997.1 GT3 Buying Options

[Henners84]

Hi,

I am new to this forum but have been looking to branch into GT3 ownership for sometime now. It has to be a 997 and, as my budget will not stretch far past 50k, it will be a 997.1. Having spent some time trawling through previous posts, the decision of how to buy seems to have got a little bit more difficult and I am looking for some advice (apologies if questions have been already answered in different threads, if so, please direct me otherwise).

Firstly, what impact does mileage have on purchase price and maintenance costs? For instance I see a few classifieds reaching 40k miles. Should this concern me? Will my maintenance bill be higher as a result? Will my enjoyment be dampened with things failing during ownership? My initial thoughts would be that value would not be affected too much by miles. The reason I think this is that I would rather own a car that has been used reasonably regularly (i.e. most weekends perhaps) than something that has been left to stand all winter (heard more chance of seals leaking etc. if this is the case) and that is taken out for predominantly track use in the summer. My ideal car would be one that has been enjoyed but looked after and has covered mostly road (not track) miles.

Using some current ads as an example (I know some of these have already sold - but as examples only), would there be anything wrong with high milers such as the following...?

http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/p...
or...
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/p...

Moving onwards, what are people's views on purchasing private, dealer, specialist or OPC? OPC would be highly desired due to the 2 year warranty and greatest piece of mind, however this example at 63k looks a bit pricey...

http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/p...

What value, if any, would you put on purchasing OPC, all other details the same? Then, what specialists would you recommend? I have heard of 991 Virgin, RPM and JZM. They seem to be well represented on Pistonheads. Are there any other good ones about? Would you recommend using the services of someone to help source a good car?

Then, what about normal dealers? I see examples from The Supercar Rooms and GC Motors in the classifieds (priced more reasonably). However, based on previous forum comments, it seems appropriate to steer clear of these dealers. So, to get a decent price, am I perhaps better off going private? It seems OPC and specialists could be pricey and normal dealers could be hiding a hidden past. Btw, does anyone know about this car (it seems to be cheap but not selling)? Another dodgy dealer?

http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/p...

I am perhaps thinking the best thing would be to go private and employ the services of a specialist to assist in checking the car before a purchase. From the adverts up online at the moment (I know these are already sold - but using as an example) the 2 most appealing cars seem to be private:

1. One owner and OPC serviced. Description "seems" genuine. Bucket seats. Look good for the miles. Cheap:
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/p...

2 Detailed history. Clear description. Bucket seats. Again looks good for the miles and cheap:
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/p...

Any advice would be much appreciated. To put everything in perspective I am not looking for a concourse car, as in perfect bodywork with no scratches. I want to drive and enjoy the car. I don't care about colour (apart from not yellow - sorry yellow GT3 owners) and not much fussed about options, although Sat Nav, PCCBs and buckets would be good if no real price difference. The main thing to me will be the way it drives and strong mechanicals. I would like to own the car to enjoy driving it and therefore pristine bodywork and front splitter will get chipped. However I would want to know that the car is mechanically very sound and the geometry not compromised by a hidden past. Should I buy trade/private? How many miles? What price should I pay? Any further advice?

Thanks in advance...

[Henners84]

Thanks very much fro your assistance so far. It certainly comes as no surprise that the Surrey car is "known" given the fact it is not selling. The tom Hartley car certainly seems a good deal (first impressions only) the with full history and ceramics. Yes I know the mileage is high at 45k, but based on your discussion above it sound like if the condition of the mechanicals is ok it is not a major factor. This leaves me wondering what the catch is if it is asking 40k only? And then this puts me off slightly thinking it could be too good to be true. Anyone know anything about this car?

Re the point just above, would be willing to hang on for a good car and/or december/January time to pick up a good price.

Thanks

[Henners84]

Haha, well I missed that important aspect about it! A good deal for someone. If you have the largest link to the thread please attach. Would be useful to read discussions on a high miler. Thanks

[Henners84]

Thanks for attaching, it seems like someone did pick themselves up a bargain from the sounds of it. It would be really interesting to hear from the purchaser if they frequent these forums (long shot I know).

Thanks griffgray for your comments also. It does look like you have picked yourself up a great car. Please do let me know how it is to keep after you add to the mileage on it - it would be really interesting to understand your experiences.

After hearing the responses here, the options, extras, mileage, colour etc do take a back seat in my opinion to a mechanically sound car that has been kept well. I am coming to the conclusion that 40-50k miles is really not a long for a second hand car generally (especially something as reliable as a Porsche), therefore why should it really impact on the decision to buy a GT3. I guess the underlying fear is that it has been tracked heavily or damaged. Anyone in the London area able to recommend a good specialist to provide a pre-purchase inspection? Also, are there good non-OPC warrant providers anyone would recommend and what do they normally expect/need to grant these?