696

Lately I’ve been thinking that maybe I should try to buy a 997 GT3. I have multiple questions about ownership. I’ve never drive one, but I think it really might be a car for me to own. Unfortunately, I assume the first time I would drive one is after buying. My reason for considering the GT3 is multi factorial. I want a car that feels special when I drive and hopefully feels raw. I also want a car that will hold it’s value or appreciate over the years, and I think the GT3 is a good choice.

My first question is that I don’t really know what to pay. Its hard for me to get a feel for value given differences in miles, colors and options. I think an RS is more than I want to spend, so it’s probably off the table. I would pay more for a better car, but I don’t to pay a big premium for super low miles because I want to be able to put some miles on it.

Second question. Is now a terrible time to buy one. I’m fine with waiting, but I wonder if they will only appreciate.

Third question. I expect a Mezger to last a long time, but the idea of worst case scenario cost such as an engine rebuild is always possible. Is there a ballpark price for engine rebuild? Is that 30k or more like 50k.

zshecht7792

Due to inflation across the board, prices are high right now. For example, last fall, a 30-50k mile 997.1 car was going for between 80-90. Now, there are some 30k mile cars approaching 100k (a few eclipsing that number). RS prices have skyrocketed and that has lead to non RS prices to go up. I personally think prices will stabilize and maybe go down slightly but a lot of other members on here think they will continue to appreciate. It is hard to say what will happen. I am looking for one as well and wish I bought last year.
If there is a certain color and spec you are looking for, I would wait till one of those comes around. If you don’t care about that, once a clean example pops up, I would jump on it. Prices have been stabilizing a bit recently.
I am not sure how much an engine rebuild would be but will say these cars are pretty bulletproof.

RallyeChris

If you want one, buy one. Now. I have wholesale offers on my car for $5-10k over what I purchased my 997.1 GT3 for only 2 months ago. Value trends aren’t about inflation. There’s more to it than that. And values will not be going down. Besides, it’s simply an incredible motorcar. Just do it.

Robocop305

☝️Totally agree. Buy now and start enjoying it while you can. Life is too short to be waiting for a GT3.

delta3

special, raw, hold value, engine lasts a long time. you're definitely looking at the right car. future values are hard to predict. there are reasons both for and against future appreciation. so just go get it.

696

I’m convinced that they are special cars that deserve the high price, relative to their original sticker, but I wish I had some good data on what I should pay. I do appreciate the info so far.

delta3

fyi, my friend is looking at 2 .2gt3s. 10k miles listed at 150k and 16k miles listed at 130k.

seis-speed

OP,

Do you love manual transmissions & Porsche 911’s in general?

If you love 911’s then GT3 ownership for a water-cooled car is the ultimate, IMO.

The 997 is a beloved generation and the GT cars are awesome - so if yes to the above - go for it, the car does not disappoint. Just looking at my car gets me excited, driving it is an occasion and I love mine.

As for the GT3 vs RS, I wanted the GT3, it is more understated which suits me, I love the subtle grey/black RS, but many of the RS combos are a little much for me. That decision is a personal / financial choice of what suits you best.

Here is a video from 5 months ago about buying a GT3.

zshecht7792

I built a document with some data points over the last few months. PM me if you want to know more.

pissedpuppy

lots of info on here, search for topics that interest you

have funds ready and when you find one, move quick. don't get hung up on preferred colors, or options...

cars make poor investments generally speaking

696

Regarding some of the comments above.

I really do enjoy manuals. I have one with a pdk now. It’s better than me, but I wish it was a manual. I do have one car now (non Porsche) with manual and its more engaging.

I have funds ready and I am open on colors and options. The hard part for me is that I would want to pay the appropriate market price and I don’t have a good grasp on that.

The car wouldn’t be an investment, but my thoughts are that a 997 GT3 should be a toy that maintains it’s value as opposed to constantly losing money on newer cars. I think maintenance should be less than depreciation on newer cars.

pissedpuppy

it's been impossible to speculate in recent months

I think if you look at recent results on BaT might give you an idea on comps, or a range of price points

Upscale Audio

The one thing that stands out with the 997 GT3 whatever the variant is they don't take a big hit for mileage so you can actually use them. I put 1k miles on mine in weeks and I'm not worried about it. When I sold my Ferrari F430 people were mortified it had 25k miles on it. And I took a hit for it on the price I sold it for. And I think that while Ferraris are very durable today, 997 Porsches seem to age just slightly better somehow.

Keep an eye on the GT3 cars for sale thread. The members here know some if not many of the cars that come up for sale. NEVER buy a car without running the VIN through a Google search.

As to direct advice, I think you would have to make it clear what your hot button is meaning price vs quality or at least cosmetic condition. Everyone's desires are different.

bweSteve

the fun is in the journey

Joe Cho

I got a spreadsheet of recent .2 non rs sales to give you a sense. Dm me with your email and I'll send you a copy.