# Porsche 911 — Used Car Buying Guide

AutoScout's analysis of the Porsche 911 on the UK used-car market. Backed by 33 million DVSA MOT tests, current AutoTrader pricing, and depreciation curves derived from CAP/Glass's Guide data.

Live interactive report: https://autoscout.fyi/cars/porsche-911

## Verdict

- **Best value year**: 2021
- **Ideal trim**: Carrera 3.0 PDK
- **Target mileage**: 30,000–45,000 miles
- **Max previous owners**: 2
- **Target price**: £90,100

## Why this model

The Porsche 911 is an absolute icon for a reason. It offers an incredible blend of performance, everyday usability, and surprisingly strong residual values. It's a driver's car through and through, with precise steering, powerful engines, and a chassis that inspires confidence. While running costs are higher than average, its legendary reliability and desirability mean it holds its value exceptionally well, making it a smart long-term investment for enthusiasts.

## What you should pay

The Porsche 911, especially the 992 generation (2019 onwards), defies typical depreciation curves. Used prices for well-maintained examples often hover near or even above their original RRP, particularly for desirable specs. The £90,100 anchor for a 2021 Carrera 3.0 PDK with 30-50k miles is a realistic starting point. Expect to pay a premium for lower mileage, higher specification, or 'S' and 'GTS' models. Prices are relatively stable for these cars, so don't expect huge bargains, but a well-negotiated deal might save you a few thousand.

## Which trim to buy

The Carrera 3.0 PDK is often considered the sweet spot in the 911 range for many. It offers fantastic performance with its 380 bhp twin-turbo flat-six, the superb PDK automatic gearbox, and all the essential Porsche driving dynamics without the significant price jump of the 'S' or 'GTS' models. It's still incredibly fast and engaging, but slightly more comfortable and less overtly track-focused than its more powerful siblings, making it a brilliant everyday sports car that retains its value exceptionally well.

## What to check before you buy

- PDK gearbox issues (rare, but can be costly)
- Brake wear (especially on cars driven hard)
- Tyre wear (high performance tyres are expensive)
- Minor electrical gremlins (infotainment, sensors)
- Stone chips and paint imperfections (due to low stance)

## Running costs

Running a 911 isn't cheap! Fuel costs for a 28-30 mpg petrol car at current UK prices (around £1.50/litre for Super Unleaded) would be roughly 23-25 pence per mile. Road tax (VED) for a car registered after April 2017 is £190 per year, plus an additional 'luxury car' supplement of £390 for five years (from the second year of registration) if the car was over £40,000 new, making it £580 for years 2-6. Insurance will be significant, likely £1,000-£3,000+ per year depending on age, location, and no-claims bonus. Servicing is also premium-priced, with major services potentially costing over £1,000.

## Key stats

- **Fuel Type**: Petrol
- **Horsepower**: 380 bhp
- **Mpg**: 28-30 mpg
- **Reliability Score**: Above Average
- **Safety Rating**: Not rated by Euro NCAP (typical for high-end sports cars)

## Trim comparison

| Trim | Price new | Price used | Key features |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Carrera 3.0 PDK | £85,000 | £85,000 | 3.0L Twin-Turbo Flat-Six (380 bhp); PDK Automatic Gearbox; Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) |
| Carrera S 3.0 PDK | £95,000 | £98,000 | 3.0L Twin-Turbo Flat-Six (444 bhp); PDK Automatic Gearbox; Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) |
| Carrera 4S 3.0 PDK | £100,000 | £102,000 | 3.0L Twin-Turbo Flat-Six (444 bhp); PDK Automatic Gearbox; All-Wheel Drive |

## Depreciation forecast

| Year | Estimated value | Retention |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 2026 | £90,100 | 0% |
| 2027 | £88,000 | 2.33% |
| 2028 | £85,500 | 4.99% |
| 2029 | £82,000 | 8.99% |
| 2030 | £78,000 | 13.43% |

The 911's depreciation curve is remarkably flat, especially for well-maintained examples of the current 992 generation. Buying a 3-5 year old model like a 2021 Carrera means the initial steep drop from new has already occurred, but the car is still modern and highly desirable. You'll likely experience minimal further depreciation over the next few years, making it a very strong investment compared to most other cars.

Total value lost since new: 13.43%.

## Alternatives to consider

- Audi R8
- [Mercedes-AMG GT](https://autoscout.fyi/cars/mercedes-amg-gt.md)
- [Aston Martin Vantage](https://autoscout.fyi/cars/aston-martin-vantage.md)

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Source: AutoScout (https://autoscout.fyi). Part of a review of the UK used-car market across 500+ models.