I feel the same way about the driver aids. I like a car that when I get to spend some special time with it I want the most engaging experience I can get.

Solid info on this thread. Appreciate those sharing experiences. I have driven a 997 GT3 but not a 996 GT3. Long term goal is to buy one of the two. For now I'm watching (market) and learning.

Totally agree with you, one reason I wanted to get some raw data from past or current owners. Good stuff guys keep it coming. SmileWavy

https://www.roadandtrack.com/new-cars/a19693746/porsche-911-996-gt3-review/

This article that was written last year is what really had me thinking. I wanted to know if this was just journalism lust, or real. Wanted to hear from real owners.

GT3’s
 

I don’t think the driving or raw mechanical prowess of any GT3 has ever been the subject of much debate unless one has a lot of seat time in various types and/or have raced or tracked them.

I guess I am one in the camp of considering the “whole package” and astethics are part of that for me. If you like the kinda flat sides and Boxster/GT1 front end, you’re in luck, because they seem to be the best bargains of the bunch.

Besides a few “non-fatal” issues (coolant tanks/fittings), they have proven very robust mechanically. I recall seeing several street driven 996 and 997 GT3’s in the UK and U.S. with very high miles (150k-200k) on the original engine and transmission. I see different rebuild intervals thrown around for track use, but I have seen many threads which indicate less than 10k miles.

I had hoped the availability of a manual transmission in new GT3’s would ease demand and lower prices of the older 996/997 chassis cars (bucket list car for me), but I haven’t seen that yet.

I enjoy the feedback from GT3 owners as I hope to join that crowd someday...

Try one and you'll see
 

It is absolutely real - I've had one for 3 years now and it will go to one of my daughters someday. There's such a feeling of immediacy in this car, and it doesn't feel like a video game like the new ones.

I don't even mind the way it looks...

Best of luck in your search

Awesome feedback, thank you for sharing.

The other factor besides manual 991.2 GT3 is the sheer abundance of GT cars. There is now GT4, GT3, GT3 Touring, GT3 RS.

Here in Canada there are plenty of GT4 on the market and a friend has spoken seriously with sellers. (He has had GT4, 997.1 GT3, 997.1 GT3 RS etc) There are a couple example that can be had for 75-80k USD. GT4 is a very capable GT cars and I think they will bring down the price of 996/997 GT3s.

To me their value is the driving experience and how capable they are on track. The GT4 is even better than both so my thought is lower GT4 prices will soon equal lower 996/997 GT3 prices. Time will tell.

I would love for you thought to be correct. As you said only time will tell.

I don't know that the GT4 is really a fair comp to many people. It's not a Mezger, and that matters. I really doubt it will bring down 996 GT3 prices at all.

If you start talking up the 996 GT3 on your podcast we surly won’t see prices come down ;)

right on
having had both, on paper, the spec are literally identical. the drive is COMPLETELY different.

test drive both, it will be clear.

You are correct, that is why I am trying not to say anything about it on there at all. ;) However, I am sure this thread isn't helping the cause at all. LOL

What do you consider INSANE money?

friend has a 996gt3 <2000 miles turned down $190k but he is an oddball

Lol. That is, indeed, insane money.

I agree that is crazy money :eek:

So with people out there offering $190k for a 996gt3, where does the 996gt2 stand? Is the gt2 just that unloved?

That's a great question. I think its a great car personally. I think I have seen go rate on those 140k to 160k. On a side note a buddy of mine just told me a 997.1 GT3 RS black on black with like 60k miles on it no accidents. Car sold last week for 112k at auction couldn't believe it. Has the cool down started?? I was at Amelia last month and almost all the auctions were soft for Porsches. It could be good news for all of us enthusiasts! :D

For that kind of money I would buy a 997.1 Cup AND a GT4 daily driver.