GT3 - Regrets, Choices?

[Inspectorclueso]

A few business and career moves have eventually paid off, it only took 34 years. Hence, I'm considering a mid-life treat and GT3 is on the list. I've done a fair bit of research and viewing and I'm pretty sure that if I do go down the GT3 route, it'll be a 991.2 PDK, a lesser possibility is a 991.1 RS as they are not much more money.

Now, I may be asking in the wrong place, given a fair amount of love for these on this forum, but I'm going to ask two different questions to the norm.

- If you have or have had one (probably a 991 variety) what don't you like, or even, do you regret the purchase and why ?

- If you thought about one, or swapped out of one, what did you go for ?

In terms of use case....admire in garage, clean, thrash across Snowdonia, probably across Europe, the ring and UK tracks. Probably a 5 to 10 year keeper, if it's worth anything at the end, that's a bonus.

I've not had a car at this level before, history of the more interesting kind has been has been M cars, AMG, Subaru, TVR and superbikes.

[guyvert1]

For your remit, you've picked the perfect car.

Best advise is, if you can, JFDI.. You will not regret it, good time to buy at the moment coming into winter.

[av185]

Yep the 991.2 GT3 probably the sweetspot of latter day GT3s and streets ahead of the 991.1 imo and not just because of the masterpiece pre gpf engine. (Had both cars from new and kept the gen 2 5 years selling it last year. The 992 GT3 offers little more at more money is the same engine (but with itbs and gpf) but some prefer the dw front suspension if not the less analogue interior and rather contrived rear end styling which lost some of its 911 appeal according to many.

Consider a manual which on the GT3 (has flatshift as standard and mech diff whereas the PDK is e diff) is one of Porsches finest along with the 981/718 GT4/Spyder. The PDK is a great box though.

Great package at the money also makes a seriously quick road car.

[Inspectorclueso]

guyvert1 said:

For your remit, you've picked the perfect car.

Best advise is, if you can, JFDI.. You will not regret it, good time to buy at the moment coming into winter.

You're supposed to be putting me off....

I definitely sense it's deal time coming up to Winter and xmas. I don't need to sell or trade anything which may help.

I've really looked at and scrutinised options. The fact that I generally like something that is robust and 'just works' 99% of the time keeps bringing me back to the GT3. A few viewings being lined up, I am looking for that 'no questions' car, if you know what I mean, history, owners, spec that I like etc...I've pretty much ruled out a Ferrari, (slight temptation around a 458 spider) which feels odd as I've always loved looking at them, but now I could run to one, I'm not sure I can be arsed in reality. Not sure it's quite me.

Only other two cars that temp me are 570s spider and 650s spider, both of which seem spectacular value, but I sense could rob some of the joy, if I get hassle.

[gashead1105]

I bought a 991.2 GT3 a month ago, through RPM. 9k miles, clubsport, pdk, 918s, ceramics, saphire blue, various other bits and bobs. It's gorgeous and I love it. It's totally worth the step up on a 718 GT4. The engine is amazing and it's worth it for that alone.

I didn't like... the original seat mounting for the 918s but some recliners fix that.

Otherwise as the post above says - JFDI (and I'd take the 991.2 every time).

[Inspectorclueso]

av185 said:

Yep the 991.2 GT3 probably the sweetspot of latter day GT3s and streets ahead of the 991.1 imo and not just because of the masterpiece pre gpf engine. (Had both cars from new and kept the gen 2 5 years selling it last year. The 992 GT3 offers little more at more money is the same engine (but with itbs and gpf) but some prefer the dw front suspension if not the less analogue interior and rather contrived rear end styling which lost some of its 911 appeal according to many.

Consider a manual which on the GT3 (has flatshift as standard and mech diff whereas the PDK is e diff) is one of Porsches finest along with the 981/718 GT4/Spyder. The PDK is a great box though.

Great package at the money also makes a seriously quick road car.

Thanks - yes did wonder about the manual, I've had a go in a 992 GT3 manual and it was slick....Actually love these in white too, about the only car I do like in white. And yes, I did consider the 991.1, but I came back to the fact that I could warranty a 2018 car right through to 2033, which means piece of mind

[Geneve]

I’ve had three GT3s, bought new - the most recent was a 991.2 Touring.

No regrets, but any car is only as good as the roads or track it can be driven on - and I would not now buy a GT3 purely for UK ‘road’ use.
They only make sense, IMO, for European excursions and/or track use.

UK roads are too compromised to fully enjoy these cars - there are better alternatives.

Having said that, I will be intrigued to see if the new 992.2 Touring really offers any improvements in this regard.

[OPOGTS]

av185 said:

Yep the 991.2 GT3 probably the sweetspot of latter day GT3s and streets ahead of the 991.1 imo and not just because of the masterpiece pre gpf engine. (Had both cars from new and kept the gen 2 5 years selling it last year. The 992 GT3 offers little more at more money is the same engine (but with itbs and gpf) but some prefer the dw front suspension if not the less analogue interior and rather contrived rear end styling which lost some of its 911 appeal according to many.

Consider a manual which on the GT3 (has flatshift as standard and mech diff whereas the PDK is e diff) is one of Porsches finest along with the 981/718 GT4/Spyder. The PDK is a great box though.

Great package at the money also makes a seriously quick road car.

Do you think they’re suited to big mile European road trips?

I’d love one one day but my current (and previous) Cayman GTS felt like the perfect balance for both covering the miles and going off piste. I don’t want to be cursing for half the trip!

(I also don’t have the money, separate issue!!)

[av185]

Yep had a few white GT3s think they look great. Bear in mind there are far fewer white 991.2s than 991.1s where white was the most popular colour and was the launch colour too.

White has probably come off a bit of late however and is worth less than say a GT silver Agate or even Guards red car....all other things being equal.

Heres another photo of my gen 2 it is a Clubsport with ceramics.

Also one of my gen 1 GT3.

[av185]

Gen 1

[av185]

OPOGTS said:

av185 said:

Yep the 991.2 GT3 probably the sweetspot of latter day GT3s and streets ahead of the 991.1 imo and not just because of the masterpiece pre gpf engine. (Had both cars from new and kept the gen 2 5 years selling it last year. The 992 GT3 offers little more at more money is the same engine (but with itbs and gpf) but some prefer the dw front suspension if not the less analogue interior and rather contrived rear end styling which lost some of its 911 appeal according to many.

Consider a manual which on the GT3 (has flatshift as standard and mech diff whereas the PDK is e diff) is one of Porsches finest along with the 981/718 GT4/Spyder. The PDK is a great box though.

Great package at the money also makes a seriously quick road car.

Do you think they’re suited to big mile European road trips?

I’d love one one day but my current (and previous) Cayman GTS felt like the perfect balance for both covering the miles and going off piste. I don’t want to be cursing for half the trip!

(I also don’t have the money, separate issue!!)

Likely slightly noisier than your GTS largely due to tyre noise but the suspension is very compliant for road use and prob more compliant than my 718 GT4 (same tyres...Mich Cups).

Engine noise largely induction symphony makes all the right noises.

Cage pings a bit but not as much as the 981 GT4 CS.

[Discombobulate]

Amazing engine(s). But not the best touring car, or that good on British roads (you can't get the best out the engine without risking being locked up, and the smoother the tarmac the better they are). Superb on track.

For perspective: I did 15k in a 996.2.GT3 - on tours and track - and have driven all but the latest model, albeit only on the road.

I would seriously consider a GTS first. And if you still hanker for even better handling, speed and engine noise (plus more NVH and a firmer ride) then upgrade.

For what it's worth my favourite GT3s from the line up are 997.2 and 991.2.

Edited by Discombobulate on Thursday 7th November 21:11

Edited by Discombobulate on Thursday 7th November 21:11

[guyvert1]

Inspectorclueso said:

You're supposed to be putting me off....

I definitely sense it's deal time coming up to Winter and xmas. I don't need to sell or trade anything which may help.

I've really looked at and scrutinised options. The fact that I generally like something that is robust and 'just works' 99% of the time keeps bringing me back to the GT3. A few viewings being lined up, I am looking for that 'no questions' car, if you know what I mean, history, owners, spec that I like etc...I've pretty much ruled out a Ferrari, (slight temptation around a 458 spider) which feels odd as I've always loved looking at them, but now I could run to one, I'm not sure I can be arsed in reality. Not sure it's quite me.

Only other two cars that temp me are 570s spider and 650s spider, both of which seem spectacular value, but I sense could rob some of the joy, if I get hassle.

Did exactly the same , got very close to buying a 458, but I came to the same conclusion that I wanted the drama of driving rather than owning..

The PDK GT3 is astonishing if you've never tried it, the manual will give you more 'fun' and probably make you drive slower as there's alot more interaction.

Good luck with your hunt

[mikeh501]

Went from 991.1 GTS PDK coupe to 991.2 GT3… no regrets, it’s like turning the GTS up to 11, better engine, suspension, steering and specialness. My usage is pretty much like yours, I’ve had it 12 months now and it’s done 3 euro trips, 4 track days and 6000 miles. Special car.

What’s not to like…. It’s lower than the GTS, and doesn’t get over sleeping policeman without lift, an extra faff but the benefits outweigh etc…. On the motorway it’s at higher revs than the GTS which is slightly more tiring but with exhausts off it’s not a big deal. The noise is epic, but only after you get it up to 4-5k whereas the 3.8 GTS made a better noise lower down the revs and some overrun noise you don’t get with the gt3. I upgraded to a centre box delete and it’s epic tbh, must have mod.

If your using it to tour, folding buckets are a must have, and as a bonus they are more comfortable for me than 918 buckets.


1 test drive sold it tbh, so don’t drive one unless your 99% ??

Edited by mikeh501 on Thursday 7th November 21:56

[av185]

Out of interest 991.2 GT3 RS are now looking reasonable value.

This Full Porsche SH CS car sold a couple of days ago.

[Imasurv]

I bought my 991.2 GT3 after selling my business last year and I love it. It’s noisy, it’s brash, but it drives like a dream and the sound is amazing. I looked at Ferrari’s, Lambo’s and Maccas but whilst they are all unreal cars in their own right, I had concerns about reliability and particularly running costs. Ruled out the 991.1 due to the well publicized engine issues, of which it appears the 991.2 isn’t afflicted. My intention is to road trip it over the next 2-3 years, with Europe in my sights. I’ve wanted a GT3 for over 20years since the 996 original, and it doesn’t seem real that I now have one, but it’s amazing.

[Inspectorclueso]

Thanks to everyone for the thoughts and comments. A few bits in response:

- Trying a GTS, I may do, I'm thinking it would need to be the .2 as I do want the newer interior and ability to warranty for a while. I had wondered about a manual GTS with a Litchfield tune, I suspect that would also be great fun, but I imagine a very different experience to a GT3.

- Suitability for long trips, I guess I wouldn't know until I've tried one on a trip, but I have driven a Chimera to Rome and back, which wasn't the most refined thing in the world, but was bloody good fun.

- At least a few people seem to go for these as relatively speaking from my research they have lower running costs and are more reliable than other exotics. I also suspect that the 991.2 maybe the best blend of modern, but not too digital, e is likely to be sought after into the future. Value in the future is a bonus, but not a deciding factor.

Again, thanks ! If I take the plunge I'll be sure to update.....hope to view a few in the next two weeks.

[BertBert]

Can you do a Litchfield tune and have a warranty?

[braddo]

GT3s are epic road trip cars. They are very comfortable on motorways and with cruise control they can cover big distances easily. In my experience the only compromise is to bring some cheap foam earplugs in case the engine/road noise starts to grate. The cars are short on soundproofing.

Also, treat the front splitter as a consumable. They are a rubbery plastic and sacrificial; don't worry if it scrapes now and then.

They are are the deserved top dog for cars that you just get in and drive, whether that's to the shops, the south of France, a race track or all of them combined!

You won't regret it

[Inspectorclueso]

BertBert said:

Can you do a Litchfield tune and have a warranty?

Funnily enough I woke up at 3.30am and that point came to mind....so if I went GTS route would likely leave as standard. I'm pretty sure 450 bhp still makes the car much better than me anyway !

To be honest the other route I am thinking about is a lower cost car for a year or so, to increase my track experience, then upgrade to GT3. An M2 comp being an option, which also means I can take my two teenage and car mad lads to the track with me.... ah....but then I browse though GT3's again and think JFDI, if I talk myself out of it now, I may never do it. In fact I may not be able to get in and out of the thing.

Completely first world problem, or dilemma as often the way on pistonheads !

Has anyone got any GT3 Vs Mclaren thoughts or experience ? Obviously same money gets anything from a 720 coupe, downwards in the range. I have driven 720s in both couple and spider form, probably the most 'supercar' car I have driven and was blown away. But, I wasn't on the hook for running it.

Edited by Inspectorclueso on Friday 8th November 10:09