Used Porsche 911 Review (2013-2019) MK7
Independent review by Peter Hayward from Driving Force
4-minute read
Overview
- Iconic
- Sought-after models
- Unbelievable performance
- Some say the looks don't change
- Hard to get certain versions
- Sought-after models are hugely expensive
What's the Porsche 911 like?
Most will never forget the day they first had a drive in a Porsche 911. It will plaster a grin on your face that is still there two days later.
Driving a 911 on a good road is like a birthday every day for anyone who loves cars.
But let’s face it, they're about as family friendly as a pushbike – and there are probably lots of other downsides – if only you could only think of them. Talk about rose-tinted glasses.
The 911 has been around forever, and most have been cherished by loving owners at great expense. So that means even though they might have been driven hard, they have also been properly taken care of at the right regular intervals.
And not surprisingly, that means you can buy one for much less than you might think, and be pretty sure it’s going to continue being reliable.
For this review, we'll concentrate on the cars built between 2013 and 2019 and the figures are all for the coupé. But of course, during that time, there have also been Cabriolet, Targa, Turbo, and GT3 models available.
Engines
Between 2013 and 2019 the standard Carrera was available with 2 or 4-wheel drive and with either a 7-speed manual or a 7-speed PDK automatic gearbox.
The lowest powered is the 3.4-litre Carrera 2, but lowest is relative in this context, when you find that it comes with 345bhp, and covers the 0 to 60mph sprint in 4.5 seconds.
Next comes the 3.0-litre, which, though smaller, has 364bhp and covers the sprint in 4.0 seconds. The most powerful is a 3.8-litre with 493bhp, which brings that figure down to 3.7 seconds.
The 3.4-litre will do 34mpg, while the 3.0-litre raises that to 38mpg and the 3.8-litre drops it to around 21mpg.
So, in a straight line, there's little on the market to match the performance you get from a 911. If that was all, we would all no doubt be hugely impressed.
PeterHayward
Driving Experience
However, the handling and roadholding are so good that it's one of the most involving and entertaining cars ever made, and feels as stable at 130mph on the autobahn as it does parked outside the house.
Older models are noisy and have so much power that care is needed in wet weather, but by this era all had the electronic safety devices to keep you safe. Also, for such an out-and-out supercar, comfort in most is very good.
The 911 has been one of the supercars of every era since it was launched, well able to hold its own against all the rest.
Practicality and Equipment
Standard equipment has not been the best down the years, so make sure the one you intend to buy has extras like cruise control, parking sensors, and anything else that you may want.
You may also be interested in...
Find your Porsche 911 your way with CarStore
If you're after one of the best textbook sports car out there, then you'd be a fool to ignore the Porsche 911.
It may not be as out there as some sports and supercars, but those who know, realise the 911 is not just a legend for Porsche, but in the history of the car.
