GTS as daily driver
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Joined: Mar 2018
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GTS as daily driver
Assuming I can ever actually pull the trigger, I'm in the market for a 997.2 as a daily driver. I had been thinking S but have lately become intrigued by the GTS models. Looks like there are some occasional 2011/2012 GTS that pop up on autotrader for around 80k. Anyone out there driven both cars? It's tough for me to imagine the GTS justifies the $15-20k premium especially as a daily driver. My intrigue largely stems from the cosmetics (wheels, rear body). If I'm wrong to think it's not worth it, please let me know!
https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews...pe-test-review
https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews...pe-test-review
Rennlist Member
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 4,070
Likes: 371
From: Chicago, IL
As a daily, the GTS drives identical to the S. You'll never notice the wider rear and all the extra power is at the top end. Peak torque is identical and torque curve is nearly identical. So you'll only know it's there if you wind it out.
Some of the standard GTS options are nice-to-haves but again nearly all of them are available on an optioned S.
IMO if those are your only two options for a daily, save your money and buy an S.
Some of the standard GTS options are nice-to-haves but again nearly all of them are available on an optioned S.
IMO if those are your only two options for a daily, save your money and buy an S.
Three Wheelin'
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 1,662
Likes: 228
From: ABQ NM
oh no! oh no! it has centerlocks! better not drive it! 
I bought my GTS specifically to daily drive. Drove it 25k miles in the first two years. It has centerlocks and it's not a big deal at all. The wheels just so happen not to come off the car any more than they would if they weren't centerlocks. I've tracked the car as well. I was able to notice differences in the way my GTS drove from the first time I sat in it vs a number of 997 Carrera S I'd tried.
To me it's worth the difference no matter the use. Also the GTS has already been holding it's value more than Carrera S. The GTS will end up being cheaper to own over time when you factor in depreciation.
I bought my GTS specifically to daily drive. Drove it 25k miles in the first two years. It has centerlocks and it's not a big deal at all. The wheels just so happen not to come off the car any more than they would if they weren't centerlocks. I've tracked the car as well. I was able to notice differences in the way my GTS drove from the first time I sat in it vs a number of 997 Carrera S I'd tried.
To me it's worth the difference no matter the use. Also the GTS has already been holding it's value more than Carrera S. The GTS will end up being cheaper to own over time when you factor in depreciation.
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Rennlist Member
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 551
Likes: 33
From: Manhattan Beach
I daily drive my GTS Cab. It is manual and has CLs. CLs are not a big deal (I don't swap wheels and any flats would be dealt with by AAA anyways).
Keep thinking I should get another "cushier" car to daily but that thought disappears each time there is a gap in traffic or open road to unwind it a little...
Keep thinking I should get another "cushier" car to daily but that thought disappears each time there is a gap in traffic or open road to unwind it a little...
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Rennlist Member
Joined: Oct 2014
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I've put 75K miles on my 2010 C4S during my 3.5 years of stewardship. I've driven a GTS for a short drive. I'd go the GTS route if I had it to do over again, even on casual commutes. Center locks shouldn't be a big deal. Buy the tool and paste and your tire dealer should know enough to swap tires when needed.
Nordschleife Master
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 5,129
Likes: 911
From: Destin, Nashville, In a 458 Challenge
Out of 15 listed on cars.com, only 2 are less than $70k and both have been damaged. 1 is $73k. The other 12 are above $78k.
https://www.cars.com/for-sale/search...42863&zc=37221
https://www.cars.com/for-sale/search...42863&zc=37221
Rennlist Member
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 8,570
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From: Florida
After 3 years with my GTS as a DD I can say with a perfectly straight face that the CL wheels are a complete non-issue. When I need new tires I have them shipped to the dealer, take the car there and then hang around the showroom/lounge for an hour. Same thing I would do with 5 lug wheels since I don't have the equipment to change tires on my own which I suspect applies to most owners. Same process with a flat except I wouldn't drive the car to the dealer. Now if you plan on tracking the car with frequent wheel swaps then you obviously get into a different situation.
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Rennlist Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 28,602
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From: Clemson, SC
Other than needing the tools to work on centerlocks at home (or anything behind them), I believe the only other thing about them that bears mentioning is I think there is a replacement interval on the little nubs that keep the wheels from spinning against the rotor hat - they're a wear item.
Intermediate
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 40
Likes: 0
From: Charleston, SC
I purchased my 2011 GTS coupe with PDK in July 2017. Paid 70k with 36k miles (or thereabouts). Probably overpaid a bit but it was the exact car I wanted and I had to buy from a dealer. It was optioned with 5 lug. The car is my daily driver and I do take it to the track as well. Fantastic car. I would agree with other posters that the GTS “should” hold its value better and thus reducing the cost of ownership. The wide fenders are awesome and if you can get one with Aerokit I think that looks great as well (I know, there will be people that will disagree). I rarely see GTS’s around. In my opinion, I think they are worth the premium.
If you’re going to daily drive the car I would think a GTS with some miles on it would be okay and could be purchased for much less than 80k.
If you’re going to daily drive the car I would think a GTS with some miles on it would be okay and could be purchased for much less than 80k.
Rennlist Member
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 381
Likes: 21
From: N VA
I use to buy nice cars and only put them on the road on the perfect day. Eventually I would sell them and give some new owner a pristine low mileage car. Now i drive my cars and i enjoy them a lot more. As others stated center locks are a non issue. If you have to pay for a car and can afford it why not buy what you really want and drive it and enjoy it....
My car and the wife's car......
My car and the wife's car......
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 2,957
Likes: 454
GTS 4 with Aerokit is what I would want in one. But it’s a rare 911. The Nismo Z in the pic is nice. I’ve had one before. Great chassis but needs more motor. They should take the GTR motor sans the AWD and stuff it in there. Charge 55 k for it. That would sell.