Those that upgraded to 911 Turbo or GT3

I have been debating on upgrading from my 2009 Cayman S to a used 997 Turbo or a 997 GT3. I love my Cayman S but ever since I test drove a 2010 GT3 and an 2009 Turbo a few months ago I have been tempted in trading it for one of these! Both are different animals with advantages and disavantages over the other. My big question for those that upgraded from a Boxster or Cayman a while ago is: how much more is maintenance, servicing, parts and insurance? Before a negative comment.....Yes, I can afford the extra costs involved but these extra costs could be used on other toys (ie keeping the Cayman S and getting a 2011 Cayenne vs upgrading to 911 Turbo and getting a regular SUV). Thanks

I know that an oil change for a 997 Turbo at my local NJ dealership is around $150 more than one for the Cayman. Spend some time over at the Suncoast website and compare the prices for parts such as air filters and brake pads between the cars. The website makes this very easy to do. My gut feeling is that for most maintenance items, you're looking at a 10%-20% increase in costs. For my area, the insurance premium increase for a GT3 vs. a Cayman is also in the same ballpark. I think the biggest "cost" you'll incurr will be the depreciation hit on your well optioned 2009 Cayman S if you decide to trade it in! But sometimes we just want what we want as some wise person told me once...

Costs are a bit more, but it is worth it. $600 a year more for insurance. 12,000 maintenance versus 20,000. Maintenance cost per service the same as a Cayman. I had 19 inch Turbo wheels on the Cayman so tire cost is close. About 1 mile less per gallon on fuel. I loved the Cayman but I love my 911 Turbo more. Here is where I bought mine. Foreign Cars Italia | Aston Martin Greensboro | Maserati Greensboro | Porsche Greensboro | Porsche Dealers Greensboro | Raleigh Maserati | Ferrari Greensboro Brett Smith is the guy to talk to. Tell him Doc Mark sent you. They deliver as well. Anywhere.

Yes, your right about the biggest cost incurred will be the depreciation on my 12 month Cayman S! I think the big smile on my face when I drive home from the dealer would quickly make me forget about the loss...lol. Luckily I got a very good deal on it when I bought it in Dec 09 when Porsche was giving trunk $$ and the dealer was eager in selling before the end of the year for his 2011 allocations!

Depends upon how used is "used". I wouldn't buy a GT3 that has been extensively tracked. I wouldn't want a Turbo that has been wrung out every day by the previous owner either. So that basically means a CPO car that will have some warranty which means that your maintenance costs aren't going to be much more than the Cayman S until the warranty runs out, and even then there are only a few items specific to the GT3 or Turbo that will be 15-25% more than the Cayman S. I personally think the Turbo is a better daily driver than the GT3, if only because driving around with that wing every day seems a bit much. Good luck!

We went from a 2008 Cayman to a 2011 911TT ... The 911 uses the same oil filter and 2 quarts less oil on a change, so it's cheaper in that regard. Our Cayman had 18" wheels and the 911TT has 19 and they are wider so the tire cost will be a few $$$ more. The gas mileage on the 911 is about 5-6mpg less on the highway. That little 2.7 in the Cayman was a lot better in that department. As far as I'm concerned, anything over 20mpg highway is just fine, and the 911 can definitely do that even at 80+mph. The 911 is so much more comfortable to drive long or short trip, ride is somewhat better, and so many of the options you really "need" on a Cayman are standard on the 2011 911TT. I also don't bang my head getting in and out and my knees don't hit the steering wheel when I use the clutch. Since insurance is based heavily on *value*, the 911TT is going to cost you, it basically doubled vs the cost of the Cayman and it's a whole lot more than our Viper -- surprising -- which is actually pretty cheap. Speaking of cheap, the interior of the 911, while it looks similar, it's really a whole lot nicer. In the end I'd get the 911TT and after you spend some time with it you won't look back, trust me. --Ed

I own both a GT3 and a Boxster Spyder and don't feel the regular maintenance or operation cost are that different, also very similar insurance cost. I had other Boxster's and a 996 GT3 in the past and felt the operating cost were very close. This is based on normal use, tracking your car is a different cost issue. Cost is very relative to the type of use, are you going to track the GT3 or will it be a daily driver? Tracking any car is expensive because proper maintenance is a must for both safety and reliability. If you want a nice street car than get the TT, it is a better car for road use IMHO. If you feel the track calling, than get the GT3, it's a beast but what a thrill.

With all respect to GT3 owners, but as far as I heard once from the Service Manager here is that the scheduled Major Maintenance for the GT3 is very high as they have to remove " something " out. I forgot what exactly he was talking about but I am pretty sure he highlighted how expensive it is to be maintained in comparison to 987. Nevertheless, this would never turn me off from buying a car I love and can afford... Both 997tt and GT3 are outstanding. You are lucky to end up with any.

My only comment is why the hell would you choose a Cayenne over a 911 Turbo??????????????? I think we both know the Turbo is the best choice...buying a Cayenne is like saying, I kinda sorta want to be "cool", but at the end of the day I'm just a dork who couldn't care less about driving. Cayenne is another A2B-Mobile...gets people from point A to point B, but won't leave a smile on your face.

I think you read my post wrong. I have 2 options: Keep the Cayman S and buy the wife a 2011 Cayenne Trade the Cayman S for a 911 Turbo or GT3 and get her a less luxurious SUV that will do the job (ie slightly used BMW X3 or something similar or even less luxurious) I am asking about the increased costs associated in owning a 911 Turbo or GT3 over the Cayman S to plan my budget because if its an arm & a leg more then it might now be worth upgrading to. Instead it might be cost effective to mod the Cayman S in the future and continue to have fun with it! I am not counting depreciation or loss on my Cayman S in this.

I think the plan will be to get a 911 Turbo or GT3 in the Spring and sell the Cayman S. On my wife's list of SUVs that she wants are small compact less luxurious SUVs and I am the one that wants her to get something more luxurious like the new Cayenne! Her only criteria is that it be a more luxurious and rides higher than her car. That 2010 GT3 I tried last month would be great but I think it will be a 20008 911 Turbo or GT3.