• Expensive to run regardless of model
• Servicing especially pricey
• Base Carrera claims 34mpg average fuel economy

Be under no illusions, the 911 is not going to be a cheap car to run – yet it still manages to deliver comparatively impressive fuel economy figures when lined up against its rivals. For example, the base 911 Carrera fitted with the seven-speed manual gearbox manages a claimed 34mpg. Couple that with a 14 gallon tank and the theoretical range is 476 miles.

At the other end of the scale is the 700hp 911 GT2 RS, returning a claimed average of 23.9mpg. As a result, theoretical range is around 334.6 miles (or 454 miles with the optional 19 gallon fuel tank).

All models will fit into a high-risk insurance group, while road tax will also be pricey – especially in the case of versions (sold after 1 April 2017) emitting high levels of CO2, where first year tax costs will be up to £2,000.

Like any serious performance car, the Porsche 911 requires a rigorous – and expensive – maintenance schedule to keep it in perfect condition. Go into owning one with an open mind and don’t be tempted to do things on the cheap.

Depreciation occurs on Carrera and Turbo models (residuals still remain strong, however) yet GT and R owners will likely see their examples go up in value.

If you’re after a seriously fast and environmentally friendly sports car, the lower end of the Porsche 911 range is an excellent place to start. Opt for the base 911 Carrera with rear-wheel drive and the PDK automatic transmission, and CO2 emissions are as low as 169g/km, increasing only slightly to 174g/km for the Carrera S.

Bear in mind, however, that both of these figures increase markedly when seven-speed manual transmission is fitted, coming in at 190 and 199g/km of CO2 respectively. At the other end of the scale, the 911 GT3 emits 290g/km (288 for the PDK automatic version).

A hybrid Porsche 911 is a strong possibility for the next generation model, especially since the manufacturer has already fitted a petrol-electric powertrain into the last two Panameras.

• Mixed reliability record
• Vast majority of parts are unique to Porsche
• Beware that any out-of-warranty repairs will likely cost thousands

Porsches have a reputation for solidity and excellent German build quality, so buyers shouldn’t have any complaints over the fit and finish of their 911. Mechanical reliability, however, is a mixed bag and when a 911 does go wrong it can – and usually is – incredibly expensive to fix.

With this in mind be sure to keep up all servicing and maintenance schedules to ensure that your warranty is valid. If the standard manufacturer warranty is about to, or already has expired it’s certainly worth investing in a new one to avoid any crippling repair bills. 

There has been a number of Porsche 911 recalls since this generation car was launched back in 2012. These range from insecure fuel injection pipes to incorrect detonators being fitted to the front passenger airbag.

All are understood to have been fixed under warranty. If you’re buying a used 911 and want to check the recalls list yourself, click here to go to the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency website.