2017 Porsche 911 3.8L Petrol · AVZ 2

Fuel economy for a 3.8-litre petrol 911 typically sits in the mid-20s mpg in real-world driving, dropping considerably under hard use, so expect £1,800-£2,400 per year in petrol costs given this car's roughly 2,000-mile annual use. Road tax for a 2017 petrol car of this engine size is £210 per year in the standard rate, though this 911 will fall into a higher bracket once it reaches the 40-year classic threshold in 2057.

Insurance is where 911 ownership really bites: even modest driver history will see premiums in group 40-50 territory, typically £1,200-£2,000 annually. Servicing is the other major cost consideration — minor services at Porsche main dealers cost £400-£600, while major services (every two years or 20,000 miles) can easily exceed £1,500 with specialist independent garages offering meaningful savings. Tyres are a significant ongoing expense, with a full set costing £800-£1,200 depending on specification. Overall annual running costs, excluding depreciation, are likely to fall in the £4,500-£6,000 range for a car used as sparingly as this one appears to have been.

Despite the clean MOT record, this is a high-performance, high-value car that warrants thorough physical inspection. The 2017 991-generation 911 with the 3.8-litre flat-six has documented issues with bore scoring on early examples — check for any signs of oil consumption by asking for a service record showing oil level at each visit, and ask directly how much top-up has been needed. Inspect the underside for any oil leaks from the sump, rear main seal, and coolant pipes.

Referencing the model-wide MOT data, the most common failure points are exhaust components, headlamp issues, and brake pipe corrosion. Inspect the exhaust system carefully for signs of corrosion at the mounting points and joins — replacements can run into four figures on a 911. Examine both headlamp units for condensation, cracked lenses, and correct operation of the dynamic cornering lights, and check the brake pipes and underbody brake lines for any surface corrosion, particularly around the wheel arches and jacking points. Also inspect the suspension drop links, track control arms and anti-roll bar bushes, which are wear items on cars of this age.

On the bodywork, check the front splitter and bumper for stone chips given the low ride height, examine the wheel arches for kerbing damage, and inspect the rear decklid seals for water ingress. Test every electrical function including the convertible mechanism if this is a Cabriolet, the infotainment screen, sat-nav, climate control and all window mechanisms. Finally, check the condition of the leather, seat bolsters, and steering wheel — wear here gives a useful indicator of how the car has actually been used versus its low recorded mileage.