So im quite close to pulling the trigger on a 2004 Porsche gt3 with 36,000 kms (22,000miles) Ive got an accepted offer on it for $49,000.

Its about 400 miles away from me so I havent driven the car yet, my question is will I be content with it? It will be driven on the weekends in the summers. Mostly around town, couple highway sprints. My last couple weekend toys include a decently modded viper, and a 400+whp 1 series bmw.

I guess the only way to find out if I will appriciate the car is to fly out there and take it for a spin but being winter I wont be able to get the full effect from it. Confused on what to do here as I feel its a pretty good price for the car?

 

Price seems very good assuming it's been well maintained and has no stories or paint. The GT3 seems to have mostly the same effect on any car person that drives it: most are blown away by the feedback and the (overly used) "alive" feeling. It's definitely not a big HP car but no slouch either. I've owned and driven much more powerful cars and I can't say any has excited me as much and as consistently as the GT3. I would guess it's worth a trip to take the drive and find out. Bring a cashiers check with you and worst case you're out a drive or airfare.

 

Very compelling! I think I am going to make the trip. Like you said worst case im out my airfare, got to use the points somewhere anyways.

 

Please report back whichever way you go. BTW, if you do want to buy, make sure you get a PPI (pre-purchase inspection) to ensure you are getting what is advertised. If you need a local mechanic recommendation, I suggest posting on the Rennlist GT3 forums for a recommendation. They've never failed me.

 

Definitely will! Thanks for the advice

 

I support the PPI check prior to purchase. Last month, I committed to purchase a 997.1 GT3 from Reno. I live in OC so I payed a local Porsche shop to do PPI. I found out the car had a sever rms leak and had been completely resprayed! I stayed away from that potential blunder! BTW...do the PPI before you fly....may save you the time and money of the trip.

 

Guys, Did not end up buying this. I had the time to go out and check it out but it just didnt do it for me. Something about the 996 styling just wouldnt let me commit to it.

My search for something continues. Also on my list is a e92 M3 or Gtr

 

I've owned a 2004 model with similar options since Last May when I bought it from a member here and had it shipped from LA to Va. The only thing I regret is not flying to California and driving it back. The car had 31K miles on it when I bought it and I've already put another 10K miles on it in and around Washinton DC Metro area. I LOVE driving mine. I vote PPI as one was done on mine, but I'll also throw this out there... The GAP going trom a 996GT3 to a clean/no stories 997.1 GT3 is easily $20K+ from what I paid at $52500. I replaced an E36M3 that replaced a 670BHP 996TT. I don't miss either of the other cars. The 996GT3, with a proper alignment and corner balance is simply magical.

Mike

 

Had a 2004 GT3 and loved it. It is a very engaging car and you need to be involved in the driving as opposed to a turbo where you can cruise. The feedback on that car is intensely connected. Be very careful in cold weather with the tires.

 

Great advice about the cold weather and tires. I learned it the hard way last winter in my GT2. I wish someone would have warned me.

 

I think if you are passing on it with eyes towards an m3 or a Nissan then you made the right choice for yourself

996-3 is a car that is simply one of the modern Porsche greats... Many people cannot get over the "996 styling" but that is selling the car short IMHO

 

You certainly seem to be all over the board - Viper, GTR, 996... Since none of these cars are remotely similar why not save a lot of time and narrow your search to what you actually want/like? One must appeal to your tastes more than the others.

 

Couldn't have said it better Steve. They are all widely different cars in that list...

Mike

 

Well my problem truly is, where I live there really isnt too many of these 'mid-high' end cars that I can personally check out, talk to the owner about them etc so when I want to see them I have to leave town to view and purchase.

Also, I live no where near a race track to enjoy these cars specifically. Im trying to find a car that I can genuinely enjoy in a good mix of refinement, driver feedback and ofcourse power when you want to get on it around town/freeways.

Believe me I am trying to narrow down what I would most enjoy. Ive had Bmws, love my audi for DD right now so chances are I do end up in a german made car for my weekend toy! My last toy was the viper for that I learnt fast that I am not a domestic car kind of guy, but it was (to me) one of those guys I needed to own some point in my life

 

I feel the same exact way about the viper. The exterior and performance draws me in. Then I sit in one and the interior turns me off... I just can't make myself do it.

Mike