Hi all,

This is my first post in a Porsche forum. Before I begin, let me say that I have done some searching but didn't find a thread that addresses my particular questions and issues, hence this new thread. I apologize in advance as I'm sure at least some of these topics have been addressed before.

First, about my current garage. I now have a Ferrari Scuderia as a weekend and occasional track car (once or twice per year) and a 2009 MX5 that is my daily driver and primary track car (once per month). I bought the MX5 last year as a "starter" track car and put about $10k into it to upgrade the chassis, suspension, brakes, wheels, tires, safety, etc. The car is a blast to drive and does really well on the track, especially tight circuits. I have enjoyed the hell out of the car, both on and off the track, but now that I have more experience and have become a better driver, I am thinking about trading in the MX5 for something with more power.

I've considered all the likely candidates that would make good track-day cars and, of course, the GT3 ticks all the track-day boxes. My issue, however, is that I don't have space for three cars and, after owning 3+ cars before, I don't really want to have more than two. So, this means that whichever car I choose for my primary track-day car must also serve as my daily driver.

What I need help with is not only whether or not a GT3 can really be a decent daily driver (I saw that some folks said they can be, although I'm a bit skeptical), but also which GT3 would be best for me, assuming that I will daily drive it and track it about once a month.

As for the daily driving aspect, my MX5 has a racing seat and a 6-point harness, and I'm 6'2" so it's a little inconvenient to get in and out of. I'm fine with that, so that shows you I'm willing to put up with some inconvenience. That said, I'm not sure about living with a really harsh ride day after day, and I don't want to live without a radio or A/C. Regarding the latter, do any of these cars have radios or A/C? If not, can they be easily retrofitted? If it helps, my commute is about 30 minutes.

As for the different GT3 models aspect, are there certain models or model years that would be better for my situation than others? Are there certain model years to avoid? Certain model years to specifically seek out?

Any insight you guys could provide would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Dave

 

I've had 991 GT3 for a month or so and it can definitely be a daily driver. Depending where you live, the front lift makes a big difference in where you can easily go. For me it was a must. It is very firm but extremely comfortable. It comes with all the creature comforts you need. The stereo (I have the premium) is OK, but still has bluetooth and all that. AC as with all Porsches is very powerful.

Based on the need for a DD, the 991GT3 is the way to go. Past versions were not nearly as street friendly.

 

I am getting a 2015 991 GT3 (finished production already and on its way from Germany now) which I plan to use as my DD and track car (5-7 times a year). Currently my DD is a 996 C2 which I also track at about the same frequency. My research showed me that the current 991 GT3 is a great track car but is also a DD unlike previous GT3s.

 

So the 996 and 997 GT3s aren't as good as DD's? Why is that? One thing I forgot to mention is that I would much prefer to buy a used car to avoid the depreciation hit.

 

Previous GT3s had harsher rides and 3 pedal manual transmission with a heavy clutch not ideal for driving in traffic. 991 GT3s have adjustable shocks / ride and 2 pedal, dual clutch PDK transmission not unlike the F1 in the Scud (albeit single clutch).

All GT3s depreciate slower than regular 911 models.

 

Welcome to this side of the forum RacerX . I'm buying a new 991 GT3 because I don't think there will be much of a depreciation hit if any. This car is very limited in production numbers so the demand will only go up while there are so few available. The only concern at this point is the GT3 RS which we still know almost nothing about. If it's priced aggressively it will put pressure on the GT3 but I'm doubting it will be. I'm thinking the car will be 200k once optioned up making the GT3 the "bargain" car.

I haven't received my GT3 yet but I went with it because I can track and DD all under warranty. The manual even has recommended servicing intervals for tracking versus DD. I also love my 991 C2S. It's an excellent car and I can only imagine how much better the GT3 will be. I honestly can't wait to get it in December/January.

 

Don't see any reasons a 991 GT3 wouldn't be able to be DD if your commute is on good/decent roads. My only problem would be visually I don't want my DD to have a huge wing. Of course I'm older now and don't want the boy racer imagine unless I'm actually racing But you might be young enough (in spirit) to not care

 

Hey Ross! I see your point on depreciation. The cars on AutoTrader are being offered at prices that don't seem all that far off of new sales prices. The 991 GT3 does sound like a perfect daily/track compromise but I imagine they will be quite pricey because of the demand you noted. In addition to avoiding depreciation, I'd also like to limit my cost. Ideally, I'd like to stay under $100k, if possible. I guess that probably means a 997.

 

Nothing wrong with a 997.1 gt3 as a track car. They are 75-80k now with 20-30k miles. Heel toe. Heavier clutch. Better as dd than 996 gt3. Traction control but no porsche stability management PSM like 997.2 gt3s. Those are pricier and more so if RS models. Also 5 lug.
I am keeping mine and I am getting my 991 gt3 jan 2015. Tomorrow is build lock date. My Msrp 139k. Nose lift the priciest option for me.
Ride in these cars if you can at a DE event before the winter to help you decide. Good luck. They are great cars. Coolant pipe welding or pinning is a desired feature for sure.

 

996gt, not DD friendly
997gt, fine as DD
991gt, great as DD

 

Great info guys. I think I have a direction to investigate: 997 GT3. Likely won't pull the trigger until well into 2015 (for various reasons) but will stick around this forum and learn as much as can about these cars in the meantime. Thanks for the help.

 

I owned a 991 C4S up until last month, I traded it in for a 997.2 GT3.

I know its a C4S not a GT3, but it had SPASM and the ride to a GT3 is not that diff. I have been in one.

The 991 was the best DD I ever had(had lots of M3s and AMG cars previously), drove it through 4 seasons and took my son too school almost everyday. Loved the car and was super comfortable, our streets in Toronto are horrible. Unfortunately, ppl kept hitting it, so it had to go.

The 997.2 GT3 I would not DD, ride is no where as refined, its loud, you get tranny noise, and I have the sport buckets, which are a must for the GT3. I love the damn car though, its amazing, and I drive it a few times a week and track it often, but I did get a Golf R as a daily driver. The GT3 would get tiresome as a DD quickly for me, especially with the state our roads are in.

I would venture to say the 991 GT3 would be much much much more comfortable for a DD then a 997.

 

I would agree with ^^^. Esp because 991 gt3 PDK-s easier to DD. Had a 997.2 c4S PDK and preferred it to DD to the GT3.
Depends on budget and how much and where you DD to.

 

Not sure if you are open to this RacerX but the 991 C2S is very capable on track and fantastic as a daily driver. I drive mine every day and love the car. The only flaws for me is it's too quiet and the stereo sucks. The Burmester might be better, I don't know. I paid 85k for mine and have 0 regrets.

 

It's a possibility, but I'm currently thinking a C2S may be more of a compromise on the track than I'd like. I'm going to have to do some test drives and get a seat-of-the-pants feeling as to what will work and what will not.

Based on your and others' comments, I'm tempted to go with the 991 GT3, but part of my thought process is I don't want to take a $100k+ car to the track. I already have a car like that and I don't drive it 10/10ths on the track because of it's value. Having a track accident/incident in an $80k car isn't great, but it's better than one in a $150k car.