Used Porsche 911 Buyer's Guide

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The Porsche 911 is without a doubt one of the most successful, well-known, and respected sports cars ever built. With a rich history dating back to its inception in 1963, the Porsche 911 has been an incredible success, both on the road and at the racetrack. Owning one of these sports cars is an incredible experience, giving drivers an unparalleled feeling when behind the wheel, making even the shortest of drives feel like a trip down the Autobahn. With now more than 55 years of Porsche 911 to choose from, our inventory at AutoNation USA is the best place to find a used Porsche 911 for sale. Browse below to learn more about this popular sports car, and shop our current inventory of used Porsche 911 for sale.



Popular Porsche 911 Generations

The Porsche 911 is unique in that over its nearly 60-year history, the car has stayed true to its original design first shown off in 1963. Maintaining its unique rear-engine layout and 2+2 seating style, the Porsche 911 is one of the most enduring car designs ever. Now while the design has stayed largely the same, the technology has advanced dramatically, with modern tech and modern horsepower. Below we've highlighted some of the key differences and features on the Porsche 911, which you can shop for today at AutoNation USA.

996 Porsche 911 (1999-2005)

Porsche introduced the 996 for the 1999 model year, featuring a sleeker body style and an all-new (and controversial) headlight style. This was also the first 911 to feature a modern water-cooled engine, which allowed for more reliable horsepower while maintaining the flat-six layout. This was also the first generation for the now very popular 911 GT3, a racing-inspired model based on their success in GT3 cup racing. The 996 continued until 2005, where it was replaced by the new 997 body style.



997 Porsche 911 (2005-2012)

The Porsche 911 returned with a new redesign in 2005 with the 997 body style. This brought back the iconic round headlights, giving the car a more traditional 911 appearance, all while lowering aerodynamic drag. The interior was updated as well, sharing many components with the updated 987 Boxster. Engines were improved over the 996 generation, with more standard horsepower in base models, and a stunning 612 horsepower in the top-spec GT2 RS. The 997 ended production in 2012, with the 991 taking over.



991 Porsche 911 (2012-2019)

The 991 generation of the Porsche 911 brought an all-new chassis, featuring a standard 350 horsepower 3.4L engine in base trim, up to a 4.0L in GT3 models. The PDK transmission was now standard equipment, with an available 7-speed manual in most trims. The 991 also managed to trim weight from the outgoing 997 body style, thanks to its use of aluminum body panels. Later models would feature backup cameras and enhanced safety systems, helping keep drivers safe while still maintaining high-end performance. The 991 would eventually be replaced in 2020 with the 992.



992 Porsche 911 (2020-Present)

Arriving for the 2020 model year, the most recent generation 911 has been completely redesigned, featuring a subtle exterior facelift, more reminiscent of the classic 911. The base engine option is now a turbocharged 3.0L, with 30 more horsepower than the 991. A manual transmission option was carried over as well, much to the joy of car enthusiasts. Convenience features have also been improved, with available Apple CarPlay and Adaptive Cruise Control to make long drives even more comfortable.



Porsche 911 Trim Levels

In addition to over 55 years of Porsche 911, and numerous different generations and body styles, there are a variety of popular trim levels to choose from. The entry-level 911 Carrera is a great option for those seeking an exciting daily driver with the basics, or you can opt for the high-performance GT3 RS, a road-legal racing car ready for any track day. Learn more below and shop by trim level for you perfect used Porsche 911.

Porsche 911 Carrera

The Porsche 911 Carrera is the base trim level, available in rear-wheel drive. Expect to find a naturally-aspirated 6-cylinder engine, with the exception of the standard turbocharged 992 models. Options are usually light, but Carrera models are still very well equipped when compared to most other sports cars! On newer model years you'll find features like standard backup cameras and Apple CarPlay, as well as improved safety features.



Porsche 911 Carrera 4

The Porsche 911 Carrera 4 expands on the standard Carrera trim, updating the drivetrain with a four-wheel drive layout. This improves acceleration across the board, and can improve handling on challenging surfaces. Available in Carrera, S, and GTS trims, the 4 is one of the most popular modern trim levels on the Porsche 911. Expect to find PDK transmissions as the prevailing standard, with some built with manual transmissions. If you plan on using the Porsche 911 as your daily driver, an all-wheel drive Carrera 4 is an excellent choice for year-round driving.



Porsche 911 Carrera GTS

The Porsche 911 Carrera GTS expands on the already well-equipped Carrera and Carrera 4 trim levels, adding improved sports suspension systems, improved brakes, stickier rubber tires as standard, and a sports exhaust. All of this combined adds up to a nice increase in horsepower, making it one of the most exciting Carrera trim levels. The GTS is also one of the best trim levels for a manual transmission, and is the only way to get a manual Targa in recent years. Short of a GT3, this is the most fun you can have in a Carrera!



Porsche 911 Turbo

For those wanting the most powerful Porsche 911 available, look no further than a 911 Turbo. This variant features all of the best from the Carrera and adds an incredibly powerful turbocharged engine. Modern variants like the 996 come with all-wheel drive as standard, and higher trims like the Turbo S can now accelerate from 0-60 in less than three seconds! While trims like the GT3 and GT3 RS are incredible around the track, nothing beats the power and acceleration of a Porsche 911 Turbo.



Porsche 911 GT3

When it comes to pure, focused driving, there is no better option out there than a Porsche 911 GT3 or GT3 RS. These cars offer some of the most direct and precise handling and performance offered by just about any major manufacturer. Popular at track days and car meets, the Porsche 911 GT3 is the ultimate driver's sports car. First offered with the 996 generation, the GT3 has gone on to be one of the most desirable 911 trim levels on the market, and is still available with a manual transmission!



Used Porsche 911 for Sale at AutoNation USA

The Porsche 911 is one of the all-time greatest sports cars, and has shaped an entire lineup of Porsche cars and SUVs. And with over 55 years of Porsche 911 cars produced, there are plenty for you to choose from here at AutoNation USA. Whether you're shopping for an entry-level 911 Carrera, or the track-focused 911 GT3, we are sure to have the perfect used Porsche 911 for you. Click below to find your nearest AutoNation USA location and schedule a showing today!




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*AZ - Taxes, title, registration fees, government fees, and $799 dealer services fee is not included in price.

CO - Taxes, registration fees, and government fees are not included in price. Dealer delivery and handling fee of $799 included in price.

FL - Sales tax or other taxes, tag, title, registration fees, government fees, tag agency/electronic filing fee and $995 dealer service fee are not included in quoted price.

GA - Dealer service fee of $899 included in quoted price. Sales tax or other taxes, tag, registration fees, and government fees are not included in quoted price.

MO - Taxes, title, registration fees, government fees, and $587.43 dealer document fee are not included in price.

NC - Taxes, title, registration fees, government fees, $149 electronic filing fee and up to $899 dealer administrative fee are not included in price.

NM - Sales tax or other taxes, tag, title, registration fees, government fees, and $799 Dealer Service Transfer Fee are not included in quoted price.

NV - Taxes, title, registration fees, government fees, and $799 dealer document fee are not included in price.

SC - SC Infrastructure Maintenance Fee (IMF), tags, title, or any other applicable taxes and fees and are not included in quoted price. Price includes $599 Closing Fee. IMF is to be paid at the time of titling and registering a newly purchased vehicle unless an exemption applies. The IMF is 5% of purchase price, not to exceed $500. In addition to the IMF, there are fees associated with titling and registering the vehicle, as well as property taxes.

TX - Taxes, license, title, registration fees, government fees, and up to $225 dealer documentary fee are not included in price.