Purchase .1 GT3 or wait for .2... indecision...advice appreciated
#31
#32
Rennlist Member
Let me clarify: when I made the comment "the dealer described the GT3 as “bullet proof” ", this comment was from a Porsche dealership salesman when looking at a car they had. This is not the car I'm currently in negotiations on though.
The car I'm negotiating on is a private party sale. It's '15 with 8K miles and the "perfect" color and options. My initial thought was this is perfect! Totally excited. Then read the misfire thread and I became a bit deflated. Now after getting everyone's feedback, I'm 70% back to excited.
Going to call the dealer tomorrow about the .2 allocation and weigh my options. The thing is with the .2, I'll be paying substantially more since have to pay sales tax, so build similar to the '15 I've found will probably end up costing me about $178K after taxes, etc. Versus, the '15 .1GT3 which will be $143K all-in. Maybe a moot issue though as sounds like I could drive the .2 for a few years and then sell it for my initial purchase price. '15 may drop further.
2 more questions:
1. Has a poll been done to determine how many .1's have issues and how many don't? I mean with my '06 997, the IMS issues seem blown way up in online discussions, but in talking with three different Porsche dealer techs at three busy locations, none had ever seen a single one in an '06 or newer. I didn't like the idea that it may happen, but it didn't stop me from enjoying the car, and it didn't happen. Is this similar to the .1 GT3 where it is a small percentage?
2. Is there an option to extend the warranty through Porsche if done before initial warranty expires? (realize can't be CPO'd since private party sale)
The car I'm negotiating on is a private party sale. It's '15 with 8K miles and the "perfect" color and options. My initial thought was this is perfect! Totally excited. Then read the misfire thread and I became a bit deflated. Now after getting everyone's feedback, I'm 70% back to excited.
Going to call the dealer tomorrow about the .2 allocation and weigh my options. The thing is with the .2, I'll be paying substantially more since have to pay sales tax, so build similar to the '15 I've found will probably end up costing me about $178K after taxes, etc. Versus, the '15 .1GT3 which will be $143K all-in. Maybe a moot issue though as sounds like I could drive the .2 for a few years and then sell it for my initial purchase price. '15 may drop further.
2 more questions:
1. Has a poll been done to determine how many .1's have issues and how many don't? I mean with my '06 997, the IMS issues seem blown way up in online discussions, but in talking with three different Porsche dealer techs at three busy locations, none had ever seen a single one in an '06 or newer. I didn't like the idea that it may happen, but it didn't stop me from enjoying the car, and it didn't happen. Is this similar to the .1 GT3 where it is a small percentage?
2. Is there an option to extend the warranty through Porsche if done before initial warranty expires? (realize can't be CPO'd since private party sale)
2-my understanding is that its very hard to get an extended warranty through Porsche on a GT3, that you bought privately. Some dealers won't even do it on their own cars.
#34
1-Very small percentage of .1s have issues. To get the most exact number, do a search for a fellow named macca, and then send him a PM.
2-my understanding is that its very hard to get an extended warranty through Porsche on a GT3, that you bought privately. Some dealers won't even do it on their own cars.
2-my understanding is that its very hard to get an extended warranty through Porsche on a GT3, that you bought privately. Some dealers won't even do it on their own cars.
Only a small percentage of .1 cars have been affected by the follower issue and Porsche has been handling these under warranty when they come up. There are many stories about heavily tracked .1 cars that are doing just fine. The fix, should one be required, is generally a top end rebuild to the newer G spec as the bottom end on these motors has been bulletproof since the defective bolt issues were addressed under the early recall.
The reality with any performance cars is that the more aggressively you drive them, the more frequent and extensive will be the associated maintenance. Based on what I've seen reported here, it is unlikely that you will see anything less that the expected service life if you don't encounter problems during the warranty period.
The car is incredible and a significant improvement in looks (IMO) and performance over the awesome 997 GT3. The .2 car will offer even more performance and the option of a manual transmission at a significant time and cost premium for those who haven't been assured a launch allocation. Who knows what gremlins will reveal themselves with the new car, it will take a couple years to assemble any meaningful field data.
YMMV but I'm willing to accept the statistically minimal risk of a top end rebuild post warranty and keep my .1, that's really what all of this worry boils down to.
#36
Just to offer my 2 cents but I just picked up a .1 under CPO and it is without a doubt the best car I have ever driven. I would pull the trigger on a .1 and in a year or two you will have a much better shot at getting an allocation for a .2 or beyond. Seriously the car is amazing!
#37
Rennlist Member
Another option is to purchase an aftermarket extended warranty such as EasyCare. That's what I did on my 2015 GT3. Do a search on for this as I have disclosed details on this previously. By doing so, you can purchase a 991.1 GT3 and not have to worry once the factory warranty expires
#38
Another option is to purchase an aftermarket extended warranty such as EasyCare. That's what I did on my 2015 GT3. Do a search on for this as I have disclosed details on this previously. By doing so, you can purchase a 991.1 GT3 and not have to worry once the factory warranty expires
#39
Race Director
Not sure if this has been mentioned, but it's possible that knowledge of these issues hasn't really reached the wider general market, and dealers trying to sell you a used car will have a vested interest in minimizing the potential issue. If you're comfortable with the purchase, consider the premise that the wider market hasn't yet priced this issue in and try to renegotiate price with seller. Always be ready to walk away.. lots of 991.1 GT3 for sale, and soon many more will hit market as owners upgrade because of 991.2 or because of warranty expiry fears. If you have the patience to wait, you will win... buying this today hoping for the best is ok, but paying too price while having this nagging concern in your head is not ok.
#40
My criteria that I'm looking for is:
1. Private party purchase (not dealer) for tax reasons
2. Sapphire blue
3. Around 8k miles or so
4. Must have front axle lift
5. Must have 18-way seats
6. Must have extended leather
Options I want but can go without :
1. Heated seats
2. Sports chrono
3. Gun metal wheels
Well the car I'm pursuing has all my "must haves" and all my "extras"... and I have the price at $143k.... Maybe the price will be less when. 2 releases, but....
1. Private party purchase (not dealer) for tax reasons
2. Sapphire blue
3. Around 8k miles or so
4. Must have front axle lift
5. Must have 18-way seats
6. Must have extended leather
Options I want but can go without :
1. Heated seats
2. Sports chrono
3. Gun metal wheels
Well the car I'm pursuing has all my "must haves" and all my "extras"... and I have the price at $143k.... Maybe the price will be less when. 2 releases, but....
#41
Drifting
My criteria that I'm looking for is:
1. Private party purchase (not dealer) for tax reasons
2. Sapphire blue
3. Around 8k miles or so
4. Must have front axle lift
5. Must have 18-way seats
6. Must have extended leather
Options I want but can go without :
1. Heated seats
2. Sports chrono
3. Gun metal wheels
Well the car I'm pursuing has all my "must haves" and all my "extras"... and I have the price at $143k.... Maybe the price will be less when. 2 releases, but....
1. Private party purchase (not dealer) for tax reasons
2. Sapphire blue
3. Around 8k miles or so
4. Must have front axle lift
5. Must have 18-way seats
6. Must have extended leather
Options I want but can go without :
1. Heated seats
2. Sports chrono
3. Gun metal wheels
Well the car I'm pursuing has all my "must haves" and all my "extras"... and I have the price at $143k.... Maybe the price will be less when. 2 releases, but....
#42
Rennlist Member
As others have mentioned a vast majority (my guess is 90%) of people who have gt3's or are in the market for one, have no idea there are potential problems with the 991 gt3 motor. I spoke with my service advisor and he is unaware of any wisespread problems or of any catestrophic engine failures.
#44
Nordschleife Master
As others have mentioned a vast majority (my guess is 90%) of people who have gt3's or are in the market for one, have no idea there are potential problems with the 991 gt3 motor. I spoke with my service advisor and he is unaware of any wisespread problems or of any catestrophic engine failures.
#45
Race Car
When I bought my GT3 I gave this some thought and decided I didn't care about it. What happens, happens. The car is amazing and if it burns up on the track the likelihood is Porsche will stand behind it. Regardless - cross that bridge when I come to it.
If one thinks that this issue would continue to be on their mind. Each time they turn the key they would wonder. Then I think passing on the .1 GT3 is the right move. The car is designed to be hammered on the track. If fear of an engine failure lingers in the mind it probably ruins the experience. And at that point, what are you buying?
If one thinks that this issue would continue to be on their mind. Each time they turn the key they would wonder. Then I think passing on the .1 GT3 is the right move. The car is designed to be hammered on the track. If fear of an engine failure lingers in the mind it probably ruins the experience. And at that point, what are you buying?