991:1 GT3 Buying Advice

[finmac]

Thinking about buying a Low miles 2015 991:1 GT3 and wondered about a few things please:

Can these cars be over revved? Worth getting a rev range check done?

Worth Visually checking the strut top mounting points pre purchase?

Anything else (car has extended warranty) specifically that’s a weakness/worth checking?

[Deanmg]

Certainly check the history & warranty of the engine

Edited by Deanmg on Saturday 27th June 15:42

[Grantstown]

There will be a lot in this forum, plus Renn List etc. In particular, you should look at the engine issues, E F or G series engine, whether replaced or not. There is a 10 year engine warrantee and presumably this could be expended to 15 years through the main dealer network. You’d need to check that though.

[Porsche911R]

finmac said:

Anything else (car has extended warranty) specifically that’s a weakness/worth checking?

Surprised you have not asked about the 991.1 GT3 's engine.

I would never buy one personally.

Weakness is a understatement but if I was forced to buy one with some one else money it would have to have a G spec engine in the car.

2024 will be interesting times on cars which are not G spec.

£100k spend AMG GT-R with my own money.

Edited by Porsche911R on Saturday 27th June 20:20

[terryb]

Whilst there have been engine woes, the majority haven’t. I did 7k miles in 12 months and had zero issues with the car and did q few trackdays too. Just be sure to have the official Porsche Warranty and then you can drive with peace of mind - as applies to any valuable car.

They are great fun — the PDK is very good and be sure to enjoy launch control too. Also if you pull both paddles in, it effectively dumps the clutch, so you can rev the engine, without needing to select Neutral - a neat little touch. Can help you lay massive 11’s too if you want

[Mankers]

Porsche911R said:

finmac said:

Anything else (car has extended warranty) specifically that’s a weakness/worth checking?

Surprised you have not asked about the 991.1 GT3 's engine.

I would never buy one personally.

Weakness is a understatement but if I was forced to buy one with some one else money it would have to have a G spec engine in the car.

2024 will be interesting times on cars which are not G spec.

£100k spend AMG GT-R with my own money.

Edited by Porsche911R on Saturday 27th June 20:20

IF the engine fails, due to finger follower issue, it gets replaced under 10 year (from date of manufacture) warranty. Then you have the option of extending the usual full Porsche warranty for an additional 5 yrs, therefore to 2030 for a 2015 car, that’s a long time, for let’s face it, one hell of a car. If you have an extra c£30k get the .2 if not get the .1 and don’t worry about it, enjoy

[terryb]

.1’s are great value at the moment. But they need to be driven and enjoyed - too many garage queens out there - what a waste

[Porsche911R]

Mankers said:

IF the engine fails, due to finger follower issue, it gets replaced under 10 year (from date of manufacture) warranty. Then you have the option of extending the usual full Porsche warranty for an additional 5 yrs, therefore to 2030 for a 2015 car, that’s a long time, for let’s face it, one hell of a car. If you have an extra c£30k get the .2 if not get the .1 and don’t worry about it, enjoy

Advise the op not me, I think it’s a lemon.
Warranty is all well and good but the car has to be 100% oem and that’s a bit of a stter 1st off, and 2nd if you goto Spa and you get the engine check light , that’s a £3k trip written off and you some how have to get home.

So for both of the above reason I’ am out have always have been.

[Mankers]

Porsche911R said:

Mankers said:

IF the engine fails, due to finger follower issue, it gets replaced under 10 year (from date of manufacture) warranty. Then you have the option of extending the usual full Porsche warranty for an additional 5 yrs, therefore to 2030 for a 2015 car, that’s a long time, for let’s face it, one hell of a car. If you have an extra c£30k get the .2 if not get the .1 and don’t worry about it, enjoy

Advise the op not me, I think it’s a lemon.
Warranty is all well and good but the car has to be 100% oem and that’s a bit of a stter 1st off, and 2nd if you goto Spa and you get the engine check light , that’s a £3k trip written off and you some how have to get home.

So for both of the above reason I’ am out have always have been.

LOL this is advice for the op. If your theory is correct all 991.1’s that have been tracked, would be on G engines, and that is not the case.

[gd]

Well, first things first, stop reading the BS on here about the engines. If you worried about that then you shouldn't buy most of the 996, 986, 997, 987 and 991 models, but get a mortgage for a 991.2 or a 992 and hope it doesn't suffer the same fate in due course.

Instead, just get an OPC warranty on the car and stop worrying. Ask them to do a 111 point check on it before you buy it and you will get an answer as to whether they would do this, if you're not buying through the OPC network. If the seller doesn't let you, then buy another one.

I've had a late 2014 991.1 GT3 for 14 months now. It's the most phenomenal car I've ever owned. It's a clubsport car full of buckets and harnesses, and with the engine noise, sports PDK and alcantara covered everything there is real theatre every time I get it out for a drive. it looks, feels and sounds like a race car. I've had a few 911s and it's by far the best I've ever driven, it puts a big smile on my face and I just love it. The only problem I have with it is that I have to keep off the gas in order to keep my licence, as it just wants to be driven quickly. I'm not a skilled racing driver, so I don't go anywhere near the limit, but it's still a lot of fun.

Do I worry about the engine? Not in the slightest, I have an OPC warranty on it for another 16 months, which will be extended, and there is also the 10 year engine warranty as belt and braces. And also because I'm usually having fun with it, rather than worrying about the depreciation, future values or market for GT cars. Plus there are plenty of 991.1 GT3s that have been tracked and are still going strong.

Hope you get one and enjoy it as much as I have.

[Melvynr]

gd said:

Well, first things first, stop reading the BS on here about the engines. If you worried about that then you shouldn't buy most of the 996, 986, 997, 987 and 991 models, but get a mortgage for a 991.2 or a 992 and hope it doesn't suffer the same fate in due course.

Instead, just get an OPC warranty on the car and stop worrying. Ask them to do a 111 point check on it before you buy it and you will get an answer as to whether they would do this, if you're not buying through the OPC network. If the seller doesn't let you, then buy another one.

I've had a late 2014 991.1 GT3 for 14 months now. It's the most phenomenal car I've ever owned. It's a clubsport car full of buckets and harnesses, and with the engine noise, sports PDK and alcantara covered everything there is real theatre every time I get it out for a drive. it looks, feels and sounds like a race car. I've had a few 911s and it's by far the best I've ever driven, it puts a big smile on my face and I just love it. The only problem I have with it is that I have to keep off the gas in order to keep my licence, as it just wants to be driven quickly. I'm not a skilled racing driver, so I don't go anywhere near the limit, but it's still a lot of fun.

Do I worry about the engine? Not in the slightest, I have an OPC warranty on it for another 16 months, which will be extended, and there is also the 10 year engine warranty as belt and braces. And also because I'm usually having fun with it, rather than worrying about the depreciation, future values or market for GT cars. Plus there are plenty of 991.1 GT3s that have been tracked and are still going strong.

Hope you get one and enjoy it as much as I have.

Very well said.

OP, you wont over rev a PDK car, you will hit the limiter to stop it .

[smudger911]

gd said:

Well, first things first, stop reading the BS on here about the engines. If you worried about that then you shouldn't buy most of the 996, 986, 997, 987 and 991 models, but get a mortgage for a 991.2 or a 992 and hope it doesn't suffer the same fate in due course.

Instead, just get an OPC warranty on the car and stop worrying. Ask them to do a 111 point check on it before you buy it and you will get an answer as to whether they would do this, if you're not buying through the OPC network. If the seller doesn't let you, then buy another one.

I've had a late 2014 991.1 GT3 for 14 months now. It's the most phenomenal car I've ever owned. It's a clubsport car full of buckets and harnesses, and with the engine noise, sports PDK and alcantara covered everything there is real theatre every time I get it out for a drive. it looks, feels and sounds like a race car. I've had a few 911s and it's by far the best I've ever driven, it puts a big smile on my face and I just love it. The only problem I have with it is that I have to keep off the gas in order to keep my licence, as it just wants to be driven quickly. I'm not a skilled racing driver, so I don't go anywhere near the limit, but it's still a lot of fun.

Do I worry about the engine? Not in the slightest, I have an OPC warranty on it for another 16 months, which will be extended, and there is also the 10 year engine warranty as belt and braces. And also because I'm usually having fun with it, rather than worrying about the depreciation, future values or market for GT cars. Plus there are plenty of 991.1 GT3s that have been tracked and are still going strong.

Hope you get one and enjoy it as much as I have.

That's the spirit.

[coops18]

gd said:

Well, first things first, stop reading the BS on here about the engines. If you worried about that then you shouldn't buy most of the 996, 986, 997, 987 and 991 models, but get a mortgage for a 991.2 or a 992 and hope it doesn't suffer the same fate in due course.

Instead, just get an OPC warranty on the car and stop worrying. Ask them to do a 111 point check on it before you buy it and you will get an answer as to whether they would do this, if you're not buying through the OPC network. If the seller doesn't let you, then buy another one.

I've had a late 2014 991.1 GT3 for 14 months now. It's the most phenomenal car I've ever owned. It's a clubsport car full of buckets and harnesses, and with the engine noise, sports PDK and alcantara covered everything there is real theatre every time I get it out for a drive. it looks, feels and sounds like a race car. I've had a few 911s and it's by far the best I've ever driven, it puts a big smile on my face and I just love it. The only problem I have with it is that I have to keep off the gas in order to keep my licence, as it just wants to be driven quickly. I'm not a skilled racing driver, so I don't go anywhere near the limit, but it's still a lot of fun.

Do I worry about the engine? Not in the slightest, I have an OPC warranty on it for another 16 months, which will be extended, and there is also the 10 year engine warranty as belt and braces. And also because I'm usually having fun with it, rather than worrying about the depreciation, future values or market for GT cars. Plus there are plenty of 991.1 GT3s that have been tracked and are still going strong.

Hope you get one and enjoy it as much as I have.

Great reply and these cars are amazing value. Smiles per mile!! and watch MR JWW enjoy his first Porsche!!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r-cQhJj1xlc

Edited by coops18 on Sunday 28th June 09:29

Edited by coops18 on Sunday 28th June 09:31

[Porsche911R]

Mankers said:

Porsche911R said:

Mankers said:

IF the engine fails, due to finger follower issue, it gets replaced under 10 year (from date of manufacture) warranty. Then you have the option of extending the usual full Porsche warranty for an additional 5 yrs, therefore to 2030 for a 2015 car, that’s a long time, for let’s face it, one hell of a car. If you have an extra c£30k get the .2 if not get the .1 and don’t worry about it, enjoy

Advise the op not me, I think it’s a lemon.
Warranty is all well and good but the car has to be 100% oem and that’s a bit of a stter 1st off, and 2nd if you goto Spa and you get the engine check light , that’s a £3k trip written off and you some how have to get home.

So for both of the above reason I’ am out have always have been.

LOL this is advice for the op. If your theory is correct all 991.1’s that have been tracked, would be on G engines, and that is not the case.

It’s misleading advice then !

they will fail if tracked a lot, it’s the high revs which causes the issues, as most are not tracked it’s cheaper for Porsche to warranty them over another call back all d,e, f engines, it’s not if, it’s when will it happen, plus you don’t get a new engine , you get some one else faulty engine repaired. Be nice if you got a brand new unit factory fitted, but it’s remanufactured then fitted by some kid at your local OPC just promoted from the mini dealer down the road.

Do you know how they reduced the issues on the 991.1 RS ?
Reduced revs in lower gears by quite a margin to 8600 is it or less and remove the 9k limit in all gears.

If they were £85k and G Rev 6 is it ? engine and 100% road use and you kept up warranty and also never wanted to fit any sort of 3rd party part like a none N tyre or a battery, and used OPC for all servicing at their new daft prices, then yes might be an ok buy !!!

Edited by Porsche911R on Sunday 28th June 09:56

[terryb]

gd said:

Well, first things first, stop reading the BS on here about the engines. If you worried about that then you shouldn't buy most of the 996, 986, 997, 987 and 991 models, but get a mortgage for a 991.2 or a 992 and hope it doesn't suffer the same fate in due course.

Instead, just get an OPC warranty on the car and stop worrying. Ask them to do a 111 point check on it before you buy it and you will get an answer as to whether they would do this, if you're not buying through the OPC network. If the seller doesn't let you, then buy another one.

I've had a late 2014 991.1 GT3 for 14 months now. It's the most phenomenal car I've ever owned. It's a clubsport car full of buckets and harnesses, and with the engine noise, sports PDK and alcantara covered everything there is real theatre every time I get it out for a drive. it looks, feels and sounds like a race car. I've had a few 911s and it's by far the best I've ever driven, it puts a big smile on my face and I just love it. The only problem I have with it is that I have to keep off the gas in order to keep my licence, as it just wants to be driven quickly. I'm not a skilled racing driver, so I don't go anywhere near the limit, but it's still a lot of fun.

Do I worry about the engine? Not in the slightest, I have an OPC warranty on it for another 16 months, which will be extended, and there is also the 10 year engine warranty as belt and braces. And also because I'm usually having fun with it, rather than worrying about the depreciation, future values or market for GT cars. Plus there are plenty of 991.1 GT3s that have been tracked and are still going strong.

Hope you get one and enjoy it as much as I have.

Well said gd and I completely understand your sentiment here, having enjoyed exactly the same experience as you previously, and subsequently with every other 991 iteration of car and no issues whatsoever

[gd]

Porsche911R said:

It’s misleading advice then !

they will fail if tracked a lot, it’s the high revs which causes the issues, as most are not tracked it’s cheaper for Porsche to warranty them over another call back all d,e, f engines, it’s not if, it’s when will it happen, plus you don’t get a new engine , you get some one else faulty engine repaired. Be nice if you got a brand new unit factory fitted, but it’s remanufactured then fitted by some kid at your local OPC just promoted from the mini dealer down the road.

Do you know how they reduced the issues on the 991.1 RS ?
Reduced revs in lower gears by quite a margin to 8600 is it or less and remove the 9k limit in all gears.

If they were £85k and G Rev 6 is it ? engine and 100% road use and you kept up warranty and also never wanted to fit any sort of 3rd party part like a none N tyre or a battery, and used OPC for all servicing at their new daft prices, then yes might be an ok buy !!!

Edited by Porsche911R on Sunday 28th June 09:56

Do you enjoy making up this drivel, or being a fun sponge for everyone else? Has this pandemic not taught you that life's too short and that it's better to regret the things you do than the things you don't do? Or is life just so miserable for you that you want everyone else to feel the same?

I am quite happy leeping up the warranty on my £100k car and having Porsche look after it, and frankly I hardly ever rev it to much over 8k as it's so damn fast that I don't need to. But I know if there's a problem they will fix it and give it back to me.

All cars break, some more than others. If you run these at 9k rpm all day long I am sure that at some point it will wear out, as all cars (especially race cars) do. But by that point I'd have such a grin on my face I'd be happy for it to be in the OPC for a few days for a new engine.

OP, go drive the car and see how you feel about it. I wouldn't want to run one of these without a warranty (whcih is the only advice I will give you, unlike some others on here), and I wouldn't try to run one on the cheap, but if you can afford the car and the maintenance they are IMHO one of the best 911's you can buy.

[JulierPass]

Porsche911R said:

Mankers said:

Porsche911R said:

Mankers said:

IF the engine fails, due to finger follower issue, it gets replaced under 10 year (from date of manufacture) warranty. Then you have the option of extending the usual full Porsche warranty for an additional 5 yrs, therefore to 2030 for a 2015 car, that’s a long time, for let’s face it, one hell of a car. If you have an extra c£30k get the .2 if not get the .1 and don’t worry about it, enjoy

Advise the op not me, I think it’s a lemon.
Warranty is all well and good but the car has to be 100% oem and that’s a bit of a stter 1st off, and 2nd if you goto Spa and you get the engine check light , that’s a £3k trip written off and you some how have to get home.

So for both of the above reason I’ am out have always have been.

LOL this is advice for the op. If your theory is correct all 991.1’s that have been tracked, would be on G engines, and that is not the case.

It’s misleading advice then !

they will fail if tracked a lot, it’s the high revs which causes the issues, as most are not tracked it’s cheaper for Porsche to warranty them over another call back all d,e, f engines, it’s not if, it’s when will it happen, plus you don’t get a new engine , you get some one else faulty engine repaired. Be nice if you got a brand new unit factory fitted, but it’s remanufactured then fitted by some kid at your local OPC just promoted from the mini dealer down the road.

Do you know how they reduced the issues on the 991.1 RS ?
Reduced revs in lower gears by quite a margin to 8600 is it or less and remove the 9k limit in all gears.

If they were £85k and G Rev 6 is it ? engine and 100% road use and you kept up warranty and also never wanted to fit any sort of 3rd party part like a none N tyre or a battery, and used OPC for all servicing at their new daft prices, then yes might be an ok buy !!!

Edited by Porsche911R on Sunday 28th June 09:56

What difference does it make if its under warranty? You bang on like it WILL happen to every car when the reality is that it is a very small number. RSR run a fleet of than that get hammered round Spa and the 'Ring day in day out and they have no issues getting replacements engines under warranty if they need them.

OP, I don't own 991.1 buy have driven one and they are a superb car, just have the usual inspection done, be mindful of the budget to run one and then drive the doors off it, they are great cars.

[Porsche911R]

gd said:

Do you enjoy making up this drivel, or being a fun sponge for everyone else? Has this pandemic not taught you that life's too short and that it's better to regret the things you do than the things you don't do? Or is life just so miserable for you that you want everyone else to feel the same?

I am quite happy leeping up the warranty on my £100k car and having Porsche look after it, and frankly I hardly ever rev it to much over 8k as it's so damn fast that I don't need to. But I know if there's a problem they will fix it and give it back to me.

All cars break, some more than others. If you run these at 9k rpm all day long I am sure that at some point it will wear out, as all cars (especially race cars) do. But by that point I'd have such a grin on my face I'd be happy for it to be in the OPC for a few days for a new engine.

OP, go drive the car and see how you feel about it. I wouldn't want to run one of these without a warranty (whcih is the only advice I will give you, unlike some others on here), and I wouldn't try to run one on the cheap, but if you can afford the car and the maintenance they are IMHO one of the best 911's you can buy.

Why be rude or get personal about it.

That’s the engines story, none of that is drivel.
Any buyers will now look into if that risk is right for them, and that’s what can be good on forums as issues can be talked about in the open.

Has nothing to do with “if you can afford it”

Many GT3 owners like to fit or even try tyres which are not N spec,
If you want to keep the 991.1 warranty the cars will have to be 100% oem for ever.

If you are happy with the risks and happy to keep the car 100% oem and use OPC to service and imo you will also now have to have bought a OPC car going forward to get this good will, they do use any excuse these days not to pay out. Ie you did not buy it from us so do one sort of attitude.

That’s great, does not change the fact the engines had major issues or the story behind that unit.

As for RsR running them on the above post, has one car not had 5 engines ?

Yes you can buy one , never track it, never use sports mode and change gear at 8k, but wtf ?

The engines not fit for purpose, it’s that simple.

[Flat0ut]

Porsche911R said:

It’s misleading advice then !

they will fail if tracked a lot, it’s the high revs which causes the issues, as most are not tracked it’s cheaper for Porsche to warranty them over another call back all d,e, f engines, it’s not if, it’s when will it happen, plus you don’t get a new engine , you get some one else faulty engine repaired. Be nice if you got a brand new unit factory fitted, but it’s remanufactured then fitted by some kid at your local OPC just promoted from the mini dealer down the road.

Do you know how they reduced the issues on the 991.1 RS ?
Reduced revs in lower gears by quite a margin to 8600 is it or less and remove the 9k limit in all gears.

If they were £85k and G Rev 6 is it ? engine and 100% road use and you kept up warranty and also never wanted to fit any sort of 3rd party part like a none N tyre or a battery, and used OPC for all servicing at their new daft prices, then yes might be an ok buy !!!

Edited by Porsche911R on Sunday 28th June 09:56

Porsche911R said:

That’s the engines story, none of that is drivel.
Any buyers will now look into if that risk is right for them, and that’s what can be good on forums as issues can be talked about in the open.

Edited by Porsche911R on Sunday 28th June 09:56

It is all drivel, track driving and high revs are not the cause of it. My 991.1 is 6 years old and has been used for predominantly track days, hitting the 9k limiter consistently, driven hard and is still on its original engine with no issues. There are many cars like this.

It was explained by Dr. Frank-Steffen Walliser head of GT Cars and Motorsport worldwide in great detail. The issue is caused by a metallurgy defect (inclusion) close to the surface of the finger follower. Most finger followers do not have these inclusions, or they are not close enough to the surface to cause increased finger follower wear. This explains why the vast majority of 991.1 GT3's do not, and most likely will never experience this problem. https://rennlist.com/forums/991-gt3-gt3rs-and-911r...

So for the OP and other buyers, it depends if you want to believe the Head of Porsche GT Motorsport or some guy on the internet, who you have never met with his own agenda and conspiracy theories who also belittles the technicians at Porsche and the majority of people on this forum

[2014_GT3.1]

Same as all the other people have said - ignore Porsche911R and just buy one!