Dilemma - Keep GT3 or Turbo
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WOW
So many responses. Such interesting reading. Had no idea this is a hot topic for so many people!
I would like to thank each and every one for taking the time to post.
I am still undecided but tilting more and more towards keeping the GT3. I appreciate it more as I drive it more.
But it's difficult to let go of the Turbo and I will not rush into it. I will keep it lingering on until I am damn sure about my feelings about her or about her!
Random notes to some comments I've read to this thread:
- I cannot keep both so one has to go (as someone said it is financially irresponsible)
- I always plan to keep any passionate car buy for 5 years but my track record is pretty bad (5 months?) so what is all the fuss (that's what I am saying to myself)
- I did have a 458 Italia on the agenda before buying these P cars. In fact, I did spirited test drive 3 times on a slightly used 2014 458. I didn't feel like I was getting my money's worth. I guess I look 75% at the performance and 25% on the features on any car so I will never appreciate a Ferrari 100% as they lack on features. This was also the reason I sold my California which I had owned for about 6 months
- Glad to read there are also others who went from Porsche to Ferrari and then back to Porsche. Some of my friends who keep their cars "long term" (like 3-4 years) seem to think it is only a one way street (i.e. next car should only be an upgrade / more expensive)
Thanks again and keep sharing!
So many responses. Such interesting reading. Had no idea this is a hot topic for so many people!
I would like to thank each and every one for taking the time to post.
I am still undecided but tilting more and more towards keeping the GT3. I appreciate it more as I drive it more.
But it's difficult to let go of the Turbo and I will not rush into it. I will keep it lingering on until I am damn sure about my feelings about her or about her!
Random notes to some comments I've read to this thread:
- I cannot keep both so one has to go (as someone said it is financially irresponsible)
- I always plan to keep any passionate car buy for 5 years but my track record is pretty bad (5 months?) so what is all the fuss (that's what I am saying to myself)
- I did have a 458 Italia on the agenda before buying these P cars. In fact, I did spirited test drive 3 times on a slightly used 2014 458. I didn't feel like I was getting my money's worth. I guess I look 75% at the performance and 25% on the features on any car so I will never appreciate a Ferrari 100% as they lack on features. This was also the reason I sold my California which I had owned for about 6 months
- Glad to read there are also others who went from Porsche to Ferrari and then back to Porsche. Some of my friends who keep their cars "long term" (like 3-4 years) seem to think it is only a one way street (i.e. next car should only be an upgrade / more expensive)
Thanks again and keep sharing!
In an oddball way, I understand everything you have and are going through. I was always a one car kinda guy, always looking for that perfect car, the only that did everything, but as you climb the car ladder, everything gets way more specific.
M, RS, AMG start to be not enough, and then 911S become not enough, then TTS are not raw enough, 458 is not raw enough, Scuderia is too raw, GT3 is raw but not great everyday, 458 Speciale is just $400K waiting to lose 30% in 2 years.
I have a end of the month delivery on a 15 GT3. I had a 997.2TTS. I considered just getting a nicely optioned 991TT on lease, driving it like I stole, and call it a day in 3 years...
But, I can't forget that like sleeping, eating, and brushing your teeth, we all have to drive, and all of us here LOVE driving so in the end, financial sense be damned, commit as much funds as it takes to make your drive happy.
I am in part one of my next 5 year car plan: VW Golf R as 60% DD, GT3 20%, and either a Scud or 458 for the last 20%. Granted, this will mean close to $400K invested in cars with probably about 10-13% depreciation a year, but DAMN I WILL BE HAPPY
DD, Refined Raw, and more if I go Scud.
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The 996 turbo forum is pretty active.
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2 different cars for different buyers. Usually, most TTS buyers that buy the car brand new do not even know that gt3 exists. I am kind of surprised that one can actually contemplate between the two, amazing..
edit: if the engine sound bothers you, the GT3 is definitely not the one for you. The Gt3 is a raw race car for the street, while the TTS is a GT car.
edit: if the engine sound bothers you, the GT3 is definitely not the one for you. The Gt3 is a raw race car for the street, while the TTS is a GT car.
Last edited by gago1101; Jan 10, 2015 at 12:49 AM.
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GT3 versus Turbo S
They graduate to the new Corvette Z06. I purchased a 2015 GT3 and thought the car was an amazing track day car, but not a great daily driver. I prefer a turbo s for its refinements and especially like the additional horsepower. I had the chance to drive the new Corvette z06 at Watkins Glen, and circuit of the Americas and compare the car my GT3, Ferrari 458, McLaren 650 S, turbo s and Corvette ZR1. Corvette reminded me of the turbo s as far as comfort, features, and did not have to be driven at redline to enjoy the car. What amazed me is the z06 on the track. The car outperformed every one of the other cars compared with lap times approaching GT cars. The Z06 did not experience any issues with heat soak or conservative tune. I talked to an old friend of mine who drove in the world challenge series and lives in Dallas where he's been vigorously testing the the new z06 with no issues of any kind at the limit (high rpm's) between 20 and 40 minutes. There are several friends of mine that have a turbo s and our purchasing a new z06 and planning to keep both cars. I think the GT3 would be amazing With the Hundred Horse increase. I enjoy the car at 6 to 9000 RPM on the street and really do not like the car for normal driving. The Corvette seems to be a perfect blend between daily driver and track car. I would love to have a turbo S and my GT3, but my wife has threatened that I would be living in the car after spending 140 already. The other alternative to the Corvette and Porsche is the new McLaren coming out late 2015 or 16. The car will cost 160,000 for a coupe and 180 for a convertible. The McLaren 12 C was also a nice daily driver and track car but is not as good-looking as a 650 S or Ferrari 458 at essentially the same money.
Not sure if I should post this on turbo forum also?
So I came back to Porsche lately. Got a Carrera S and was looking around for a turbo. By chance fell in love with a dealer lot GT3 and bought it (impulsive buy). Drove the GT3 couple of days and started think it is not my cup of tea. To correct my supposed "mistake" I ended up closing the deal on the turbo (traded in Carrera S for it) with a view to settling down by selling the GT3 and keeping the turbo.
The issue is that, meanwhile, the GT3 has grown on me and I don't feel anymore that it's not my cup of tea. I like the way it makes me feel and it is so precise while turning and the sound is amazing. What I don't like is the noises from engine area, vibrations, etc. as well as the lack of options. Since I will probably never track it I wish Porsche would allow more options. But I guess it is a racing/track car and not just a sports car so that is the nature of the beast?
I really do like the turbo as well especially its options and refinement but just wish it could have been a bit louder. However, this time I don't want to rush in and sell (or keep) the wrong car. Well, none of them can be the wrong the car! I just want to keep the one which will not let me miss the other! They are both perfect in their own way. While I can temporarily keep both of them in order to decide sensibly (?) I want to be sure about one of them and keep that one.
Initially, I was looking at the turbo because it has options I am used to like keyless entry, Bose, reverse camera, sensors, etc. in addition to the turbo specs like all wheel steering, all wheel drive, etc. The thought process was upgrading from a Carrera S. But now that I have "tasted" the GT3 (all these years I never thought I would like the GT3) and like it so much I would actually consider living without the convenience options on the turbo.
Has anyone else been in this situation and how did you come out of it? Which one did you choose and what reasons?
Do people graduate from GT3 to turbo or vice versa?
Since I love them both almost equally I am thinking of some criteria to help me stay with one and leave the other:
resale?
rarity?
color?
timing of next refresh model from Porsche?
durability?
cost of ownership (service)?
I am attaching pics of the actual cars as this might play some part in your recommendations.
Thanks!
So I came back to Porsche lately. Got a Carrera S and was looking around for a turbo. By chance fell in love with a dealer lot GT3 and bought it (impulsive buy). Drove the GT3 couple of days and started think it is not my cup of tea. To correct my supposed "mistake" I ended up closing the deal on the turbo (traded in Carrera S for it) with a view to settling down by selling the GT3 and keeping the turbo.
The issue is that, meanwhile, the GT3 has grown on me and I don't feel anymore that it's not my cup of tea. I like the way it makes me feel and it is so precise while turning and the sound is amazing. What I don't like is the noises from engine area, vibrations, etc. as well as the lack of options. Since I will probably never track it I wish Porsche would allow more options. But I guess it is a racing/track car and not just a sports car so that is the nature of the beast?
I really do like the turbo as well especially its options and refinement but just wish it could have been a bit louder. However, this time I don't want to rush in and sell (or keep) the wrong car. Well, none of them can be the wrong the car! I just want to keep the one which will not let me miss the other! They are both perfect in their own way. While I can temporarily keep both of them in order to decide sensibly (?) I want to be sure about one of them and keep that one.
Initially, I was looking at the turbo because it has options I am used to like keyless entry, Bose, reverse camera, sensors, etc. in addition to the turbo specs like all wheel steering, all wheel drive, etc. The thought process was upgrading from a Carrera S. But now that I have "tasted" the GT3 (all these years I never thought I would like the GT3) and like it so much I would actually consider living without the convenience options on the turbo.
Has anyone else been in this situation and how did you come out of it? Which one did you choose and what reasons?
Do people graduate from GT3 to turbo or vice versa?
Since I love them both almost equally I am thinking of some criteria to help me stay with one and leave the other:
resale?
rarity?
color?
timing of next refresh model from Porsche?
durability?
cost of ownership (service)?
I am attaching pics of the actual cars as this might play some part in your recommendations.
Thanks!
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Purchase a GT3 and really do not like it as a daily driver and have the chance of buying a 2015 Turbo S (3000 miles) for 160. The other option is to buy the new Corvette 06 or wait for the new McLaren that will be priced for 160 for a coupe or 180 convertible. The only problem with the Corvette is the
Z06 really is not differentiated from the c7 stingray. A friend of mine who owns a Porsche dealership said he pulled next to a Corvette 06 and his wife was blown away by the car and asked what kind of car it was and totally lost interest when she found out it was a Corvette. He purchased a new z06 with the z07 tract package.
Z06 really is not differentiated from the c7 stingray. A friend of mine who owns a Porsche dealership said he pulled next to a Corvette 06 and his wife was blown away by the car and asked what kind of car it was and totally lost interest when she found out it was a Corvette. He purchased a new z06 with the z07 tract package.
It's called negotiation--some are great at it, some are not. Dealers don't advertise or give away anything. You have to talk to the right person (GM or GSM), at the right time, and actually know how to work a deal.
The sad part is that same $157.7 car will be worth $140 the day you drive it off the lot. It's not a newsflash, TTS is a terribly depreciating car and the fact Porsche over built them and there are a flood of them for sale right now is not helping. Heck, there are still 2014's brand new out there for sale!
The sad part is that same $157.7 car will be worth $140 the day you drive it off the lot. It's not a newsflash, TTS is a terribly depreciating car and the fact Porsche over built them and there are a flood of them for sale right now is not helping. Heck, there are still 2014's brand new out there for sale!
Where did you find TTS with low miles for 160?
Purchase a GT3 and really do not like it as a daily driver and have the chance of buying a 2015 Turbo S (3000 miles) for 160. The other option is to buy the new Corvette 06 or wait for the new McLaren that will be priced for 160 for a coupe or 180 convertible. The only problem with the Corvette is the Z06 really is not differentiated from the c7 stingray. A friend of mine who owns a Porsche dealership said he pulled next to a Corvette 06 and his wife was blown away by the car and asked what kind of car it was and totally lost interest when she found out it was a Corvette. He purchased a new z06 with the z07 tract package.
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That's the real downside of the turbo s is the resale. It's a huuuuge hit.
So huge that I kept mine, even though rationally I know that I've already taken the hit realizing it through selling is just too much. So I just kept both.
Love'em equally.
I think most turbo s drivers do know about the gt3, they just don't need it.
Jeff
So huge that I kept mine, even though rationally I know that I've already taken the hit realizing it through selling is just too much. So I just kept both.
Love'em equally.
I think most turbo s drivers do know about the gt3, they just don't need it.
Jeff
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Lots of apple oranges here. Turbo better DD and vette zo6 will be rough ride. My dad has one and its low so no relief in town on pulling into elevated parking. Personally I would keep the GT3 as much more exhilarating on back roads and track. If u need a DD go buy a cheap trick and enjoy the GT3 on weekends? U can obviously afford both.
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Of course.
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WOW
So many responses. Such interesting reading. Had no idea this is a hot topic for so many people!
I would like to thank each and every one for taking the time to post.
I am still undecided but tilting more and more towards keeping the GT3. I appreciate it more as I drive it more.
But it's difficult to let go of the Turbo and I will not rush into it. I will keep it lingering on until I am damn sure about my feelings about her or about her!
Random notes to some comments I've read to this thread:
- I cannot keep both so one has to go (as someone said it is financially irresponsible)
- I always plan to keep any passionate car buy for 5 years but my track record is pretty bad (5 months?) so what is all the fuss (that's what I am saying to myself)
- I did have a 458 Italia on the agenda before buying these P cars. In fact, I did spirited test drive 3 times on a slightly used 2014 458. I didn't feel like I was getting my money's worth. I guess I look 75% at the performance and 25% on the features on any car so I will never appreciate a Ferrari 100% as they lack on features. This was also the reason I sold my California which I had owned for about 6 months
- Glad to read there are also others who went from Porsche to Ferrari and then back to Porsche. Some of my friends who keep their cars "long term" (like 3-4 years) seem to think it is only a one way street (i.e. next car should only be an upgrade / more expensive)
Thanks again and keep sharing!
So many responses. Such interesting reading. Had no idea this is a hot topic for so many people!
I would like to thank each and every one for taking the time to post.
I am still undecided but tilting more and more towards keeping the GT3. I appreciate it more as I drive it more.
But it's difficult to let go of the Turbo and I will not rush into it. I will keep it lingering on until I am damn sure about my feelings about her or about her!
Random notes to some comments I've read to this thread:
- I cannot keep both so one has to go (as someone said it is financially irresponsible)
- I always plan to keep any passionate car buy for 5 years but my track record is pretty bad (5 months?) so what is all the fuss (that's what I am saying to myself)
- I did have a 458 Italia on the agenda before buying these P cars. In fact, I did spirited test drive 3 times on a slightly used 2014 458. I didn't feel like I was getting my money's worth. I guess I look 75% at the performance and 25% on the features on any car so I will never appreciate a Ferrari 100% as they lack on features. This was also the reason I sold my California which I had owned for about 6 months
- Glad to read there are also others who went from Porsche to Ferrari and then back to Porsche. Some of my friends who keep their cars "long term" (like 3-4 years) seem to think it is only a one way street (i.e. next car should only be an upgrade / more expensive)
Thanks again and keep sharing!
Jb
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In regards to depreciation, if in reality you tend to keep cars like this only 5 months vs your theoretical 5 year plan, you are better off keeping the Turbo. The Turbo has already suffered the initial drop, the GT3 is still holding value, so at least for now you could get nearly all of your money back selling it.
I have gone back and forth trying to decide which to buy. When I drove a GT3 for the first time on the street, I have to admit that I was underwhelmed by it's lack of low-midrange power and at times inconvenienced or disquieted by it's lack of ground clearance and harsher ride. Oddly comments on a recent Chris Harris video mentioned the same sense of being underwhelmed on the street. It's on the track that this car really shines and can be all it can be. I do track my car, but only 1-2 times per year, probably not enough to live with the GT3's compromises the other 99% of the time. I may end up concluding I like the idea of the GT3 better than I would the reality of it as a daily driver. Another back to back comparison is coming up, and then the final decision.
I have gone back and forth trying to decide which to buy. When I drove a GT3 for the first time on the street, I have to admit that I was underwhelmed by it's lack of low-midrange power and at times inconvenienced or disquieted by it's lack of ground clearance and harsher ride. Oddly comments on a recent Chris Harris video mentioned the same sense of being underwhelmed on the street. It's on the track that this car really shines and can be all it can be. I do track my car, but only 1-2 times per year, probably not enough to live with the GT3's compromises the other 99% of the time. I may end up concluding I like the idea of the GT3 better than I would the reality of it as a daily driver. Another back to back comparison is coming up, and then the final decision.