I know the GT3 is not the ideal daily driver, especially in the winter, but I have been kicking around getting a 997.1 GT3 for daily use. I had a 996TT that I drove daily with summer performance tires with no issues. My commute is only ~5 miles each way. I assume I would need winter/snow tires but otherwise should drive like a 9978 C2s, correct?

Anyone done this?

Adam

 

Are you going to track her as well? Do you have another vehicle to use as a DD in the winter? The question more is why would you want to rather than can you...a 5mi commute is not going to be enjoyable in a GT3. Also, winter/snow tires or not, that car is far lower w/ less ground clearance than a C2S, so expect significant plowing during Chi winters.

 

And the car won't really even be warmed up when you get there. My commute is 4.5 miles on surface streets, and when I take the car I usually do bonus miles around town to warm it up before shutting it off when I get to work.

 

idk bro i live about 3.5 miles from my work and my car is heated up for the last straight away before my building. So i drive slow until that last straight away and go all out lol. Then ofcourse give my car a couple minutes to cool down while parking

 

I do not plan on any track time. I used to enjoy doing DE and autocross but I really like the look and firmer drive of the GT3. There are just too many C2's, C2S's, C4's, TT, etc. in my neck of the woods so a GT3 would be totally different. I prefer to drive something a little unique. Also, I do tend to go for long cruises to relieve stress, etc. at night and on the weekend so it will be driven a little more than 10 miles per day. I do have a Jeep for real crappy winter days but I really dislike driving it. Do you guys think a GT3 is too harsh on Chicago streets?

I have only driven a 996 GT3 but it was set-up for track use and was real stiff. I heard from a few people the 997.1 and 997.2 GT3 are much more friendly daily driver cars.

Thanks,
Adam

 

I would love daily a GT3 if my commute wasn't 65+ miles a day.

 

Hey Adam , I have a 997.2 Gt3. I think i can drive it everyday just as comfortably as my previous 996tt. Its a lot refined than the 996 Gt3...i know you are talking about Jason's car. On a snowy day , definitely use the jeep . This car is too low to the ground.

 

I drive mine everyday and love it. Even in btb traffic there is nothing else I'd rather be sitting in. Chicago streets won't be a problem. Drive whatever makes you happy if you can afford it.

 

I drive my 997.2 almost daily in and around downtown Chicago. Rain or shine. I live and work in the city. No issues, but having the nose-lift system is a must to get in and out of parking garages and steep entry/exit curbing at city parking lots, speed bumps, etc. YMMV, depending of where you have to drive it to. Oh, and you have to master the art of spotting potholes for obvious reasons. Even with the nose-lift, I still scrape over everything!

Winter is different. The lack of anti-corrosion coatings on the bottom vs non-GT 997 means it stays in the garage when there's too much salt and nasty stuff on the ground.

997.1 should be fine as it's a very similar car. You can always install a techart noselift should you ever need it.

 

Cool. This is great info and gives me much confidence. I didn't know the GT3 doesn't have corrosion protection. Certainly makes sense but also something I should consider as I was hoping to drive it in the winter. I do have a Jeep for real crappy days but I want a toy I can enjoy year 'round. I just can't get myself to drive the Aston in rain or snow. Maybe because the paint, etc. is perfect and I want to keep it that way. Anyway, I plan to drive a few GT3's in the coming weeks to get a feel for the car. Looking forward to the experience! Thanks for the replies!