GT3 Buying Guide
Discussion
mk1 or 2?
There have been a few in the specialist Porsche press IIRC. GT Purely Porsche had one on the mk1 for sure.
To be honest there isn't a huge amount to look out for that isn't obvious. I don't really know of any endemic faults with these models. Weak synchros in the mk1 is the only one I can think of, and they can be upgraded. Oh, rumours of the diffs not being up to much either, but not easily tested, and there is debate whether the test I've heard outlined actually works.
jeremyc said:
mk1 or 2?
There have been a few in the specialist Porsche press IIRC. GT Purely Porsche had one on the mk1 for sure.
Sadly no, and like most of their stuff its probably not that well researched
Lots of info to be found on here though. Actually have a look in this months issue of GTPP, IIRC their may be more info around their GT3 RS buyers guide (which had a lot of inaccuracies). Failing that the mag should contain a list of what is in back issues.
Anyway if buying a mk1 I'd be looking for low mileage, ideally with clubsport package (lighter flywheel) and hopefully the 6 pot brake upgrade assuming you want to track the car. Of course if it has those options it may have had a harder life - not necessarily a problem, but needs to be factored in. Also see if they've had cause to upgrade the synchros - not a big deal as long as the box feels ok to use. I'd also want one with a Manthey power upgrade if possible, although when I was in the market for a GT3 I have to admit upgrades put me right off being all too aware how much the engine costs to replace.
Anyway I'm sure the mk1 mafia will step in soon with more advice. Having wanted to get a mk1 myself originally I ended up going for an RS
Steve_M said:
Looking through GT PP back issue section
Issue Jul 2003 GT3 Buyers Guide
Also some articles of interest.
Issue Apr 2003 GT3 1st drive
Issue Oct 2003 GT3 Mk2 1st drive
Issue Mar 2005 GT3 v GT3 RS
Issue May 2005 GT3 future classic
Issue Jun 2005 GT3 at Nurburgring
Hmm I was thinking of May 05 then.
Mar 05 was complete bobbins
(i.e. the halfwits preferred the mk2 to the RS! Journoman strkes again) >> Edited by DanH on Monday 23 January 17:12
911&PW did a buyers guide on the Mk1 a couple of years ago written by Peter Morgan as the cover story. The front cover exclaimed "BUY ONE NOW!" Article was quite short, but it seemed to cover most of the main points highlighted by many other owners.
>> EDIT : just got home and checked it out: it was the July '03 edition. The title for the cover story was "Buy a '99 GT3 now - or forever regret it!" I couldn't concur with them more... 
>> Edited by polarexpress on Monday 23 January 19:47
>> EDIT : just got home and checked it out: it was the July '03 edition. The title for the cover story was "Buy a '99 GT3 now - or forever regret it!" I couldn't concur with them more...
>> Edited by polarexpress on Monday 23 January 19:47
jeremyc said:
Anyway if buying a mk1 I'd be looking for low mileage ....
Is there any perceived wisdom as to 'major' mechanical problems at high mileage?
Not really, but cars aren't wine and they don't get better with age imho
Its more a case of shifting it afterwards if the mileage is galactic. The engines are very tough, but it really depends a lot on type of usage they've had. Of course the lowest mileage cars put you at risk of it having solely been trailored to a track to be thrashed. Nothing wrong with this in principle and the interior should be in fabulous condition, but does it deserve a premium over a car with a few more miles used in a more balanced fashion?
Also the GT1 block oil seals can seep a bit if its sat their a long time. Easy enough fix (not the same as RMS), but they don't like being ignored like that
DanH said:
mk1 or 2?
There have been a few in the specialist Porsche press IIRC. GT Purely Porsche had one on the mk1 for sure.
Sadly no, and like most of their stuff its probably not that well researched
Lots of info to be found on here though. Actually have a look in this months issue of GTPP, IIRC their may be more info around their GT3 RS buyers guide (which had a lot of inaccuracies). Failing that the mag should contain a list of what is in back issues.
Anyway if buying a mk1 I'd be looking for low mileage, ideally with clubsport package (lighter flywheel) and hopefully the 6 pot brake upgrade assuming you want to track the car. Of course if it has those options it may have had a harder life - not necessarily a problem, but needs to be factored in. Also see if they've had cause to upgrade the synchros - not a big deal as long as the box feels ok to use. I'd also want one with a Manthey power upgrade if possible, although when I was in the market for a GT3 I have to admit upgrades put me right off being all too aware how much the engine costs to replace.
Anyway I'm sure the mk1 mafia will step in soon with more advice. Having wanted to get a mk1 myself originally I ended up going for an RS
I just bought a MK1 with 31,000 miles. It has 4 small stone chips. There is a scratch on the hand brake lever. Neither of these things were a deal breaker for me. I had it PPI'd before I bought it, but these cars are pretty bomb proof. As with any Porsche purchase, a lot depends on you as a buyer. Some people would not buy a GT3 with more than 10,000 miles on it and wouldn't want one that has seen a track. Mine already had the big brake upgrade, 100 cell cats, exhasust, clubsport clutch & flywheel - and rear seatbelts! Just about the perfect GT3 for me - as I didn't want to have to spend £££££ on the car getting it 'just right'.
Good luck with your hunt & don't be afraid to ask questions.
I had it inspected at Specialist Cars - I expect it would walk through the 111 point check - though I am not inclined to get a warranty, as it doesn't seem to cover the things that need covering! I would rather keep the £800 aside to cover the split coolant hose or tank that the OPC will argue about anyway!
JohnFM
The OPC won't argue about split coolant hose or reservoir, they will just say read the small print it's not covered. However, if the engine lets go halfway around a hot lap of Silverstone then they will pick up the tab for rebuilding it. Sorry John but the warranty is IMHO essential if you intend to regularly push the little beauty hard on circuit. At £725 it just buys you peace of mind.
The OPC won't argue about split coolant hose or reservoir, they will just say read the small print it's not covered. However, if the engine lets go halfway around a hot lap of Silverstone then they will pick up the tab for rebuilding it. Sorry John but the warranty is IMHO essential if you intend to regularly push the little beauty hard on circuit. At £725 it just buys you peace of mind.
Porsche GT3 said:
Anyone know of a good buyers guide for the GT3 RS?
There isn't one as far as I know. In fact the original reviews of the car were largely bollox, especially in GTPP etc.
Lots of info on this forum if you search though. I asked all the questions back when I bought last year.
I read that GT3 engine was designed for a life of 150k miles in typical use.
I have also read of a 90k engine that was stripped (just to see what it was like inside) --- and there was nothing to do.
There are stories around of Turbo gearboxes (I don't know if it's the same as the GT3 --- although the engine block most certainly is) being reliably good to 600 BHP.
And certainly synchros are replaceable. On the MkII they are steel, oil cooled, interchangeable --- and Richard says the engines cost £40k !!
How can a Porsche annual extended warranty (up to 10 years and 125k miles ?) cost just £725 pa ?
All this is secondhand information --- so feel free to correct it.
I have also read of a 90k engine that was stripped (just to see what it was like inside) --- and there was nothing to do.
There are stories around of Turbo gearboxes (I don't know if it's the same as the GT3 --- although the engine block most certainly is) being reliably good to 600 BHP.
And certainly synchros are replaceable. On the MkII they are steel, oil cooled, interchangeable --- and Richard says the engines cost £40k !!
How can a Porsche annual extended warranty (up to 10 years and 125k miles ?) cost just £725 pa ?
All this is secondhand information --- so feel free to correct it.
I renewed my warranty on my Mk1 a year ago. Not a single claim on it I'm happy to say.....12 trackdays in that time....seriously wondering whether its worth renewing it again. But methinks at eye watering numbers for an engine replacement £26k amd the rest? - it really is a no brainer. Sods law would dictate that i'll renew and no claims will be required (exactly the way one should want it) - or alternatively, i don't renew and get a big bang around oulton on the 18th of March!
At around £14 a week, the peace of mind is worth it imho.
Ajit.
At around £14 a week, the peace of mind is worth it imho.
Ajit.
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