Rob996

Hello Rennlisters,

Yes, ive heard the long time slogan "buy the newest Porsche you can afford"

Although in current times with the unbeleiveable access to information, notwithstanding the excellent owner feed back and first hand expereinces here on Rennlist. Buying the right car year, model, and options making the correct choice very difficult for me. With great threads on CL wheels and blowing coolant hoses, to issues with cermanic brakes etc.

I have been bitten by the track bug, and currently track my 996, about 8 days a year with different clubs and more and more open track days. This started about 6 years ago. If i knew what i know now i would have probably bought a GT3 from the start.

The car will be mainly used during the summer for daily use and track events.
about 5k miles a year or so.

With the budget i have given myself here are some of the options i would like your opinion on. with all your wealth of expereince and knowledge and of course hindsight which would you recomend? Also which options would you avoid.



2007 GT3
2007 GT3 RS
2008 GT3
2008 GT3 RS
2010 GT3


Thanks for taking the time

NorthVan

Where in Canada do you live? I could show you my car, and let you know why I chose it over other cars on your list if you are in Vancouver.

tasman

No real difference between 07 and 08 models of 3 or RS. Personally I wanted/needed an RS so that is what I got. Not a huge if any difference performance wise between those 2. I think ceramics get a bad wrap but easy to switch to steels if you want so I would not let that make or break a deal. If tracking look for one already with seats and bar and likely save yourself some money. Probably a good idea to have the coolant hoses pinned/welded at some point. Have no experience with 10 GT3 other than watching them pull away from me. Good luck with the hunt.

997gt3north

- look for a 2010 GT3 in the color you want with as few basic options as possible
- bluetooth for the phone, everything else is personal and less is more imo
- if someone else has paid for the labor for a cage and harness install more bonus marks
- i personally would avoid loaded cars that haven't been driven - 3000-5000 per year is perfect

- second choice would be an 07/08 RS that is either a totally unmolested virgin or at the other end of the spectrum that someone has put serious money into (and won't get back) setting it up with all the track goodies - and that has been maintained by someone who cares and has spent the money - a car like that will be known around here, if it exists, with near certainty

- those would be the 3 cars, in the above order, that I would look for

Serge944

Right now I think the delta between .1 and .2 is too small. For some reason, the .1s have been going up in asking price over the last year...

I think its worth buying a .2, especially now that you can get them in the 90s. That's what I did.

SSTHO

I've owned all cars you are considering. Some thoughts:

7.1 GT3 - best deal on the market for the $. Great car and there are many on the used market to choose from. Taken most depreciation and only when compared to other 7.1 RS or 7.2 GT3/RS does it take a back seat.

7.1 RS - One of the cleanest modern GT3s. If you can have fun with flamboyant colors, go for it! However, not many changes between this and .1 non-RS for the extra $. But an RS is an RS.

7.2 GT3 - I really enjoyed this car. For daily driving and track use. It feels "tighter" overall compared to .1 Gt3/RS. Useable mid-range torque was noticeable and I loved it the more I looked at it. Didn't want the attention of the RS and decals. One of my favorite ownership experiences to date with the car.

You can't go wrong with any choice. All great cars in their own respect.

Options to get:
- sport buckets (rare on non-RS)
- DEM (on 7.2 GT3)
- aftermarket center exhaust bypass (I had Sharkwerks on 7.2 GT3 and now on the 7.2 RS as well). Brings the car to life as the Gt3s exhaust note was too soft from factory.

Options to avoid:
- PCCB (rotors replacement $$$)

tcsracing1

If you are on a tight budget, 997.1 GT3 for $80k ( if you are ok with crazy paint/decals and enjoy hot rod styling, then the .1RS for under 90k is a great buy thanks in part to no sunroof and 5 lug wheels.)

(all 2008 models are same as 2007 so dont pay much more for one over the other.)

If you have 100k to spend then a 997.2 GT3. (.2 RS is even better, but asking prices are really high so you need to have a decent budget of 120k+. Center locks are a pain in the *** but not enough to sway you away from 997.2)

You need to decide what color/style are you prepared to live with out of all of them and how much you have to spend....

85Gold

7.1GT3 under 80k easily
7.2GT3 under 100k easily
7.1RS not worth the premium unless you like the look as 7.2GT3 will walk away from it with more power and better suspension for tha same $$$

tcsracing1

7.1RS fits neatly @ 90k right in between the above two mentioned

Id like to think it is the middle of the road car

Guest89

How are you so confident about clearning (not asking) prices? There are people asking $90k+ for garden variety 997.1 GT3. Any cars that are getting below 75 are typically a little rough around the edges (and for some reason often have crapy aftermarket wheels/stupid decals/matte black aesthetic "enhancements", etc.

Izzone

He is right on the money

.2 non RS is the best bang for the buck, look for one with proper seats and as little options as you can stand

Rob996

Thanks so much for all your comments and recommendations, I feel there isn't a better informed group than the folks here on Rennlist.

I was initially looking at the plain GT3 997.1, as there is a number of cars currently for sale in the $70k to $85k depending on mileage and optimism. Now I have switched gears into the second generation 2010 GT3 with a price delta that rationalizes itself quite easily, especially when you consider the enhancements and improvements between the two.

Not crazy about the centerlock wheels, but LOVE everything else about the car..

Will keep the community updated.

Thanks again

Rob996

Vancouver is awesome.. I'm located on the east coast in Montreal

Guest89

In about 4 months, time to sell my 993 to my dad and start shopping for a 7 GT3. Probably a low end 997.1 GT3. No garage queens - I'll DD so no reason to pay a premium.

mooty

bc 85gold has been running gt3 forever, and so have i. more gt3 pass through my garage than most dealers' showroom. he's right for the price. you do have to "look" for them though. asking price is usually crazy. i am asking $400k for my RS4.0. but i haven't found a buyer yet.

back to OP. of all the cars you listed. if you want to collect, 7.1RS. if you want to drive and track, 2010gt3.

options: nothing is necessary and nothing need to be avoided. whichever car you that fancies you go for it. but if you get 2010gt3, you do want the bucket seats.