Hey guys,

I've been searching around at different options as of late.... came across an 04 Porsche GT3 (Canadian car). It's off lease, black, one owner with 53km, with sunroof delete. Brakes are regular (non PCCB's), red seat belts, alacantara steering wheel. They're asking $50k... not here's the hitch:

Car has a $20k accident on it (no frame damage). Apparently the owner took it out in the winter and hit a pole (damaging bumper, headlight). I called Downtown Porsche and the story lines up.

So, the question is.... is it worth $50k Canadian? If not, what would you pay?

I need help from a fellow Canadian or expert GT3 owners as I'm narrowing my search for a car (it will see 8-10 track days a year).

The independent race shop that picked it up off Porsche leasing told me to come down, take it out for a spin and also offered a test drive in their 997 gt3 to compare.

Opinions are welcomed (usually I never would consider an accident vehicle, but it seems like an interesting propisition). My buddy actually dealt with them for his 997 C2s tuning, vouched for the shop.

Thanks in advance,
-Steve

Pics added:

 

No real advise about that particular car. I want that steering wheel though. Rear bumper/bumperettes look thrashed.

 

I would be very cautious with this car, there are little signs that hint to me that it was a track car, such as rear spoiler shims, cup front spoiler lip. It also appears to have the incorrect inside front bumper liner, it may just be the photo angle. Is the front center rads visible or it there plastic covering the center rad. The rad should be clearly visible from the center opening of the front bumper.

The price is good if there is truly no frame damage, for example my previous 996 GT3 is for sale at the Calgary Porsche dealer for 69K with CPO and low Km on it.

 

Not sure I can help too much re the price, but my experience is similar FWIW. I've got an '04 6GT3 that I bought 2 years ago, and it also had been crashed (Watkins Glen) by the previous owner. Not sure the amount of damage (may have been more than $20K), but I had it thoroughly checked out by a shop I trust, and I was comfortable that there was no frame damage, and the car was in good condition for a heavily tracked 6GT3. Since then, I have put on 50+ track days and the car has been bulletproof, and I am extremely happy with the car. I guess the best advice is to do as much due diligence as you can (i.e., independent inspection) before you purchase, and go in with eyes wide open. $20K in damage doesn't necessarily mean the car is damaged goods. Difficult car not to enjoy if you own one and track it.

Steve B.

 

I am not an expert on price at all but I have been researching these for my own purchase. I believe that's about 49,300 USD for the 50,000 CAD. I think it high for the mileage (31600) and the fact that it was trashed once. While I agree that buying a well repaired car isn't a problem. I do believe that you should be able to get it for a cheaper price. I also agree with an earlier poster that the car seems to have some issues with bumper/bumperttes.

I just paid 56,500 US for a car with 10k miles, 1 year of CPO and perfect condition.

 

Just thought I'd mention that no 996 GT3's had sunroofs, if that matters. The only sunroof GT3's are the 997.1 non-RS.

 

Thanks for the advice guys...

I've been searching the US auto trader and Du Pont Registry... there's lots of low km, unmolested examples for high forties-mid fifties.

I'm going to check the car out in person and make a decision after that. I feel I should be able to get the car for $44-46.

I'm also curious if the Porsche dealership will show me the original photos from the accident, that may put my mind at ease. I'm also taking into account trade value as I may very well get a 997 v1 RS someday. Having a tainted past may haunt my future.

I'll let you guys know how the test drive goes

 

Hey, from one Steve to another, thanks

I noticed you were from Aurora... I was just there the other week testing an 07 C6 Z06 from the GM dealership. Small world. I'd love to chat sometime about your GT3 and experience with it.

Even after driving my buddies 650hp 996 Turbo S (while super nice... it's terrifying); I can't get a nice, N/A properly sorted GT3 out of my mind

 

I started off in the same direction that you did. I sort of considered a GT3 but most of my effort went into looking for a turbo car. They're definitely more comfortable to drive, but I wasn't looking for a DD. Although I loved them they didn't seem to fill what I was looking for. There's always been something about the 6GT3 cars that have always gotten my attention. Then a few came up for sale and after driving one it became an obsession. I have a deposit on an 04 under 10k mile car that is getting a PPI this morning.

The turbos are great and if I was looking DD I'd do it because of the comfort, power and all wheel drive (hmmmmm.....my for when my benz lease is up?), but in the end I wanted a raw experience and that's a GT3.

Interesting I sold a c6z to get it.

 

Zer0t- You owned a C6Z before getting the GT3?

I love the Z.... it's one mean machine on the road track... and I'm sure with a competent driver, it should be a bit quicker than a GT3. One thing I found was the Z's steering felt numb and finding the upper limits of the car was quite difficult (Grantid I didn't have it for much time at the track).

It's a tough call. The 911 turbo is a sweet all purpose car, but it lacks that knife edge precision I'm looking for.

 

I am now going to sound like my older brother when I started shopping. You need to decided what you're going to be doing with the car, what you like and then drive them all. The C6z dollar for dollar is one of the best cars on the road. I may get flamed here on a Porsche-centric forum for that last comment. It's 505 HP, reasonably comfortable ride, hits the track like a beast and is fairly bullet proof. It looks good and is maintainable in your drive way. The LS platform is very open to mods and there's a huge after market.

That being said it does have a bit numb feeling. However, I have seen folks (not me) go around the track on these cars at times that were unbelievable. I loved mine, but I really want to get a race bred car and when you think of the heritage, it's Porsche...none other for me. That also led me down the GT3 path, although I wanted a GT2 and a friend of mine said he'll come to my funeral. I guess they're fast and tough to drive? D/k.

I know it's exciting but the right car is worth waiting for and part of that wait is deciding which car/model is right for what you need.

My vette had 5k miles after 4 years. I'll autox, track and maybe take the GT3 to dinner but beyond that not much else other than a cruise in (like the one by my house in Chatham, NJ). So I didn't need the turbo comforts.

G/L and I am sure you'll be very happy with whatever you decide.

One last bit, I saw you comment on resale. The one thing I would say is if you have this many questions about the car, so will the next owner. What you save upfront I am sure you will see depreciate away at a faster rate than a no-stories car. That being said, I am not sure how bad the car was, how it looks now, who repaired. I'm just one of those guys who will pay up a bit to get the "no stories" car. Or at least I hope. I should be hearing back from local Porsche dealer in an hour or so. Hopefully good news.

 

Going this Saturday for a test drive. Will post some impressions after.

Zer0t- Much appreciated response

 

$40K offer
50K car with a $20K wreck in its history
I think they will be lucky to get $40K... but it is Canada and there seems to be a pricing difference of sorts...

 

Hope it helps you find the car that makes you happy, other wise there's no purpose to getting one. G/L.

 

Agree completely. Just say 'no' - not to the 996GT3 but to this car (wreck and price). Sorry, don't mean to be rude, but this seems like way too much money to consider it. Get a clean, no history car even if you have to pay more which it seems in this case, you needn't.