About to pull the trigger... 997GT3

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Hi everyone, been lusting after a Porsche since I can remember and went to Colchester Porsche today to test drive a couple. My favourite has always been the 997 GT3 and as luck would have it they had 2 black ones in stock, a gen1 and a gen2. I couldnt believe my luck!

I had also been considering spending the money on something newer instead like a 991 C2S so today I drove the gen1 GT3 and also had a go in the 991 C2S. The 991 C2S was an amazing car and very comfortable but I didnt find it particularly exciting. The GT3 is a different beast entirely, so much fun and I love the manual gearbox, something I have missed driving an auto for the last 2 years.

My conundrum is that I dont know which GT3 to go for, horrible problem right?

I actually prefer the looks of the Gen 1 and its only done 13,300 miles where the Gen 2 has done 30,000 miles. The Gen 2 also has a few extra options such as heated seats and front lift. Front lift is something which would be handy as I frequent Norwich riverside carpark fairly often and Im pretty sure I wouldnt get round there without ripping the splitter off.

The Gen 1's options are adaptive sports seats, PCM with sound package, sport chrono package plus.

The Gen 2 is 15k more in terms of cost. The Gen 1 is approx 70k which I dont think is too bad from an OPC.

Pictures below, thoughts please? Also, anyone know the car? Previous owner only had it a couple of months but the dealer thinks they had money problems.








Cheers
Andrew

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Both comfort models which suits me as I am bigger than average and wide across the hips so struggle with buckets. They dont have the carbon brakes.

Andrew

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I think I'm going to go for the Gen 1. I prefer the looks if I'm honest and that was the car I drove and I was well impressed with it. Its also not too much of a stretch where the Gen 2 would be a push.

The Gen 2 has done more miles and I'd just be gaining a bit of extra power and a better sat nav and front lift. Apart from that I can't see much difference.

Cheers
Andrew

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Also, the Gen 1 is the 3.6L, is this the Metzger engine? Is the 3.8 in the Gen 2 Metzger too?

Andrew

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I'll be driving my pickup truck most days with the GT3 being weekend use and occasically used for commuting on nice days. Will do the occasional track day too.

I'll only be doing 2-3000 miles per year probably.

Andrew

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This is driving me mad, slept on it overnight and now unsure again!

Still prefer the looks of the Gen 1 but think the Gen 2 might be the better overall package with the 3.8L engine and the extra bits and bobs.

Stupidly, I didn't drive the 3.8L car as I thought I'd made a decision. Is there much difference in terms of performance/handling? I'm no race car driver, will I really notice a difference?

Andrew

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I was very impressed with the Gen 1 that I drove. It was actually faster than I thought it'd be. I'm driving a 500bhp C63 at the moment and I'd say the GT3 was probably faster which I was surprised about.

How does the Gen 1 handle multi story car parks? Is it really a no go area? I've read about fitting a cup splitter, is this made from a different material that is more bendy? I've also looked into front lift systems but the only one I can find is over 5k.

Thanks,
Andrew

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Yeah I'm thinking probably avoid the multi story car parks lol.

I think I'm going to go with the Gen 1. Its the car I drove and I was really impressed with it. Its only done 13k too which is an added bonus. Its basically the exact spec I'd go for and its fairly close by to me. I've already paid a refundable deposit and just have to call later today to confirm the deal.

I can collect Saturday afternoon

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Slickhillsy said:

997.1 Front splitter is only about £100(ish) budget for one a year at least. If it is a problem you can (as I did getting my car on the French car train to the South of France) always just remove it temporarily to get over the obstacle and replace when done. With it removed the clearance is not so bad...

Thanks for the advice, how long does it take to remove/refit?

Does it just clip off? Any tools required?

Andrew

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mrdemon said:

1st time I drove my mates 997.1 GT3 I ripped his splitter off...

he had 2 and just swapped them over and repainted the one which was off with a matt black paint.

If you keep ripping it off though you will end up cracking the locating brackets on the body work.

have you looked at R8's :-)

Have looked at them but they don't really do much for me. The 911 is a shape I have always loved.

Funnily enough, a neighbour has a V10 R8. I haven't seen it recently and someone said he got a bit over ambitious on a corner and stuck it in a field! Doh!

Andrew

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Well, deal has been agreed on the Gen 1 car.

Pick it up Saturday afternoon. Cant wait!!

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Scooty100 said:

good man you wont be disappointed . Im based just along the A12 from there

Cheers, will have to meet up for a blast some time. I live in the Great Yarmouth area so not too far away.

Andrew

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neil-f said:

Congratulations, enjoy in good health.
You can drive back to Colchester for Sunday morning coffee, as Lancaster group are putting on cars and coffee morning.

Yeah, Rob mentioned they were doing something.

Apparently they are going to have a black 918 with Martini stripes there.

Andrew

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nsm3 said:

Are these 7.1's really selling for 70k??

I only paid 67k four years ago and traded it for 52k only 12 months ago at 13k miles!!

Every bleeding time I manage to do this :-(

I'm afraid so, I can only see them continuing to go upwards too, maybe at a slower pace now though.

I had the opportunity to buy a white one 2 years ago for 50k so kicking myself too!

Andrew

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Collected today at 12:30. Wow, what a car! Absolutely love it.

Should also put a word out for Rob at Colchester porsche who has been fantastic throughout.

Going to the Zenos Norfolk meet tomorrow morning in it!

Cheers
Andrew

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Scooty100 said:

So u bought the 1? Great cars good choice love mine. Did they give you a 2yr warranty as part of the deal?

Yep the gen 1, lovely condition and only 13k miles, couldn't resist. 2 years warranty.