Hello!

As a new member, its is a pleasure to share this cyber space with you all.
Happy New Year!

The theme I'm bringing to this forum has probably being overly-discussed, yet your input would be highly appreciated. I'm considering 2 GT3s currently in stock at 2 different dealerships. I'm shooting for one which will be used for street-driving purposes only, quite unlikely it will ever see a track. To make it simple, could you rate each of the following sets of options on a scale from 1 to 10?


DEALER A


639 - Sport Chrono Package W/Out PCM
810 - Floor Mats in Interior Color
603 - Dynamic Cornering Lights
509 - Fire Extinguisher
490 - Sound Package Plus
XXZ - Foot Rest Aluminum
342 - Heated Front Seats
P12 - Self-Dim Mirrors & Rain Sensor
CGG - Sport Chrono Timer Guards Red
870 - Universal Audio Interface
619 - Bluetooth Phone Interface
XSX - Seat Belts - Guards Red


DEALER B

640 - Sport Chrono Pkg Plus
P23 - PCM 3.0 w/Extended Nav
450 - PCCB
870 - Universal Audio I.
XSC - P Crest in Headrest
603 - Dynamic Cornering Lights
509 - Fire Ext
490 - Sound Pkg Plus
619 - Bluetooth


If I were able to order a 2010, it would be a performance-oriented unit with minimum options. Unfortunately, most of the cars available on dealers lots, including the ones outlined here, are loaded with options which are meaningless to me. Although I intend to use the car (weather and road conditions permit) as a daily-driver, I'm shooting for performance rather than comfort/convenience.

Thanks a lot for your help.

Jack

 

sorry! Forgot to mention that although ceramic breaks are a plus, insofar as performance is concerned, the cost factor (including replacement expense) is a negative for a budget minded guy like me.

 

If this car is for street use only, and you are budget minded, why not look at a C2S? The GT3 is intended to be driven on the track, and is set up for this purpose.

If you are hell bent on a GT3, I think that the car from dealer B sounds more like one that I would consider (I would add the iPod integration though).

 

NorthVan,

Thanks for your input. You are right, but I currently have a 2006 997S and a 2007 S2000, both of which I intend to trade for a 2010 GT3. I'm spoiled with the S2000 8300 rpm little jewel and I also love the C2S. I believe a GT3 would serve as a supreme synthesis of the two. I have been considering this issue for a couple of years, it is a difficult call, to a large extend because I'm pleased with what I already have.

Thanks again!

 

Go with "A."

Dimming mirrors is a must.
Heated seats are great.
Bluetooth.

Everything else is fluff.

 

my vote would be for "B"...

PCCBs for the street are awesome and if you maintain them they will last and last and last.

"A" is nice also

 

I would get the lift system - I have it on mine, and love it

 

Order a 997.2 C2S with X51 and almost no options. Should be perfect for you. The 997.2 S is pretty quick - with X51 should be close to GT3 on street - which is where you will ONLY be. You sad that you arent interested in comfort / options (so this car would be perfect).

You are looking at a GT3 so you don't need / want PDK. Dont need SC. Although SPASM is very nice. I'd get the UAI and PCM (but you dont need much else).

I'd pick B - above.

 

B

are the exterior colors of the cars the same?

If not, I would pick the color you like..

Dealer specs are frustrating...

 

I like B with the PCM being that your using it as a DD.

 

GT3 is a waste of money if you're not tracking it IMO. Get a C2S, will be a massive upgrade from the S2000 and you'll save a pile of dough. There is money back on 2009s so you should be able to one for about $7500 below invoice.

 

I'd go with "A" with budget in mind. PCCB is an overkill for a DD and @$8k, but the yellow calipers do look very nice on the GT3. I was considering getting a GT3 with PCCB until I found out how much it costs to replace them.

 

Thanks to everyone for your thoughtful and helpful suggestions. Yes, a GT3 for street-only duty may be an overkill, but those revs and precise feedback are difficult to get in other packages. Yet replacing my 997
Carrera S for a 2010 one would have been a suitable alternative if dealers were able to order them. Unfortunately, Porsche is not producing 2010 models any longer and the remaining 2009 and 2010 Carrera S at dealers' lots are loaded with irrelevant (for me) options. I would prefer to wait for the 998s and order a customized one. Yes, the 2 GT3 I'm considering are
white. So color is not a decision factor, price and options are.

In sum, due to your help I'm in a better position to make or not to make a choice. For that, I'm most grateful to each of you.

 

irysfan,

I agree, at $20,000 replacement cost, ceramics make one pause before pulling the trigger. However, heavy track use seems to be the culprit here. The consensus is that the current generation of ceramic brakes are long-lasting for street and moderate track use. Further, as the technology improves and the market expands, production costs should come down the future.

 

There is nothing wrong with the GT3 as a street car....many of us drive them every day as DD's. I do with my 2010 and I find it to be a very nice street car. I think you will find the same coming from the two cars you describe. And maybe after purchase you will decide it needs to be taken to some DEs or something. Don't let the "racers" steer you away...