2009 Porsche 911 (997.2) 4S

Originally delivered to its first owner in Kuwait, the 2009 Porsche 911 Carrera 4S (997) is a Carrera 4 with Porsche modifications to bring it up to Carrera 4S spec. It has full Porsche service history, under 80,000 kms on the clock, two previous keepers, and a wide range of optional extras fitted to the car. The vendor emphasises that it has clean bodywork. The car also has a Stinger VIP system installed, at great expense, that the seller intends to uninstall before the car is sold; however if the winning bidder wants this to then he will happily negotiate on this once the sale has completed.

With the added power of a Carrera 4S and the all-wheel-drive system, this 997 can be a great way to cover ground quickly without having to worry about the loss of grip. It also comes with a sports exhaust, which according to the vendor, is neither too muted nor too loud, and perfectly complements the car’s flat-six symphony. And the 997 has a fair bit of that, especially because it’s a naturally aspirated engine which makes peak power ridiculously close to 7,000 rpm. If that’s not fun, then what is!

The one thing that stood out (and not for the right reasons) on the Porsche 911 (996) was the headlamp’s design. The ‘fried-egg’ style can’t even be called Marmite, because not a lot of people liked that, and since it was also shared with the Boxster (986), it didn’t do the car any favours when it came to visual differentiation between a junior sportscar and the well-established model the 911 was. With the 997 all that changed, thanks to Porsche adopting a design that was universally appreciated and ageless — it doesn’t quite look old.

The vendor mentions that this 2009 Carrera 4S is in top shape, and if you look at the photos, you’d find that to be true. It also sits better than the two-wheel-drive models, and that’s largely down to the fact that this is a wide-body 911, complete with a light strip between the tail lamps. The Carrera 4S conversion from the company means the car also gets the wider 305-section tyres at the rear.

This 911’s overall condition can’t be faulted, especially on the outside, where there’s no damage apart from some use-related scratches (like under the door handle, and on the passenger door edge) and stone chips. The Turbo-style wheels look immaculate and the windows are clean. For a car that turns 12 this year, its condition is remarkable, considering that it hasn’t just been just a ‘garage queen’ all its life.

The above-mentioned statement about this 997’s good condition doesn’t change when you look at the cabin, too. We’ll come to that in a bit, but let’s first discuss what the 997 offered. It’s typically Porsche stuff inside: good quality, a tiny bit understated design, and a massive amount of the feel-good factor. It’s a 2+2 with just about okay space for adults for short journeys. Kids won’t have an issue, though, and if you’re travelling alone or with just one passenger, then the rear space can be used for luggage, in addition to the front compartment.

This example has had a lot of options ticked, which further make it more appealing now. It has a sunroof, rear parking camera, heated wheel and seats, and now an aftermarket Alpine Apple CarPlay audio system. The vendor mentions that the original Porsche audio system will be handed over to the new owner, too. The 2009 model year update meant that the 997 could be specced with a PDK gearbox (instead of the Tiptronic unit from the pre-update models), and this one has that too.

Overall, it has a very neat cabin with very few marks. Its age and the fact that the car has been regularly used, leave a tiny bit of related use to the gear level and some little tiny marks in some places. The headlining is good, and the sunroof functions as expected. The door cards and the carpet both are all right, and the display for the Stinger VIP system is neatly fitted in the driver sun visor.

Moving from the 996 to the 997, while Porsche changed the design of the 911 but the platform was shared; the 997 was considered an evolution of the 996. The engine lineup for the Carrera models included a 3.6-litre naturally aspirated unit and a 3.8. Following a model year update for 2009 cars, the gearbox choices include a manual gearbox and a PDK dual-clutch gearbox. Like in the past, the Carrera could be specced with either rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive (Carrera 4 and Carrera 4S models).

The 2009 Porsche Carrera 4S here is actually a Carrera 4 but with updates made by Porsche to turn it into a Carrera 4S, says the vendor. It has a 3.6-litre engine that in this specific tune makes 391.5 bhp and 355.86 lb.ft., as can be seen in the graph attached in the photo gallery. The car has 19-inch wheels at the back, like the Carrera 4S, and also has Sport and Sport Plus modes. It has aluminium spacers and also a sports exhaust. The latter, the vendor says, is neither too muted nor too loud.

The Carrera 4S (or even the Carrera 4) might have lugged around the added weight of the all-wheel-drive system, but its benefits in the wet are worth it. Not only does it give you more confidence especially in low-traction conditions, it doesn’t make the car any less enjoyable, especially on the road. The vendor summarises the driving experience in two words: pure passion.

Originally delivered to its first owner in Kuwait, this well-specced Porsche 911 Carrera 4 was upgraded to Carrera 4S by Porsche. When the owner shifted to Spain, the car was brought along, too. It had two previous keepers, and the vendor picked it up about a year ago. It’s currently a part of his nine-car collection, and according to him, ‘the car is in mint condition throughout’ and is ‘maintained regardless of cost’.

In terms of maintenance, it comes with full-service history. The vendor got some preventive check-up and service done when he bought the car and spent €5,500, the invoice for which is also included in the photo gallery. The vendor also mentions that the car has always been stored inside a dry garage and that a lot of ‘detailing, painting, and restoration’ has been done to ensure that it’s in good condition.

And good condition, it certainly is in. The gen-2 997 was a great car, and it’s said to have a much better reliability record than both the 996 and the gen-1 997. This upgraded Carrera 4S benefits from a powerful engine, smooth and quick PDK gearbox, and the updated styling that makes it look fairly modern without trying too hard.

At an estimated €57,000 - €70,000, the 2009 Porsche 911 (997) Carrera 4S is a great way to enjoy a modern Porsche which stayed fairly very close to the idea of a perfect modern, water-cooled Porsche: naturally aspirated flat-six with a proper hydraulic steering. The added safety net of an all-wheel-drive system further makes this the sports car of choice regardless of the weather. It’s after all one of the most coveted Porsche 911 models, and not without a reason.

Viewing is always encouraged, and as stated this car is located in Barcelona. To arrange an appointment please use the ‘Contact Seller’ button at the top of the listing. Feel free to ask any questions or make observations in the comments section below, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.