Shopping for a GT3. Can someone comment on the 996GT3 ownership experience? What should I be worried about? How hard is it? Can it be daily driven on a short commute? No traffic. Is lack of electronic stability etc a big concern? What's the reliability on an older one? Does anyone prefer 996 over 997? or is 997 just overall better?

 

I had a 996 3, they are great cars, meant to be driven. Never seemed hard to me but I guess it depends on what you are used to. DD is no problem at all especially w/out traffic. I preferred w/out TC/stability, they handle great and easy to catch if you over steer. I never had any issues with mine whatsoever, but there is a lot of static about RMS issues in general. I think that the 997 looks a lot better inside and out..but thats up to you to decide.

 

Bought 997.2GT3 first, then got 996.2GT3 as track stunt-double. Drive it to the track, runs flawlessly, drive it home. Great DD if you don't mind the race seats. I got used to them quickly. Don't miss TC/SC/PASM. ABS is nice. Car is smooth and ergonomic and in some senses easier to drive than 997.2GT3. I love it. Only downside is nasty fried-egg headlights. I fixed that with a vinyl wrap.

You will flippin' love this car. You must have a good alignment and corner balance and get some phat rubber. It transforms the car into a much more confidence-inspiring ride. What I miss most about the 7.2 when rolling the 6.2 is the soundtrack.

I have had zero problems. I have a 15k car at this point.

 

I miss my 996-3

 

I prefer the looks of the 997 over the 996, but this purely cosmetic. I agree with Serge in that low profile. I have to really think about where I intend to drive to avoid uneven roads/driveways. It is really easy to scrape that front. If your commute is blessed with good roads, it should not be a problem.

 

The 996 is a great car and the biggest mistake I made was selling mine. I also think the 997 aesthetically is better (inside and out) but prefer the driving experience of the 996. The same driver in both cars will be faster in a 997 but probably have more fun in a 996. You can't go wrong either way, it comes down to budget and which you prefer the look of. Bang for buck the 996 is hard to beat.

 

Love my 996 and learning a lot of how she behaves on the track. I DD her a few times a week without a problem ( 20 miles local and highway). Incremental experimentation will reward the driver. Good luck!

 

The GT3, of any generation, will always be rare, hold its value, bulletproof and extremely fun.
That said, a 997 has the advantage of being more modern and streetable, or to put it more mildly, easier to be a DD.