The red / gold combo is a winner for reasons I previously states (AMR). Fair-play for putting over 6k miles in a year on your car. Not having climate as standard on a car of this price is a "right liberty"! I think Porsche would struggle to justify it from any perspective. Similarly, main-dealer used-car prep' is all about maximising their bottom-line by minimising their outlay, even for glaring faults. Porsche are not alone here.
Red/Gold is the colors of the San Francisco 49r football (USA) team. You could easily find a buyer there, but dare not park it on the street! I'll stick with my rhodium silver and satin black wheels - it draws enough attention w/o the bling.
Enjoy your car. Have 50k miles on my 2020 spyder 6spd. Driving 200-300miles almost every weekend. Alot of porsche GT owners dont drive their cars enough. Zero issue at 50k. I DIY my maintenaces.
I'd probably do that as well but the official schedule is 2 years and with modern oil technology I'd say 10k miles especially if it's mainly motorway cruising and no track work won't do any harm. I do like to get the first oil out after the running in period even if this isn't in the schedule as I can't see how this can't be contaminated by the engine bedding in. My issue with this car is that its second service needs t o be done on time now i.e. 4 years old so it will only be just over a year between services. At least the next one will be two years and I'll my own at 5 years ;)
@@volkswizard The full synthetic oils will often go over 10k miles before breakdown; well documented. However, filter technology isn't much different than 50 years ago, and dirt accumulates; not good. Also, even the best synthetics can "wax" if the car experiences hours at a time under freezing temps. So spring oil and filter changes yearly at minimum is the upshot. On another topic, you should REALLY spend the money to track the car, even if only once; use the cup2 tires, and do it with a pro coach. It's really fun and useful - even for road use - to learn what the car is capable of doing near/at the limits.
Very good Andrew. My ownership echos yours. 7k miles in 6 months, including 2 trips to Alps and 2 UK tours. I have blown hot and cold with the car and didn't really gel with my spyder to start with BUT its all starting to make sense to me now. Our trip in August, 2,500 miles, 3 weeks, 2 up, no luggage issues and 30mpg. We did 3 x 10 hour days with no discomfort or aches. The ride comfort chassis is much better than our 981 spyder was, its a totally different car and better in every way except sound. But that is fixable and i have clamped the valves open which works fine and doesn't drone. It does everything so well its in danger of being too good and not having any character, if character is measured by flaws, which in reality it is. I had decided to swap it for a 964 C2 manual but couldn't do it. It forced me to re evaluate the car and i dont think there is a better touring car for sale. They have issues, they do sound like a box of spanners when cold but that goes after 15 mins. The electric handbrake i detest with a passion and while the gearing is long it does allow you to appreciate the car at all rev ranges and build to max revs. This is in stark contrast to many PDK or similar cars that go through each gear in a couple of seconds. On balance that means i prefer the longer gearing. I have decided to keep the 718 Spyder. The only touring car that came close was a 12C / 650S and our 986. As we cant buy a new 986 the spyder is as close as we can get. And as we already have an LT McLaren, I dont want 2 cars too similar. Its growing on me everytime i use it, 7k miles is a long time to get familiar with a car, i expect many owners will give up (i have several friends who bought and sold within a few months, even weeks!) They are slow burners. Clamping the valves open helped a lot, as did buying MPS4S. Next i will get an OPF delete and 450bhp tune which the OPF delete allows. Cheers and keep enjoying the tours 🍻
@@jay_b.. It didn't. The 'box of spanners' is only when cold for 2-3 minutes when clamped (was longer un clamped) . Clamping the valves open just means it sounds great all the time. More like a louder 987 Cayman R, all mechanical, less like a 981 which is all exhaust (pops and bangs) So I actually prefer it to the 981 as its not as obnoxious and more like an older Porsche. I highly recommend it, bit fiddly without a ramp. i used a jack to get a bit more space for my hands. Around 15 mins for both sides.
Carbon buckets are not a nightmare they are very comfortable. I have a gt4 extremely high spec and the buckets are great, my wife has a bad back and she said they are great. Personal preference but the gt4 is best specced with buckets the same as a gt3. You would see the difference in resale value with no buckets or no pccbs
I’m surprised how many people like to argue a very subjective preference. For me and my body and the way I drive and also my passengers’ preference, carbon buckets don’t justify the inconvenience even if that inconvenience is just a very upright seating position and no seat heating (facts). They might fit you and they look great for sure and I’m sure they add value but probably no more than the £6k they cost new.
The lights are PDSL not the PDSL plus (you have the middle option) The options go:- 1. Bi-Xenon headlights with integrated single LED daytime running light 2. Bi-Xenon main headlights including Porsche Dynamic Light System (PDLS) in black With four-point LED daytime running lights, automatic and dynamic range control, dynamic cornering lights, speed-sensitive headlight range control and headlight cleaning system. 3. LED main headlights including Porsche Dynamic Light System Plus (PDLS Plus) Headlights with four-point daytime running lights, dipped beam, main beam and auxiliary main beam all built on LED technology. Porsche Dynamic Light System Plus (PDLS Plus) with dynamic range control, dynamic cornering lights, speed-sensitive headlight range control and headlight cleaning system. Additionally includes dynamic high beam control with continuous range adaptation based on prevailing traffic (camera-based).
I run a 981 GT4 with Clubsport and carbon buckets (amongst others) and I've done 12k miles in 14 months, including two euro trips ... they are really not an issue and the support is second to none.
I really do think the 4 litre Cayman’s to be the perfect cars, I’d happily live with a GTS or GT4 and as for the GT4 RS just wow. One day I’ll own a GTS, it will more than satisfy my driving needs and a car I will cherish forever. Thanks for the videos too, keep them coming 👍
My 2019 GT4 had Bucket Seats, my 2023 GT4 has Comfort plus, unless your tracking always go for comfort, I did a 600 mile road trip in original car, it took a week for lower back to recover, i went for PDK on newer car, because of long gearing the PDK makes the car feel much quicker on the road and in town it’s very good, interesting Saxton 4x4 comment, there always seems to be an issue with them preparing their stock, it’s a shame good customer service should be a priority.
Saxton were really good to deal with generally but clearly they have a policy of not using main dealers for servicing so left it to the buyer to choose at which point it was well overdue. Could have been worse, they could have serviced it. Luckily Porsche are OK with this and issued the extended warranty with no quibbles aside from battery - it’s not unusual for cars in stock for ages to have batteries go flat and it takes discipline to keep them charged up. And once battery flat it’s never the same again. Thanks for the seat feedback, not surprised by your return to comfort spec. I do suspect main dealers say the buckets are essential because Porsche must make nearly all of the £6k as profit seeing as it’s a £6k upgrade over some very decent and higher spec seats that are free
For many, the bucket seats are akin to a modern torture device, primarily due to the upright position of the back. I’ve been lucky enough (worked hard enough) to own more than a few Porsche products (from new) over the last three decades and the bucket seat trope is always brought up by armchair experts, many of whom are repeating what they have read, rather than owned. The lack of back angle adjustment kills the pleasure of them in the Cayman for me. Whilst they look good, there is a reason why Porsche have now introduced the two-piece bucket seats with adjustable backs for the 992.2 GT3 and it is all down to customer feedback. Glad you are enjoying your GT4; in my experience, they are great cars and the smaller footprint makes them a lot less stressful to hustle down a UK fast b-road than the 911.
Where to next…. try Corsica. We’ve just got back from two incredible weeks touring the island in our 718 Spyder. The island is easy to reach by ferry, the roads are utterly epic and go off season and the roads are mostly deserted.
A very informative review. I had a 996 GT3 for many years, a car I loved but I think it I was to get another Porsche GT product, it would most likely be a Cayman as later 911's, great cars though they are, have got too big now.
I loved my GT4. Unfortunately it didnt last 8 months as it ended up being a lemon as it was having issues from before i even took delivery. One of the best cars i've ever owned. But now i'm driving a Boxster GTS 4.0 and am in love all over again.
@@OsirisPL yeah i did LA PEC delivery and 3-days before i went there they called to tell me that they were having issues and that the AC wasnt working. I still took delivery with the expectation that it would be fixed back home, but that ended up being a 3 month thing. And then one of the radiator fans kept malfunctioning. The final straw was 6 months in, and the car had a cylinder misfire. Car barely had 3000 miles on it at that point.
The colour of the wheels just totally complement the red bodywork. Cars are for driving so it’s great to see you putting the miles on some European adventures. Keep the GT4 updates coming 💥
Nice report. Thanks for presenting this honest review. We have had a 718 GT4 (since brand new) for four years and absolutely love it. I recently drove the GT4 RS on the track and realized as amazing as it is …our GT4 still checks all the boxes for us. In fact, we really don’t see ourselves ever getting rid of it.
Love these. Lovely white 981 on auto trader for sale with Porsche Wolverhampton. But in order for me to hypothetically own one, I’d have to sell my Focus RS which is paid for, then put down the money from that on a deposit (around 25k) then still pay £500 per month on finance 🤯 Need to start saving 😂 Lovely car mate 👍🏻
Hi Andrew. Love your channel. An excellent review. 👏 fyi that rattle noise from the engine is normal. I’ve owned a couple of 718 GT4’s and 718 Spyders and one of my GT4’s had this engine rattle. Porsche tried to tell me it was normal - which it isn’t- but obviously affects some of the 4 litre cars. Sold it and now running another GT4 and all good. I’d push them hard on it if planning to keep and take a different one out for a test drive and bet you it sounds different to yours. Ps I’m currently 2 months into a PADM failure and parts on back order again. Think they’re made of wafer!! 😆 good luck.
I did laugh at your comparison between the carbon buckets and the pole positions in the QS as i have a 981 GT4 with the carbon buckets, and a red QS with poles…. the carbon buckets make a pole position feel like a wooden deck chair they are that good, i 100% get your wife’s sentiment about them though if past experience is the QS 😂 Great video as always !
Hi Andrew, awesome video- again! Had basically the exact same car except it was in silver. Sold it last September for a 991.2 Turbo S...clothes quieter for long trips. Great content!
Interesting what you say about the engine noise at lower revs. No idea if it is anything like the same issue but I find the engine sound from our 911 (992.1 4s) quite unpleasant at cruise. I do mean engine not exhaust.
I just couldn't gel with it. I drive on the street only (and NEVER commute). The cars are so well engineered that they are boring. The gears are so long that you only use 1-2 gears, at redline in 2nd I'm doing 125kmh which is enough to have the car impounded in Australia. So you're stuck never hitting the sweet redline, its pretty muted unless you modify (I cant because of warranty voiding as it was new). So its like a brilliant machine that you never get to use. I much prefer an AMG which goes through 4 gears before 100kmh with drama. It's sad but Porsche is for older people who want to not stand out, not be loud, and have a trackable car that is muted and boring for the odd golfing/commute trip.
Wow being critical of a man that buys the car he wants, I have a current GT4 and it’s absolutely fantastic, yes GTS is more comfortable, but I am happy enough..thanks
Wow, Spyder in Italy sounds perfecto👌 I see your point re Ferrari but Porsche sell a lot more cars. It used to be fact that Porsche were most profitable but maybe it’s changed now since Taycan
Yeah sorry, I factored the first service into the purchase cost. Main dealer servicing is not cheep but it’s every two years and from my experience with Porsche Solihull the customer service is hard to fault. I just wish I didn’t keeping getting massive courtesy cars especially while you can still order a 718
Service costs are ridiculous especially when the service parts cost approximately 200quid, £1200-£1350 is what main dealer charges, I go to my local independent Porsche garage £500 all in & they let me watch everything they do
The injector noise makes me nuts. I've had the car just under a year & giving myself more time to see whether I can get used to it or if it has to go :(
Isn’t it funny John this didn’t make it into any review? There are pages full of it on forums and hop from a 981 to any 4.0 718 and it’s so obvious. I first experienced in the Porsche GB 4.0 GTS Boxster I compared with my 981 last summer. So I test drove this GT4 with trepidation to see if it was as intrusive, thankfully it wasn’t for me. I think we need to make our exhausts louder to cure it 😆👍
Mate... There are roads where I live in the States with a speed limit of up to 80 mph. You can wind it all the way to 95-100 or so if you're feeling a bit cheeky.
very interesting video from a owner. I have a cayman 981 GT4 and i agree with you on the exceptional side of these cars. Personally i would not move ton a gt3 either ans for the same reasons. Thank you for the videos, i follow you from France.
The fuel consumption. Am I reading that right. 30 miles to the gallon with spirited driving? US miles not kilometers? If so that’s insane. Almost double what I get in my lowly Infiniti g37 sedan
Yep, well it’s uk miles not kilometres and your gallons might be different, ours are 4.54 litres if that helps. I know, it’s actually quite good but my 981 3.4 GTS was a lot better and not as modern an engine but it was PDK which helps as 7th gear is very high.. A fairer representation is 28.7 mpg which it averaged on a 2000 mile road trip which was either fast cruising or hard hooning.
@@volkswizard ha. Thanks for that. I had to google it. US mile and UK Mike are the same. US gallon is 128 fl. oz. And the UK gallo. Is 160 fl. oz. That’s some decent miles for a high revving sports car. Thanks for the quick response. Love your content
Hi Andrew hope you and Kate are well a great video as ever and have always liked this Porsche that boxer engine would be music to my ears! it looks much better with the upgraded wheels and I think you made the right decision glad to hear it’s been a positive ownership experience and enjoy the car! Been great following your tours in it Daniel
It’s an extra £410 per year for 5 years from when a car is taxed for the second time in its life. Since its introduction in around 2017 the threshold has never been raised even though inflation and car prices have rocketed, to make things worse they’ve increase the annual cost so it’s a con. It’s officially called the expensive car tax but surely that is VAT? The more the car costs the more you pay, simple
Thanks Richard, that's much appreciated. The wider media do seem to be reluctant to criticise anything Porsche does. I digest reviews like you and yet I've found out things about GTS 4.0 and GT4 4.0 only by driving them. Very few people have mentioned how the new 3.0 based engine has lost the sweetness of the 981 flat six, we all know it's not as loud but it's timbre has completely changed. Thankfully the good bits are very good!
I think you expect a lot and reality doesn’t match up. Overall I’m very happy but didn’t expect to feel very exposed without warranty on a 4 year old Porsche
where do you go next, I had same issue, went to a car that shares much of its DNA with a 918 Spyder, BMW i8 Roadster, amazing value package, I won't go back to Porsche.
I've changed my order from sport seats to buckets last minute and I've not regret that decision a single time even if I don't take my Spyder on track.. Even on longer roadtrips with my girlfriend on board, we've both loved the seats no matter if cruising on a motorway or driving it properly on a mountain road. I'd have it in any other car without hesitation. The only downside if you could call it that way, is getting in and out...
Seats and comfort are subjective so a blanket statement like that can be quite misleading for others. I personally find the buckets more comfortable weirdly, you also feel much more connected to the car and I find they feel more special. So irrespective of road or track use, personally I’d always buy a gt4 with the bucket seats. Best advice is to try both and see which you prefer. I’ve just done a 14hr drive to the Nurburgring then back again a few days later in absolute comfort 😀
@@volkswizardI'm suprised, missing a trick may I suggest. 😂 On a serious note, love the red with gold wheels. Giving me ideas for my Z4 which is san francisco red on black wheels, just need to convince the Mrs it's a worth the cost of doing 😂
Thanks for 24 minutes of reminding me I'll be keeping my stock 2007 987 S 6S, another 17 years, unless I'm in the grave or my 68 year old left leg quits functioning. I don't understand why somebody who doesn't track their car would possibly buy something lowered like that.
The first one I saw in the metal was dark blue (Gentian blue) and I was blown away by it, I’d never liked the back of the 981 but 718 GT4 with its proper underbody diffuser just looked so right. The blue is great but it’s super high maintenance and chips really stand out.
I have it in gentian blue with carbon ceramic brakes so yellow callipers. Yellow seatbelts and stitching. Carbon buckets, carbon interior etc. never get board of looking at it. You are right though, shows up dirt a lot and people insist on opening their doors onto it which kills me
It's normal on boxer engine. I had question on the noise too. Took it to dealership and all other gt4 and Spyder made same noise. Noise is quieter when engine is warm.
You know why people are doing GT4 videos? Because Porsche has priced people out of 911s. My friends just paid $235,000 for a cayman. A 718. Porsche is brilliant for ripping people off and they go off smiling . A quarter million for a car that was $50,000 a few years ago
Regarding the carbon buckets. The only person that would say it's sour grapes has never driven long distance with them. The journalists insisting that they are fitted only have to have the car a few hours. I was almost convinced to buy one until I had a test drive on the road. Following that, I sought out one with 18 way seats. much better for everyday use.
@nathanwild811 having driven both on the road and track, the buckets are great for a few hours on track but no way I would have them on a road car. Bear in mind what a GT car stands for. The 18 way seats take nothing away from the sense of occasion & are essential if you are actually using the car to drive any distance.
The red / gold combo is a winner for reasons I previously states (AMR). Fair-play for putting over 6k miles in a year on your car. Not having climate as standard on a car of this price is a "right liberty"! I think Porsche would struggle to justify it from any perspective. Similarly, main-dealer used-car prep' is all about maximising their bottom-line by minimising their outlay, even for glaring faults. Porsche are not alone here.
Tell me you never owned a Porsche without telling me you've never owned a Porsche.
Red/Gold is the colors of the San Francisco 49r football (USA) team. You could easily find a buyer there, but dare not park it on the street! I'll stick with my rhodium silver and satin black wheels - it draws enough attention w/o the bling.
Enjoy your car. Have 50k miles on my 2020 spyder 6spd. Driving 200-300miles almost every weekend. Alot of porsche GT owners dont drive their cars enough.
Zero issue at 50k. I DIY my maintenaces.
That's mega.
Personally, I change the oil and filter every 12-months, regardless of how few miles I may have done.
I'd probably do that as well but the official schedule is 2 years and with modern oil technology I'd say 10k miles especially if it's mainly motorway cruising and no track work won't do any harm. I do like to get the first oil out after the running in period even if this isn't in the schedule as I can't see how this can't be contaminated by the engine bedding in. My issue with this car is that its second service needs t o be done on time now i.e. 4 years old so it will only be just over a year between services. At least the next one will be two years and I'll my own at 5 years ;)
Same here with Liqui Moli.
I do also, isn’t that the norm 🏎
@@volkswizard The full synthetic oils will often go over 10k miles before breakdown; well documented. However, filter technology isn't much different than 50 years ago, and dirt accumulates; not good. Also, even the best synthetics can "wax" if the car experiences hours at a time under freezing temps. So spring oil and filter changes yearly at minimum is the upshot.
On another topic, you should REALLY spend the money to track the car, even if only once; use the cup2 tires, and do it with a pro coach. It's really fun and useful - even for road use - to learn what the car is capable of doing near/at the limits.
Very good Andrew. My ownership echos yours. 7k miles in 6 months, including 2 trips to Alps and 2 UK tours. I have blown hot and cold with the car and didn't really gel with my spyder to start with BUT its all starting to make sense to me now.
Our trip in August, 2,500 miles, 3 weeks, 2 up, no luggage issues and 30mpg. We did 3 x 10 hour days with no discomfort or aches.
The ride comfort chassis is much better than our 981 spyder was, its a totally different car and better in every way except sound. But that is fixable and i have clamped the valves open which works fine and doesn't drone.
It does everything so well its in danger of being too good and not having any character, if character is measured by flaws, which in reality it is.
I had decided to swap it for a 964 C2 manual but couldn't do it. It forced me to re evaluate the car and i dont think there is a better touring car for sale.
They have issues, they do sound like a box of spanners when cold but that goes after 15 mins. The electric handbrake i detest with a passion and while the gearing is long it does allow you to appreciate the car at all rev ranges and build to max revs. This is in stark contrast to many PDK or similar cars that go through each gear in a couple of seconds. On balance that means i prefer the longer gearing.
I have decided to keep the 718 Spyder. The only touring car that came close was a 12C / 650S and our 986. As we cant buy a new 986 the spyder is as close as we can get. And as we already have an LT McLaren, I dont want 2 cars too similar.
Its growing on me everytime i use it, 7k miles is a long time to get familiar with a car, i expect many owners will give up (i have several friends who bought and sold within a few months, even weeks!) They are slow burners. Clamping the valves open helped a lot, as did buying MPS4S. Next i will get an OPF delete and 450bhp tune which the OPF delete allows.
Cheers and keep enjoying the tours 🍻
Did clamping the valves help with reducing the “Box of Spanner’s” like sound or do something else?
@@jay_b.. It didn't. The 'box of spanners' is only when cold for 2-3 minutes when clamped (was longer un clamped) . Clamping the valves open just means it sounds great all the time. More like a louder 987 Cayman R, all mechanical, less like a 981 which is all exhaust (pops and bangs) So I actually prefer it to the 981 as its not as obnoxious and more like an older Porsche. I highly recommend it, bit fiddly without a ramp. i used a jack to get a bit more space for my hands. Around 15 mins for both sides.
Carbon buckets are not a nightmare they are very comfortable. I have a gt4 extremely high spec and the buckets are great, my wife has a bad back and she said they are great. Personal preference but the gt4 is best specced with buckets the same as a gt3. You would see the difference in resale value with no buckets or no pccbs
I’m surprised how many people like to argue a very subjective preference. For me and my body and the way I drive and also my passengers’ preference, carbon buckets don’t justify the inconvenience even if that inconvenience is just a very upright seating position and no seat heating (facts). They might fit you and they look great for sure and I’m sure they add value but probably no more than the £6k they cost new.
What's the point seeing it in the resale value if they are going to make you miserable for 2-3 years 😂
@@volkswizardshame you couldn't option the 718s with the folding carbon buckets as they had a heated option.
@@volkswizard eggs bloody zactly
@@heyhey3887 eggs bloody zactly …again! You buy the car for you, not the next person!
The lights are PDSL not the PDSL plus (you have the middle option)
The options go:-
1. Bi-Xenon headlights with integrated single LED daytime running light
2. Bi-Xenon main headlights including Porsche Dynamic Light System (PDLS) in black
With four-point LED daytime running lights, automatic and dynamic range control, dynamic cornering lights, speed-sensitive headlight range control and headlight cleaning system.
3. LED main headlights including Porsche Dynamic Light System Plus (PDLS Plus)
Headlights with four-point daytime running lights, dipped beam, main beam and auxiliary main beam all built on LED technology. Porsche Dynamic Light System Plus (PDLS Plus) with dynamic range control, dynamic cornering lights, speed-sensitive headlight range control and headlight cleaning system. Additionally includes dynamic high beam control with continuous range adaptation based on prevailing traffic (camera-based).
I run a 981 GT4 with Clubsport and carbon buckets (amongst others) and I've done 12k miles in 14 months, including two euro trips ... they are really not an issue and the support is second to none.
I really do think the 4 litre Cayman’s to be the perfect cars, I’d happily live with a GTS or GT4 and as for the GT4 RS just wow. One day I’ll own a GTS, it will more than satisfy my driving needs and a car I will cherish forever. Thanks for the videos too, keep them coming 👍
Caymans...
The gold wheels are so much better than the nasty black ones.
Do you also prefer strawberry icecream over chocolate?
My 2019 GT4 had Bucket Seats, my 2023 GT4 has Comfort plus, unless your tracking always go for comfort, I did a 600 mile road trip in original car, it took a week for lower back to recover, i went for PDK on newer car, because of long gearing the PDK makes the car feel much quicker on the road and in town it’s very good, interesting Saxton 4x4 comment, there always seems to be an issue with them preparing their stock, it’s a shame good customer service should be a priority.
Saxton were really good to deal with generally but clearly they have a policy of not using main dealers for servicing so left it to the buyer to choose at which point it was well overdue. Could have been worse, they could have serviced it. Luckily Porsche are OK with this and issued the extended warranty with no quibbles aside from battery - it’s not unusual for cars in stock for ages to have batteries go flat and it takes discipline to keep them charged up. And once battery flat it’s never the same again. Thanks for the seat feedback, not surprised by your return to comfort spec. I do suspect main dealers say the buckets are essential because Porsche must make nearly all of the £6k as profit seeing as it’s a £6k upgrade over some very decent and higher spec seats that are free
try a seat recliner bracket. I have installed one in my GT4 and made the experience just simply perfect. No back issue anymore :)
For many, the bucket seats are akin to a modern torture device, primarily due to the upright position of the back. I’ve been lucky enough (worked hard enough) to own more than a few Porsche products (from new) over the last three decades and the bucket seat trope is always brought up by armchair experts, many of whom are repeating what they have read, rather than owned. The lack of back angle adjustment kills the pleasure of them in the Cayman for me. Whilst they look good, there is a reason why Porsche have now introduced the two-piece bucket seats with adjustable backs for the 992.2 GT3 and it is all down to customer feedback. Glad you are enjoying your GT4; in my experience, they are great cars and the smaller footprint makes them a lot less stressful to hustle down a UK fast b-road than the 911.
Where to next…. try Corsica. We’ve just got back from two incredible weeks touring the island in our 718 Spyder. The island is easy to reach by ferry, the roads are utterly epic and go off season and the roads are mostly deserted.
Best time to use it is 6 in the morning on a Sunday
Amen, the perfect time 🏎
A very informative review. I had a 996 GT3 for many years, a car I loved but I think it I was to get another Porsche GT product, it would most likely be a Cayman as later 911's, great cars though they are, have got too big now.
I loved my GT4. Unfortunately it didnt last 8 months as it ended up being a lemon as it was having issues from before i even took delivery. One of the best cars i've ever owned. But now i'm driving a Boxster GTS 4.0 and am in love all over again.
What was going on with your car? From factory new?
@@OsirisPL yeah i did LA PEC delivery and 3-days before i went there they called to tell me that they were having issues and that the AC wasnt working. I still took delivery with the expectation that it would be fixed back home, but that ended up being a 3 month thing. And then one of the radiator fans kept malfunctioning. The final straw was 6 months in, and the car had a cylinder misfire. Car barely had 3000 miles on it at that point.
The colour of the wheels just totally complement the red bodywork. Cars are for driving so it’s great to see you putting the miles on some European adventures. Keep the GT4 updates coming 💥
Thanks Grant 🙌🏻
The thought of having to shift into first at anything other than a crawl is just unthinkable to my old brain!
Nice report. Thanks for presenting this honest review. We have had a 718 GT4 (since brand new) for four years and absolutely love it. I recently drove the GT4 RS on the track and realized as amazing as it is …our GT4 still checks all the boxes for us. In fact, we really don’t see ourselves ever getting rid of it.
If you were buying agajn, would you go manual or PDK?
I'm interested in a spyder PDK but could only afford a manual.
If it's a weekend car manual all the way.
Love these. Lovely white 981 on auto trader for sale with Porsche Wolverhampton. But in order for me to hypothetically own one, I’d have to sell my Focus RS which is paid for, then put down the money from that on a deposit (around 25k) then still pay £500 per month on finance 🤯 Need to start saving 😂 Lovely car mate 👍🏻
Hi Andrew. Love your channel. An excellent review. 👏 fyi that rattle noise from the engine is normal. I’ve owned a couple of 718 GT4’s and 718 Spyders and one of my GT4’s had this engine rattle. Porsche tried to tell me it was normal - which it isn’t- but obviously affects some of the 4 litre cars. Sold it and now running another GT4 and all good. I’d push them hard on it if planning to keep and take a different one out for a test drive and bet you it sounds different to yours. Ps I’m currently 2 months into a PADM failure and parts on back order again. Think they’re made of wafer!! 😆 good luck.
Just had the second engine mount on mine done in 2 years. Had to wait a few weeks for them to get it mind you
Did you ever find out what the engine rattle was?
love the colour combo. Guards Red with Gold Wheels
Thanks👍It was a gamble but it works on Ferraris so in theory it should work on a Porsche, thankfully it did 👍
I did laugh at your comparison between the carbon buckets and the pole positions in the QS as i have a 981 GT4 with the carbon buckets, and a red QS with poles…. the carbon buckets make a pole position feel like a wooden deck chair they are that good, i 100% get your wife’s sentiment about them though if past experience is the QS 😂 Great video as always !
Would you consider a low ratio crown wheel & pinion gearset from RPM Technik?
Good thought if you're not tracking the car. Who really needs to go 300 kph on public roads?
is this a daily driver? and does it eat petrol lol how much are you refilling it often etc and uk prices?
Hi Andrew, awesome video- again! Had basically the exact same car except it was in silver. Sold it last September for a 991.2 Turbo S...clothes quieter for long trips. Great content!
Interesting what you say about the engine noise at lower revs. No idea if it is anything like the same issue but I find the engine sound from our 911 (992.1 4s) quite unpleasant at cruise. I do mean engine not exhaust.
Its been my favorite car ever. And ive had tons of cars. Its the only track car that hasnt broken down on me. Buying a second one today. Love this car
That sounds positive Will👍
I just couldn't gel with it. I drive on the street only (and NEVER commute). The cars are so well engineered that they are boring. The gears are so long that you only use 1-2 gears, at redline in 2nd I'm doing 125kmh which is enough to have the car impounded in Australia. So you're stuck never hitting the sweet redline, its pretty muted unless you modify (I cant because of warranty voiding as it was new). So its like a brilliant machine that you never get to use. I much prefer an AMG which goes through 4 gears before 100kmh with drama. It's sad but Porsche is for older people who want to not stand out, not be loud, and have a trackable car that is muted and boring for the odd golfing/commute trip.
You should get this on track. TBH GT4 seems a bit wasted on public roads and touring (isn't that why Porsche sell a 718 GTS?). Great video though.
Wow being critical of a man that buys the car he wants, I have a current GT4 and it’s absolutely fantastic, yes GTS is more comfortable, but I am happy enough..thanks
Just watching this video while car shopping and I’m sure that pink gt4 is currently for sale at redline still with the sketchy paint match
Almost identical spec as mine, great choice and wheels look much better now.
👍
Does it have radar cruise , or just basic cruise?
Just basic, don’t think GT4 can have radar
@@volkswizardThat’s shocking for a car of this price point. Even my GR Yaris has radar cruise.
The most profitable Manufacturer should be Ferrari, not Porsche, right? Cheers from Italy from a Spyder owner
Wow, Spyder in Italy sounds perfecto👌 I see your point re Ferrari but Porsche sell a lot more cars. It used to be fact that Porsche were most profitable but maybe it’s changed now since Taycan
Great owners view & a superb channel.
Thanks so much Dean, much appreciated 👍🏻
Great insights as owning a Porsche GT car only for a select few in Aus as priced well over 200k here if you can find one. Definitely a keeper.
Very interesting video Andrew. Be good to know how much servicing costs are.
Yeah sorry, I factored the first service into the purchase cost. Main dealer servicing is not cheep but it’s every two years and from my experience with Porsche Solihull the customer service is hard to fault. I just wish I didn’t keeping getting massive courtesy cars especially while you can still order a 718
Service costs are ridiculous especially when the service parts cost approximately 200quid,
£1200-£1350 is what main dealer charges,
I go to my local independent Porsche garage £500 all in & they let me watch everything they do
The injector noise makes me nuts. I've had the car just under a year & giving myself more time to see whether I can get used to it or if it has to go :(
Isn’t it funny John this didn’t make it into any review? There are pages full of it on forums and hop from a 981 to any 4.0 718 and it’s so obvious. I first experienced in the Porsche GB 4.0 GTS Boxster I compared with my 981 last summer. So I test drove this GT4 with trepidation to see if it was as intrusive, thankfully it wasn’t for me. I think we need to make our exhausts louder to cure it 😆👍
Does it also come in pdf?
Do you mean PDK?
Andrew, where can I ask you a question about Mannol oil? Thanks, Peter
A tour of the Scottish Highlands is a must. That's a stunning car.😊
Mate... There are roads where I live in the States with a speed limit of up to 80 mph. You can wind it all the way to 95-100 or so if you're feeling a bit cheeky.
Nice, I always thought US was 55
@@volkswizard 55 is most, but TEXAS is where the good times roll. :)
very interesting video from a owner. I have a cayman 981 GT4 and i agree with you on the exceptional side of these cars. Personally i would not move ton a gt3 either ans for the same reasons.
Thank you for the videos, i follow you from France.
Those gold wheels 🔥🔥🔥
Those wheels! Gd call 👌
The fuel consumption. Am I reading that right. 30 miles to the gallon with spirited driving? US miles not kilometers? If so that’s insane. Almost double what I get in my lowly Infiniti g37 sedan
Yep, well it’s uk miles not kilometres and your gallons might be different, ours are 4.54 litres if that helps. I know, it’s actually quite good but my 981 3.4 GTS was a lot better and not as modern an engine but it was PDK which helps as 7th gear is very high.. A fairer representation is 28.7 mpg which it averaged on a 2000 mile road trip which was either fast cruising or hard hooning.
@@volkswizard ha. Thanks for that. I had to google it. US mile and UK Mike are the same. US gallon is 128 fl. oz. And the UK gallo. Is 160 fl. oz. That’s some decent miles for a high revving sports car. Thanks for the quick response. Love your content
@CubanDre 30-32mpg UK with careful driving, 26- 28mpg with normal driving and 18-20mpg with enthusiastic driving.
30 mpg? I get around 17 in my 16 spyder. That engine must be a lot more efficient.
I'm not sure I'm convinced, take the glam away and I know I'm extremely biased 😂 but the 981 is perhaps better for your intended use.
Hi Andrew hope you and Kate are well a great video as ever and have always liked this Porsche that boxer engine would be music to my ears! it looks much better with the upgraded wheels and I think you made the right decision glad to hear it’s been a positive ownership experience and enjoy the car! Been great following your tours in it Daniel
Forgot to say ... I changed my satin black wheels to Aurum gold to ... along with PS4s ! Good choice !
🙌🏻
How much is the luxury car tax?
It’s an extra £410 per year for 5 years from when a car is taxed for the second time in its life. Since its introduction in around 2017 the threshold has never been raised even though inflation and car prices have rocketed, to make things worse they’ve increase the annual cost so it’s a con. It’s officially called the expensive car tax but surely that is VAT? The more the car costs the more you pay, simple
@@volkswizardinsane. In the US (Pennsylvania) we pay $46 per year for our plates regardless of whether it’s a $100 rust bucket or 918 spyder.
Most balanced and considered review that I’ve seen of the GT4 (and I’ve watched plenty !) 🙌
Thanks Richard, that's much appreciated. The wider media do seem to be reluctant to criticise anything Porsche does. I digest reviews like you and yet I've found out things about GTS 4.0 and GT4 4.0 only by driving them. Very few people have mentioned how the new 3.0 based engine has lost the sweetness of the 981 flat six, we all know it's not as loud but it's timbre has completely changed. Thankfully the good bits are very good!
Well done, that’s a beautiful car.
Geez you are hard on this car.
I think you expect a lot and reality doesn’t match up. Overall I’m very happy but didn’t expect to feel very exposed without warranty on a 4 year old Porsche
Have you been to Switzerland and toured the country? It's amazing!
"I didn't want a tracked car" --Why not tracked? Nearly every GT car gets time on track, it's a right of passage, that's what they're built for
Happy to track my own car but why would I want one that somebody else has accelerated the wear and tear on?
Quite thirsty with 30mpg on screen 😂 my 987 2.9 is currently sat with less than that. So, I need to buy a GT4 obviously
I have a Spyder. Never selling. Peak Porsche
My insurance nearly doubled this year and that was the cheapest quote no points or mods
Sorry I much prefer the satin black alloys
Typical Porsche still gets all the hype from the press but still has plenty of trouble parts
where do you go next, I had same issue, went to a car that shares much of its DNA with a 918 Spyder, BMW i8 Roadster, amazing value package, I won't go back to Porsche.
Hate how Porsche punish you for being cheap and showing you all the buttons you could have had, but were too cheap to buy 😂
lovely spec. bucket seats only make sense if you track it.
Thanks👍
I've changed my order from sport seats to buckets last minute and I've not regret that decision a single time even if I don't take my Spyder on track..
Even on longer roadtrips with my girlfriend on board, we've both loved the seats no matter if cruising on a motorway or driving it properly on a mountain road. I'd have it in any other car without hesitation. The only downside if you could call it that way, is getting in and out...
Seats and comfort are subjective so a blanket statement like that can be quite misleading for others.
I personally find the buckets more comfortable weirdly, you also feel much more connected to the car and I find they feel more special.
So irrespective of road or track use, personally I’d always buy a gt4 with the bucket seats.
Best advice is to try both and see which you prefer.
I’ve just done a 14hr drive to the Nurburgring then back again a few days later in absolute comfort 😀
I don't think any car like that is worth it. My old Hyundai I10 is definitely worth it.
How come you are on a German car channel then
@@danielrussell446 because I can. I used to like German Marques. But now the Asians do it better.
Porsche, everything comes at a higher cost 😮
The coffee is free 😆
@@volkswizardI'm suprised, missing a trick may I suggest. 😂
On a serious note, love the red with gold wheels.
Giving me ideas for my Z4 which is san francisco red on black wheels, just need to convince the Mrs it's a worth the cost of doing 😂
Thanks for 24 minutes of reminding me I'll be keeping my stock 2007 987 S 6S, another 17 years, unless I'm in the grave or my 68 year old left leg quits functioning.
I don't understand why somebody who doesn't track their car would possibly buy something lowered like that.
Beautiful car great episode
Are you going to buy a R32 mk4 or mk5 for the forever collection.
Thank you Andrew Vdub:)
Good question JB but no more cars until I can some more indoor storage as sitting outside isn’t good for the older cars
Sound is terrible on your videos mate😏
That thing is sex on wheels , I would prefer it in a dark blue through.
The first one I saw in the metal was dark blue (Gentian blue) and I was blown away by it, I’d never liked the back of the 981 but 718 GT4 with its proper underbody diffuser just looked so right. The blue is great but it’s super high maintenance and chips really stand out.
I have it in gentian blue with carbon ceramic brakes so yellow callipers. Yellow seatbelts and stitching. Carbon buckets, carbon interior etc. never get board of looking at it. You are right though, shows up dirt a lot and people insist on opening their doors onto it which kills me
Sorry should read the engine rattle is NOT normal
It is normal, mine does it too, sounds like a box of spanners when cold but goes when warm
It's normal on boxer engine. I had question on the noise too. Took it to dealership and all other gt4 and Spyder made same noise. Noise is quieter when engine is warm.
You know why people are doing GT4 videos? Because Porsche has priced people out of 911s. My friends just paid $235,000 for a cayman. A 718. Porsche is brilliant for ripping people off and they go off smiling . A quarter million for a car that was $50,000 a few years ago
Regarding the carbon buckets. The only person that would say it's sour grapes has never driven long distance with them. The journalists insisting that they are fitted only have to have the car a few hours.
I was almost convinced to buy one until I had a test drive on the road. Following that, I sought out one with 18 way seats. much better for everyday use.
GT cars are all about the sense of occasion you just don't get that with heavy 18 way seats.
@nathanwild811 having driven both on the road and track, the buckets are great for a few hours on track but no way I would have them on a road car. Bear in mind what a GT car stands for. The 18 way seats take nothing away from the sense of occasion & are essential if you are actually using the car to drive any distance.
Glad you changed the wheels, black wheels are horrid!
Agreed! It’s weird, same style, same cost option and yet so different - sometimes it doesn’t pay to be too conservative
Black wheels respectfully…
Lol...out of stock😮
What’s out of stock Michael?
Red seat belts lol I had them in my first car in 1986 a MG maestro
I always laugh with my ex-Metro owning wife that they are very MG Metro :)