From a "feels special" point of view, the Mezger GT3 is ahead of any GT4 except maybe the RS.
But, and it's a big but, you are looking at a 20-24 year old car with a lot of potential bills just behind the corner.
A GT4 you can buy with Porsche approved, turn the key and drive off while most likely not having to give any thought to the mechanical/technical/maintenance part of the car.
A 996 GT3 that is 20 years old is everything but that and if you are not that interested in the technical details of the car, I would not recommend buying one.
What I mean by being interested in the technical part is that there are subjects that need addressing, and if you just leave a clean sheet to the OPC you'll be looking at a bill that easily rockets past the 4 figures, depending on the cars condition.
As you can imagine, not everybody is looking forward to reading and searching for information online on how to fix (or preventing from breaking down) his newly acquired 60k+ Porsche.
In my case, I wanted a 996 GT3 because I wanted a car that provides maximum driver involvement in which to do more trackdays in, and I didn't want to further modify (strip out) my E46M3 and decided to sell it instead. But I really feel very passionate about going to the track, improving the car, and talking with my friends about setups and other technical stuff. If you are that guy, then a 996 GT3 can be a great car for you.
The GT4 is however much easier to own and a more versatile car. You can easily use it for a Sunday drive or even a road trip, you can go to the track but also go pick up and impress girls downtown. Selling it after some time should also be easier.
The 996/7 GT3, as I see it, is more of a "car project" that you buy, but continuously need to "invest" in over time.
Long story short: Your conclusion about the market being at 70k is not 100% accurate, because the only thing you get for that is maybe a good history, but it still is a 20 year old car, and my above list still applies, even if the car didn't have a respray, small damage or has low mileage.
But, and it's a big but, you are looking at a 20-24 year old car with a lot of potential bills just behind the corner.
A GT4 you can buy with Porsche approved, turn the key and drive off while most likely not having to give any thought to the mechanical/technical/maintenance part of the car.
A 996 GT3 that is 20 years old is everything but that and if you are not that interested in the technical details of the car, I would not recommend buying one.
What I mean by being interested in the technical part is that there are subjects that need addressing, and if you just leave a clean sheet to the OPC you'll be looking at a bill that easily rockets past the 4 figures, depending on the cars condition.
- Limited slip diff (does it work, if not, what should you get?)
- All the coolant pipes front to rear
- Collant pipes pinning, or just re-glue? Or since you don't track it, wait until they pop out and call road assistance.
- Gears (MK1 is more fragile in the first 3 gears)
- Engine mounts
- Gearbox mounts
- Dampers: are they good? If not, rebuild or go after market?
- Brake calliper servicing necessary?
- Clutch
- Wheel hub and bearings
- Driveshaft
- MAF sensor
- Air conditioning (condenser)
- ...
As you can imagine, not everybody is looking forward to reading and searching for information online on how to fix (or preventing from breaking down) his newly acquired 60k+ Porsche.
In my case, I wanted a 996 GT3 because I wanted a car that provides maximum driver involvement in which to do more trackdays in, and I didn't want to further modify (strip out) my E46M3 and decided to sell it instead. But I really feel very passionate about going to the track, improving the car, and talking with my friends about setups and other technical stuff. If you are that guy, then a 996 GT3 can be a great car for you.
The GT4 is however much easier to own and a more versatile car. You can easily use it for a Sunday drive or even a road trip, you can go to the track but also go pick up and impress girls downtown. Selling it after some time should also be easier.
The 996/7 GT3, as I see it, is more of a "car project" that you buy, but continuously need to "invest" in over time.
Long story short: Your conclusion about the market being at 70k is not 100% accurate, because the only thing you get for that is maybe a good history, but it still is a 20 year old car, and my above list still applies, even if the car didn't have a respray, small damage or has low mileage.
