85258

I am starting my research for a 3.2, 964 or 993 (if I can convince the wife to stretch the budget) and plan on buying in the next 6 months. I have ordered zimmermans and one of the other books recommend in a few threads here.

What I want to know is what is every ones experience with young kids and in particular car seats in the above cars? My kids are 3 and 5. The car will not be DD but a weekend toy. I already have a race car with one seat, so my 911 toy has to be able to be enjoyed as a family.

Nine11

I have a 2 1/2 and a 4 1/2 year old with the 964...I am in Canada so my car comes with the top anchors already installed. 2 car seats out back without issue. Mind you I'm not 6'2" so my front seats are moved forward to allow room for kid legs.

Peter Zimmermann

How much do your kids weigh, and what is the law where you are regarding booster/car seats? In CA they want kids in a car seat/booster seat until they weigh 60 pounds. You also have to consider airbags (not in 3.2 cars), and if you want one of them up front with you occasionally.

85258

I am in Alberta Canada.

My son (3yrs - 30lbs) is in a 4pt harness seat and my daughter (5yrs - 45lbs) is in a booster (bucket seat) that uses the shoulder belt. I believe the law is 6 yrs and 40 lbs before they can sit on their own.

I took my kids and my niece (3 yrs) around my parent's cul-de-suc in my dads 997s cab a couple months back. (this is a very quiet street) My son and niece sat on the same side. They all loved it!

No air bag in pass seat is fun. I have put the kids in the front of one of our company trucks before with the air bag turned off. They can actually see out the front window sitting in their car seats.

Nine11

Alberta too. both my kids are in the 4pt child seats but my older one is going to be moving into a booster shortly. My kids LOVE the 911. Every chance we get we are out there....we don't chat much as the car is loud...but they love the sounds and the feeling of the car. It just makes us smile.

holy911

I also want a safer car for my daughter too. The 1987 3.2s do not have shoulder straps. I read somewhere that they can be put in, I believe, and was going to research that. Not sure how expensive or difficult it is. In 1988, 3.2s have shoulder straps. That's a big plus.

1991 964s, you then get airbags, ABS, shoulder straps. But the maintenance costs on these cars is significantly higher than 3.2s. This leaves me back to the 3.2s and narrows down my first choices to 1988-89 years since they have the shoulder straps. Bummer. What a narrow field to choose from.

If maintenance cost is not as much of a factor and safety is prime, I'd get the 964 or 993.

andrew911

I'm not sure I'd say a 964 is significantly more money than a 3.2 to maintain, maybe a little more as there are more features, but not ferrari land. I had an '87 (for 4 years), and have had my 964 for 6 years. Granted I don't drive the car as an everyday car, but it is definitely a nice upgrade from the 3.2 comfort/driving and performance wise while still retaining the original 911 personality. The key is to find a well sorted and cared for 3.2 or 964 (or 993).