Is the 991.1 Carrera 2 The Last Great "Base" Porsche 911?

[@andreasphotiou1886]

That’s a really nice “daily” spec 911. It’s not a limited edition, collectible model so whoever is lucky enough to buy it can enjoy it without stressing about putting a few miles on it.

[@1970boggy]

Best looking 911 ever in my view Really well made complete sports car 👍

[@tfrowland]

I really enjoy the way you talk about cars, you have a very personal and intelligent response to each model you drive. I’m not sure you’re necessarily who I’d go to for aesthetic / style advice, but I like hearing why a car appeals to you all the same. This 991.1 has an interior which was basically still being sold this year, but its atmospheric, and from a different age. Great little review

[@JayEmmOnCars]

Thanks Tom

[@ericciambra3993]

Great review. 👍 I own a 991.1 2014 Carrera 2. I use it at the weekend and miss the car when I don’t drive it. Black on black - 7 speed manual with sports Chrono. I have a few upgrades on it like the Numeric Racing quick shift and will probably add a sports exhaust as it could do with a more sporty exhaust. It’s a pure driver’s car. That is why I bought the 2014. Great naturally aspirated engine which is what Porsche is all about. Awesome car. ✌️🇺🇸

[@MrExtremesleeper]

Am I the only one that noticed the close call with the black pick up?! Steady on mate!

[@jayrusty2012]

finally, a true car for the enthusiast; no gimmicks and over complicated functionalities; just pure driving thrill!

[@dannymac6368]

Bit biased, but I agree with this sentiment whole-heartedly. My 2013 C2 has Sport Chrono, Sports Exhaust, Aerokit Cup, Sport Design wheels painted black with Sport Cup 2s in the optional 305 width out back, and the Burmester Audio package. Most importantly, to go along wonderfully with the Sport Chrono package, it‘s got a third pedal. Aside from the brakes being a bit small (only aesthetically, with the proper pads and balance, they track wonderfully) as noted, and the ride height being a bit tall, I couldn’t be happier with a daily driver. KW V3 should take care of the suspension issue, and the OEM Carrera S front rotors/calipers are a relatively simple upgrade as well. 85,000 miles in, it’s a keeper.

[@MrHansen]

Last of the naturally aspirated Porsche 911 sports cars. Modern interior and valued motor makes this the one to watch in the future.

[@jevmobile]

Just bought one of the these and it’s a fabulous car. Quality is amazing and the car has the true sports car traits. Simple equipment and precision response to the road and your commands.

[@coreyoldknow272]

I have 991.1 2013 no blue interior. Very fine car . Definitely a weekend mountain driving warrior. Love the handling and the engine sounds great. Enough power for an speedy mountain straight away

[@xmodMAN76]

It’s either the cars progress or the brand dies, you choose. I choose to have Porsche around for a long, long time.

[@petyrkowalski9887]

I had a new 997 C2s and it was awesome. More than enough power, handled like a dream and sounded great.

[@boxesnearme7535]

I have a 2013 991.1. Very similar spec. I got it certified pre owned and I was cross shopping it with a 2015-16 Porsche Cayman GTS. Really glad I picked the 911. I have tracked it and it does a great job. It's plenty fast if you know how to drive and the engine sound is amazing.

[@RaztechPowersports]

Aw man I love that blue interior 😂

[@sveeny]

Love the blue interior with those silver accents!

[@ryanmccormick2150]

Great review Jay and I personally love that 911 even the interior 🙂👍

[@odiggy]

I have this car in Carerra white with the same "yachting blue" interior, which IMO is a better color combination. It's a pure driver's car and I truly love it. The 3.4 engine with a manual transmission is the perfect combination. Having said that, you really have to learn how to drive it, like Jay says in the video, you really have to rev it to get what you want out of it.

[@thehombre75]

Is it a reliable car to have and maintain?

[@schiazzano]

Picked up one of these “base” models as my first 911 about 6 mos ago. So much fun to drive. Nice companion to my wife’s 2023 cayenne with all its bells and whistles

[@Zsword92]

Love this channel. Keep doing what you're doing and it will blow up in time Jay

[@JayEmmOnCars]

That's the hope!

[@hazarddavid6987]

What a lovely NA engine...revs and revs and revs...you feel involved...its the working thru the revs that makes the experience wonderful. I m lucky enough to have one, albeit the C2S...and an old Evo 9...and i love both but the C2S is a bit more satisfying somehow...

[@CayenneTurboDriver]

The 991.1 Carrera is a fantastic car, but sports exhaust is an absolute MUST!

[@Ghosthunter1968]

You need more subs. Spreading the word

[@tutelarius]

Last thing this fella needs is another sub...

[@ak203]

I like the way he rockets over the "SLOW" sign on the road in the intro:)

[@bicyclist2]

I love the beautiful blue leather interior, and the fact that it has a manual transmission. Most 911's here in the US are automatics. It's also interesting to see that it has a rear wiper. Another option that's really not seen very much here. I hope Porsche brings back the manual option for the base 992 911. Thanks.

[@713vinh]

This is a beautiful car, very basic with no frills and a proper 7sp manual gear box. This is how I like it.

[@welcome1971]

I fell in love with Porsche when I saw the first Bad Boys movie.

[@streetport13b]

So did i

[@xmarxthaspot]

Same!

[@pride355]

Power steering plus option makes a significant effect on elektrical steering wheel system vs stock power steering which has a more natural feel and heavier + loads up and communicates much better on the corners.

[@robertoquerini8220]

Sorry, you mean that stock power steering is better than power steering plus? I'm really interested about that.

[@pride355]

@@robertoquerini8220 yes, in my experience, stock power steering has more analogue feel than PSP and it weights more on the corners than PSP.

[@markday6524]

My spec would be BASE with the PDK as the only option. I could live well with the blue interior. And the steering wheel would be on the left side.

[@prestonhall4428]

I very much agree with your assessment in this case. The 991.1 is not perfect but it is hard for me to get excited about the 991.2 and 992 due to the smaller turbo charged engine. I actually like the look of the 991.2 and 992 better than the 991.1 Those cars are faster, but they are also more complex. The 991.1 may not be perfect but currently they are the newest 911s that I love. if the turbo 3.0 turns out to be a fuss free super reliable engine years down the road I will happily change my opinion. That blue interior definitely grows on you and is much better than the red interior that a lot of folks get in my opinion.

[@MrGB1999]

There's hardly anything between the 991 and 997 interior. Don't let that put you off the 997. It's cheaper, sounds better, is basically as fast (even the 3.6, which is the safer engine to buy), feels better with hydraulic steering, is smaller and more nimble, has incredible manual 'boxes and can be made to sound ridiculous by coring out the baffling of the back boxes / buying a relatively cheap aftermarket and sticking sport cats on it. 991 slides more into GT / older man territory. 997 is just modern enough to feel pleasing by today's standards and yet is still very much an authentic 911!

[@raupenimmersatt6906]

The 991 Turbo S Cabriolet is THE old man car for sure.

[@1ommm]

The 991 just looks better

[@Nord_Mann]

1ommm and the 991.2 more so👌🏻

[@aidansan514]

Not sure why it took so long to find your channel! Very informative about the the 991 which I Have been looking to purchase or the Boxster 718 s so was looking for some videos to evaluate the pros and cons. Love the way you talk about the driving experience and rational thinking which is such a good change from other reviewers look at me Im so great and regurgitate the same nonsense like a lemming. Keep up the good work! Subscribed!

[@JayEmmOnCars]

Thanks! Plenty of Porsche videos on the channel to enjoy

[@Betheball1966]

This vid was part of research for a c2s I bought this year. Def not too big for uk B roads. Perfect.

[@un1b4ll]

As an American these narrow roads and common veering out of lane gives me massive anxiety

[@Birmingham_racing]

To me my favourite 911 for the road is the 997 4s

[@2702simmo]

It’s a lovely looking car but like most modern cars too big and heavy Lightness is the best way of motoring which is why I’d love an old one

[@2702simmo]

@@AgencyTCD just looked into that and I didn’t realise it was only 1400kg. Says a 997 is 1395 but I’m surprised. My 996 is about 1300 ish and I live the lightness but that’s surprised me regarding 991

[@nickvasey915]

997, please. :)

[@phildrouet3921]

All in good time, all in good time 👍

[@NAVMAN987]

Just drove one a week ago. I was not expecting much. The one I drove had a sports exhaust. I wanted to buy there and then: it was a fun drive and alas I dint have enough money to buy it :(

[@iqbal74]

I have the same car thanks for the review At last I found a review about my model Since I can’t afford any Add ones 😅🤞

[@nigel.w]

I think this is close to the ideal Sunday morning B-road blast spec, because you can rev it out with least risk to your licence. I'd downsize the wheels to 19s, and that's about it. For those who want the exhaust to bang, crackle and pop, you can get PSE retrofitted at a Porche Centre. However, I don't think it's the ideal spec if you want to daily your 911, for the same reason it's a great spec for a B-road blaster: it needs to be revved to make the power, and the relatively low torque. For a daily 991.1, I'd want an S or a Turbo, with PDK. As for the blue interior, I personally much prefer it to the ubiquitous all black. As always, YMMV.

[@Nick_Henri]

Totally agree. Personally, I find the PSE sound horrid with all the bangs, crackles and pops. Makes the car sound either broken or overly pimped up.

[@Pufferkusser]

Still for sale August 2020. Might be due to the dealers reputation, I got my fingers burnt there years ago.

[@Nord_Mann]

I think you forget the manual Carrera T. It’s actually the best hidden gem of the entire 4-seater 911 lineup from 1963 until today but that’s forgivable. Most ppl do. But it’s just phenomenally good. And versatile.

[@JayEmmOnCars]

The T wasn't a base 911 though, and people tried to flip them - and failed

[@Nord_Mann]

JayEmm on Cars nothing can be flipped these days. I’m considering selling 1 911 and I think the 964 Turbo leaves my garage before my T

[@visionist7]

Love a 911 with a rear wiper. I wouldn't order one without

[@wackrapsatire]

Pointless. 911´s with a rear wiper are a sacrilege.

[@oliverbrookwell]

Do you know the price it was up for when you posted this video? See it’s up for sale currently.

[@MWS1960]

I bought a 2014 991.1 with only 9k miles on the car. I absolutely love this car and the naturally aspirated ending. Racing yellow of course 👍

[@visionist7]

Rear wiper? :-p

[@tomevans5934]

Any chance to try and review a noble m12

[@spacechicken336]

Welcome to my neck of the woods big yin! thanks for looking out for cyclists :) another great film mate.

[@alasdairkerr258]

Their showroom is a few mins from my office, always like seeing what they have in the window. Props to them for letting you review.

[@TallDrink911]

I have a 2013 Porsche Carrera. PDK, Sports exhaust and chrono package. I have 82k miles on it and it gets better every day. Looking at a new one but I just can’t get rid of my 991 baby that Still checks all the boxes

[@udhisilva738]

Did you buy it as a high mileage car? Curious as I’m considering one over 70k as a weekend car. Interested in your thoughts

[@TallDrink911]

@@udhisilva738 hi! I bought it with 14k miles on the odometer. Funny you replied, I sold it in February for 30k what I paid for it. I now have a 992 Carrera S that is unbelievable

[@carlmaissan4340]

Great review of a solid car. Definitely on the short-list for my next car. Small suggestion...please cut the first 3 sec of your b-roll drive-by shots. "Oh is that a car in the distance, yep something's coming, silence, silence, silence, ok now here it comes for real..."

[@garoglasser]

Great video I agree obsession with track cars that are not really usable on normal roads makes no sense. I have a 997S and I like the look of the 991 but would prefer the S version. I don’t think shrinking the wheels will work with this car and while it is very nice the blue interior is a bit strong. However it’s not the last best 911 it seems that the one before the latest one is the last best one however get the best and newest one you can afford and that will be the best one until you eventually replace it and don’t look back.

[@LastGamer]

997 all the way

[@geecars6263]

I watched this video from 1 year ago because I fancied a look at a silver 991 that Scottish Motor Services have up for sale...and it turns out to be the exact same car 😂

[@D4rkS4v4nt]

Gotta love Metropole blue 😄 got it in my 996, also a good buy along with the 997 IMO. Still not sure about the 991 hasn't quite got that classic look that the earlier cars have...

[@nerdysubjects8772]

I love that color interior! All I can find right now is black/tan interiors 🤦‍♂️

[@seandenny1553]

I love my 991.1 though I did get the S and the sport exhaust and whatever option and it got all the things that make it awesome it’s probably too fast I don’t know why anybody would need anything faster you stomp on the gas it throws you back in the seat and it’s flying down the road in seconds which means I’m already going way too fast and probably in five seconds I gotta slow down before I hit triple digits.But I’m not about the top in speed I will never go there the love is in the tight 3540 miles an hour flat turning dream car and it’s a literal blast to drive especially when shifting the PDk using the stick I know what everyone would say you gotta have a clutch well I’ve had one my whole life this PDk is way more enjoyable And more versatile for different forms of driving

[@fraserpitkethly2265]

what road is this Jay? looks epic

[@davie_dibelanda9401]

Pity still out of my budget,here in The Nederland still at €75-120k….is one of my dream

[@nakoma5]

992: The interior is all so black. 991: The interior is all too blue. Jaguar XJ review I recall he said he didn't fancy beige interiors. Well geez what color do you want? xD In any case, I'll take blue over boring black.

[@JayEmmOnCars]

Black with splashes of colour is fine

[@nakoma5]

@@JayEmmOnCars Fair enough. = )

[@JD_-_]

I personally prefer the 991.2 with the boosted low end torque; nothing worse than waiting for power on a sports car... and it does sound great with PSE and if it isn’t enough for you, just install a Soul Performance exhaust (your neighbours might hate you for it though). Regarding understeer a 4S with rear wheel steer does the job!

[@nighthawk0077]

Conversely, nothing worse than running out of power early. There is something to be said about winding out each gear to extract maximum power/enjoyment. Otherwise a Corvette with stump pulling torque at 3000rpm is the better option.

[@graemew7001]

If I had that sort of money then you'd have just sold that car to me, my ideal would be a 997 Carrera 4S but I'd have been tempted into this instead.

[@patricebaumel]

Best looking 911 of recent times. The red reflector band of the C4 really makes for a beautiful rear.

[@graemew7001]

@@patricebaumel The only 911 that doesn't appeal to me from the very first to now is the 996, I can't get away with the front end styling, it looks all wrong IMO.

[@Fee.1]

Forgive me...I took a break from your channel because I’ve been having a rough time since my mom passed (I know I’m tired of hearing about it too). Anyway I figured I’d save up a bunch of your videos so I could binge next time i felt like eating a bowl of bullets so here I am. Binging. Missed you. Put your comment notifications on mute 🤐 😂

[@JayEmmOnCars]

Well you've got some great content to catch up on. Welcome back

[@mrh6577]

Once people get use to the idea of a particular model then it’s the next best thing. A short while back the 997 was the last true 911 . And I’m sure there was a 911 before that which was considered the last. Originally the 991 was considered too big when it first arrived. Now Porsche lovers have got use to the idea it’s the next best thing. For me it’s still too big. In time when new models come out I’m sure the 992 will be considered the best for whichever reason given. This does make me chuckle. The Cayman is now the size of the older 911 and probably now the better looking and driving car, and that comes from a 911 owner! The Cayman will be on my shortlist next time around.

[@seandenny1553]

I think the steering is awesome at 991.1 S it’s a perfect car. Old cars are nice they’re just not as nice as the new ones and I’m a vintage fan

[@mistermikeyjay]

great vid! quick question: does this porsche suffer from the ims bearing issue i hear about a lot on other yt videos?

[@JayEmmOnCars]

Nope, no 911s after the 997.1 do

[@clouduos]

Thanks alot mate, I found a 2013 s, 150km, is it worth the buying? I mean in term of the millage done. The Price is really good. It it daily use car ? Thanks alot never drove 911 before

[@brianm2677]

Just seen this car is for sale on auto trader! Currently £45,995 36k miles

[@verde629]

A base 911 will always be better than no 911

[@billbrooks4694]

och aye the noo. dunno how to spell it, but great way to start a video !

[@andrewdavis6226]

Looks like it may still be for sale Jay!

[@marklawton1052]

You should drive my heavily specified, late 991.1 3.8S PDK for comparison! Forget the Boxster spec 3.4 - mine howls like a banshee through its PSE plus delivers more mid range torque and a scintillating top end.

[@JayEmmOnCars]

I will if you're offering?

[@marklawton1052]

@@JayEmmOnCars Sure - why not! I think it makes a huge contrast with the 3.4 Gen 1 and the turbocharged Gen 2!

[@JayEmmOnCars]

@@marklawton1052 drop me a line on [e-mail]

[@Dez456]

997 gen2 for me: smaller and IMO better looking, reliable DFI engine; and the last 911 that was developed whist Porsche was an independent company.

[@raykunik4702]

sean050483 150% agree

[@713vinh]

Porsche 911 was really a sports car to take out on the weekend and go for a spirited driving. Same with Ferraris and Lambos. The 991 lost the sportiness and was geared towards the newer crowd. I prefer the 997.2 with the more nostalgic looks and analog feel but to each their own.

[@yskr0102]

I think this has been said about almost all outgoing 911’s... First the 993 was the last great 911, then it was the 997 and now of course it’s the 991. I guess if it wasn’t for the fried egg headlights it would’ve been said about the 996 as well 🤷‍♂️

[@I999-g2s]

Judged from the perspective of “bang for the buck”, some would argue in favour of the 996. Really, there’s a 911 for everyone.

[@Roddy_Zeh]

If the 993 was the last of the aircooled, the 991.1 is the last of the N/A's (not counting the GT3/RS's because high-performance editions)...soon, the 992 may be "the last of the internal combustion ones." :'( But I'd definitely consider a Carrera S too, because of the extra torque from the larger 3.8 unit. Anyway, that doesn't mean I wouldn't consider a base Carrera.

[@slytherben]

Better looking yes, but no engine access, electric park brake, electric steering = reasons the 997.2 is better. And remember the 997.2 has the same engine. But there's no doubt the 991 is prettier inside and out

[@anidiotinaracingcar]

It's also the first ever 911 with useable rear seats

[@lloydgriffiths1847]

Hey! Had no idea you were up in Scotland. Also, what’s mental is I’ve seen this car on Auto Trader all the time and here you are driving it! wtf

[@JayEmmOnCars]

I will be returning to Scotland - I announce my trips on the community page on YT

[@julianevans9548]

But could you put up with the electric power steering? Why not save yourself a bundle and go for the 997? (Tech, schmech.)

[@visionist7]

997 GTS must be a cracking car with the Manual. Did they make a 997 GTS? lol

[@raupenimmersatt6906]

Jup there was a GTS 997... But sadly no Targa GTS. And the 991 was a heavy GTS4.

[@julianevans9548]

@@raupenimmersatt6906 Looks fantastic in dark green, though - if I can be shallow. www.motorward.com/2016/12/eye-candy-irish-green-porsche-991-targa/

[@juff0401]

Love the vid. Hope people stop calling the base 911 Carrera “2”. It’s just Carrera now, since quite some time already.

[@JayEmmOnCars]

That is true, but it's easier to call it C2 as people always ask which it is

[@hugohugo2832]

Is it a good swap for a 996 turbo? I’m thinking of switching

[@JayEmmOnCars]

I wouldn't say so

[@hugohugo2832]

@@JayEmmOnCarsthanks.

[@aviator-kn8zq]

All you need is a standard Carrera , smaller turbos and it's a hoot to drive.

[@JayEmmOnCars]

No turbos here

[@rafordy]

997 C2s 3.8 is all you need

[@drewmorg.]

PDK over manual. Hate me.

[@milesowen1348]

997 is the last Porsche that is a real drivers car. Carrera 2S or GT3 / GT3RS Rear wheel drive perfect balance👍👍👍

[@charleschenhua]

So true about the plastering the color all over the interior. LOL

[@713vinh]

No the 997.2 base is the best 911. It remained true to form before it got bloated in size and electronics.

[@Wallygjs]

Given that the dealer was kind enough to lend you the car why not put a link to their site and the car in question. I hope you're not getting too big for your boots Jay Emm?

[@JayEmmOnCars]

Did I not mention them in the video? Missing out the link in description was an oversight and I will correct it

[@Wallygjs]

@@JayEmmOnCars You did mention them I think, but it's so much easier if you point us directly to the car in question or the dealer's site as I am never 100% certain I have found the right one or the right dealer. But thanks for replying.

[@AmericanBusinessman422]

The interior being entirely bathed in one unique color is just what I want. Get away from the boring old blacks. Go for some beiges, tans, blues, skip reds, and maybe creams.

[@JD_-_]

The last great is the 991.2!!

[@frankarmstrong689]

997 is better. Easier to work on and maintain.

[@Fee.1]

I hate understeer I want one with a understeer cancelation system. I think the 997 is hard to pass up Hey does the base Rev higher or something?

[@memememine1]

I rented a 991.1 base and fell in love. After watching a bunch of videos I think the base seems like it revs faster due to the sound and the fact it revs slower in the mid range then really accelrates hard during the last 5k. The larger 3.8 pulls more evenly between mid and top end. I haven't tried a 911 with rear wheel steering but maybe that could help some of the low speed understeer.

[@verde629]

Love the 991.1. Just don’t like these old man colors most of these cars have

[@TDS981]

Looks a bit dated in that spec sadly. 981 with that engine is way more fun.

[@pjay3028]

No, the 997 is the last great base 911. 991.1 has long wheelbase so loses agility, electric steering so loses feel and interaction and 3.4 litre engine so loses torque, and it's just that bit too big for UK B roads too. And what do you get in return? Bigger back seats, better fuel economy, a nicer dashboard and a more comfortable ride (due to stupidly soft spring rates). And that sums up everything that's wrong with the priorities of modern 911s.

[@bengaltiger96]

Even if it's the most "broke bitch" 911 out there, it's still a 911. Former owner of a bargain basement 911SC (when they were cheap to buy) and a 996 (same idea). Don't reckon prices for 911s will ever come down again for me to buy a third unless I win lotto, or they become illegal to drive and I'm having to sneak one out at odd hours. Good memories at least.

[@stephenwright3788]

996 Carrera 2. 3.6 manual. Last of the small Porches...

[@JayEmmOnCars]

I always had a soft spot for the 3.4

[@stephenwright3788]

@@JayEmmOnCars The 996 3.4 is a great car, underrated and after 20 years is still a formidable motor, its light, quick and feels like a small sports car with big power....those days have gone.....

[@lightenergyfractoid5675]

If you want to drive, get a Cayman, if you want to pose get a 911.

[@Msalaspotja]

The last great base 911 was the 964.

[@EvoraGT430]

Utter bollocks.

[@wilf18]

Nonsense

[@joetacchino4470]

The 991.1 Carrera isn’t a great car. The .1 steering is not great until at least 2016. The 3.4 has absolutely no grunt down low. And the chassis is...ok. The 991.2 Carrera is far better. The Turbo engine has very little lag, and a much more usable torque curve. Plus, the EPAS is nearing GT car levels of good. And the updated steering wheel and infotainment make it feel like a car that would age well. Sacrilege against the NA engine? Maybe. But I own a 991.1 S and even with 400 HP, unless you are absolutely caning it, it struggles to come alive.

[@wilf18]

Wish I hadn’t have read that.

[@jhan4915]

Joe, I completely agree. I have a 991.1 4S. Complete thrill AFTER 5000 rpm. Disappointing on the low end. Thinking of selling and getting a 992 but concerned about turbo lag. Didn’t help either that I had to replace my serpentine belts twice under 20k miles. It wears right in the middle of the belt as if someone put a blade to it and no one knows why. Ridiculous

[@TheMentalblockrock]

The next base Porsche 911 will have the turbo four cylinder 718 Boxster engine in it in the revival of the four cylinder 912. This is to lower Porsche's CO2 emissions.