Buying a GT3 or Caterham R as winter aproaches?

[tomvcarter]

Hi as gloomy wet winter approaches i happen to find my self in the position to be looking for something exciting.
I was considering a 997.1 GT3 or if i was sensible with my budget something like a Caterham R400.

Would this be a mistake at this time of year?

And which woudl you choose?

[Jasandjules]

Well, a GT3 would be my choice. Is it an only car? If not, then go for it, just drive her when it's ok to do so, because if we get as much snow as last year, there would be some days I'd leave her in the garage...

[tomvcarter]

Jasandjules said:

Well, a GT3 would be my choice. Is it an only car? If not, then go for it, just drive her when it's ok to do so, because if we get as much snow as last year, there would be some days I'd leave her in the garage...

No it would be a second car, estate for the family etc.
I just want something fun for the weekends, and the odd trackday.
BUt the GT3 worries me regarding depreciation considering its comming to the end of the 997 life....

[thinfourth2]

Caterham all the way as they are far cheaper to run on trackdays

[ewenm]

thinfourth2 said:

Caterham all the way as they are far cheaper to run on trackdays

Plus, if you do happen to break traction on the road (winter approaching and all that), they are easy to catch and cheap to repair if you fail to catch.

[Lordbenny]

Ever thought about one of these?

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/3171283.htm

My one, come and have a look.

[2slo]

Very similar to my short list last year. Bought the R400 and no regrets.

[tomvcarter]

2slo said:

Very similar to my short list last year. Bought the R400 and no regrets.

How is it on longer drives? ie London to Dorset? Or is that what a trailor is for...

[ewenm]

Caterhams on long drives all depend on your personal tolerances. I did 745 miles in one day last summer (Chamonix - Bath) but have had the 7 for 10 years and done over 80,000 miles in it, so am used to any foibles and accept the noise levels (ear plugs are useful, rally headsets with iPod/Phone inputs are even better!).

[tomvcarter]

ewenm said:

Caterhams on long drives all depend on your personal tolerances. I did 745 miles in one day last summer (Chamonix - Bath) but have had the 7 for 10 years and done over 80,000 miles in it, so am used to any foibles and accept the noise levels (ear plugs are useful, rally headsets with iPod/Phone inputs are even better!).

how long did that take? and what was the fuel bill like?

[ewenm]

15-16 hours or so (including the Eurotunnel). Fuel costs I didn't add up The 7 gets 30-40mpg on the motorway at 70-80mph (small engine in a light car) so it's not ruinously expensive on long trips. The small tank (200 miles is a rough touring tankful given the vagaries of the fuel gauge) means lots of breaks to stretch the legs.

[2slo]

Longer drives aren't a problem in a Caterham. The most noise I hear is from the LSD (although it's getting a bit quieter with a few more miles now). Mine doesn't like slow traffic much, but find a quiet road or go on a track day and then it makes sense. I wouldn't swap it for a GT3, seriously.
ETA fuel bills. Pretty good. Take it easy and it will do 28 - 30 mpg. Half that if using the performance. But when you consider what it's capable of, I think that's fair. SVs like mine have a slightly larger fuel tank and more space if long runs are a concern.

Edited by 2slo on Tuesday 13th September 12:43

[thinfourth2]

tomvcarter said:

and what was the fuel bill like?

Running costs are washers

You can knock a wing off and replace it for £200

[S1MMA]

I have a 997 GT3. It's not cheap to run but it eats trackdays and laughs at you when you try and abuse it.

Bit quick for the road, but won't let you down. I love it.



If you want to know anything in particular then just ask...

[tomvcarter]

S1MMA said:

I have a 997 GT3. It's not cheap to run but it eats trackdays and laughs at you when you try and abuse it.

Bit quick for the road, but won't let you down. I love it.



If you want to know anything in particular then just ask...

Thats a beautiful car!
What constitutes the high running costs?

[Zod]

GT3 and put winter wheels and tyres on it.

[SteveS Cup]

The 997 GT3 is such a beautiful car imo... They got the design just right!

If I was wanting a 2nd car and was worried about budget, then the Caterham makes sense... will be much cheaper on consumables (tyres, brakes) and also maintenance costs... the Porsche would scare me just on a set of tyres!

[r1ch]

S1MMA said:

I have a 997 GT3. It's not cheap to run but it eats trackdays and laughs at you when you try and abuse it.

Bit quick for the road, but won't let you down. I love it.



If you want to know anything in particular then just ask...

oooooo thats awesome. So much want.

[2slo]

SteveS Cup said:

If I was wanting a 2nd car and was worried about budget, then the Caterham makes sense... will be much cheaper on consumables (tyres, brakes) and also maintenance costs... the Porsche would scare me just on a set of tyres!

If it's a company purchase the running costs of the Porsche may not be so great a concern. If, however, it's a private purchase,I've serviced and insured my Caterham this year for less than £500.

[SteveS Cup]

[quote=tomvcarter]

No it would be a second car, estate for the family etc.
quote]

C63 estate!!?? Nice family wagon!!!!