives the customers more financial freedom. 

Finance has also become a better deal than other options such as buying your car outright. Although this used to give the buyer a better deal, the difference is now minimal, and it means customers can get their cars faster instead of having to wait until they have saved enough money. 

One of the biggest benefits to newer car finance is the introduction of PCP (Personal Contract Purchase). This is similar to the traditional hire purchase with customers making an initial deposit followed by monthly payments. The major difference is that at the end of the agreement, customers can choose to either make final balloon payment or roll over to another PCP deal with a new car. 

For car owners that want to keep up to date with the latest models and love driving, this means in theory, they could trade in or part exchange their current cars and get a new one on a rolling finance agreement. 

Companies such as us here at Magnitude Finance have an extensive collection of resources that can help you decide on what type of finance is best for you. We also keep customers up to date with the latest deals and trends within the industry. 

It is important to do your research and understand how car finance works, and also see what deal is the best for you and your circumstances. It will prepare you for what you need to do as well as answer any questions that you may have. 

With Magnitude, we will design and find for you a bespoke car finance package that is designed to be tailored to your needs and financial situation. It means that if you have always wanted a prestigious car, there is a way you can get it and stay within your budget. We also boast a finance calculator that will give you an idea of the options available, however, for more bespoke options and advice, you can speak to a member of our Concierge team who are always happy to help. 

There are also guides that you can use to help you with tips and information about car finance and how it relates to the car you want. 

If you prefer, you can also take out a lease. However, with traditional leasing agreements, you are limited in what you can do. For those that choose to lease, no modifications or any other changes can be made to the car as it is a ‘rental’ agreement. While this may seem ok at the beginning, it can become problematic later. 

Companies such as those we at Magnitude partner with offer finance agreements that work in a similar way – but, we give you more freedom and control over the finance you are taking. High-value supercars such as the Porsche 911 997 are often a lot of money to purchase outright, so getting a bespoke finance package that will give you peace of mind and financial freedom is a must. 

There will be more on the financial plans later so if you want to learn more about what Magnitude can do for you, skip ahead to our finance section below. 

Porsche 997 Models Explained

In this section, there will be more detail about the different Porsche 911 997 models and how they differ. One of the best things about the Porsche range and especially the 997 models is that there are many configurations. This means that there will always be a version of the 997 that will suit someone. That coupled with its stunning design and ease of driving makes it a great car to own. 

997 C2 and C4 Coupe and Cabriolet

Porsche designed and developed the cabriolet version of the 997 first instead of the coupe. This was somewhat of a design first for an automotive company, but the reasons behind it were clear. 

Cabriolets present a unique set of problems that car designers need to solve to make the car safe and efficient. By concentrating on these problems first, the designers at Porsche could then use these elements when designing the coupe version. As an example, cabriolets often suffer from chassis stiffness issues. Addressing this with the cabriolet first, makes the design of the coupe even stronger. 

To most drivers, the difference between the C2 and the C4 won’t be noticeable in everyday driving. However, the C2 is more agile especially in faster bends thanks to its lower weight. The C4, however, offers more grip on slippery surfaces and in bad weather. 

A noticeable difference between the 997 and the previous 996 is that the 997s don’t have a hardtop included. However, the 997 cabriolets offer a better experience with the top down than its predecessor. 

997 Targa

As with the previous 993 and 996, the Targa 4 and 4s have a glass roof that can be opened at any speed. The top drops down 25mm and slides back under the rear window. 

This generation of Targa was the most popular, it boasted a greater kerb weight adding 60kg to the previous models. To accommodate the heavier car, the suspension was modified. The Porsche 911 997 Targa was only available in an all-wheel-drive ‘4’ version, which was unlike its predecessors. 

Both the added weight and the all-wheel-drive meant that the Targa had a slower performance. However, it was still a quick car and was popular during its production run. 

GT3

As a way for Porsche to offer race cars for customer teams, they developed and released the Porsche 911 997 GT3. This model has a number of additions and upgrades that make it a beast to drive on a race track, but also a joy to drive every day. 

The GT3 has an enlarged 3.8L Mezger engine along with re-tuned suspension, larger brakes, lightweight wheels and a new front bumper. All of these additional features meant that the GT3 could get from 0-60 in just 3.8 seconds and a top speed of 193 mph. 

A new “Zero-Lift” aerodynamic design meant that the car didn’t create any lift while driving, this keeps the car firmly on the ground which adds to its traction and speed. There were also options for dynamic engine mounts and the pneumatically lifted front axle. 

GT3 RS

With the GT3 RS, Porsche put the 911 on an even stricter diet, meaning it shed 20kg thanks to a carbon-fibre wing, steel engine cover and a lightweight plastic windscreen. The rear of the car was given a wider track for stability, and it was also given a rear spoiler which improved the downforce but also increased drag. This meant it hampered the overall top speed of the car. 

The second generation offered an additional 15 hp thanks to a new 3.8L flat-six engine. This gave the GT3 RS a total of 444 hp. 

While the GT3 RS isn’t designed to drive every day, it isn’t impossible. However, you would need to be a competent driver to be able to drive this one every day. 

GT3 RS 4.0L

Development and testing of the Porsche 911 997 GT3 RS 4.0L took six years. However, what emerged was a car that has been called one of the best cars Porsche has ever created. When the GT3 4.0L was released, it had the most powerful naturally aspirated flat-six engine in any street-legal Porsche. 

Continuing to reduce weight, the GT3 4.0L shed a further 22 pounds from the previous RS making it the lightest of the 911s at that point. There are two reasons beyond what has already been mentioned as to why this is considered the best 911 up to this point. First was the Mezger engine, which the GT cars continued to use even after other 911 models started to use a newer design. The Mezger engine had won Le Mans in a 911 GT1-98 and proved to be a tough yes powerful design. 

The second reason is that this was the last of the 911s to have the six-speed manual gearbox which was a driver’s favourite. 

The weight reduction plus the larger engine meant that the GT3 4.0L was capable of sprinting from 0-60 in 3.5 seconds. It also had a top speed of 193mph. There were also new aerodynamic elements such as a special front bumper which included canards to direct airflow into the radiators at the front. There was also a split rear spoiler, centralised exhausts to help pull heat away from the engine and an enlarged rear engine cover. 

Turbo

At the Geneva Auto Show in 2006, Porsche debuted the Porsche 911 997 Turbo which was an update on the Carerra model. There was a redesigned front bumper with integrated LED turn signal strips. This design would carry on into the 911 generations. 

The shell of the all-wheel-drive model was used and gave the Turbo a wider profile that was typical of the Turbo generations. There were also larger air intakes fitted to either side of the rear wheels and quarter panels along with a retractable rear wing. 

Porsche used a lot of aluminium in the design, which together with the addition of ceramic brakes meant that the Turbo’s weight was reduced by 41kg. This had the benefit of increasing performance. Along with a 480hp engine that was based on the 911 GT1, there were also two Borg Warner VTG turbochargers that were fitted with a two-stage resonance intake system. This helped to reduce turbo lag at low speeds. 

All of these improvements meant that the Porsche 911 997 Turbo could go from 0-60 in 3.9 seconds with a manual, and 3.7 seconds with the Tiptronic gearbox. It also had a top speed of 193 mph. The second generation of the Turbo replaced the Mezger engine with a unit that had more torque and power. This gave the Turbo a maximum of 500 hp and a 0-60 of 3.6 seconds. 

Turbo S 

Lastly, there is the Porsche 911 997 Turbo S which boasted an impressive 530hp and a 0-60 time of 3.3 seconds. The top speed was clocked at 195mph which made it Porsche’s fastest production car up to that point. 

The Turbo S was only available with a 7-speed PDK transmission and the Sport Chrono package as standard. Also fitted were electronic dampeners, two-zone climate control and an advanced sat-nav system. 

Other Models

The models listed are the most common types, though Porsche did make other types of the 911 997 as well. If you look hard enough, you might also find a Sport Classic, Speedster, Carrera GTS or a GT2RS version hanging around. 

Although these models are not as common, they still have differences that you as a driver might prefer to the standard models. 

If any of these Porsche 911 997 models interest you, then why not see about getting finance to help you get the car of your dreams? Magnitude Finance has a range of finance packages that can be tailored to your needs. 

What is the Best Porsche 997?

With so many Porsche 997 variations, it can be hard to think about what model you might want. It is safe to say that they can all be driven around daily, though there could be some issues regarding size and handling in city streets that might cause an issue. 

However, here is a breakdown of the types of 997 you can buy, and which one would be the best for each driver and driving style. 

Best Porsche 997 for Speed

If you are the type of driver that likes speed, or you love to race your cars around race tracks, then you will likely prefer the high performance of the 997 GT3 RS 4.0L. This car was one of the fastest naturally aspirated flat-six Porches at the time and is still a beast on the racetrack or the motorway. With a 0-60 time of 3.5 seconds and a top speed of 193mph, it will be more than enough to capture the heart of the racer. 

Another thing that makes this particular model special is it was the last to feature the manual six-speed gearbox, so if you manage to find one of those as well, then you have a gem of a car on your hands. 

Best Porsche 997 for Everyday Use

Although all of the Porsche 911 997 variations can be driven every day, there are certain types that will be best suited to everyday driving. Those are the ones that have better handling and are easier to drive in bad weather. 

The 997 C2 and C4 Coupe and Cabriolet are two of these models that can be better suited to driving around town or daily use. Although they are still powerful cars, they are also well equipped with sat nav and supportive chairs that will be comfortable on long journeys or in traffic. 

The cabriolet versions are perfect to drive in good weather with the top down, or perhaps the 977 Targa which is equipped with a sliding roof. Both are great to drive, and also have the capability to navigate corners quickly and easily. 

Best Porsche For Race Track Driving

For some people, the thrill of driving their cars on circuits like the Nurburgring is what they buy supercars for. While they may also drive them every day, they also like to let them open up on the long corners and fast straights of the race track. 

None of the Porsche 911, 997 range would look out of place on a race track. However, there are certain models that would perform slightly better. One that stands out would be the GT3 RS with its lighter kerb weight and 444 hp engine. With its rear wing and wider rear track, it is also going to be adept at corners even at high speeds. The other version the GT3 is also a powerful machine with purposely designed bodywork to improve downforce. That coupled with the 3.8L engine and pneumatically lifted front axle means it has the capability to deal with fast corners. 

If you want more speed or faster acceleration, then the GT3 RS 4.0L is your answer. Although the top speed is similar to other models, the 0-60 in 3.5 seconds will mean a faster start and quicker movement through the gears. 

All of these Porsche 911 997s have their own characteristics and will appeal to different people. However, they will all be a joy to drive and own. 

Buying a Porsche 911 (997)? Here’s What You Need to Know

When you think about the Porsche brand you think about the prestige of driving and owning such a classic car. Although there are now more luxury supercar brands around today, the Porsche image has endured and will continue to do so. 

Everything from the badge to the headlights and body shape of the 911 series speaks of tradition and style. People own a Porsche as much for the history behind the name as the car itself. This is why for some driving enthusiasts, owning a Porsche is a dream come true, the culmination of a lot of hard work and determination. 

Finding and buying a Porsche 911 997 that is right for you will take time and research. You need to understand the different specifications of each model and what you intend to use the car for. For that reason, You also need to know how much each model costs, and what you will be getting for your money. 

How Much Does a Porsche 997 Cost?

Porsche produced the 911 997 series of cars between 2004 and 2013. This means that even the last ones produced are now 9 years old. However it doesn’t really matter how old the 997 is, or what model you choose, they have held their value well, and some that are in particularly good condition might even fetch more than they were new. 

As an example, a Porsche 911 997 Carerra with a 3.6L engine and a manual gearbox will set you back around £26,000. This is one of the lower spec models although you are still getting a fast and technologically advanced car for that money. The price for a new one in 2004 would have been around £62,000, so as you can see, they are retaining a lot of their value. 

Other models you can buy include examples such as a 2010 Porsche 997 second-generation Carrera C4S Cabriolet. One of these in a good condition and with a service history can be found for around £45,000. However, if you have one of the high-specification 4,0L models in mind, then you would be looking for a lot more for an excellent example. 

Is the Porsche 997 a Classic?

Porsche has been making the iconic 911 for over 50 years. Each version has been better than the last, although many of the older 911s are still hugely sought after and can fetch high prices. 

Some of the biggest changes came with the arrival of the 997 version of the 911. This was the last 911 version to use the six-speed manual gearbox, plus, there were new design features and materials used for the first time. 

This makes the 997 a modern classic, but, considering that early versions of the 997 are now almost 20 years old, they are quickly developing a classic status. Their ability to retain their value and in some cases exceed their original selling price shows how good the 997s are and how people feel about owning one. 

You can also find especially rare 997 models that will likely grow in value the more time passes. These models are limited editions such as the 911 997 Sport Classic with only 250 cars made, or the 911 997 Speedster with only 356 made. 

Is it Worth Buying a Porsche 997?

When it comes to buying a Porsche 977, there are many reasons you might want to buy one. It might be that you have always wanted to own a Porsche and you like the characteristics of the 997 version. Perhaps you are a supercar enthusiast and want to own one so that you can go to classic car meets and share your love of classic cars. Whatever the reason, owning a supercar like a Porsche is more than the price you pay for it. 

These cars are a long-term investment as they will increase in value the older they get and the better they are looked after. This is especially true of the rare 997 versions where there were only a limited number made. These models can dramatically increase in price as they get older and so are a real investment for the future. 

It is because of these reasons that many people collect classic cars. Not only because they love to have them, but also because they are a firm investment. With all that being said, buying a classic car such as the 997 requires some knowledge of the cars and also knowing what to look for. You need to have the knowledge to know when something isn’t right and evaluate its real value. 

With the right knowledge and investment, you can own a 997 and know that in the long term, you will be getting something that will increase in value over time. 

Bespoke Porsche 911 (997) Finance Packages at Magnitude

If you are looking to purchase a Porsche 911 (997) then choosing a finance package makes it far more achievable. It will allow you to spread the cost of the car over a period of time and balance out the payments so that they are affordable. Magnitude Finance has a range of finance packages that can be tailored to your needs and budget. With over 30 years of experience, we know what will be the best option for you. 

Hire Purchase Car Finance 

Hire Purchase Car Finance is one of the most simple funding options. The Hire Purchase agreement allows you to pay off your car over a fixed period of time. One of the benefits of this option is that you don’t need to take out a personal loan. Plus, once the final payment is made, the car is yours. 

For those that want to get their dream car as soon as possible, the Hire Purchase agreement is a great option. This type of finance is also sometimes called ‘Lease Purchase’ as the buyer is effectively leasing the car over the 2-5 years period until it is paid off. 

At the start of the plan, a 10%-40% deposit is taken and then a custom agreement length is determined based on your financial situation. 

Hire Purchase with Balloon Car Finance

A Hire Purchase with Balloon Car Finance mixes together the benefits of the Hire Purchase agreement with a Personal Contract Purchase. This type of finance agreement is ideal for those looking to invest in classic cars, especially those which had a limited production run. 

It allows people to start with a flexible deposit between 10 and 30% and then make payments over 36 to 48 months. When the agreement ends, they can then either part-exchange the vehicle or refinance the outstanding value of the car. 

Balanced Payment Car Finance

If you are a seasoned investor or long-time collector of cars, then Balanced Payment Car Finance can be the best option. It offers an ultra-competitive rate for those that have previous borrowing experience regardless of the sector that is in. 

Balanced Payment Car Finance works in a similar way to the Hire Purchase Plan, however, there are some subtle differences. Firstly, the plan has a lot of flexibility built into it, along with a low deposit and a number of tax benefits for those who are running this as a business. 

If you are the type of collector that wants to keep your classic car after the end of the finance agreement, then this plan might be for you. 

PCP Car Finance

Personal Contract Purchase (PCP) Car Finance offers a lower fixed monthly rate than traditional Hire Purchase finance. If you are looking to change your car at regular intervals, then this option may be for you. 

PCP finance is one of the most popular car finance products on the market and it is easy to see why. The basic premise is similar to a Hire Purchase agreement, which lets you pay for your car over a set period of time which is usually two to five years. 

In the beginning, you pay a flexible deposit of between 10% to 20%, then you pay the fixed monthly payments over the length of the agreement. You then have three options when the term of the PCP is finished.

  • Return the car and have nothing further to pay. This depends on whether there are any repairs to be done. 
  • Pay off the remaining balance and keep the car.
  • Part exchange the car and use the outstanding equity against your next car. 

The PCP Car Finance option is a great way to get the car you want and has options at the end depending on what you want to do with the car. Magnitude offers a range of finance options that can help you get the car you want. All you need to do is contact our concierge and we will be happy to help you. 

The Porsche 911 (977): Your Questions Answered

In this section, we will answer all of the usual questions that get asked about buying and owning a Porsche 911 (977). 

Is the Porsche 977 Reliable? 

The build quality and materials used make the Porsche 977 a highly reliable car. The engines are able to go well over 100,000 if regularly serviced and maintained. The gearboxes are also robust and hard-wearing. 

How Do I Buy a Porsche 977?

There are many sites online where you can find good examples of used Porsche cars. It is always important to check the car over when you see it and take someone with you if you don’t know what to look for. 

When buying a Porsche, there are many options, but the best is to finance from a company such as Magnitude. We have a range of products such as PCP Car Finance that will give you the flexibility to own your dream car. 

How Much Are the Running Costs for a Porsche 977?

The running costs for a modern Porsche are similar to those of a premium saloon car. If you schedule a service every two years along with regular maintenance then you shouldn’t have any problems. 

It is important that you find a mechanic that knows the Porsche brand well so that they can spot any issues before they become major problems. 

Which Porsche 977 Should I Buy? 

This question depends on what you want from the car. If you are a car collector, then you might want to try and find one of the more rare types as these will be a better investment. However, if you are buying one to use daily, then it depends on which one has the features you want. 

You should study each of the models and see what extras you want and which you don’t need. This will help you to narrow down the models until you find the one you want. 

Finance Your Dream Porsche 911 (977) with Magnitude

Owning a supercar such as a Porsche 911 (977) is a dream that many people will have. It conjures images of driving through the country with the top down and the sun shining. Although you can always rely on the weather, you can rely on Magnitude to give you the best bespoke finance options. You can then have the car you have always wanted, plus, you will be able to set the finance to suit your budget and have the freedom to choose the outcome at the end. 

With Magnitude, you have settlement and financial calculators to do all of the number crunching for you, along with exclusive deals and technologically advanced tools and concierge services. 

Get in touch with Magnitude now to get the best advice possible, and help you get the car you have always dreamed about.