12 GT4's for sale on PistonHeads and growing (Vol. 2)
Discussion
JiggyJaggy said:
What are people's opinions on the PDK versus manual box? I love the GT4, just not sure if I can live without a PDK in central London traffic etc. But does the PDK totally take away from the engaging drive of a manual GT4?
Test drive one for a day or two and go the routes you'd commonly do through the city - thats the only way to tell as there is no right or wrong answer to your question. After a decade of forum threads on such a subject it is purely personal. I think there is more to question on the car rather transmission. If your Gt4 is spending most of its time in central London traffic then you'll not be taking advantage of a Gen 1 987 Cayman let alone a GT4. I think that should be your main question, not the transmission. JiggyJaggy said:
What are people's opinions on the PDK versus manual box? I love the GT4, just not sure if I can live without a PDK in central London traffic etc. But does the PDK totally take away from the engaging drive of a manual GT4?
I went PDK with my GT4 after two years and 17,000 in my previous manual 718 T. As my GT4 is my daily I’m pleased I went PDK. If it had been a weekend toy I probably would have stuck with manual, but as a daily the PDK is a delight.
Evening guys,
Just read through the last couple of pages on this thread - interesting thoughts on values.
If you had the opportunity to buy a new GT4 - what would you do?
I was considering a 997 GTS or 991.1 GTS but I am drawn by appeal of a 'GT Porsche'.
I appreciate some are saying prices are softening but would this still be a 'safer' bet in terms of depreciation in comparison to the 997/991 GTS models?
Finally are the buckets a must?
Appreciate any advice.
Just read through the last couple of pages on this thread - interesting thoughts on values.
If you had the opportunity to buy a new GT4 - what would you do?
I was considering a 997 GTS or 991.1 GTS but I am drawn by appeal of a 'GT Porsche'.
I appreciate some are saying prices are softening but would this still be a 'safer' bet in terms of depreciation in comparison to the 997/991 GTS models?
Finally are the buckets a must?
Appreciate any advice.
jzma said:
Evening guys,
Just read through the last couple of pages on this thread - interesting thoughts on values.
If you had the opportunity to buy a new GT4 - what would you do?
I was considering a 997 GTS or 991.1 GTS but I am drawn by appeal of a 'GT Porsche'.
I appreciate some are saying prices are softening but would this still be a 'safer' bet in terms of depreciation in comparison to the 997/991 GTS models?
Finally are the buckets a must?
Appreciate any advice.
Slight element of crystal ball here, but based on past evidence I’d say the GT4 would be a safer bet for residuals, given that the previous variant never really got below list in the 6 years it’s been around. They’re fabulous cars. Just read through the last couple of pages on this thread - interesting thoughts on values.
If you had the opportunity to buy a new GT4 - what would you do?
I was considering a 997 GTS or 991.1 GTS but I am drawn by appeal of a 'GT Porsche'.
I appreciate some are saying prices are softening but would this still be a 'safer' bet in terms of depreciation in comparison to the 997/991 GTS models?
Finally are the buckets a must?
Appreciate any advice.
As for the buckets, entirely a personal thing. They are brilliant, supportive and surprisingly comfortable on a long trip. I’ve not driven the 18 way comfort seats but believe they too are quite supportive. Buckets seem to be sought after on the used market. Definitely recommend at least sitting in the buckets (test drives on GT cars can be difficult to arrange via an OPC) to make sure they fit you ok.
jzma said:
Evening guys,
Just read through the last couple of pages on this thread - interesting thoughts on values.
If you had the opportunity to buy a new GT4 - what would you do?
I was considering a 997 GTS or 991.1 GTS but I am drawn by appeal of a 'GT Porsche'.
I appreciate some are saying prices are softening but would this still be a 'safer' bet in terms of depreciation in comparison to the 997/991 GTS models?
Finally are the buckets a must?
Appreciate any advice.
I was in the exactly the same boat as you, always wanted a 997 GT3 having owned 6 911’s over the years last being a C4S X51. Just read through the last couple of pages on this thread - interesting thoughts on values.
If you had the opportunity to buy a new GT4 - what would you do?
I was considering a 997 GTS or 991.1 GTS but I am drawn by appeal of a 'GT Porsche'.
I appreciate some are saying prices are softening but would this still be a 'safer' bet in terms of depreciation in comparison to the 997/991 GTS models?
Finally are the buckets a must?
Appreciate any advice.
Got a new GT4 with buckets and found it too compromised for me even as a weekend car. The buckets are a pain to get in and out of and the lack of fore/aft adjustment really hurt my lanky frame. They look absolutely fantastic though and are probably needed residual wise.
I swapped it for a 991T which I’m really happy with. (without losing a penny as prices were rising so was very lucky.)
There is considerably more cabin space in the 911 if that’s important to you, I felt a bit cramped in the GT4.
Best advice is to try and get a proper drive in one with buckets as mentioned above, some people love them. I was one of them until I had to live with them..
The GT4 is one of the best cars out there so don’t let me put you off, if you’re happy with hardcore it’s damn near perfect!
Edited by Joscal on Monday 2nd August 07:50
jzma said:
Evening guys,
Just read through the last couple of pages on this thread - interesting thoughts on values.
If you had the opportunity to buy a new GT4 - what would you do?
I was considering a 997 GTS or 991.1 GTS but I am drawn by appeal of a 'GT Porsche'.
I appreciate some are saying prices are softening but would this still be a 'safer' bet in terms of depreciation in comparison to the 997/991 GTS models?
Finally are the buckets a must?
Appreciate any advice.
Sounds like you're in a similar position to me, albeit I was was looking for a 991.2 GTS, before my head was turned by the GT4.Just read through the last couple of pages on this thread - interesting thoughts on values.
If you had the opportunity to buy a new GT4 - what would you do?
I was considering a 997 GTS or 991.1 GTS but I am drawn by appeal of a 'GT Porsche'.
I appreciate some are saying prices are softening but would this still be a 'safer' bet in terms of depreciation in comparison to the 997/991 GTS models?
Finally are the buckets a must?
Appreciate any advice.
I went to a dealer at the weekend to look at a 991, which ended up not being for me, but whilst I was there I got looking at the GT4 which was sat directly next to it. One thing led to another and I find myself waiting for the dealer to fetch the keys for me to look inside. The car had the buckets, and although they look great, I knew from the moment I tried to get in and get comfortable that they would be a PITA for me long term. Unless you plan to use the car exclusively on track, I wouldn't bother, stick to normal seats.
kmpowell said:
Sounds like you're in a similar position to me, albeit I was was looking for a 991.2 GTS, before my head was turned by the GT4.
I went to a dealer at the weekend to look at a 991, which ended up not being for me, but whilst I was there I got looking at the GT4 which was sat directly next to it. One thing led to another and I find myself waiting for the dealer to fetch the keys for me to look inside. The car had the buckets, and although they look great, I knew from the moment I tried to get in and get comfortable that they would be a PITA for me long term. Unless you plan to use the car exclusively on track, I wouldn't bother, stick to normal seats.
I've had my 981 GT4 for 18 months now and I specifically wanted the club sport package when I was looking for a GT4, so rear cage and 918 carbon bucket seats. I test drove a 981 GT4 with the comfort seats and although comfortable, my thought was, this is a GT4 and should have bucket seats. I then test drove the car I currently own and couldn't be happier with the bucket seats. Even my wife has now got used to getting in and out of them quite easily and says they are more comfortable than they look. I went to a dealer at the weekend to look at a 991, which ended up not being for me, but whilst I was there I got looking at the GT4 which was sat directly next to it. One thing led to another and I find myself waiting for the dealer to fetch the keys for me to look inside. The car had the buckets, and although they look great, I knew from the moment I tried to get in and get comfortable that they would be a PITA for me long term. Unless you plan to use the car exclusively on track, I wouldn't bother, stick to normal seats.
I suppose the buckets could be a pain the backside on a daily basis. There has been a lot a comments on here about the carbon buckets vs comfort seats and each to their own etc. but if you want a daily with comfort seats why not buy a Cayman GTS 4.0 as that will be a better daily car. This is obviously my own opinion.
My GT4 is a weekend and occasions car. My daily is a 16 year old BMW E46 320d Sport Touring which is great at what it does, cost me f
k all and I can leave it anywhere and not worry about it at all 
Andy OH said:
kmpowell said:
Sounds like you're in a similar position to me, albeit I was was looking for a 991.2 GTS, before my head was turned by the GT4.
I went to a dealer at the weekend to look at a 991, which ended up not being for me, but whilst I was there I got looking at the GT4 which was sat directly next to it. One thing led to another and I find myself waiting for the dealer to fetch the keys for me to look inside. The car had the buckets, and although they look great, I knew from the moment I tried to get in and get comfortable that they would be a PITA for me long term. Unless you plan to use the car exclusively on track, I wouldn't bother, stick to normal seats.
I've had my 981 GT4 for 18 months now and I specifically wanted the club sport package when I was looking for a GT4, so rear cage and 918 carbon bucket seats. I test drove a 981 GT4 with the comfort seats and although comfortable, my thought was, this is a GT4 and should have bucket seats. I then test drove the car I currently own and couldn't be happier with the bucket seats. Even my wife has now got used to getting in and out of them quite easily and says they are more comfortable than they look. I went to a dealer at the weekend to look at a 991, which ended up not being for me, but whilst I was there I got looking at the GT4 which was sat directly next to it. One thing led to another and I find myself waiting for the dealer to fetch the keys for me to look inside. The car had the buckets, and although they look great, I knew from the moment I tried to get in and get comfortable that they would be a PITA for me long term. Unless you plan to use the car exclusively on track, I wouldn't bother, stick to normal seats.
I suppose the buckets could be a pain the backside on a daily basis. There has been a lot a comments on here about the carbon buckets vs comfort seats and each to their own etc. but if you want a daily with comfort seats why not buy a Cayman GTS 4.0 as that will be a better daily car. This is obviously my own opinion.
My GT4 is a weekend and occasions car. My daily is a 16 year old BMW E46 320d Sport Touring which is great at what it does, cost me f
k all and I can leave it anywhere and not worry about it at all kmpowell said:
I'm not buying a Daily. I'm buying a 3rd car for weekend fun and occasions... yet I still don't think the buckets would suit my needs 100%.
Not sure why you'd want comfort seats then???I would suggest maybe trying to drive a GT4 with carbon buckets, you may be pleasantly surprised
good luck with whatever you decide to buy.Can you get the 18 way memory seats in a GT4?
Know they're a bit heavier but I've ben really impressed how much they hold you in with the adjustable bolsters - both around your ribs and around your thighs. You really feel locked in the seat rather than just on it. Would imagine if buckets are too compromised, they are the next best thing?
Know they're a bit heavier but I've ben really impressed how much they hold you in with the adjustable bolsters - both around your ribs and around your thighs. You really feel locked in the seat rather than just on it. Would imagine if buckets are too compromised, they are the next best thing?
As others have rightly said the buckets really are what the GT4 is all about and most used buyers demand these seats which explains why comfort seated GT4s and to a lesser extent Spyders command far less money ££ used the price difference being way more than the bucket seat option cost and furthermore comfort spec cars are much harder to sell.
Most buyers don't have an issue getting both in or out of a bucket seated car and if you do the car is probably too focused for you anyway.
You sit much lower in the bucket seats (particularly the newer fixed buckets) compared to the comforts which feel awkward as you tend to sit on rather in them consequently buckets are more tuned in to the GT4s chassis further heightening the overall GT experience which really is the whole point of the car.
Comfort seats are ok on a GTS S and T though.
Most buyers don't have an issue getting both in or out of a bucket seated car and if you do the car is probably too focused for you anyway.
You sit much lower in the bucket seats (particularly the newer fixed buckets) compared to the comforts which feel awkward as you tend to sit on rather in them consequently buckets are more tuned in to the GT4s chassis further heightening the overall GT experience which really is the whole point of the car.
Comfort seats are ok on a GTS S and T though.
kmpowell said:
I'm not buying a Daily. I'm buying a 3rd car for weekend fun and occasions... yet I still don't think the buckets would suit my needs 100%.
In the end it’s nothing more complicated than what you want. I wanted the buckets (non-folding) and the clubsport pack in my GT4, which is a third car/fun car/very occasional track but mostly road car. I do what I call manual comfort seating - I slide the seat back to exit and slide it up once I’m in. I like a quite close driving position in the GT4 - I find the more aggressive the car, the closer I sit, and getting in and out when the seat is forward is not easy or elegant. Once I had set up the distance, the height and got the steering wheel adjustment right, the driving position was damn near perfect and the seats are great - supportive, firm, yet comfortable. But everyone’s different. av185 said:
As others have rightly said the buckets really are what the GT4 is all about and most used buyers demand these seats which explains why comfort seated GT4s and to a lesser extent Spyders command far less money ££ used the price difference being way more than the bucket seat option cost and furthermore comfort spec cars are much harder to sell.
Most buyers don't have an issue getting both in or out of a bucket seated car and if you do the car is probably too focused for you anyway.
You sit much lower in the bucket seats (particularly the newer fixed buckets) compared to the comforts which feel awkward as you tend to sit on rather in them consequently buckets are more tuned in to the GT4s chassis further heightening the overall GT experience which really is the whole point of the car.
Comfort seats are ok on a GTS S and T though.
Not sure I agree with this, I previously was offered 2 comfort spec GT4s over list with comfort seats and both sold within days of the call over list. In terms of price, depending on the overall spec of the car buckets do command more buts it’s a relative increase given they are more than the regular 4 ways. Again, all due to personal circumstances but I’ve specced mine with 18 ways and isofix given that’s my requirements as it’ll be daily driven.Most buyers don't have an issue getting both in or out of a bucket seated car and if you do the car is probably too focused for you anyway.
You sit much lower in the bucket seats (particularly the newer fixed buckets) compared to the comforts which feel awkward as you tend to sit on rather in them consequently buckets are more tuned in to the GT4s chassis further heightening the overall GT experience which really is the whole point of the car.
Comfort seats are ok on a GTS S and T though.
Unless it’s a weekend toy or being tracked, I think comfort seats are perfectly fine. All of course, personal opinion.
Andy OH said:
kmpowell said:
I'm not buying a Daily. I'm buying a 3rd car for weekend fun and occasions... yet I still don't think the buckets would suit my needs 100%.
Not sure why you'd want comfort seats then???I would suggest maybe trying to drive a GT4 with carbon buckets, you may be pleasantly surprised
good luck with whatever you decide to buy.The car will be a 3rd car (we have a big family bus and a school drop-off shop run car), for me to enjoy and use when our 4x kids are with mine and my partners respective 2 ex's. It won't be tracked (and even if it does I'm not track genius so I won't/can't push it to a place when're buckets will make that much difference), just enjoyed on A/B roads, and also to use when the 2 of us visit family and have days out together.
I've considered a GTS 4.0, but being honest, the thing doesn't excite me, it doesn't look or feel special enough. I want a car that takes me away from the place of having the 4 kids, back to the enjoyment I had of sports cars pre 'growing up'. (I've had things like T350, S2000, VX220 Turbo, 1m etc)
The dealer has emailed me to say he has 2 cars to chose from that are the same price. Different colours, but both the same age and same miles and pretty much the same small options like reversing camera, full Race-tex interior etc, but the significant difference is: 1 has buckets and steels, the other has 18-way and PCCB. My head is telling me I need 18-way and PCCB's.
Thoughts?
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