Owning a LHD GT3 in the UK
Discussion
First time post here, usually over lurking on Rennlist.
So - I'm currently based in Dubai but with the new ways in which we have been and will be working, I'll be spending at least a third of the year in the UK. Adding to that, we've got a 6month old that takes up most of our time.
I own a 991.2 GT3 and I'm just not driving it because to get to any great roads (and there are a few worldie ones) you've got to drive at least an hour, or go to the track. All this being as it is, I am 90% of the way towards deciding to send it home. All the shipping/prep quotes are done, tax is a non-issue as I won't be selling it any time soon and have owned the car here for more than a year. All in all about 4000 sterling door to door and on the road. Car has global Porsche warranty, too.
So I guess I'm just here looking for opinions or experiences. Has anybody owned a fast left hooker here, has anybody done regular trips to the continent (as I would intend to do) and found it much more enjoyable in the correct configuration? Ad, overall is there any big reason why I shouldn't do this?
Like I said, this isn't about turning a profit and I'll likely keep the car for a ways.
Cheers.
Alex
So - I'm currently based in Dubai but with the new ways in which we have been and will be working, I'll be spending at least a third of the year in the UK. Adding to that, we've got a 6month old that takes up most of our time.
I own a 991.2 GT3 and I'm just not driving it because to get to any great roads (and there are a few worldie ones) you've got to drive at least an hour, or go to the track. All this being as it is, I am 90% of the way towards deciding to send it home. All the shipping/prep quotes are done, tax is a non-issue as I won't be selling it any time soon and have owned the car here for more than a year. All in all about 4000 sterling door to door and on the road. Car has global Porsche warranty, too.
So I guess I'm just here looking for opinions or experiences. Has anybody owned a fast left hooker here, has anybody done regular trips to the continent (as I would intend to do) and found it much more enjoyable in the correct configuration? Ad, overall is there any big reason why I shouldn't do this?
Like I said, this isn't about turning a profit and I'll likely keep the car for a ways.
Cheers.
Alex
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I had a LHD GT3 for 7.5 years and 60,000 miles and didn't find any problems using it in the UK.
It was used for many European driving holidays where of course it came into it's own.
The only obvious downsides are in car parks and at toll booths, but not a problem if you have a passenger or jump out and run round the car.
The upsides are that the driver is able to get out straight onto the pavement, and non-observant police officers come and rap on the passenger window when they stop you.
It was used for many European driving holidays where of course it came into it's own.
The only obvious downsides are in car parks and at toll booths, but not a problem if you have a passenger or jump out and run round the car.
The upsides are that the driver is able to get out straight onto the pavement, and non-observant police officers come and rap on the passenger window when they stop you.
From my experience of driving a RHD car in Europe the only real downside is that overtaking opportunities are reduced - the kind of ones on a country road where the window is narrow for a normal car but a quick car can do safely if you can see well enough.
Not a deal breaker at all, it just means you get stuck behind slow cars more often.
Of course, this is going to happen either way - in a RHD car in Europe and a LHD car in the UK.
Not a deal breaker at all, it just means you get stuck behind slow cars more often.
Of course, this is going to happen either way - in a RHD car in Europe and a LHD car in the UK.
AmoCS said:
Had a lhd 911 for a few years.
Joining merging roads requires extra care, especially motorways. Also you need long arms to pay at barriers, LOL.
I wonder if the curved stick on mirror "wideners" that can be used when towing would offer any benefit, along with the lifesaver check you do anyway.Joining merging roads requires extra care, especially motorways. Also you need long arms to pay at barriers, LOL.
braddo said:
From my experience of driving a RHD car in Europe the only real downside is that overtaking opportunities are reduced - the kind of ones on a country road where the window is narrow for a normal car but a quick car can do safely if you can see well enough.
Not a deal breaker at all, it just means you get stuck behind slow cars more often.
Of course, this is going to happen either way - in a RHD car in Europe and a LHD car in the UK.
Not necessarily - sometimes overtaking opportunities can be better seen in a LHD car that otherwise may not be apparent in RHD. For example, being able to look down the inside of the car ahead to check the road ahead (especially on left hand bends).Not a deal breaker at all, it just means you get stuck behind slow cars more often.
Of course, this is going to happen either way - in a RHD car in Europe and a LHD car in the UK.
jeremyc said:
ot necessarily - sometimes overtaking opportunities can be better seen in a LHD car that otherwise may not be apparent in RHD. For example, being able to look down the inside of the car ahead to check the road ahead (especially on left hand bends).
Sometimes. Fewer SUVs and privacy glass on the cars in front (compared to UK) also helps!The guards on the gate hear my old 911 from miles away, the gates open as I get there once they realised it was LHD and I had to get out to swipe the card reader!
Depends how much you like the McD drive through otherwise no problems for me (but the old air-cooled porker is a narrow beast)
Depends how much you like the McD drive through otherwise no problems for me (but the old air-cooled porker is a narrow beast)
ttdan said:
hornbaek said:
I would sell it locally. Its not worth the hassle. It will be unsellable in the UK and coming from Dubai you will have to pay EU VAT on it when selling it abroad.
This and also uk vat bringing it in I would have thought?Few years ago I shipped my 911 back from the Dubai to the UK (no VAT/duty, returning resident etc). As others said, no real issues with LHD and came into its own in Europe. Eventually sold it on to a guy in Holland. Might be more of a challenge now to move it on however.
Edited by Rich_AR on Thursday 27th May 17:52
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