Porsche 997 Turbo ultimate buying guide & 2021 drive review

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Your ultimate buying guide for the Porsche 997.1 Turbo is here! This video will give you everything you need to know about the 997 Turbo, including a complete rundown of the spec and stats behind this brilliant 911 all-rounder which offers supercar performance for 718 Boxster money.
I also chat to an industry specialist for a market view of the 997 Turbo, plus there’s a 2021 drive review - can the last 911 Turbo with that fabled Mezger engine still impress 15 years after it was first released?
The 997 Turbo followed the 996 Turbo of course, but as we’ll see in the video, the 997 Turbo offers a lot more car for a little more cash, with a big power increase to 480bhp, plus extra tech such as Sport Chrono, PASM, and Sport mapping, which is all still part of the Porsche 911 Turbo armour today. But what do you need to look out for when buying a 997 Turbo? My ultimate guide will tell you everything you need to know!
This exceptional 997.1 Turbo with manual transmission is currently for sale at Jonathan Franklin Cars: visit jonathanfranklincars.com.
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Filmed and part edited by Blades Media.
#porsche997 #997turbo #911turbo

[@user-qn6yt3zx3w]

My friend has a standard 997.1 turbo, and keeps up no-problem with my 991.2 GT3 on ‘give and take’ country roads. And I absolutely love watching the turbo on the road with its cartoonishly wide rear end!

[@oscardriver]

Manual Turbos should have never died

[@eSysmanTech]

997 turbos are known to have smoke on startup, water can pool in the exhaust causing condensation (white smoke) until it warms up. Also the oil seals for the turbos can drip a little oil that gets burnt off until the car warms up. It’s a common thing. I’ve owned a 997 turbo for 8 years. One major thing missing from the car featured is sports seats. One other thing, the last 997 to feature the Mezger engine was the 997 GT3RS 4.0 but I’ll let that one go as your comment was more of a general descriptive comment than anything! Good video though. Well filmed and edited.

[@RSTI191]

My 2001 996 Turbo would on occasion billow. First time it happened I almost shit myself. Thought I fried the engine or something..

[@thechap5402]

This channel deserves way more subscribers, great content!!!

[@9WERKSTV]

Thank you!

[@williamchambless9945]

Great to see a recent video I love my 911 turbo I will have the title in 3 more months! What a great car and has shot up in value. I have driven mine from 39k to 75k

[@osmanghazibaburhan8880]

Got one, over engineering at it best, 3.6 legendaryMezger engine, VGT Turbo's what an epic setup.

[@osmanghazibaburhan8880]

@S.A. G Fepends on the general definitions of "over engineering" is. Research and development allows the experienced engineer to establish the best materials and machining methods required for the project success, Porsche Carrera 997.1 is a great example of that.

[@osmanghazibaburhan8880]

@S.A. G where does NASA and MIT hire from, Asia? We are taking about automotive engineering, Dr Hans Mezger, RIP 🙏

[@osmanghazibaburhan8880]

@S.A. G Asia 53% Europe 23% Latin America and the Caribbean 8% North America6% Middle East 6% Africa 3% Oceania1, NASA 2019 figures

[@W42PZ]

*VTG

[@jmoo876]

997.2 turbo s is the most underrated super car

[@SignalCorps1]

….and the 9997.1 is the second most underrated.

[@jmattcarrasco]

Someone may have mentioned it already, but my understanding for the use of the Mezger engine in the 997 MK1 cars was due to durability concerns with the M97 engines. The 9A1 power plant would take care of that in the MK2 and onward but it's a testament to how well the Mezger engine was designed that even to this day they power some of the best cars produced ever: GT3 RS 4.0, @sharkwerks 3.9, Sharkwerks 4.1. Enough said.

[@9WERKSTV]

You're right - just like the 996 before it, the Mezger was favoured over the M96 & M97 due to the fact the Mezger design wasn't prone to oil starvation during high cornering loads.

[@713vinh]

What a dream car. Great video mate, keep up the good work!

[@danielrigby9984]

Thanks for the video. I’ve got a 997.1 turbo cab and love it. Over 70k on the clock and gets well used. The tiptronic get a bad press sometimes, but it makes it easy to drive than a smart car.

[@cornishrider]

What a stunning looking 911!

[@9WERKSTV]

Agreed!

[@drcars1530]

Great presentation of the 997.1 Turbo. I have a 2009 manual and love it and it just feels special. I enjoyed your conversation with James (Auto Amateur) and the others a couple weeks ago ad I've already badgered James to have more discussions like that. Thanks for sharing!

[@howardweir3112]

Have same car, a cab, manual, tuned to 540 bhp-love it

[@ambersykes1419]

Very interesting & informative. Thanks for taking the time to make it 🙂

[@9WERKSTV]

Thanks Amber!

[@NorwegianCarGuy]

Superb content as always!

[@chrissoegono5139]

Not sure how I’m just now coming across this video, but very well done! Love all the info and the quick crash course on turbo engineering - historically, the stator vanes stayed in a fixed position only allowing boost to build based on its ability to condense the forced intake air, but with the vanes being “variable”, maximizing airflow became that much better overall (similar technology used on aircraft engine since they’re essentially just a giant turbo). The first mod I made to my 997 Turbo was replacing the exhaust. The Europipe has really given this car the sound it should have come with from the factory.

[@julian987r4]

Good luck finding a manual. Soooo many were specced poorly and have been for sale for, some going on, 5 years!

[@9WERKSTV]

Manuals are rarer, for sure!

[@grumpygrant4537]

My friends dad had one of these and he gave me a ride on one. Omg it is the most beautiful Porsche ever made imo and the feeling of the acceleration is next level. If I ever have 100 grand laying around I’m buying one

[@danielpan5147]

Just bought a 2013 911 Turbo...it is a BEAST.

[@hermanjohnson4050]

Love my 997.1 tip simply a awesome drive thanks for the vid

[@markmclaughlin8046]

Nice video. I have a 997turbo, and absolutely love it 😀

[@9WERKSTV]

Cheers Mark. Fun 911 you've got there, enjoy!

[@TheMoodyedge]

"Buying guide" is a bit of a stretch.

[@wernerengel4919]

Great informative video. I have a 2008 cabriolet. Can’t drive at speed on the road so appreciate the added dimension of nature flying past.

[@9WERKSTV]

Thanks for the kind words. A Cab is a great choice and feeds into the car's "all-rounder" setup. Enjoy.

[@cboria148]

Lee is such a damn good automotive journalist. Unbelievable difference in knowledge on 911s. Please start publishing books, mate!

[@lastrasp]

Excellent t as always Lee.

[@9WERKSTV]

Thanks Andy!

[@ed911turbo-macanturbo]

Great review

[@jond4628]

Great video Lee

[@9WERKSTV]

Thanks Jon!

[@darrenstone3693]

Absolutely stunning machine, in a great colour too👍

[@rns2222]

Nice summary of 997.1 turbo! For buyers, transmission choice really does put these used cars in two different price ranges.

[@9WERKSTV]

Thanks, and agreed. The manual is more sought after, and not as common as Tiptronic.

[@harrisclassics7049]

That’s the cleanest Jonathan’s car has ever been.!!!

[@easyeaz]

All flat 6's smoke on start up , great video ! That's a cracker of a car hats off to owner.!!

[@Hhh-j8o]

Holy crap, 60k quid.....pocket change compared to what these go for in Australia right now....They start at $200k aud, or around 110k pounds....

[@tomperry4798]

Had a 2009 tiptronic it was quick but wasn't that keen on the seats and the button gear change interface on the steering wheel was a really bad design though to you can put a paddle shift kit in

[@sherparoyale]

Bought an 04 996TT cab a few weeks ago. Am in love including the lights and as if on queue - at exactly 1,000 mi in - I received my first ticket going 125 mph. I’m shocked I’m not in jail. Last ticket was in 2007.

[@nigelwarner1497]

Definitely an itch to be scratched at some point

[@michaeljohncox3898]

In British Columbia, Canada you can buy the least desirable 997 turbo - Cab with tiptronic for about $65,000 CAD with under 100,000 miles. I might have to sell my 996 aero and go for it. Great review - thanks!

[@midasman1768]

Thanks, great vid. Ive got a 997.1 and love it. Prefer it to the 991.2 GTS I had 👍🏼

[@9WERKSTV]

That's great to hear you've gone for proper Turbo rather than merely a turbo'd 911! Enjoy, and thanks for the kind words.

[@yetidh9]

Good video. I purchased a manual 997.1 Turbo last summer and it is everything I thought it would be and more. There is just so much performance and the car is so useable. I find myself reaching for the keys for every journey, it just gives me a massive grin every time.

[@dweyhrauch09]

I’m looking at 996 and 997 turbo. Can I ask if you feel like it’s overpowered for recreational driving (eg country roads)? Wondering if, with that much power, it would accelerate too quickly and you wouldn’t get to enjoy the power band.

[@yetidh9]

@@dweyhrauch09 Good question. After driving it for another year I would say yes, it's a bit too fast. If you keep your foot on the gas in 3rd or 4th gear, you will end up in jail :-) It pulls hard from low down, so you don't really use the whole power band like you would in a normally aspirated car. It doesn't sound better higher up in the revs either. It's nice hearing the turbos spool up then being shot down the road on a wave of torque.

[@dweyhrauch09]

@@yetidh9 - thanks very much for the reply! That makes sense and really appreciate hearing about your experience. // Thinking I'll end up pursuing a 996 Turbo manual.

[@yetidh9]

@@dweyhrauch09the 996 is more raw than the 997. Great cars, very fast. I don’t mind the headlamps/looks but I couldn’t live with the interior. That’s where the 997 is a step up. The 997 still feels fresh, aside from the infotainment system.

[@SignalCorps1]

@@dweyhrauch09I have one and I’m near 60 and live in a small town. If you’re responsible, the power is very manageable. The 997.1 is safer than the 996.2 as it has better transaction and stability control. Also the 997.1 will depreciate much slower than the 996.2 and has a reasonable chance of being worth more than your pay for it in 5-10 years.

[@HawkMillFarm]

I had a 997.2 pdk. Great car but ride was a little harsh for me for touring which can be put right with. DSC box from 9 Excellence. Agree re noise too and I ended trading for a late low mile NA 991.1 C4S for more character.

[@9WERKSTV]

A few people have gone down the DSC route, it's a great upgrade.

[@olivervaldes4223]

If you like tracks, driving around mountain roads with your wife. This timeless beauty is the cream de le cream my friends. The Mezger engine in there will draw any motorsport enthusiast to want to chat with you. You literally will own a Legend.

[@user-qn6yt3zx3w]

When it comes to 911 content made by regular people, it doesn’t get much better than the nine eleven guy

[@jazzloggins1715]

So I need information from you about the best year to purchase a 911 turbo, which is the best year I should purchase as my first 911

[@toetsenbordridder]

15 years old..looks better than most racecars nowadays😅

[@steviemarco7353]

I like the 997 but at the time could only afford a 996TT X50 which was amazing. If the only thing that's a negative is the headlights I'll take that, I like to be different. But I would still like a 997 or 991.1

[@9WERKSTV]

A good 996TT with X50 is a top buy! Very hard to find a good 996TT for sale currently, they're in high demand. The 997TT handles better than the 996, but the 996 is still a great all-rounder and very good value for money.

[@us9123]

997turbo the next 993turbo legend

[@aliray7979]

Great video. I just got a 997 gen 1.5 manual turbo. Reckon they will hold value / appreciate?

[@sutherlacd27]

That car will skyrocket in value

[@hunterdubber2915]

I was looking forward to this video due to liking all your previous videos. However this video is more of a detailed review on the 997.1 turbo ,rather than a true buyers guide. Brushing over the facts of any pitfalls and what to look out for on "Turbo" specific models and generalising " as long as you get a good one they're the same as any 997 ".which honestly isn't the case is it? I was wondering costs involved over recurring issues , i.e , intercoolers, turbos, 4 wheel drive system maintenance, ceramics etc . There's quite a lot more kit on these than a Carrera. But do they come with more ,,or less foibles? This definitely isn't a rant btw , just commenting it unfortunately didn't deliver what was in the title .

[@StreetDrivenDaily]

I'm thinking about picking up Auto but damn. ITs probably faster of the line than manual but the box is sluggish what people say

[@markjames8160]

Interesting video. You could do a follow up to discuss the 997.2 Turbo. Different motor, upgraded PCM, and significantly more rare (and expensive) then the 997.1. I own a gen 2 turbo and absolutely love to drive it. Thank You

[@9WERKSTV]

Would love to do that, Mark!

[@mak23997]

FWIW I would disagree with you in that the 997.1 had the last of the Mezger, race derived engines. You're right if you have a manual 997.2 you'll have the "last of" when it comes to turbo manuals. However if you want an engine that literally went from competitive racing (and won) the 997.1 manual or tip is the last of that breed.

[@markjames8160]

@@mak23997 If you read my comment, you will note that I didn’t say the motor was better, just different. And it may be arguably better with the DFI and other enhancements but that is for a mechanic to debate, of which I am not. And the 997.2 is significantly more rare in the MT, when you compare production numbers of the turbos from 997.1 v 997.2. From what I read, the financial crisis scared the heck out of P management, so they really cut back production post 2009. The amazing thing about Porsche is the continual improvement they make from generation to generation and model to model. Continuous incremental improvements in motors, suspension, braking, etc. lead to large gains over gen to gen. Personally, I am finding the newer gens to be a bit large for my liking, but they are amazing to drive. I am stuck in the 3 pedal world for now and intend to stay stuck.

[@normski2982]

@@9WERKSTV I may be able to assist with this in a couple of weeks if you'd like a 97.2 manual

[@ahemgee9542]

The Tiptronic is the Mercedes 5G Tronic torque converter box, fully automatic, not really a semi auto.

[@abrahimleawal9502]

Do any of you guys know where to get Porsche merch from in the uk? Like the jackets and stuff?

[@9WERKSTV]

Yes, visit 9werks.co.uk/shop and check out the 9WERKS exclusives

[@callelindstrom4789]

What about this I hear about spun camshaft on this model?..

[@porsche928racing8]

Great car

[@machohogan]

Lee with his Turbo hair on this one. A wider version that’s more aero.

[@Deric_Rocks]

What is the colour name of the car in this video??

[@trcs3079]

It's sad due to my countries taxes and GST, this 911 turbo 997years still costs around $170,000 AUD for a 10+ year old car. My entry level 2020 amg will have to do for now

[@pauln0371]

Lovely spec but I still don't like those alloys. Looks far better with the Gen2 Turbo alloys..

[@shughes911]

i have really never considered a turbo, however i have found a 08 with 60k 1 owner for 39k and its got my attention! But i am not sure if its more expensive to maintain a turbo??

[@9WERKSTV]

They're great cars. Generally they're a little more to maintain, by virtue of the fact they have more kit on them, but if you buy a sorted car you won't be having to spend out on replacement parts, so shopping around will pay dividends. Buy in haste, repent at leisure!

[@KcazP1]

Me watching this knowing I'll never have a 997.1 Turbo :)😂

[@howardweir3112]

have the manual 2009 turbo; 997.1.5? tuned to 550 bhp with new wheel rims and bilsteins all around; the presenter is “spot on” as you Brits say in his analysis although I find that the gearshift does not go into reverse smoothly. Really too much car for me living in large city but always wanted this particular Porsche and am happy I found it after 6 months searching.

[@mariodiniz21]

How does the stock clutch cope with that much power? I'm thinking about buying a 997 1.5 Turbo manual also tuned to 550 hp and 750 nm and I'm afraid the clutch can't handle that much power and torque.

[@howardweir3112]

@@mariodiniz21 have not had a problem

[@mariodiniz21]

@@howardweir3112 how much torque are you running? And stock clutch with how many miles? Thanks

[@howardweir3112]

@@mariodiniz21 My present clutch is only about 3000 miles old. I had it replaced at 25k miles but before I had the engine retuned to increase the horsepower. I don’t recall the change in torque but if I can find that info I will let you know. I feel confident, having used this Porsche performance shop for 20 years that it would not have tuned the car to a hp level the clutch could not handle.

[@mariodiniz21]

@@howardweir3112 ok, you replaced the old clutch with an original one or a stronger unit?

[@120M]

Does 997.2 has also tip - tronic?

[@9WERKSTV]

997.2 switched to PDK.

[@STEVENPALLETT]

and 999 & 998 Turbo from #Porsche

[@STEVENPALLETT]

Wot it still iz a 997 Turbo stillen

[@TrustMeIKnowEverything]

What's the tiptronic like. I have a m2 competition will this feel like a step up or down.

[@9WERKSTV]

The Tiptronic is nowhere near as engaging or appealing as a manual, and compared to your car will feel quite aged. I'd suggest finding a 997.1 manual such as this, or looking for a 997.2 with the later PDK gearbox.

[@TrustMeIKnowEverything]

@@9WERKSTV I do way to many miles for a manual so would rather pdk. There is a big premium for 997.2 pdk over 997.1 tip. What about the fact its the last mezger engine and all that in the 997.1that 3.6

[@midasman1768]

Ive got a Tip, its great for a daily and plenty of fun when you want it to be, dont be put off 👍🏼

[@TrustMeIKnowEverything]

@@midasman1768 compared to m2 competition

[@TrustMeIKnowEverything]

@@MrMikeyj81 cheers mate. I'm very close to pulling the trigger. Just want one which has had all coolant lines pinned as this is a super common issue

[@EK-rr2md]

You said the 911 Turbo has been turbocharged since the 993 era. Actually, the 911 Turbo came out with the 930 in 1975.

[@Kyle900t]

He said the 911 has been twin turbo charged since the 993. Before then, they were single turbo. You must be unaware who Lee is... he knows a thing or two about 911's.

[@9WERKSTV]

Ha! Thanks for clarifying on my behalf, KP!

[@EK-rr2md]

@@Kyle900t absolutely right! I missed him say that important detail.

[@James_Sovereign]

I actually prefer the basic aesthetics of the 996 interior over the 997, I feel like it has dated better.

[@ahemgee9542]

I've got a 996, the interior is the biggest weak point of the car. And I've owned / own other cars of the same period or older. Too much cheap black plastic.

[@thomasheiberg3136]

Står for at købe en 997 turbo hvilken årgang skal man få efter...

[@seshelbow336]

I was watching a KZbin video the other day of a guy with 997.1 with 1200 bhp and the standard gearbox was still working fine....that’s some serious over engineering.

[@seshelbow336]

Manual box that is

[@VLG105]

Smoking (a bit) on start up is normal

[@dombower]

Someone accidentally cover their mic?

[@9WERKSTV]

Don't think so, what part are you referring to Dom? The interview is a bit muffled, to be fair.

[@_dan_here_]

£60k?? The vast majority for sale are not £60k, they are around £50k and I'm pretty sure I won't need to spend the extra £10k to get a good one.

[@WhalleyRangeMassive]

£60k will get you the best, £55k will get a good one and £50k an average one.

[@sutherlacd27]

In the US the prices are even higher than that now

[@mariodiniz21]

@@sutherlacd27 in Portugal you need at least 100k€ to buy a good 997.1 turbo manual

[@resnonverba137]

A good review but do please stop asking, 'isn't it', 'doesn't it' etc. Thank you.

[@bngr_bngr]

Next video, lets talk about 997 Turbo maintenance issues.

[@sutherlacd27]

Once the coolant lines and elbows are addressed it's just common maintenance. Oil changes every 10k miles according to porsche...I do every 5k, transmission fluid for the auto every 60k miles, plugs 30k miles...

[@mattsandford]

Stop talking so much and put your foot down, why else would anyone come here

[@Van-tastic]

It took me a while to get through this video. I would watch a bit and then come back to it. The reason is something I've always struggled to articulate well. When I think of the Porsche Turbo, obviously, I think of the prestige that Porsche spends their marketing dollars to cram in my head. But there's something I hate about the Turbo cars and now all the new 911's consequently. I think they're all a bit contrived. As such, they lack the ability to make me connect with them. This is reinforced by the fact, I don't have as strong a (negative) reaction to the GT2. Basically for me, the faster a car is, the more purposeful it should become. To keep a foot in both lanes of luxury and speed is at best vain, and at worst, a fraud.

[@9WERKSTV]

Interesting comments! I've always preferred my 911s to have atmospheric engines but this car really did turn my end. There's a docility to Turbos which people underestimate. To my mind they are a stellar all-round sports car.

[@yetidh9]

Interesting. I actually think the opposite, that the 911 Turbo is the quintessential top of the range Porsche, that can do everything well. Breathtaking performance, luxury, it flys under the radar, you can take your wife to dinner, and it is still an entertaining thing to drive. If anything, I find many of the GT cars to be contrived. Why build a performance/track orientated car then lavish the interior with half a cows worth of extended leather, then add more weight by including luxuries such as a Bose stereo, air conditioning, parking sensors etc. And to top it all, you can't even go into Porsche and order yourself one, no matter how much money you have. That's marketing for you!

[@Van-tastic]

@@yetidh9 Love the dialogue, thank you! So, funny as it is, since I posted this comment, I came real close to buying a 997 Turbo. In the end I went a massively different direction and bought a 914 and ordered a 2023 Ford Super Duty lol. My 996 is very much my personal vision of a 911. Sleek, Taco tail, built motor, full suspension, etc. And yes, it has leather and all the best you could get on a cable throttle 911. The truck, when I get it one day will do all the luxury things you described but will be able to pull trailers and such vs go fast like a 911 Turbo. So, while it seems my actions matched my year old opinion. I think I can also say, that those same actions reveal an understanding of exactly why you prize the Turbo. The phrase that came to me while reading your reply is, “a champion car”. We enthusiasts crave vehicles that feel like champions or make us feel like champions. So, it makes more sense to me what you say. A Turbo is a champion car in that it gives you the best of what the brand has to offer, luxury, comfort, and in equal parts speed and handling!

[@JasZg]

As a owner of Mercedes c class for letting ng period,I have to say that Germans don't know how to make a quality vehicles and products.They are unreliable,rusty and poor quality

[@dontcallmetravis]

Snob. Thumbs down. 👎 “So, what do you like about the 997, generally then?” “We’ll, I like it a lot.”