New GT3 First 500 Miles - It's all true !!
Discussion
Well I picked up the car last Thursday, but didn't forsee what a stressful day it would turn out to be !!
First I was told there was a radiator fan missing which would cause a delay, but later turns out there's only meant to be one on a GT3 - thought they might have known that.
Then at 4:45 after signing all the paperwork etc, my debit card was declined on their machine, luckily my bank was across the road so got that fixed. By this time I was in the rush hour traffic home for the next hour.
Decided to put it into the garage for a while, but needed to use planks of wood to get over the entrance which I thought would be ok, bummer.
Finally the eagle eyed might spot the splitter is the wrong one for the car, I think it's for an RS without the carbon fibre strip attached hence the extra holes.
I'd have thought that would have been spotted too on the PDI but it wasn't, not sure whether to get a new one or ask for the carbon strip instead !
First real drive was everything I'd hoped for and more. I can't compare this to a Turbo, C2S, or earlier GT3's but can only say it's by far the best car I've ever driven, I did have a 996 C4S and C2 before.
It's all been said before, the amazing engine, noise, handling, composure etc etc,and all I can say is believe everything you read.
One thing that does amaze me is the refinement on the motorway at 80 mph, quieter that my previous 911's I'd say.
I'm pretty good at finding flaws normally, but can honestly say I haven't found any yet. The only problem which has annoyed is the over sensitive key buttons which unlocked the car and opened the windows when I was inside the house, can only assume it was the way it was lying inside my pocket when I sat down.
I went for the PCCB's which I've found excellent so far, nice bite and feel with plenty of stopping power, and no noise or brake dust.
Haven't taken time to learn how to use the Sat Nav yet, or even tune the radio in properly, the engine noise is really intoxicating.
The whole car just feels so alive and seems to fit like a glove. Clutch a little heavy at first but soon get used to it, gearchange very short and positive and seems easier than the car I drove on the Driving Experience, and the xenon lights are the best I've seen (with !).
Car is basically comfort spec and doubt it'll ever be on a track, went for the adaptive sports seats which are very comfortable and easy to get in/out of, and I really don't care about the extra weight of the electric motors - doubt it makes any perceivable difference with my driving.
I'm 6'3" and find there is plenty legroom, leg support etc from these seats, only issue was getting my size 12's between the clutch and foot rest, but that's been solved now with a new pair of narrow trainers.
Have had the front of the car Paint Shielded by Ewan at CAB ADS in Edinburgh, and prepared first by Mike at EXTREME DETAIL from Inverness.
Both guys did an excellent job with great attention to detail, so both highly recommended by me.
I've posted some pics below, although the car has not been cleaned properly yet, have to wait 2 weeks after the Paint Shield has cured etc.
So another satisfied customer, for those still awaitng delivery it will definately be worth the wait IMO.
First I was told there was a radiator fan missing which would cause a delay, but later turns out there's only meant to be one on a GT3 - thought they might have known that.
Then at 4:45 after signing all the paperwork etc, my debit card was declined on their machine, luckily my bank was across the road so got that fixed. By this time I was in the rush hour traffic home for the next hour.
Decided to put it into the garage for a while, but needed to use planks of wood to get over the entrance which I thought would be ok, bummer.
Finally the eagle eyed might spot the splitter is the wrong one for the car, I think it's for an RS without the carbon fibre strip attached hence the extra holes.
I'd have thought that would have been spotted too on the PDI but it wasn't, not sure whether to get a new one or ask for the carbon strip instead !
First real drive was everything I'd hoped for and more. I can't compare this to a Turbo, C2S, or earlier GT3's but can only say it's by far the best car I've ever driven, I did have a 996 C4S and C2 before.
It's all been said before, the amazing engine, noise, handling, composure etc etc,and all I can say is believe everything you read.
One thing that does amaze me is the refinement on the motorway at 80 mph, quieter that my previous 911's I'd say.
I'm pretty good at finding flaws normally, but can honestly say I haven't found any yet. The only problem which has annoyed is the over sensitive key buttons which unlocked the car and opened the windows when I was inside the house, can only assume it was the way it was lying inside my pocket when I sat down.
I went for the PCCB's which I've found excellent so far, nice bite and feel with plenty of stopping power, and no noise or brake dust.
Haven't taken time to learn how to use the Sat Nav yet, or even tune the radio in properly, the engine noise is really intoxicating.
The whole car just feels so alive and seems to fit like a glove. Clutch a little heavy at first but soon get used to it, gearchange very short and positive and seems easier than the car I drove on the Driving Experience, and the xenon lights are the best I've seen (with !).
Car is basically comfort spec and doubt it'll ever be on a track, went for the adaptive sports seats which are very comfortable and easy to get in/out of, and I really don't care about the extra weight of the electric motors - doubt it makes any perceivable difference with my driving.
I'm 6'3" and find there is plenty legroom, leg support etc from these seats, only issue was getting my size 12's between the clutch and foot rest, but that's been solved now with a new pair of narrow trainers.
Have had the front of the car Paint Shielded by Ewan at CAB ADS in Edinburgh, and prepared first by Mike at EXTREME DETAIL from Inverness.
Both guys did an excellent job with great attention to detail, so both highly recommended by me.
I've posted some pics below, although the car has not been cleaned properly yet, have to wait 2 weeks after the Paint Shield has cured etc.
So another satisfied customer, for those still awaitng delivery it will definately be worth the wait IMO.
Cheers Chaps.
Grant, the holes in the splitter are the tiny ones just almost visible in the centre, might need someone with an RS to confirm but don't think they should be there on the non RS GT3.
997GT3, colour is Basalt Black Metallic although as I say it hasn't had a proper polish yet. Have been told to leave it for 2 weeks, then it's getting a full clean, polish and Zymol. If that lives up to expectations too, I'll be well chuffed.
Grant, the holes in the splitter are the tiny ones just almost visible in the centre, might need someone with an RS to confirm but don't think they should be there on the non RS GT3.
997GT3, colour is Basalt Black Metallic although as I say it hasn't had a proper polish yet. Have been told to leave it for 2 weeks, then it's getting a full clean, polish and Zymol. If that lives up to expectations too, I'll be well chuffed.
anglebox10 said:
Cheers Chaps.
Grant, the holes in the splitter are the tiny ones just almost visible in the centre, might need someone with an RS to confirm but don't think they should be there on the non RS GT3.
997GT3, colour is Basalt Black Metallic although as I say it hasn't had a proper polish yet. Have been told to leave it for 2 weeks, then it's getting a full clean, polish and Zymol. If that lives up to expectations too, I'll be well chuffed.
Grant, the holes in the splitter are the tiny ones just almost visible in the centre, might need someone with an RS to confirm but don't think they should be there on the non RS GT3.
997GT3, colour is Basalt Black Metallic although as I say it hasn't had a proper polish yet. Have been told to leave it for 2 weeks, then it's getting a full clean, polish and Zymol. If that lives up to expectations too, I'll be well chuffed.
All GT3s come with the RS front spoiler now as far as I know. The dealer that delivered the car should fit the extra aerodynamic appendage that fits into those holes for you.
Stunning car though mate. Enjoy!
I am now at 775 miles and have been looking at other 997 GT3 posts like "starts with cloud of blue smoke", so does mine, have not had the rattles some others have reported but I totally agree with you about key, left open after locking..was key moving around in my pockets? and windows, both sides, down a couple of inches but overall I am equally pleased, sold my 996 turbo and although totally different cars love the GT3. Out of interest which tyres did yours come with?
sportsandclassic said:
The 997 GT3 is the best car i have ever driven too !! drove 1 back from the factory and i loved it.
mike
sports and classic
mike
sports and classic
Absolutely.
It's a remarkable car, not just for its performance, which is fantastic, but mainly for its fabulous feel and feedback - and without the usual drawacks.
henna777 said:
I am now at 775 miles and have been looking at other 997 GT3 posts like "starts with cloud of blue smoke", so does mine, have not had the rattles some others have reported but I totally agree with you about key, left open after locking..was key moving around in my pockets? and windows, both sides, down a couple of inches but overall I am equally pleased, sold my 996 turbo and although totally different cars love the GT3. Out of interest which tyres did yours come with?
The comfort functions on the key - windows / lids etc, can be recoded for a longer button press to reduce the number of false operations. Take it to an OPC and ask them to recode the system to 'extra long button presses' via the system tester.
henna777 said:
I am now at 775 miles and have been looking at other 997 GT3 posts like "starts with cloud of blue smoke", so does mine, have not had the rattles some others have reported but I totally agree with you about key, left open after locking..was key moving around in my pockets? and windows, both sides, down a couple of inches but overall I am equally pleased, sold my 996 turbo and although totally different cars love the GT3. Out of interest which tyres did yours come with?
I guess if the key is the only real gripe then should manage to live with it, still annoying though.
Car came with the Michelin Cups which seem great, haven't seen any rain though. Also noticed the Nav disk is dated 10/06, and the splitter seems to have holes for a carbon strip, but no strip was fitted.
I have noticed the oil pressure needle seems to waver around a bit as opposed to being nice and steady, unless over 3000 rpm when its up against the max stop, do they all do this ??
Was thinking I might have a faulty sensor or something.
pope said:
henna777 said:
I am now at 775 miles and have been looking at other 997 GT3 posts like "starts with cloud of blue smoke", so does mine, have not had the rattles some others have reported but I totally agree with you about key, left open after locking..was key moving around in my pockets? and windows, both sides, down a couple of inches but overall I am equally pleased, sold my 996 turbo and although totally different cars love the GT3. Out of interest which tyres did yours come with?
The comfort functions on the key - windows / lids etc, can be recoded for a longer button press to reduce the number of false operations. Take it to an OPC and ask them to recode the system to 'extra long button presses' via the system tester.
Good idea thanks, I'll do that.
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