I need advice on buying a 996

[Ballistic]

Started looking at 996's today at my local Porsche centre.
Am interested in either a C4S, GT3 MK1 or 996TT
Saw a very nice C4S, silver, dec 01, 19.5k. What really appealed to me about this car was that it had the leather bucket seats fitted (meaning there are no rear seats) which fitted me like a glove and offered a superb low driving position. I sat in other cars with the normal and sports seats and found them both to narrow across the shoulders. So my first question is what would you value this car at, and how easy would it be to sell again?
I currently have an E46 M3 SMG, dec 01, py, 14.5k, full spec, and an Elise S2111S LB, sep 02, 1.9k. I may offer one or both of these cars as a p/ex. What value would you currently put on them both?
I haven't yet driven any of the 3 cars I'm interested in, how do you think they will compare with my M3?
Also if I went for the 996TT how does the tiptronic compare with the manual?
What appeals to me most is how exciting is the car to drive, a low slung driving position, engine/exhaust noise, acceleration and in gear performance, good handling.
Which ever car I buy will just be a w/e toy with the occasional track day thrown in.
How do you think these 3 cars will depreciate over the next 3/4 years and what kind of margins do official Porsche centres work on with used cars?
So many questions I know, but I'm after some honest advice/oppinions and if I do change I want to make sure it's for the right car.

[POORCARDEALER]

Hi

OPC wont be very generous with p/ex prices I wouldnt have thought.....approx values are

BMW M3 £27500

Lotus £19000

I would advise you offer the Lotus directly to a few dealers, as you could with the BMW too.(to BMW dealer obviously)

[noony]

Sounds like a GT3 clubsport/one with recaro buckets is the one for you...A C4S will feel slower than both your current cars, but it will handle better.

[oldtimer]

I think a 996 GT2 will prove to be adequate for your requirements at this time.

[thierry henry]

i too used to have an m3 but found it to slow. ive got a tt now and its an amazing everyday supercar! the only real downside for me being the exhaust sound its abit like well....... nothing really! but like you said if its not for everyday driving then id go for a GT3 RS with red wheels!

[porschegeoff]

Since you intend using the car as weekend toy/track car, go for the GT3.

The engine note is superior to the other 2 996 models and itis the best on track. 996 TT & C4S are better everyday car's and the 996 TT in particular is a superb allround performance car but for what you wan't i would recommend the GT3.

Geoff

PS I bought a mark i GT3 Clubsport model a couple of months ago and absolutely love it. If you buy one, make sure you take speed humps v slowly due to the lower ride height.

[Ballistic]

noony
I have started to think along the same lines, but because the GT3 is so rare it's very difficult to find an opportunity to evaluate one to see if it's the right car for me.

oldtimer
Unfortunately a GT2 is out of my price range right now.

[porschegeoff]

Mk 1 Gt3's are pretty rare. I think there are 107 RHD versions of which 28 are Clubsports a few have been written off reducing the numbers still further.

A few appear at OPC's from time to time though you'll be looking at around 60K from them for RHD. Camtune have a LHD model at just under 50k, Shirley's of Meriden have a RHD at 59K and Sean Lockyear (where I bought my Mk 1 Clubsport)have a RHD silver model at around 54K. Happy hunting

Geoff

PS there is a GT3 trackday at Goodwood on Easter Monday and there is expected to be around 20 gt3's (mk 1,2 & RS) in attendance. Come along and grab yourself a ride in one.

[Ballistic]

Finally got an opportunity today to drive a GT3 Mk2, wow what a car, simply awesome, everything I expected it to be and more. Now I understand why they have received such rave reviews.
The car I viewed was an 03, 7.9k miles, 2 owner, cobalt blue, comfort model at an OPC. What do you reckon I should be paying for this car? They offered me good money to trade in my M3 and Elise (maybe they included some over allowance)
Hoping to soon be a member of the GT3 club

[uktrucks]

The price will reflect the spec and Cobalt was around £1,500 alone IIRC. They probably want c £75k for the car ?
What you pay is directly proportional to how much you want the car, come July no more will be built so it should remain steady until 997 GT3 equiv gets "leaked" around late 2005 for availability during 2006 [my guess only]
Buy now, order a 997GT3 ? and sell the Cobalt one in July 2005 for around £64k. Dependant on mileage.

Or better still find a mint MK1 at c£57-59k and run it until 997GT3 comes out you will stil lose less money.
IMHO only

Allan