The Good
The 2008 Porsche 911 offers exhilarating performance and surprisingly good reliability for a sports car. Its iconic design and comfortable interior create an emotional connection. Practical buyers appreciate its relatively compact size, decent fuel economy for its class, and strong resale value, making it a smart investment for enthusiasts.
The Bad
Potential weaknesses of the 2008 Porsche 911 include the intermediate shaft (IMS) bearing issue in earlier 997.1 models (less prevalent in later years) and potential bore scoring in some engines. Higher mileage examples may require costly repairs. Pre-purchase inspections are essential to identify any existing or potential problems.
2008 Porsche 911: Quick Overview
- Engine Options:
- Carrera: 3.6L Flat-6 (325 hp)
- Carrera S: 3.8L Flat-6 (355 hp)
- Turbo: 3.6L Twin-Turbo Flat-6 (480 hp)
- GT3: 3.6L Naturally Aspirated Flat-6 (415 hp)
- Horsepower: Ranging from 325 hp to 480 hp depending on the trim.
- Fuel Economy:
- Carrera: 18 mpg city / 26 mpg highway (RWD manual)
- Carrera S: 17 mpg city / 25 mpg highway (RWD manual)
- Turbo: 15 mpg city / 23 mpg highway (AWD manual)
- 0-60 Times:
- Carrera: Around 5.0 seconds
- Carrera S: Around 4.7 seconds
- Turbo: Around 3.7 seconds
- GT3: Around 4.1 seconds
- Towing Capacity: Not applicable; the 911 is not designed for towing.
- Trim-Level Features:
- Carrera: Leather interior, automatic climate control, power seats, premium sound system.
- Carrera S: Sport suspension, larger brakes, sport exhaust, upgraded interior trim.
- Turbo: All-wheel drive, adaptive dampers, advanced stability control, unique exterior styling.
- GT3: Track-focused suspension, lightweight components, aerodynamic enhancements, stripped-down interior.
2008 Porsche 911 Specifications
Vehicle Information
| Year | 2008 |
| Make | Porsche |
| Model | 911 |
| Trim | - |
| Style | Cabriolet 4WD |
| Type | Convertible |
| Category | Compact Car |
Manufacturing Details
| Made In | Germany |
| Manufacturing City | - |
Dimensions
| Doors | - |
| Curb Weight | 3075 pounds |
| Gross Vehicle Weight Rating | - |
| Overall Height | 51.6 inches |
| Overall Length | 175.6 inches |
| Overall Width | 71.2 inches |
| Wheelbase Length | 92.5 inches |
| Standard Seating | 4 |
Engine & Performance
| Engine | Gasoline Flat 6-cyl 3.6L/219 |
| Engine Size | 3.6L |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 |
| Transmission | - |
| Transmission Type | Manual |
| Transmission Speeds | - |
| Drivetrain | Four-Wheel Drive |
Additional Features
| Anti-Brake System | 4-Wheel ABS |
| Steering Type | - |
Pricing
| Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) | - |
| Invoice Price | - |
| Delivery Charges | - |
Vehicle History Report
Specifications
History
Events
History Check
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Listings
Recalls
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Analysis
What Problems Does the 2008 Porsche 911 Have?
Recalls for the 2008 911 were relatively limited but should be checked via the NHTSA website or a Porsche dealer using the VIN. Long-term reliability concerns generally revolve around wear and tear items common to all vehicles, such as suspension components, brakes, and clutch (for manual transmissions). Turbo models can experience issues related to the turbochargers and associated systems as they age. Regular maintenance and adherence to the manufacturer's recommended service schedule are crucial to mitigating potential problems and ensuring long-term reliability.
How long will the 2008 Porsche 911 last?
What Technology & Safety Features are Included?
Safety features included front and side airbags, and a robust chassis designed for impact protection. Optional features included rear parking sensors and adaptive headlights. Crash-test ratings for the 2008 Porsche 911 are not comprehensive, as the NHTSA and IIHS did not fully test all models. However, the 911 has historically demonstrated good performance in available crash tests, showcasing its strong structural integrity. Notably, the focus was more on driving experience than advanced driver-assistance systems. While modern cars offer features like lane departure warning and automatic emergency braking, the 2008 911 relied more on the driver's skill and the car's inherent handling capabilities for safety.
What Colors Options are Available?
Exterior Colors
Interior Colors
2008 Porsche 911 Prices and Market Value
2008 Porsche 911 Cost of Ownership
2008 Porsche 911 Fuel Efficiency
2008 Porsche 911 Safety Rating
NHTSA
2008 Porsche 911 Insurance
reasonable repair costs.
How Does the 2008 Porsche 911 Compare to Other Convertible?
Reliability-wise, the 911 generally fares well, although the IMS bearing issue is a concern for some. The Corvette also boasts good reliability, while the GT-R and R8 can be more expensive to maintain. Feature-wise, the 911 was generally well-equipped for its time, but later models of its rivals offered more advanced tech. Price-wise, the 911 occupied a premium segment, and some alternatives offered similar performance for less money. Depending on your priorities, the GT-R could be a similar alternative focused on performance, while the BMW M3 offers more practicality and comfort for daily use.
Ranks #193 Convertible
| 1 | 2005 Toyota MR2 Spyder | (0.0★) |
| 2 | 2015 Lexus IS | (0.0★) |
| 3 | 2009 Honda S2000 | (4.0★) |
| 4 | 2023 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF | (4.0★) |
| 5 | 2023 BMW 8 Series | (0.0★) |
| 6 | 2021 Ford Mustang | (5.0★) |
| 7 | 2020 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class | (0.0★) |
| 8 | 2023 Audi S5 Sportback | (0.0★) |
| 9 | 2023 Ferrari F8 Spider | (0.0★) |
| 10 | 2023 Porsche 718 Boxster | (4.0★) |
| 11 | 2021 Jeep Compass | (5.0★) |
| 12 | 2019 Buick Cascada | (0.0★) |
| 193 | 2008 Porsche 911 | (5.0★) |
Final Verdict: Is the 2008 Porsche 911 a Good Convertible?
Jezzy on April 13, 2021
Best sports car I’ve ever owned,Owned a corvette, a viper, the 911 and the boxster. I’d say the boxster s was a bit more fun to drive, and like both porsches equally for different reasons. Test drove BMWs on multiple occasions, never liked any of them. Test drove a couple of ferraris, a bit too small and expensive. Same for the NSX. Bought it 2 years old and got a great price. The targa 4s that I currently have, has some nice 911 features, including the large retractable roof, and the pop up rear window, for easy access to the back seat.
Porsche Lover on December 17, 2020
Carrera SLove the quality, craftsmanship, handling and speed. Oh, and did I mention it’s a convertible?! If you love sports cars, this is the one for you.
JT in Mebane on October 27, 2020
Awesome 911 Carrera CabGreat car but there is no "general owners manual" -just the communications and quick reference guides. Porsche's on-line manual is in Chinese??? Really? Hopefully I won't need the manual often but a nice to have.
Lanslot on October 14, 2020
Possibly the best sports car in the world.Sports car with a touch of utility. Yes, there are faster, prettier, more romance inducing cars..., but this car is timeless. When all factors are accounted for, this is reliable sports car that will make you smile every time you drive it.
CAM2008 on December 22, 2019
Most fun car, I've ownedFun car to own and drive everyday. Not a garage queen. I used it for commuting, love the performance. It has the Turbo 19" wheels to boot!
Mk1tuner on October 31, 2019
Most insane car I’ve ever owned.08 Carrera S. Where do I start. The beauty and design. The performance is like know other. The handling is like your glued to the road. Then you hit the sport button. Holy .... It become a beast. When just cruising you get this feeling of pride and privilege. I don’t mean that In a snooty way. I grew up with not a lot and worked my butt off to get this car and I respect it so much. It’s the only car I actually wipe it down daily. She’s my baby. If you ever get the chance to drive one. Do it. You’ll get the bug
Dean23 on October 22, 2019
Amazing car, third l have owned.Supercar you can drive everyday. Nothing touches a 911 Turbo. Drives around town, traffic, no problem. Hard not to drive the xxxx out of it.
Porsche Turbo on September 5, 2019
High Performance with comfortAfter owning other Sportscars, this one is the easiest to drive and more comfortable than others. It has all the power I want with a much smoother ride.
Porsche on June 29, 2019
GREAT CARNice car to drive ;very reliable fun to drive on a long trip. Great design from any angle you are looking at the car. Very fast and handles great....
porschefan on May 25, 2019
reliablecollectible / solid /. head turner/ original / reliable allows for constant improvisation, and control 530 HP with sports chrono keeps value as classic collectible enjoyable
Drew B
Drew is a seasoned automotive expert and contributor to VinCheck.info. With nearly 15 years of experience as a former Porsche technician, he brings a wealth of hands-on knowledge to his writing. Born in North Carolina, a region renowned for its deep-rooted NASCAR culture, Drew developed a passion for cars early in life, often building and working on vehicles from a young age. At VINCheck, Drew leverages his extensive technical background to provide in-depth analyses of various vehicles. His articles often focus on engine performance, reliability, and maintenance insights, offering readers practical information grounded in real-world experience. Some of his notable contributions include reviews on the Mazda CX-5's longevity and detailed examinations of engine options for models like the 2011 Toyota Camry and Tacoma