Originally Posted by neuroguru

Having driven 997.1GT3s and owning both a 997.2GT3 and 996.2GT3, I will say the obvious: the biggest leap is between the 6 and 7 rather than 7.1 and 7.2. The 7.1 has TC/SC - nice for the newbie on the street who hasn't refreshed his rear tires in the last 3,000 miles. The 6 does not. The 7.1s usually have sunroofs (yuck), the 6s and 7.2s do not. The 7s are much better looking cars, though the wing is funky on the 7.1. It is wicked on the 7.2.

But, I digress. The real issues that will affect you are:

Do you really want to get a car off warranty that is going to cost you a bunch of time and effort to get it to 85% the performance and sound of a new (or lightly used) car that is under warranty?

If you go BTTW (***** to the wall) and buy a nice 6 and 3.9L Sharkify it, you could have bought a newer car and put some Motons and other goodies on it, paid for a racing coach and learned to drive it over time. Then, if you still think that extra umph is so important, Sharkify the newer car or sell it. I doubt you'll get any money back that you've put into an engine upgrade. But, I could be wrong.

If you get a 7.2 and you love it, think of the options down the road! Your warranty has expired and you are being lapped by those pesky 650 bhp Vipers 'n' Vettes once they learn to drive. Sharky will likely be able to send the 3.8 out for a 4.0L rebuild when the time comes.

Until then you have a fantastic, unmolested beast that is very comfortable on the street. I actually don't mind the 6.2 on the street, but many people seem to whine about their sensitive butts or livers or some such.

Just decide on a real price point, do the numbers, and fire away. In the end, you will have a lot of fun with the car, if you are realistic about your performance and expense expectations up front.

Any seats, harnesses, roll bar that you get for the 6 generally will fit in the 7.1 and 7.2. So if you get buyers remorse, you can sell your 6 and move up.

The least hit from depreciation will be the 6, followed by 7.1, and the worst will be the 7.2. I bet if you keep a 6 in good shape, properly maintained you'll be able to sell her for $45-65k in a few years depending on what you do to it. They are rare.

Furthermore, you may get the bug to step up to another level entirely, and get a Radical for less than you are about to plop down for a used car.

Anyway, your choice of an '07 is good. Try to get a decent one for low 70s. You can get a very good 6.2 for 50-55k untracked. You can get a very nice untracked 7.1 for 75-85k. Look around a bit. People love these and get clingy, but finally realize they have a reason they are selling the car and let it go for market price. I know of a beautiful 7.2 that you should look at if you end up considering swinging upwards of 100k.