What year 911 was considered the most mechanically reliable?

If you mean 911 aircooled, the best (best driving, most reliable, best engineered - IMHO) is the final 993 model.

 

The 993, esp. by 1997 and `1998 were very reliable...however, the 1984-1989 carrera had few problems due to its more simple design and less power equipment.....the 993 is nicer to driver and is faster also....

 

The 1987-89 range is probably at or near the top, and has a nice gearbox upgrade.

But they're all old cars, so in 2010 it really comes down to the condition/history of the individual car.

 

Bull is right. G50 3.2 Carrera. Even they have some short comings albeit small.

I cant include the 993 because the secondary air passage faults are too prevalent and much too costly to repair correctly. Unless you dont care about a check engine light.

 

no doubt...the 3.2 is a 300k mile engine. 84-89 911 could be the most bullet proof sports car ever made!
fast cars, rewarding when mastered...truly elegant in their simplicity.

btw...cheers michael...we are on the right (same) side of this one!!

pcb

 

2011.

 

I'd agree with Bullfighter. A well-maintained 911 is more important than a particular vintage. Also keep in mind that just about each era of 911 had its own mechanical problems.

That being said, of the air-cooled cars, I think the Carreras of 1984-1989 are probably the most reliable. By then, chain tensioner issues and air box backfires were addressed. The gearbox was fairly reliable (some prefer the 915 box of '86 and earlier, others/most prefer the G50 box of the '87-'89 years). But there were valve-guide wear issues in these models. These years were the last of the original 911 line, as '89/'90 brought the 964 generation which was supposedly an 80% new car.

'95 brought the 993 generation, as some have recommended. People love them, as they were the last of the air-cooled cars. '95 had OBDI (and 270 HP), while '96-'98 had OBDII (and 282 HP). There are some OBDII issues which might make smogging the car an issue (if the CEL is on). There were also valve coking issues in all years, for which the only real cure is a top-end rebuild.

In the end, a lot of people place importance on creature comforts, as well. The '89 and earlier cars have mediocre/ineffectual AC. That right there can be the deciding factor. Each succeeding generation (long hoods, mid-years, SCs, Carreras, 964s, 993s, etc.) was more comfortable and refined. On the flip side, purists would argue that each succeeding generation had less character than the previous one.

 

I knew it would happen sooner or later!

 

I hear the 2004 996 GT3 is the greatest, fastest, most reliable Porsche EVER!

 

Is there a specific color combo that is more reliable than others?

 

as I understand, Arctic Silver/Black.

 

Sigh... and I really like red or black... sigh

 

.
Image Unavailable, Please Login

 

Yeah just like that!!!!!!!

 

The 997 is incredibly reliable considering the modern technology. Far better than a comparable MB or BMW in my opinion.

Other than that however, the older 3.0 SC or 3.2 Carrera get my vote.

 

agreed!
i plan to wait 3 years and will buy a 2011 turbo 911.
should cost $95K +/- $4.3K at that time.
prefer white with a red interior.
paddle shifter wheel.

 

Another vote here for the '84-'89 Carrera 3.2.

 

+1 on the 3.2
However and remember these are going to be low powered cars compared to whats out there now if that has any bearing.
If you what something that is competitive power-wise today the GT1 blocked 996; TT, GT2, and GT3's make sense.

 

Me too, but apparently silver runs better.

 

Well I think red looks faster even if it's parked...

 

There all strong,as the guys said a Carrera 3.2 is a very strong car.
My old Carrera 3.0 (like a SC) was a strong old girl,250,000 miles then 5 years doing historic.
993 great cars,only car i ever wished I kept was my bought new RS.
Current car wonderful to drive and fast and so light.
Image Unavailable, Please Login
Image Unavailable, Please Login
Image Unavailable, Please Login
Image Unavailable, Please Login

 

To quote Enzo, the next one will be the best one...

 

The 348 was the "next one".

 

My first P-bug was a 964. Also my last one...