GT3 - Regrets, Choices? - Page 4 - 911/Carrera GT - PistonHeads UK

A few business and career moves have eventually paid off, it only took 34 years. Hence, I'm considering a mid-life treat and GT3 is on the list. I've done a fair bit of research and viewing and I'm pretty sure that if I do go down the GT3 route, it'll be a 991.2 PDK, a lesser possibility is a 991.1 RS as they are not much more money. Now, I may be asking in the wrong place, given a fair amount of love for these on this forum, but I'm going to ask two different questions to the norm. - If you have or have had one (probably a 991 variety) what don't you like, or even, do you regret the purchase and why ? - If you thought about one, or swapped out of one, what did you go for ? In terms of use case....admire in garage, clean, thrash across Snowdonia, probably across Europe, the ring and UK tracks. Probably a 5 to 10 year keeper, if it's worth anything at the end, that's a bonus. I've not had a car at this level before, history of the more interesting kind has been has been M cars, AMG, Subaru, TVR and superbikes.

For your remit, you've picked the perfect car. Best advise is, if you can, JFDI.. You will not regret it, good time to buy at the moment coming into winter.

Yep the 991.2 GT3 probably the sweetspot of latter day GT3s and streets ahead of the 991.1 imo and not just because of the masterpiece pre gpf engine. (Had both cars from new and kept the gen 2 5 years selling it last year. The 992 GT3 offers little more at more money is the same engine (but with itbs and gpf) but some prefer the dw front suspension if not the less analogue interior and rather contrived rear end styling which lost some of its 911 appeal according to many. Consider a manual which on the GT3 (has flatshift as standard and mech diff whereas the PDK is e diff) is one of Porsches finest along with the 981/718 GT4/Spyder. The PDK is a great box though. Great package at the money also makes a seriously quick road car.

guyvert1 said: For your remit, you've picked the perfect car. Best advise is, if you can, JFDI.. You will not regret it, good time to buy at the moment coming into winter. You're supposed to be putting me off.... I definitely sense it's deal time coming up to Winter and xmas. I don't need to sell or trade anything which may help. I've really looked at and scrutinised options. The fact that I generally like something that is robust and 'just works' 99% of the time keeps bringing me back to the GT3. A few viewings being lined up, I am looking for that 'no questions' car, if you know what I mean, history, owners, spec that I like etc...I've pretty much ruled out a Ferrari, (slight temptation around a 458 spider) which feels odd as I've always loved looking at them, but now I could run to one, I'm not sure I can be arsed in reality. Not sure it's quite me. Only other two cars that temp me are 570s spider and 650s spider, both of which seem spectacular value, but I sense could rob some of the joy, if I get hassle.

I bought a 991.2 GT3 a month ago, through RPM. 9k miles, clubsport, pdk, 918s, ceramics, saphire blue, various other bits and bobs. It's gorgeous and I love it. It's totally worth the step up on a 718 GT4. The engine is amazing and it's worth it for that alone. I didn't like... the original seat mounting for the 918s but some recliners fix that. Otherwise as the post above says - JFDI (and I'd take the 991.2 every time).

av185 said: Yep the 991.2 GT3 probably the sweetspot of latter day GT3s and streets ahead of the 991.1 imo and not just because of the masterpiece pre gpf engine. (Had both cars from new and kept the gen 2 5 years selling it last year. The 992 GT3 offers little more at more money is the same engine (but with itbs and gpf) but some prefer the dw front suspension if not the less analogue interior and rather contrived rear end styling which lost some of its 911 appeal according to many. Consider a manual which on the GT3 (has flatshift as standard and mech diff whereas the PDK is e diff) is one of Porsches finest along with the 981/718 GT4/Spyder. The PDK is a great box though. Great package at the money also makes a seriously quick road car. Thanks - yes did wonder about the manual, I've had a go in a 992 GT3 manual and it was slick....Actually love these in white too, about the only car I do like in white. And yes, I did consider the 991.1, but I came back to the fact that I could warranty a 2018 car right through to 2033, which means piece of mind

I’ve had three GT3s, bought new - the most recent was a 991.2 Touring. No regrets, but any car is only as good as the roads or track it can be driven on - and I would not now buy a GT3 purely for UK ‘road’ use. They only make sense, IMO, for European excursions and/or track use. UK roads are too compromised to fully enjoy these cars - there are better alternatives. Having said that, I will be intrigued to see if the new 992.2 Touring really offers any improvements in this regard.

av185 said: Yep the 991.2 GT3 probably the sweetspot of latter day GT3s and streets ahead of the 991.1 imo and not just because of the masterpiece pre gpf engine. (Had both cars from new and kept the gen 2 5 years selling it last year. The 992 GT3 offers little more at more money is the same engine (but with itbs and gpf) but some prefer the dw front suspension if not the less analogue interior and rather contrived rear end styling which lost some of its 911 appeal according to many. Consider a manual which on the GT3 (has flatshift as standard and mech diff whereas the PDK is e diff) is one of Porsches finest along with the 981/718 GT4/Spyder. The PDK is a great box though. Great package at the money also makes a seriously quick road car. Do you think they’re suited to big mile European road trips? I’d love one one day but my current (and previous) Cayman GTS felt like the perfect balance for both covering the miles and going off piste. I don’t want to be cursing for half the trip! (I also don’t have the money, separate issue!!)

Yep had a few white GT3s think they look great. Bear in mind there are far fewer white 991.2s than 991.1s where white was the most popular colour and was the launch colour too. White has probably come off a bit of late however and is worth less than say a GT silver Agate or even Guards red car....all other things being equal. Heres another photo of my gen 2 it is a Clubsport with ceramics. Also one of my gen 1 GT3.

Gen 1

OPOGTS said: av185 said: Yep the 991.2 GT3 probably the sweetspot of latter day GT3s and streets ahead of the 991.1 imo and not just because of the masterpiece pre gpf engine. (Had both cars from new and kept the gen 2 5 years selling it last year. The 992 GT3 offers little more at more money is the same engine (but with itbs and gpf) but some prefer the dw front suspension if not the less analogue interior and rather contrived rear end styling which lost some of its 911 appeal according to many. Consider a manual which on the GT3 (has flatshift as standard and mech diff whereas the PDK is e diff) is one of Porsches finest along with the 981/718 GT4/Spyder. The PDK is a great box though. Great package at the money also makes a seriously quick road car. Do you think they’re suited to big mile European road trips? I’d love one one day but my current (and previous) Cayman GTS felt like the perfect balance for both covering the miles and going off piste. I don’t want to be cursing for half the trip! (I also don’t have the money, separate issue!!) Likely slightly noisier than your GTS largely due to tyre noise but the suspension is very compliant for road use and prob more compliant than my 718 GT4 (same tyres...Mich Cups). Engine noise largely induction symphony makes all the right noises. Cage pings a bit but not as much as the 981 GT4 CS.

Amazing engine(s). But not the best touring car, or that good on British roads (you can't get the best out the engine without risking being locked up, and the smoother the tarmac the better they are). Superb on track. For perspective: I did 15k in a 996.2.GT3 - on tours and track - and have driven all but the latest model, albeit only on the road. I would seriously consider a GTS first. And if you still hanker for even better handling, speed and engine noise (plus more NVH and a firmer ride) then upgrade. For what it's worth my favourite GT3s from the line up are 997.2 and 991.2. Edited by anonymous-user on Thursday 7th November 21:11 Edited by anonymous-user on Thursday 7th November 21:11

Inspectorclueso said: You're supposed to be putting me off.... I definitely sense it's deal time coming up to Winter and xmas. I don't need to sell or trade anything which may help. I've really looked at and scrutinised options. The fact that I generally like something that is robust and 'just works' 99% of the time keeps bringing me back to the GT3. A few viewings being lined up, I am looking for that 'no questions' car, if you know what I mean, history, owners, spec that I like etc...I've pretty much ruled out a Ferrari, (slight temptation around a 458 spider) which feels odd as I've always loved looking at them, but now I could run to one, I'm not sure I can be arsed in reality. Not sure it's quite me. Only other two cars that temp me are 570s spider and 650s spider, both of which seem spectacular value, but I sense could rob some of the joy, if I get hassle. Did exactly the same , got very close to buying a 458, but I came to the same conclusion that I wanted the drama of driving rather than owning.. The PDK GT3 is astonishing if you've never tried it, the manual will give you more 'fun' and probably make you drive slower as there's alot more interaction. Good luck with your hunt

Went from 991.1 GTS PDK coupe to 991.2 GT3… no regrets, it’s like turning the GTS up to 11, better engine, suspension, steering and specialness. My usage is pretty much like yours, I’ve had it 12 months now and it’s done 3 euro trips, 4 track days and 6000 miles. Special car. What’s not to like…. It’s lower than the GTS, and doesn’t get over sleeping policeman without lift, an extra faff but the benefits outweigh etc…. On the motorway it’s at higher revs than the GTS which is slightly more tiring but with exhausts off it’s not a big deal. The noise is epic, but only after you get it up to 4-5k whereas the 3.8 GTS made a better noise lower down the revs and some overrun noise you don’t get with the gt3. I upgraded to a centre box delete and it’s epic tbh, must have mod. If your using it to tour, folding buckets are a must have, and as a bonus they are more comfortable for me than 918 buckets. 1 test drive sold it tbh, so don’t drive one unless your 99% ?? Edited by mikeh501 on Thursday 7th November 21:56

Out of interest 991.2 GT3 RS are now looking reasonable value. This Full Porsche SH CS car sold a couple of days ago.

I bought my 991.2 GT3 after selling my business last year and I love it. It’s noisy, it’s brash, but it drives like a dream and the sound is amazing. I looked at Ferrari’s, Lambo’s and Maccas but whilst they are all unreal cars in their own right, I had concerns about reliability and particularly running costs. Ruled out the 991.1 due to the well publicized engine issues, of which it appears the 991.2 isn’t afflicted. My intention is to road trip it over the next 2-3 years, with Europe in my sights. I’ve wanted a GT3 for over 20years since the 996 original, and it doesn’t seem real that I now have one, but it’s amazing.

Thanks to everyone for the thoughts and comments. A few bits in response: - Trying a GTS, I may do, I'm thinking it would need to be the .2 as I do want the newer interior and ability to warranty for a while. I had wondered about a manual GTS with a Litchfield tune, I suspect that would also be great fun, but I imagine a very different experience to a GT3. - Suitability for long trips, I guess I wouldn't know until I've tried one on a trip, but I have driven a Chimera to Rome and back, which wasn't the most refined thing in the world, but was bloody good fun. - At least a few people seem to go for these as relatively speaking from my research they have lower running costs and are more reliable than other exotics. I also suspect that the 991.2 maybe the best blend of modern, but not too digital, e is likely to be sought after into the future. Value in the future is a bonus, but not a deciding factor. Again, thanks ! If I take the plunge I'll be sure to update.....hope to view a few in the next two weeks.

Can you do a Litchfield tune and have a warranty?

GT3s are epic road trip cars. They are very comfortable on motorways and with cruise control they can cover big distances easily. In my experience the only compromise is to bring some cheap foam earplugs in case the engine/road noise starts to grate. The cars are short on soundproofing. Also, treat the front splitter as a consumable. They are a rubbery plastic and sacrificial; don't worry if it scrapes now and then. They are are the deserved top dog for cars that you just get in and drive, whether that's to the shops, the south of France, a race track or all of them combined! You won't regret it

BertBert said: Can you do a Litchfield tune and have a warranty? Funnily enough I woke up at 3.30am and that point came to mind....so if I went GTS route would likely leave as standard. I'm pretty sure 450 bhp still makes the car much better than me anyway ! To be honest the other route I am thinking about is a lower cost car for a year or so, to increase my track experience, then upgrade to GT3. An M2 comp being an option, which also means I can take my two teenage and car mad lads to the track with me.... ah....but then I browse though GT3's again and think JFDI, if I talk myself out of it now, I may never do it. In fact I may not be able to get in and out of the thing. Completely first world problem, or dilemma as often the way on pistonheads ! Has anyone got any GT3 Vs Mclaren thoughts or experience ? Obviously same money gets anything from a 720 coupe, downwards in the range. I have driven 720s in both couple and spider form, probably the most 'supercar' car I have driven and was blown away. But, I wasn't on the hook for running it. Edited by Inspectorclueso on Friday 8th November 10:09

Inspectorclueso said: Thanks to everyone for the thoughts and comments. A few bits in response: - Trying a GTS, I may do, I'm thinking it would need to be the .2 as I do want the newer interior and ability to warranty for a while. I had wondered about a manual GTS with a Litchfield tune, I suspect that would also be great fun, but I imagine a very different experience to a GT3. - Suitability for long trips, I guess I wouldn't know until I've tried one on a trip, but I have driven a Chimera to Rome and back, which wasn't the most refined thing in the world, but was bloody good fun. - At least a few people seem to go for these as relatively speaking from my research they have lower running costs and are more reliable than other exotics. I also suspect that the 991.2 maybe the best blend of modern, but not too digital, e is likely to be sought after into the future. Value in the future is a bonus, but not a deciding factor. Again, thanks ! If I take the plunge I'll be sure to update.....hope to view a few in the next two weeks. I would agree with almost everything that's been said. On the subject of tuning ...this might compromise an OPC extended warranty though it may be available via Litchfield or whoever has done your tuning, though never viewed as favourably as a car with an OPC warranty. As for retained value, the further the car moves away from standard the more limited future sale opportunities ... and hence value. This is clear from your own ideal spec ... you are looking for a car with a great history, warranty options and an uncomplicated ownership proposition. This is where the GT3 really comes into its own. If you were to tune it what would you do ? There are already enough cars in the market for you to be able to find your ideal specification ... as for folding buckets, looking for these will likely severely limit your choice and sliding the seat forwards and soft luggage enables the rear footwells to be used reasonably easily (unless you were thinking of fitting back seats which I would not do for cost / homologation / possible future insurance issues). This of course is the USP for the 992.2 GT3 Touring ... which might be your ideal car if you are in the tuned GTS / GT3 space ?? And of course it is the pinnacle of the 911. I had all of these thoughts this time last year and because I do quite a few track days, ended up plumping for a 2018 991.2 GT3RS in white, non-Weissach / steel / non-GPF / one owner / full OPC history with approved OPC warranty for 30 months / 7500 miles ... for £160k. That was my ideal spec and it now has a set of mags with Cup 2's for summer and trackdays, PS4S' as standard, and Surface Transform discs in place of the steels which I would have worn out very quickly. The car was even freshly serviced with four new tyres .... and it's easily returned completely to standard if ever required. You are in an ideal position, OPC's want to do business and had a lot of SOR cars on which they were more willing to negotiate ... as for now, surely the market is tougher than it was last year ?? Happy hunting ... some times looking is almost as much fun as owning, and there aren't so many driving opportunities at this time of year ...

For a day to day car I’d pick the GTS, but for track and long road trips, I’d choose the GT3 - the engine is epic.

Had a991.2 for 4 years (a record for me) fantastic cars . My only issue is the engine is a masterpiece but it’s tricky to use on the road as you find yourself going outrageously fast before you even get to the last few thousand rpm where the magic is . It’s one of those cars that you find yourself travelling at time digit speeds too easily so if that’s your thing then they are epic , if you want lower speed thrills there are alternatives better suited .

Inspectorclueso said: Thanks to everyone for the thoughts and comments. A few bits in response: - Trying a GTS, I may do, I'm thinking it would need to be the .2 as I do want the newer interior and ability to warranty for a while. I had wondered about a manual GTS with a Litchfield tune, I suspect that would also be great fun, but I imagine a very different experience to a GT3. - Suitability for long trips, I guess I wouldn't know until I've tried one on a trip, but I have driven a Chimera to Rome and back, which wasn't the most refined thing in the world, but was bloody good fun. - At least a few people seem to go for these as relatively speaking from my research they have lower running costs and are more reliable than other exotics. I also suspect that the 991.2 maybe the best blend of modern, but not too digital, e is likely to be sought after into the future. Value in the future is a bonus, but not a deciding factor. Again, thanks ! If I take the plunge I'll be sure to update.....hope to view a few in the next two weeks. I bought a brand new 991.2 GTS, 2WD, manual without RWS but found it rather run of the mill. I test drove a 997.2 GT3 and I was immediately smitten so did the swap. It's not a club sport spec but has the folding carbon buckets which I find very comfortable. Over the last 5 years it's been a great roadtrip car, down to the Alps plus Scotland on a few occasions plus local trips out and I tippy toed around a track twice. Although the performance of the GTS and GT3 is probably similar on paper they are very different driving experiences so you might have the hardship of having to have test drives in both to make your mind up. Good luck in your search.

Done about 70 k miles in GT3/RS and 68k Miles in 64 RS . Being 6 ft 4 in tall I find the seats very comfortable especially on long trips .

Jmo and for me, Had a 991.1 for 4.5 yrs in comfort spec and steels Now have had my 991.2 Clubsport for 6.5 yrs with 918 seats and ceramics. I would never buy a comfort spec GT3 again, the driving ping from cage and the buckets add to the driving event massively. Good luck with your search.

Having owned a GT3 and spent a few days with a GTS, I’d definitely say go for the GT3—unless you're planning to use it as a daily driver. The GTS is a fantastic car, but it doesn’t quite match the way the GT3 will make you feel. The GT3’s engine alone is an experience, and if you go for the GTS, you might find yourself wishing you'd held out for the GT3 instead. Plus, with the way the car market is now, it's probably not worth buying something only to switch it up soon after—that could easily cost you around 10k or more if you're going through an OPC. As with the above, go for a clubsport.

Had my 2017 manual GT3 CS with 918 buckets and ceramics for going on 3 years and simply adore it. The seats were a little upright for me at first, and the ride a little hard, but both were sorted by a visit to 9e & the fitment of reclining brackets and a 9e-tuned DSC box for the suspension. Now it's perfect, and with PS 4Ss fitted I use it year round - even taking it out on icy B-roads roads last winter, which was a different kind of 'fun...' These cars are that rare combination of friendly when you want and brutal when the mood takes you. As already said countless times, the engine is nothing short of epic, but the chassis, steering and braking ability are almost second to none - you feel heroic after a good drive and always leave the car with a huge grin on your face. Smiles per mile I can't fault mine, one of the finest automotive pick-me-ups money can buy. On saying that good luck with whatever you choose and I look forward to hearing about your next steps.

Being a GT3 fanboy, these are the cars a 911 is meant to be. They are the perfect mix of excitement, capability and usability. I'm using a 7.2 as daily all year around including on Winters during the cold season. Clutch is heavy and gearbox needs warming up before it really gels. I love the car to bits. In both, folding buckets and 918 seats (in the 2.1) I can do 5.5h non-stop runs and feeling fresh. In the standard sofas I get back pain latest after an hour. May only be due to bing very tall myself The 1.2 to my eyes is the best looking post 997 shape and the enigne an utter joy. More civilised that the old Mezger but a beast nonetheless. If you go manual, you need to test drive. My Touring has an "issue" with some slack in the gearbox that makes the gear stick twitch under load changes. OPC said it's within tolerance but a tiny niggle. RWS works really well but does not yet feel fully "organic" as it does in the 2.1 The 2.1 is a very positive surprise for me. The proper front suspension is a game changer albeit a departure from more classic 911 traits. Given I have older versions to drive, too, that is perfectly fine for me. In the 2.1 the manual box is an utter delight In short: You can't go wrong. If you are into PDK I'd seriously look into an RS given realtively small price difference. In UV they look the dogs

Seem to recollect there were a small number of 991.2 GT3 manuals which on delivery the owners requested new gearboxes because of the gear lever movement 'twitch' in 4th on and off throttle/load. Mine had this but OPC claimed it was normal and within tolerances and it never got worse over 5 years 8k miles. Just one point on the seats if the OP is going buckets there are two types the older folding buckets and newer fixed buckets although most bucketed cars have the latter. The folding buckets also had a heating option but no height adjustability and consequently you sit higher in these compared to the newer buckets at their lowest setting which many prefer. The newer buckets are narrower at the shoulders and wider at the hips than the older buckets so depending on your build and height one design may be preferable. You also sit more vertical in the newer buckets although these can be adjusted by fitting new aftermarket 'reclining' bolts.

The seats and front axle lift make a big difference to the useability of them. I've had a 991.2 and 992 both bought new with buckets and lift. If I was doing it again I might seriously consider comfort seats even though they aren't sexy or cool. The buckets are a PITA to get in and out of at my age (53).

paralla said: The seats and front axle lift make a big difference to the useability of them. I've had a 991.2 and 992 both bought new with buckets and lift. If I was doing it again I might seriously consider comfort seats even though they aren't sexy or cool. The buckets are a PITA to get in and out of at my age (53). I had the folding buckets, they were even heated. Felt it made the car a lot more comfortable on longer journeys. When I took it to Spa and the Ring it never once felt uncomfortable. They were a rear option ticked on the .2 cars though.

That White GT3 said: I had the folding buckets, they were even heated. Felt it made the car a lot more comfortable on longer journeys. When I took it to Spa and the Ring it never once felt uncomfortable. They were a rear option ticked on the .2 cars though. The useability issue isn't about seat comfort, it's about how hard they are to get into and out of regardless of folding or fixed buckets. Here's my old one

Thanks all, really useful and still no one has put me off ! My thoughts on spec that I prefer so far is: Non CS, I want to put things including a small dog behind the front seats (she comes to Wales walking with me) I'm not sure if the roll bar has any structural rigidity benefits. Obviously I intend to keep it roof side up, so hope I don't need the safety aspect ! Comfort 18 way seats - I've tried the fixed buckets, I really didn't like them as I normally sit in quite a reclined position. I haven't yet tried reclining bucket seats but I read good things about them Don't mind ceramics or steels Definitely lift Prefer an interior with the extended leather or racetex. I've seen one that had really poor plastics in more places that other cars I've seen, hence I think the extended is an option on most cars and is worth having Other than that, there's not much that I'm fussed about, unless I am missing something. A few people have mentioned trying a GTS. I think where I'm landing is that I could but if I then want to move on, I've the hassle / loss of shifting the GTS, hence it'll add 10 to 15k to the actual cost of getting a GT3. I don't have to use this as a day to day car, I've gone elec for that in the form of the new model 3, partly why I now want something at the other end of the spectrum. Insurance - I've had a quote from the company our usual cars are through and if I put the GT3 on as replacement for the M4, I get a refund. I've not yet properly shopped around, but I did wonder if people generally have insurance to cover track days ? If so, who is good and broadly how does this work at what cost. Given the value, I think I'll enjoy it more knowing I have some cover should anything untoward happen.

My post won't pit you off a 991.2gt3 either.....epic car!

Geneve said: I’ve had three GT3s, bought new - the most recent was a 991.2 Touring. No regrets, but any car is only as good as the roads or track it can be driven on - and I would not now buy a GT3 purely for UK ‘road’ use. They only make sense, IMO, for European excursions and/or track use. UK roads are too compromised to fully enjoy these cars - there are better alternatives. Having said that, I will be intrigued to see if the new 992.2 Touring really offers any improvements in this regard. Interesting point you make as I have heard the same from Porsche itself. They say most GT3 owners give back the cars after a year as our roads are not up to it. What alternatives would you suggest?

Had my heart set on a comfort spec one…. Test drive later bought the CS, you will too 😁 my dog fits in the back with cage no probs but folding buckets are key.

Inspectorclueso said: Has anyone got any GT3 Vs Mclaren thoughts or experience ? Obviously same money gets anything from a 720 coupe, downwards in the range. I have driven 720s in both couple and spider form, probably the most 'supercar' car I have driven and was blown away. But, I wasn't on the hook for running it. Edited by Inspectorclueso on Friday 8th November 10:09 You ask about GT3 v McLaren. I didn’t have a McL whilst I had a 996.2 GT3 but did have McL at the same time as 997.2GT3, 991.2 GT3 and 991 Touring The 7GT3 was up against a 650S spider. Both did Euro trips as well as use in UK. The 7GT3 also did a number of track days but I didn’t bother with the 650S as the pre and post check seemed more trouble than it was worth. The McL let me down in Switzerland with a dropped window fault which required a whole day round trip to Geneva to fix. Amusingly McL IRIS sat nav couldn’t find the McL dealer so I had to rely on a Garmin. That said the driving position, control weights and dynamics of the 650S were far ahead of the 7GT3. I did 5k miles in the McL and 30k in the 7GT3. Next were the 991.2GT3 and 720S. The GT3 lift packed up within the first 100 miles from new. Recovery on trailer. 720S was faultless throughout my ownership. I took it to the RUF anniversary do in October 2019. On the trip down, having crossed the Susten and Klausen passes there is a sinuous derestricted section of the A7 out of Austria towards Memmingen. The effect of the aero on the 720 was deeply impressive. In my hands I doubt the GT3 would have felt as stable. Both have gone as has a 720S spider but the car I have kept since getting it in 2020 is a LHD 991 Touring. With folding buckets and a 90l tank there is no better GT car for my sort of use. Bomb proof reliability, sensible running costs and all in a quietly understated package; that is very comfortable for a long day.

Inspectorclueso said: Funnily enough I woke up at 3.30am and that point came to mind....so if I went GTS route would likely leave as standard. I'm pretty sure 450 bhp still makes the car much better than me anyway ! To be honest the other route I am thinking about is a lower cost car for a year or so, to increase my track experience, then upgrade to GT3. An M2 comp being an option, which also means I can take my two teenage and car mad lads to the track with me.... ah....but then I browse though GT3's again and think JFDI, if I talk myself out of it now, I may never do it. In fact I may not be able to get in and out of the thing. Completely first world problem, or dilemma as often the way on pistonheads ! Has anyone got any GT3 Vs Mclaren thoughts or experience ? Obviously same money gets anything from a 720 coupe, downwards in the range. I have driven 720s in both couple and spider form, probably the most 'supercar' car I have driven and was blown away. But, I wasn't on the hook for running it. Edited by Inspectorclueso on Friday 8th November 10:09 650 is a pretty epic bargain at the minute, values are holding/slowly rising while everything else is dropping. Feels more analogue than the 720(proper rev counter etc) and are viewed as the most robust McLaren with 675’s etc. Whatever you choose, it’s a good problem to have, the fact you could spend under £100k and not loose anything, even in this market could swing it

Had a 2016 RS then a 2018 3. Personally I thought the 3 .2 CS was more epic than the .1 RS. The GT3 was manual and it just pulled and pulled. I really regret selling it. Made nothing on it. I’m keen on buying another .2 at some point. Am I right in stated GPF was 2019 onwards so anything 2018 and earlier not? Both on RS and 3.

lowndes said: Grear cars and great writeup lowndes.

My 991.2 RS is May 2018 and pre-GPF ... when asked I was told that the change came in May 2018 which I think would be when the Weissach Pack cars became available ? The oil specified in the service info was the old Mobil 1 A40 gold top. Independant throttle bodies were used to offset the breathing / exhaust flow effect of the GPF and the power stats for the 991.2 GT3RS stayed the same. Which I guess means only that the spec wasn't changed and only side by side test on a rolling road might give an indication ?

guyvert1 said: lowndes said: Grear cars and great writeup lowndes. Epic

ChrisW. said: My 991.2 RS is May 2018 and pre-GPF ... when asked I was told that the change came in May 2018 which I think would be when the Weissach Pack cars became available ? The oil specified in the service info was the old Mobil 1 A40 gold top. Independant throttle bodies were used to offset the breathing / exhaust flow effect of the GPF and the power stats for the 991.2 GT3RS stayed the same. Which I guess means only that the spec wasn't changed and only side by side test on a rolling road might give an indication ? They are sticking C40 GT in everything now btw, 991.1 and .2

Thanks for the ongoing info all. Comparisons with the 650s useful as one of those is on the list to look at in the next couple of weeks. I wondered if people have any thoughts on the cars in the links below: Hoping to see this one early next week - pretty much my ideal spec https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202410125... Maybe an interesting alternative, manual, CS, same price, more miles. Just went on today I think and in at joint lowest purchase cost https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202410315... Same price, non CS, I quite like the colour combinations on this https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202410084... There are other .2's at higher cost, but actually the three above appeal the most to me at present. And a slight curve ball below https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202410235... Any views welcomed !

Just a bump - see if anyone has views on the cars in the links I posted. I am viewing the top one tomorrow...

They're all good , especially at current prices. Try the PDK and Manual, see which you prefer...

Yep also worth pointing out that a comfort seat 991.2 GT3 is a very hard sell and worth alot less ££ than an equivalent CS car a bucket seat car sitting somewhere in between. Buy which car suits you at the end of the day may be worth spending some time experiencing the different gearboxes and seats it makes a huge difference to the car overall.

av185 said: Yep also worth pointing out that a comfort seat 991.2 GT3 is a very hard sell and worth alot less ££ than an equivalent CS car a bucket seat car sitting somewhere in between. Buy which car suits you at the end of the day may be worth spending some time experiencing the different gearboxes and seats it makes a huge difference to the car overall. Thanks for this, yes I did wonder about the comfort seats in a GT3, I would only consider folding buckets as an alternative, so need to try those as well I think.... Are you thinking £5k less when you say worth a lot less ?

I be think the seats are becoming a polarising factor. I’ve had three with ‘buckets’ and one with ‘sports’ seats. If I was buying for 90% road use (which I wouldn’t in the UK) I would definitely want the Sports seats - far more adjustment, comfort and practicality. BTW, I didn’t find the folding buckets on my Touring especially comfortable.

Inspectorclueso said: av185 said: Yep also worth pointing out that a comfort seat 991.2 GT3 is a very hard sell and worth alot less ££ than an equivalent CS car a bucket seat car sitting somewhere in between. Buy which car suits you at the end of the day may be worth spending some time experiencing the different gearboxes and seats it makes a huge difference to the car overall. Thanks for this, yes I did wonder about the comfort seats in a GT3, I would only consider folding buckets as an alternative, so need to try those as well I think.... Are you thinking £5k less when you say worth a lot less ? More like £10k to £12k difference between comfort and CS on a £120k car. Folding buckets are a good seat if aesthetically somewhat dated but as per my previous post there are very few 991.2 GT3s with them. Covered all the pros and cons v the newer Spyder buckets already.

Inspectorclueso said: Same price, non CS, I quite like the colour combinations on this https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202410084... There are other .2's at higher cost, but actually the three above appeal the most to me at present. Quite like the spec on this…unusual but makes the car more useable without the cage. I’ve thought about taking the cage out of mine.

Inspectorclueso said: Just a bump - see if anyone has views on the cars in the links I posted. I am viewing the top one tomorrow... The RS curveball is well worth considering - it has to be depreciation proof at that price, but also the RS has a special feeling as it’s an RS. That car is at my local OPC and I know them very well there, so can find out more about the car if you would like??

terryb said: The RS curveball is well worth considering - it has to be depreciation proof at that price, but also the RS has a special feeling as it’s an RS. That car is at my local OPC and I know them very well there, so can find out more about the car if you would like?? Terry, any views on the car appreciated, really kind offer thanks. I was toying with giving them a call, but don't want to mess them about as it's a good way for me and I'll need to plan a day out to go see it. But may be able to do so on Sunday next week. There's another GT3 down that way I could see at the same time....

GT3 with ducktail conversion utilising all OEM parts from Porsche, plus a JCR super lightweight centre bypass with a combined invoice totalling just over £8700 whats not to like? https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202411116...

KittyLitter said: GT3 with ducktail conversion utilising all OEM parts from Porsche, plus a JCR super lightweight centre bypass with a combined invoice totalling just over £8700 whats not to like? https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202411116... I wonder how that will stand with insurance, assume it’s just classed as a modified car even through you have changed the oem areo dynamics.

GT4RS said: I wonder how that will stand with insurance, assume it’s just classed as a modified car even through you have changed the oem areo dynamics. I wouldn’t say it is OEM aerodynamics. That Ducktail is from the Sport Design kit from a 991.1 Carrera so not designed for the 991.2 with that front end etc No clue if that makes a difference in the real world…probably does if you’re a professional driver on a high speed circuit. I’d run out of talent before the aero became an issue.

Inspectorclueso said: terryb said: The RS curveball is well worth considering - it has to be depreciation proof at that price, but also the RS has a special feeling as it’s an RS. That car is at my local OPC and I know them very well there, so can find out more about the car if you would like?? Terry, any views on the car appreciated, really kind offer thanks. I was toying with giving them a call, but don't want to mess them about as it's a good way for me and I'll need to plan a day out to go see it. But may be able to do so on Sunday next week. There's another GT3 down that way I could see at the same time.... No probs mate - I’ll pop in tomorrow (I drive past on my way to work) and see what I can find out.

Terry - thanks for this, but hold fire if you do see this. Deposit now down on another OPC car. I felt it was too good to miss, so went fully JFDI. Will share some details when I get chance, and now starts a painful couple of weeks to pick up !

Inspectorclueso said: Terry - thanks for this, but hold fire if you do see this. Deposit now down on another OPC car. I felt it was too good to miss, so went fully JFDI. Will share some details when I get chance, and now starts a painful couple of weeks to pick up ! Yay! ...I pray to God it has a leather dash though

Brighton Speed said: Yay! ...I pray to God it has a leather dash though I sense some 'history' to the leather dash point ! But just to confirm, full extended leather inc dash. Full bill of original sale was present and listed £25k worth of outrageously priced options.

guyvert1 said: lowndes said: Grear cars and great writeup lowndes. Agreed, but what of the CGT?

braddo said: GT3s are epic road trip cars. They are very comfortable on motorways and with cruise control they can cover big distances easily. In my experience the only compromise is to bring some cheap foam earplugs in case the engine/road noise starts to grate. The cars are short on soundproofing. Also, treat the front splitter as a consumable. They are a rubbery plastic and sacrificial; don't worry if it scrapes now and then. They are are the deserved top dog for cars that you just get in and drive, whether that's to the shops, the south of France, a race track or all of them combined! You won't regret it This - the only thing I would add is, that if you want to do track days (highly recommendable) then I would go for 918 seats and a half-cage. Without the cage you cannot fit 5-point belts and that is a must on track - especially for RHD cars as you cannot use you left leg to hold you back in the seat during hard braking/cornering. On LHD cars this is easier as there space to place the left foot on the outside wheel arch which is not the case with RHD.

Inspectorclueso said: Terry - thanks for this, but hold fire if you do see this. Deposit now down on another OPC car. I felt it was too good to miss, so went fully JFDI. Will share some details when I get chance, and now starts a painful couple of weeks to pick up ! No worries mate - look forward to seeing your choice