Buying a Porsche 997.2 Turbo Cabriolet

The 997.2 Turbo Cabriolet is part of the 997 generation (2005–2012). This lesson covers what it really sells for, what moves the price, what to check and how to look after it.

• Same 500 hp DFI 3.8 as the coupe with a fabric roof
• Manual-gearbox Turbo Cabriolets are uncommon
• AWD with PTM

Built

2010–2013

Cars on 911 Tracker

19

Sales on record

11

Median, last 24 months

$123,000

Engine

3.8 L DFI twin-turbo (VTG) flat-six (MA1.70)

Power

500 hp

Gearbox

6-speed manual

0–60 mph

3.5 s

Weight

3,627 lb

What to pay

In the last 24 months, 6 cars sold on 911 Tracker for a median of $123,000. The trend line through every sale on record moves about +2% a year.

911 Tracker, VIN-checked US sales, as of Oct 30, 2026. Medians need 5 or more sales.

Options that matter

The factory options most often fitted to the cars we track and what they cost new. What each option does to the sold price is on 911 Tracker with a free account. Check every option on the VIN with the VIN decoder before you pay for it.

What to look for

• Front coolant crossover pipes / radiator lines

  On 997.2-era cars the coolant pipes running to the front radiators can leak at joints as rubber sections perish and metal connectors corrode; an early sign is a sweet coolant smell at the front. Neglect can lead to overheating. (The glued engine coolant-pipe issue is tied to Mezger engines, not the 997.2 Turbo's DFI engine, per FCP Euro.)

  What fixes it: Replace the crossover pipes/hoses as a set.

• DFI high-pressure fuel pump failure

  997.2 direct-injection engines can suffer high-pressure fuel pump failure, causing limp mode or a no-start, often without warning.

  What fixes it: Replace the pump; parts are costly.

• Intake valve carbon build-up (direct injection)

  With no port injection to wash the valves, deposits build up on intake valves over time.

  What fixes it: Inspect and clean intake valves periodically (walnut blasting or similar).

• Front radiators / A/C condensers damaged or clogged

  The front radiators and A/C condensers sit behind the bumper openings and collect debris or get damaged; condensers are a known failure item.

  What fixes it: Remove bumper to clean annually; replace damaged radiators/condensers.

• PCCB rotor cracking (if fitted)

  Optional on the Turbo (standard on Turbo S); radial or through-cracks condemn the disc (surface crazing is acceptable).

  What fixes it: Replace disc(s) or convert to iron.

• IMS bearing (997.1)

  Still present on the M97, but the larger bearing fails far less often than on the 996. It cannot be replaced without opening the engine.

• Bore scoring (997.1)

  More common on the 3.8 S. A borescope is the only way to know before you buy.

• Coolant pipes and radiators

  Same front radiators as the 996; check for debris and leaks.

• PDK (997.2)

  Reliable; check the software and that the fluid was done on schedule.

Maintenance schedule

911 (997.1), 2005–2008: what is done, version by version

Turbo: Spark plugs every 40,000 mi / 4 yr, AWD controller oil (all-wheel drive) every 6 yr, Fuel filter every 6 yr

GT3 / GT3 RS (3.6): Engine oil and filter every 12,000 mi / 2 yr, Inspection: lights, brakes, tires, leaks, fault memory, test drive every 12,000 mi / 2 yr, Spark plugs every 24,000 mi / 4 yr, Engine air filters every 24,000 mi / 4 yr, Drive belt every 48,000 mi / 6 yr, Fuel filter every 48,000 mi / 6 yr, Manual gearbox oil every 96,000 mi / 12 yr

Not verified yet: Drive belt: 80,000 km / 6 yr in the factory sheet for other markets (no US mileage found); Cabin filter interval; The exact US oil interval history (15,000 or 20,000 miles).

Confidence: Medium-low. Sources: 1, 2.

Turbo / Turbo S: Spark plugs every 30,000 mi / 4 yr, Fuel filter every 60,000 mi / 6 yr, PDK clutch fluid every 60,000 mi / 6 yr

GT3 / GT3 RS / GT2 RS: Engine oil and filter every 12,000 mi / 2 yr, Inspection: lights, brakes, tires, leaks, fault memory, test drive every 12,000 mi / 2 yr, Spark plugs every 24,000 mi / 4 yr, Engine air filters every 24,000 mi / 4 yr, Drive belt every 24,000 mi / 4 yr, Manual gearbox oil every 96,000 mi / 12 yr

Not verified yet: Cabin filter: the sheets show it at the intermediate service; the exact interval wording differs.

Confidence: Medium-high. Sources: 1, 2.

Intervals are whichever comes first, miles or years. "Porsche factory (converted from km)" means Porsche's own figure for another market, turned into miles with the same km-to-mile pairing Porsche uses in the US. Your car's own maintenance booklet is the final word. HBi Auto's recommendations for cars that are tracked, driven hard or stored are being added by our service team.

Go deeper

• 997.2 Turbo Cabriolet in the model database: specs, production, paint and option codes
• 997.2 Turbo Cabriolet market report
• Every car on 911 Tracker