I'm interested in a used GT3RS, but concerned about its prior life. It has very few miles, a rollcage and harnesses which leads me to believe it was tracked, even though the dealer says it wasn't. I plan on tracking it, but I want to buy a non-tracked car. Is there anything I can do or request pictures of (it's not close to me) that can answer my question? Would it be out of line to ask the dealer for the previous owner's # or email to ask him about it? Tried a search, but couldn't find much regarding buying tracked cars. I really want a 4.0, but not sure I want to start my track day hobby in a brand new 4.0. Opinions? I figure the 3.8 will be more than enough for my first track car, plus I can save 70-80k on the difference in price (assuming I could find a 4.0 at MSRP).

 

I would not track 4.0. It's more of a car to collect. A 3.8 is plenty. If you are buying a used car have the Porsche dealer a certification inspection. It costs about 200. Worth it I found one in Cali that had a clean car fax but inspection revealed major body work. It's very easy to tell if it's been tracked much. Melted rubber on the inside wheel well, glazed rotors and wear on the part of the tire. Any porsche dealer could also tell u. Also unless u are buying a low mileage rs they are tracked to some extent. If u are planning on tracking it then don't be too concerened about its prior use so long as u get a complete inspection from Porsche. Good luck. The car is incredible.

 

As other owners have pointed out previously, GT3 owners who track their cars tend to be very **** about maintenance. My car has all of 7500 miles and has already seen 4 oil changes, 2 brake fluid changes and 1 tranny oil change. I don't think i'm in the minority. I would bet that unless you want to continue the madness of keeping one of these cars as a garage queen, that a well maintained track car will be in as good or better condition than one that has never seen the track. YMMV.

 

Well said.

 

A major indication of track use would be the over rev counter. Inside the cars DME it keeps track of how many ignitions were fired in different ranges of RPM. Amy dealer could look these up and tell you. If the car has had more than a few trips to redline(or over) you may be able to judge its past easier.

 

It will be tough to find a used RS that has not been tracked. That is what these cars are for IMO. That being said, I agree that folks that have these are completely careful about them. They are built to last, but do get the PPI.

 

id take the 3.8 its plenty fast. and if u need to go faster u might as well get a cup car.

 

I bought mine with 35000 miles, majority of them track miles. I had the same apprehensions as you when we put the car on the lift and saw all that rubber (beads literally falling out, it was laughable).

I put those fears behind and bought the car anyway. Come to find out it was owned by a PCA DE instructor and super well cared for, just used as intended.

I'm glad I did. These cars are incredible and never seem to fade no matter how hard you use them.

 

It may well be worth a quick trip to dealer if you are concerned - not much extra cost on the big picture.

Agree most track cars will be well cared for. Get it inspected - then its just cosmetic defects to worry about. "perfect" condition in sellers terms may not meet ypur expectations of perfect.

Hell ya track a 4.0! Collect for what? In 50 years years a pristine 4.0 will be quite something to look at. But so what?

 

Very surprised about the comments - I figured most would want a second hand garage queen like me. I understand that these cars are made for the track, but I assumed that tracking them prematurely wore out expensive parts. It sounds fairly easy to figure out if the car has been tracked, so I assume the dealer (a P-car dealer) would be stupid to lie and say it was not tracked if it was tracked.

I agree with the 4.0 vs 3.8 comments - I think if I bought a 4.0 I'd be more apt to keep it in collector condition and not track it.

 

I would track the 4.0.

In the modern era of cars, the only car I can even recall that has appreciated is the Ferrari Enzo. All other cars have depreciated although some a bit slower than others.

But, why not just go out and enjoy it.

 

Oh don't get me wrong - for a used car I too would prefer a garage queen, so long as its not been sitting largely unused for years. In large part it depends on if you want to keep the car for as long as you can foresee, or if its just a few years before the next update.

 

It is not easy to find a car online, you can get lucky though. I found one from another forum member, and it was worth the time I waited. Good luck with your search, DO NOT rush!

 

Suggest a rev report from the dealer and as for msrp on a 4.0......good luck with that, not gonna happen unless u were previously allocated a car. Two i san antonio for 250k,bbut only a nut would pay that imo.

Agree also that a 4.0 is a collectors piece. Buy a gen 2 997 RS and send to alex for 500+ hp and track that.....much smarter.

Lastly plenty of guys who spec their RS with seats and harness amd roll cage and never track. Going for the look, but get the rev report and inquire on CPO, that will say it all imo.

 

I never got a DME report since I got the car but previous owner did track it (he is a member here) and there was like 1xx Range 1 over revs. DME read out doesn't mean much. You can over rev the car on the street by hitting the rev limiter, shifting from 4 to 2, or 5 to 2, etc.

As long as the over revs are not past Range 1 & 2, the transmission is in good shape (syncros and gears) and the body is in one piece and did not suffer damage the rest is easy and replaceable (rubber bushings, tires, brakes, etc.).

I myself would not mind buying a tracked car as long as the car is cared for and is in good shape.