996 GT3 - is now the time to buy?
Discussion
T-bagger said:
Any other advice or comments always welcome...
You may already know this, but it's worth mentioning; you are buying the car, not the dealer, but the better cars tend to mostly find their way to the better dealers. On Pistonheads, we're not allowed to name & shame, but other forums - like the 911uk forum - are a little bit more open in that regard, although even then, I've seen threads (about some of the worst dealers) disappear after a day or two.There are dealers you can definitely trust; 911 Virgin, JZM, RPM Technik and I am sure others can add more. If and when you get to it, it's worth taslking to dealers, even if they have nothing (yet) for sale, as cars can sell very fast, plus they sometimes know owners who might be persuaded to trade. You could also talk to some of the places known to service these cars, Fearnsport, Sports & Classic, Parr etc. because they also might know owners looking to trade.
If buying privately, or from a dealer you are unsure about, always get a pre-purchase inspection.
Nxi20 is right about condition; whatever mileage, you want to see a very steady flow of bills and servicing, no gaps or question marks. Looked after, these cars are capable of taking a huge amount of track use, but they will need some money spending, so an absence of this in the service file is a warning.
Thought I'd add my owners view as I own a guards red 996.2 GT3 with 52,000 miles.
Firstly, a car with this mileage feels as if it's barely run in. They are so beautifully mechanical and so well engineered that you should absolutely factor in cars with a few miles, provided they have the right service history.
Next is the idea that these cars are only track appropriate - I'll try to be polite , but that rumour is utter garbage. These cars have adjustable suspension and the right place such as JZM can set it to a sensible fast road setting. Yes, it's s sports car and not a limo , however 100 per cent driveable and enjoyable and tractable.
It's unlike anything I've driven; except the cliched feel of analogue connection is absolutely the main character trait. I also have a 3 door Sierra RS Cosworth and they both have similar connection and reward in terms of a immediacy of feedback and response. The GT3 is was quicker however has the rare trait of offering the driving pleasure from low speeds and right round the dial.
The more modern Supercars are muted in comparison and this ability of the 996 GT3 will endure and stand out from one decade to the next.
Just do it. Come April, the cycle begins again with very few cars available and upward price pressure.
Don't die thinking about it. There are reasons the 996 GT3 is on enthusiasts lips and lists. It's epic.
Firstly, a car with this mileage feels as if it's barely run in. They are so beautifully mechanical and so well engineered that you should absolutely factor in cars with a few miles, provided they have the right service history.
Next is the idea that these cars are only track appropriate - I'll try to be polite , but that rumour is utter garbage. These cars have adjustable suspension and the right place such as JZM can set it to a sensible fast road setting. Yes, it's s sports car and not a limo , however 100 per cent driveable and enjoyable and tractable.
It's unlike anything I've driven; except the cliched feel of analogue connection is absolutely the main character trait. I also have a 3 door Sierra RS Cosworth and they both have similar connection and reward in terms of a immediacy of feedback and response. The GT3 is was quicker however has the rare trait of offering the driving pleasure from low speeds and right round the dial.
The more modern Supercars are muted in comparison and this ability of the 996 GT3 will endure and stand out from one decade to the next.
Just do it. Come April, the cycle begins again with very few cars available and upward price pressure.
Don't die thinking about it. There are reasons the 996 GT3 is on enthusiasts lips and lists. It's epic.
If you can, you should. Life is short and they won't make cars like this again.
You are also fortunate that the market doesn't really love them. Truth is, most people want the new thing and more of those who want the analogue / Mezger feel prefer the 997 (see relative prices). But the 996 GT3 is fantastic in its own way. I think that means you can buy safe in the knowledge that the speculative money is more focused on other PGT cars and if the market does soften, 996 prices shouldn't move as much as others, and definitely not in value terms.
From my 3 years in one, I would strongly recommend you get one with two cautions. If you track them, you will need to spend quite serious money on mods and maintenance, and I personally don't think they can be a great road and track car at the same time. You can have either through setup, but not best of both at the same time. Secondly, I think the market is quite polarised between collector cars and properly used cars. Cars in the former seem to move pretty quick and prices are much firmer. Properly used and modified cars (many of which have been bumped along the line) are not easy cars to sell
You are also fortunate that the market doesn't really love them. Truth is, most people want the new thing and more of those who want the analogue / Mezger feel prefer the 997 (see relative prices). But the 996 GT3 is fantastic in its own way. I think that means you can buy safe in the knowledge that the speculative money is more focused on other PGT cars and if the market does soften, 996 prices shouldn't move as much as others, and definitely not in value terms.
From my 3 years in one, I would strongly recommend you get one with two cautions. If you track them, you will need to spend quite serious money on mods and maintenance, and I personally don't think they can be a great road and track car at the same time. You can have either through setup, but not best of both at the same time. Secondly, I think the market is quite polarised between collector cars and properly used cars. Cars in the former seem to move pretty quick and prices are much firmer. Properly used and modified cars (many of which have been bumped along the line) are not easy cars to sell
I had to sell my 996.1 GT3 a few years ago due to a break up with my ex.. I went 993, Cayman S, Cayman R but my eye was only on another 996.1 GT3.
Last year I managed to get my hands on a SY CS with a Manthey K400.
I love the car, it has over £30,000 of Service bills and receipts done 57,000 miles. (Last owner 12 years)
Yes it needed bits sorting (remember it’s an old car) steering rack, old tired suspension, diff worn, tyres old etc... and over the next year or two I will get her back to the best I can. (Already well on the way), considering a re fresh of the paint, down both sides, bonnet and bumpers.. get it 100% paint and mechanical.
I will hold on to the car as long as I can, not as an investment but as joy to drive on the weekends and euro blasts..
‘The 996 GT3, a event to drive every time’
Don’t think, just do it...
(The only car I would change for is a 997 RS in black and orange, but funds will never allow)
Last year I managed to get my hands on a SY CS with a Manthey K400.
I love the car, it has over £30,000 of Service bills and receipts done 57,000 miles. (Last owner 12 years)
Yes it needed bits sorting (remember it’s an old car) steering rack, old tired suspension, diff worn, tyres old etc... and over the next year or two I will get her back to the best I can. (Already well on the way), considering a re fresh of the paint, down both sides, bonnet and bumpers.. get it 100% paint and mechanical.
I will hold on to the car as long as I can, not as an investment but as joy to drive on the weekends and euro blasts..
‘The 996 GT3, a event to drive every time’
Don’t think, just do it...
(The only car I would change for is a 997 RS in black and orange, but funds will never allow)
I was recently in the same boat as you, this is my journey so far... https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
Some cars stamp a marker in your memory, I had a guards red gen2. I remember pulling into a pals workshop and his first words were ' are you being chased?' He could hear me a mile away. I dont have a memory like that about my 997 turbo or similar cars other than recall they were fast.. It's difficult to put into words but there arent many cars that you need to have a little sit down for a minute or two after driving!
I will have another one day...
I will have another one day...
dickyf said:
Some cars stamp a marker in your memory, I had a guards red gen2. I remember pulling into a pals workshop and his first words were ' are you being chased?' He could hear me a mile away. I dont have a memory like that about my 997 turbo or similar cars other than recall they were fast.. It's difficult to put into words but there arent many cars that you need to have a little sit down for a minute or two after driving!
I will have another one day...
I will have another one day...
'Our' black 996 GT3 is at JZM. It moved way for a 964 with RS running gear as that complimented the 997 GT3 more....
However tue 996 GT3 is still one of my favourite cars ever so if you can get in one I would. The first track day I did in one I had just junped out of my Cayman GTS and the old car just blew me away, they're that good.
Id have one in a heartbeat and often think about chopping my 981 Spyder back in for one.
However tue 996 GT3 is still one of my favourite cars ever so if you can get in one I would. The first track day I did in one I had just junped out of my Cayman GTS and the old car just blew me away, they're that good.
Id have one in a heartbeat and often think about chopping my 981 Spyder back in for one.
Joehow said:
'Our' black 996 GT3 is at JZM. It moved way for a 964 with RS running gear as that complimented the 997 GT3 more....
I saw that car when I bought my 997 and had a look at it - lovely motor. I was intent on buying a 7 not a 6, but even so, I still had to take the time to have a look at that car in the showroom, because they look so right.In time I think that the 996GT3 will be reagrded as 'the' GT3 to own by purists. They are a fickle bunch and it takes a while for the penny to drop.. but they will get there in the end. Also, the obsession with the RS badge has always been wayward in the GT3 range. Aircooled RS's were a fair way removed from cooking versions, but in water cooled versions of the 911, the GT3 is a completely different animal with RS versions only slightly sharper in experience. This makes any GT3 VERY close to the full fat RS experience. Often only a geo change away. That you can buy most GT3's for almost half the price of the RS varient makes them extremely good value for money relatively.
nxi20 said:
Don't let the mileage put you off 
Buy on condition, they wear their miles very well so long as they are properly maintained. Running a GT3 isn't cheap & neglect will result in much larger bills down the road. This is my mileage a month ago, ~60K of which are trackday miles.
[
Wow - nice one! How much do you reckon it costs to track these days? I'd always assumed about £1k/day (+ the cost of the TD itself) but didn't know how far from reality this wasBuy on condition, they wear their miles very well so long as they are properly maintained. Running a GT3 isn't cheap & neglect will result in much larger bills down the road. This is my mileage a month ago, ~60K of which are trackday miles.
[
While it is a bit unloved now, normally it is the first and the last of a series that become collectible. Also, the 996, particularly the Mk1 CS is the closest a modern Porsche has ever come to being a race car for the road. There is so little difference between a Mk1 CS and an early Cup it is not even funny. Even the electric cut out on the Mk1 is functional. Also, quite telling - when I went out to buy a Mk1 CS I had a choice of about 15 cars across Europe - wanted a LHD. Now there are 4 and only one of them is actually worth looking at and it is EUR87k...
LaSource said:
worldwidewebs said:
Wow - nice one! How much do you reckon it costs to track these days? I'd always assumed about £1k/day (+ the cost of the TD itself) but didn't know how far from reality this was
Rule 1....NEVER add up the costsRule 2....see rule 1
What he said
The more trackdays you do in a year, the cheaper it is per day. How's that for man maths?
This is the exact spec I’d choose and only 10mins from work ?? could be a sign......?
https://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/...
Might have to “pop into work tomorrow dear”
https://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/...
Might have to “pop into work tomorrow dear”
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