997.1 GT3 Buying Advise

[efb88]

Morning everyone,

I hope you don't mind but just looking for a little advise on 997.1 GT3's. I am looking for a weekend / roadtrip car and just reviewing all the options.

I have come from a Caterham Supersport, which I loved but found slightly to extreme for weekend trips and now looking at stepping up to the next level.

I won't be using the car during the week and it will be kept in underground parking in London.

A few questions:

Would someone like Centre Gravity be able to raise the ride height slightly, as I keep hearing speed bumps is the main issue with 7.1 GT3's as no nose lift?

Does going for a comfort spec (with standard seats) really affect the 'liquidity' of the car if I ever need to sell? Whilst I like the idea of the bucket seats in reality 90% of the driving will be on the road and the comfort spec will I presume be slightly more relaxed and leave space in the back for bags etc.

Where do people see current pricing?! It feels like a bit of minefield out there at the moment and very little available. There is a red comfort spec with 48k miles on for £74k. But then a Clubsport 53k miles on AT for £67k?! I think I would be happy with a comfort spec as mentioned but just want to ensure I price the discount right vs clubsport spec on the way in so I don't get too stung when looking to move on. I saw how much the genuine bucket seats were to retrofit and nearly cried!

It feels like it should be a buyers market but its so hard to tell where values are. It feels like the 7.1 GT3 and 6.2 GT3 are not a million miles apart and it sounds like I am better spending a little more for a more 'road' focused 7.1.

Could I please have some recommendations for PPI inspection companies who focus on this car? Clearly the old 'buyer beware' couldn't be more true when looking at these and I just want to ensure I do everything I can to prevent that famous £10k refresh as soon as I purchase!

I know I should be looking at 7.2 GTS / 7.2 Turbos but they only seem to be available with PDK unless you spend GT3 money and as a weekend car I feel long term the GT3 would just feel more special! Also the idea of a far newer GT4 at c.65k (buy the time you have negotiated) seems attractive but I can see them depreciating heavily over the next few years.

Any advice / comments would be really appreciated!


Thanks

Ed

Edited by efb88 on Monday 20th January 10:19

[Porsche911R]

comfort spec older GT cars are lemons to sell unless VERY cheap!

so yes VERY hard to sell, hence the 2 for sale been for sale for ages.

I broke my mates splitter on his 997.1 GT3 , woops. but they are quite cheap to buy 2 of.
sub 30k miles comforts need to be £65k imo CS £70k both with circa 30k miles.

cars do pop up, if a keeper buy a comfort cheaper, if you are playing buy one with buckets and buy some comfort seats for £2k and store the buckets so you can sell the car when you are done.

I know of a 30k mile CS for £69k so they are out there and that's the right price imo for one.

[lemmingjames]

no 15-30k refresh or is that just reserved for the 996?

[alfapork]

Porsche911R said:

comfort spec older GT cars are lemons to sell unless VERY cheap!

First advice, ignore this guy. On most things.

Buy a comfort spec if that's what you want, don't buy what you think the next guy will want.

I wanted a GT3 for mixed-use and went for a comfort spec as didn't want the cage, I like the practicality of the folding seats as you can get enough in the back for a month away in Europe, but personally my back doesn't get along with the comfort seats so am looking to get a set of buckets. When I offer the car for sale eventually it can come with either setup to appease either type of buyer. 997 comfort seats are slightly different to the ones in my 996 so try them out first and see if you get on with them, but if *you* like them nothing wrong with them.

On the ride height issue yes CoG can raise it and indeed that's what happened on my car, for road use more compliance and suspension travel is the key. However, the car will want a little rake in it which will tip the nose down a touch and cause you a splitter mischief.

I must admit this is a major annoyance for me, just this weekend I ripped the splitter off and drove over it AGAIN I do have two in the garage and keep repairing/repainting them it must have happened three times in 5000 miles now. If you're paying someone to refit/repaint instead of DIY it will be even more annoying. Speed bumps aren't a problem it's usually things like driveway/garage forecourt entrances with a strange approach (better to drive over them at a 45deg angle) or even very bumpy Welsh roads at a lick (my last casualty) or even T-junctions with a steep exit/approach.

Edited by alfapork on Monday 20th January 11:37

[alfapork]

lemmingjames said:

no 15-30k refresh or is that just reserved for the 996?

[Porsche911R]

alfapork said:

Porsche911R said:

comfort spec older GT cars are lemons to sell unless VERY cheap!

First advice, ignore this guy. On most things.

Buy a comfort spec if that's what you want, don't buy what you think the next guy will want.

I wanted a GT3 for mixed-use and went for a comfort spec as didn't want the cage, I like the practicality of the folding seats as you can get enough in the back for a month away in Europe, but personally my back doesn't get along with the comfort seats so am looking to get a set of buckets. When I offer the car for sale eventually it can come with either setup to appease either type of buyer. 997 comfort seats are slightly different to the ones in my 996 so try them out first and see if you get on with them, but if *you* like them nothing wrong with them.

On the ride height issue yes CoG can raise it and indeed that's what happened on my car, for road use more compliance and suspension travel is the key. However, the car will want a little rake in it which will tip the nose down a touch and cause you a splitter mischief.

I must admit this is a major annoyance for me, just this weekend I ripped the splitter off and drove over it AGAIN I do have two in the garage and keep repairing/repainting them it must have happened three times in 5000 miles now. If you're paying someone to refit/repaint instead of DIY it will be even more annoying. Speed bumps aren't a problem it's usually things like driveway/garage forecourt entrances with a strange approach (better to drive over them at a 45deg angle) or even very bumpy Welsh roads at a lick (my last casualty) or even T-junctions with a steep exit/approach.

Edited by alfapork on Monday 20th January 11:37

so you said ignore me then repeated every thing I said lol idiot...

[Porsche911R]

lemmingjames said:

no 15-30k refresh or is that just reserved for the 996?

go in eyes open and look at what's been done to the car, a fool and is money are easily parted when looking at cars of this age.
they are 15 years old after all so one would expect a book of things which have been already done, basics really.

diff and top mounts I would expect to have been done by now, if not adjust price, you are not buying a new car here.

[Shaoxter]

Comfort spec with the buckets is the best combo for a road car IMO (but then I would say that...) The buckets definitely do add something to the experience, otherwise it would feel like sitting in any normal Carrera. Opening the garage door and seeing those carbon backed seats makes you smile

Speed bumps/car parks are a problem, so you've just got to treat the front splitter as a consumable. But as it's a weekend/roadtrip car it's less of an issue as you can try to take routes which avoid them.

I used Porsche Inspections (previously Peter Morgan), £400 well spent. My advice would be to definitely get one done.
That red car is way overpriced considering mine has buckets and half the miles for the same price. But there's so few on the market I guess they can ask what they want for it.

Edited by Shaoxter on Monday 20th January 12:03

[philj]

I also used Porsche Inspections who i thought were excellent.

[anonymous-user]

where's the sub 30k mile CS for 70?

[anonymous-user]

OP search my posts as some months ago i did post my observations on the market re pricing at dealer vs private

some quick thoughts
- there's no such thing as a cheap CS
- yes you may 'suffer' more depreciation on a non-CS
- CS seem to be far less seasonal in terms of pricing and the dealer bid/offer much narrower that non-CS
- a bucket seat non-CS sits somewhere between the 2 in terms of liquidity and pricing
- the white one on AT is not a factory CS

[anonymous-user]

you might also want to think deeply about porsche warranty or not

lots of divided opinion on here about it but only you can decide on risk and what you are prepared to pay to mitigate it

[DappaD]

A 997 GT3, Gen 2, 30k miles with Carbon Buckets sold for £75000 back in December as a point of reference.

Most 997.1 GT3 have been for sale for at least 2 years and the Red one on here in particular for 3 years...on and off.

If you can afford/justify taking a minimum £10k+ hit in value in the next few years, then go for what suits you now......not what everyone says you need to buy for resale.

Personally, I've decided to continue enjoying my current 997 GTS, as I don't think the price difference to change to an older GT3 is worth it....and I couldn't afford/justify taking such a potential hit on value.

[BertBert]

With regard to ride height, I had my clubsport set back to factory ride height when it was set up shortly after I bought it. It was about 15mm lower than that at the front. It made a huge difference to speed bumps etc. You still have to get really slow to get over them, but before it was pretty much impossible. If you are brave you can come at them faster, brake hard later and come off the brakes at exactly the right time to get the front to bob up. High risk strategy though
Bert

[Matter88]

I have a 7.1 CS. The carbon buckets are instruments of torture IMO and were quickly removed & boxed up, as were the PCCB's. I'm 6ft3 and 85kg, and simply could not get comfortable in them. I've fitted some Recaro Profi SPG XL's which are lovely and I can travel 500 miles in a day to a Euro TD and get out of the car without the use of a spinal board. For me the cage is important, and I like the fact it's an OE installation.

Purchased with 32k miles on it 18mths ago, now has 45K miles on it. It's never needed anything (other than lots of tyres & brakes), but I've spent a lot on it playing about with dampers, diff etc. They are mega cars though, 180mph down the main straight at the 'Ring was one of the most exciting moments of my motoring career so far. I've probably lost money since I bought it at the peak of the pricing levels, and having done a boat load of track miles in it. It's fresher and cleaner than when I bought it though, and it's going nowhere - so I don't care

I'd recommend Fearnsport for a PPI.

[efb88]

Thank you for all the comments guys! Great to hear people are able to use them exactly as I intend and appreciate the comments on comfort vs CS.

Also completely on-board with a full PPI via Porsche Inspections

Was the £75k 7.2 GT3 the Collecting Cars one? I know with the buyers premium it was a little more but gives a guide. A 7.2 would be incredible but I think out of the price range for me!

So are we saying that after negotiations looking at sub £60k for higher millage comfort spec's going up to c.£70k for a low millage CS?

I can't for the life of me find a 30k CS at £69k online but must not be looking in the right place. If someone can point me in the right direction it would be appreciated!

[IMI A]

efb88 said:

Thank you for all the comments guys! Great to hear people are able to use them exactly as I intend and appreciate the comments on comfort vs CS.

Also completely on-board with a full PPI via Porsche Inspections

Was the £75k 7.2 GT3 the Collecting Cars one? I know with the buyers premium it was a little more but gives a guide. A 7.2 would be incredible but I think out of the price range for me!

So are we saying that after negotiations looking at sub £60k for higher millage comfort spec's going up to c.£70k for a low millage CS?

I can't for the life of me find a 30k CS at £69k online but must not be looking in the right place. If someone can point me in the right direction it would be appreciated!

Perhaps give Sid at Porsche Torque a call and go and have look at his GT3. Mention Imi pointed you towards him online if you do have a look as he may reduce my future service bills !!. Clean no horror stories black 997.1 GT3 with 46k miles. I would have bought this car if we hadn't decided to go for something a bit older and slower. Car was for sale with 911 Virgin not long ago so if you ever want to validate if she's a good one speak to Tom who runs 911v? I suspect Sid may deal for somewhere between 65 and 70k and I'm sure 911V will stick a warranty on her etc if you want but then price will move to £70k. I wouldn't get too hooked up on gen 1 or gen 2, colours etc. Buy the best car you can find within your own budget

[Slippydiff]

Matter88 said:

I have a 7.1 CS. The carbon buckets are instruments of torture IMOand were quickly removed & boxed up, as were the PCCB's. I'm 6ft3 and 85kg, and simply could not get comfortable in them. I've fitted some Recaro Profi SPG XL's which are lovely and I can travel 500 miles in a day to a Euro TD and get out of the car without the use of a spinal board. For me the cage is important, and I like the fact it's an OE installation.

Purchased with 32k miles on it 18mths ago, now has 45K miles on it. It's never needed anything (other than lots of tyres & brakes), but I've spent a lot on it playing about with dampers, diff etc. They are mega cars though, 180mph down the main straight at the 'Ring was one of the most exciting moments of my motoring career so far. I've probably lost money since I bought it at the peak of the pricing levels, and having done a boat load of track miles in it. It's fresher and cleaner than when I bought it though, and it's going nowhere - so I don't care

I'd recommend Fearnsport for a PPI.

This ^

CG or any decent Indy will be able to raise the ride heights, but as Alfa Pork said, you must ensure you retain the front to rear rake.

Check the price of the OE Motorsport 997.1 Cup front splitter, they used to be cheaper than the road version (they may be slightly deeper though).

My first 99.1 GT3 had Comfort Seats, they’re the better/more comfortable option 95% of the time, but the buckets do occasionally come into their own that last 5% (track days and brain-out hoons)
As to whether the compromise is a worthwhile one for that 5%, only you’ll know ...

[braddo]

I'm in London and have a 7.1 GT3 where a previous owner fitted the carbon folding bucket seats from the Gen 2 cars. Those seats are absolutely superb (for me at least) - great for road, track and getting stuff (and kids!) in the back.

The front ride height and splitter are definitely manageable around London if you accept the splitter is going to look a little untidy and make scraping noises. I wouldn't straddle speed cushions but that's arguably more for keeping the gearbox and engine out of harm's way. You will go over them slowly simply because the ride is so stiff too. Steep ramps such as onto side streets and in multistorey car parks are usually fine if taken slowly at an angle.

They get onto the Eurotunnel fine too (not upper deck, but you'll get pointed to a lower deck anyway). Going in the tall vehicle carriages provides useful extra width.

On bumpy roads I think the front brake ducts are what ground out first rather than the splitter.

The clutch is pretty heavy so it gets tiring in stop/start traffic.

Definitely worth it though. They're bloody epic cars!!

[isaldiri]

Matter88 said:

I have a 7.1 CS. The carbon buckets are instruments of torture IMO

Seat fitting is quite an individual thing though so the OP should really try them to decide for himself. I find the fixed back seat pretty decent for example but do accept clearly as per above not everyone will agree!

I'd agree with braddo per above too. London is mostly manageable with a bit of care ime without the front lifter. Went out of my way to get a car when I was looking for a 7.2 but actually ended up almost never using it so wouldn't have bothered had I known what I do now.