Thinking about getting an older, less costly 911 for winter use. Opinions please.
07-17-2018, 04:10 PM
#16
Rennlist Member
I drove sports cars with full snow tires for 17 winters. Never got stuck once. I finally bought a sporty SUV for the winter and bad weather simply because it was easier and less stressful. If I need to park on a pile of snow, no problem. If I need to work late and come home in a blizzard, less stress. Not switching tires every spring and fall also was a welcome change.
You have to be able to really shrug things off to drive these cars in the winter. Salt damage to the car, salt trucks, rocks dug up by plows, potholes, deep snow and ice pile ridges scraping the bumper and undercarriage, salt on mats and pedals, getting in the car with snowy wet clothes and boots, using snow brushes and scrapers on the car, the risk of other people sliding into you, etc, etc.
These cars are built to handle winter but they are not optimized for it. If you live near a major city its even harder.
Even getting into the car with a heavy winter coat on and wearing snow boots was a pain in a Cayman.
You have to be able to really shrug things off to drive these cars in the winter. Salt damage to the car, salt trucks, rocks dug up by plows, potholes, deep snow and ice pile ridges scraping the bumper and undercarriage, salt on mats and pedals, getting in the car with snowy wet clothes and boots, using snow brushes and scrapers on the car, the risk of other people sliding into you, etc, etc.
These cars are built to handle winter but they are not optimized for it. If you live near a major city its even harder.
Even getting into the car with a heavy winter coat on and wearing snow boots was a pain in a Cayman.
07-17-2018, 04:36 PM
#18
Three Wheelin'
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The 996 is a good car, but it is a real dinosaur compared to the 991 in so many aspects. I think every time you drive it you will be wishing you were driving your 991. The ride quality, engine character, technology, handling, comfort, etc. etc. are all two generations behind the 991. And it shows. Nothing wrong with the 996 for a dated model, but you will always be comparing it to your 991 and won't appreciate the experience. My recommendation is to put winter tires on your 991 and drive it. I drove my 997 through 6 New England winters and my 991 has been through 2 so far (and 2 by the previous owner). Cosmetically, I would say there may be just a few more chips in the paint. But really very few. When I sold that 997 it was in beautiful shape and it sold within days to the first person who came to see it. I think you are too worried about the winter beating on your 991. Keep it waxed, wash it regularly, and if you are really concerned put PPF on the front section. You won't regret it.
07-17-2018, 08:35 PM
#20
Rennlist Member
Thread Starter
The 996 is a good car, but it is a real dinosaur compared to the 991 in so many aspects. I think every time you drive it you will be wishing you were driving your 991. The ride quality, engine character, technology, handling, comfort, etc. etc. are all two generations behind the 991. And it shows. Nothing wrong with the 996 for a dated model, but you will always be comparing it to your 991 and won't appreciate the experience. My recommendation is to put winter tires on your 991 and drive it. I drove my 997 through 6 New England winters and my 991 has been through 2 so far (and 2 by the previous owner). Cosmetically, I would say there may be just a few more chips in the paint. But really very few. When I sold that 997 it was in beautiful shape and it sold within days to the first person who came to see it. I think you are too worried about the winter beating on your 991. Keep it waxed, wash it regularly, and if you are really concerned put PPF on the front section. You won't regret it.
I also forgot about the IMS issue with the 996 which I was reminded about in this thread.
I like the idea of having the dealership store my summer tires. I will ask them if it is a possibility.
Driving to work today I was reminded how great the 991 is. The engine growl at 4000 rpm is amazing. I love it.
there were many days this past winter when the roads were clear and dry and I was wishing I had my 911.
Thank you very much for the input. I appreciate it a lot.
CB
07-17-2018, 08:36 PM
#21
I grew up in northern New England and the winters are brutal on cars -- if you want to keep your 991 nice, do not run it through the salt bath.
You can get a decent 996 C4 for $20K. Throw on some snows and drive the hell out of it. 100% what I'd do if I was back in the north country...
You can get a decent 996 C4 for $20K. Throw on some snows and drive the hell out of it. 100% what I'd do if I was back in the north country...
07-17-2018, 08:49 PM
#22
Rennlist Member
Tough concept, the "beater 911". As others have pointed out, the 996 series is the low spot in desire (and price for equivalent condition). But even $20k is a bit of money to risk on the IMS.
Given that life is short, maybe another model or (gasp!) another brand? A VW GTI or type R, Audi S3, Mustang (let out your inner hooligan), or many others would be more fun than a Macan.
Given that life is short, maybe another model or (gasp!) another brand? A VW GTI or type R, Audi S3, Mustang (let out your inner hooligan), or many others would be more fun than a Macan.
07-17-2018, 08:55 PM
#23
Rennlist Member
Thread Starter
I grew up in northern New England and the winters are brutal on cars -- if you want to keep your 991 nice, do not run it through the salt bath.
You can get a decent 996 C4 for $20K. Throw on some snows and drive the hell out of it. 100% what I'd do if I was back in the north country...
You can get a decent 996 C4 for $20K. Throw on some snows and drive the hell out of it. 100% what I'd do if I was back in the north country...
Thanks a lot for the ideas.
CB
07-17-2018, 08:59 PM
#24
Get a Subaru if you want a winter vehicle
07-17-2018, 09:14 PM
#25
Rennlist Member
I drove sports cars with full snow tires for 17 winters. Never got stuck once. I finally bought a sporty SUV for the winter and bad weather simply because it was easier and less stressful. If I need to park on a pile of snow, no problem. If I need to work late and come home in a blizzard, less stress. Not switching tires every spring and fall also was a welcome change.
You have to be able to really shrug things off to drive these cars in the winter. Salt damage to the car, salt trucks, rocks dug up by plows, potholes, deep snow and ice pile ridges scraping the bumper and undercarriage, salt on mats and pedals, getting in the car with snowy wet clothes and boots, using snow brushes and scrapers on the car, the risk of other people sliding into you, etc, etc.
These cars are built to handle winter but they are not optimized for it. If you live near a major city its even harder.
Even getting into the car with a heavy winter coat on and wearing snow boots was a pain in a Cayman.
You have to be able to really shrug things off to drive these cars in the winter. Salt damage to the car, salt trucks, rocks dug up by plows, potholes, deep snow and ice pile ridges scraping the bumper and undercarriage, salt on mats and pedals, getting in the car with snowy wet clothes and boots, using snow brushes and scrapers on the car, the risk of other people sliding into you, etc, etc.
These cars are built to handle winter but they are not optimized for it. If you live near a major city its even harder.
Even getting into the car with a heavy winter coat on and wearing snow boots was a pain in a Cayman.
07-17-2018, 09:26 PM
#26
Tough concept, the "beater 911". As others have pointed out, the 996 series is the low spot in desire (and price for equivalent condition). But even $20k is a bit of money to risk on the IMS.
Given that life is short, maybe another model or (gasp!) another brand? A VW GTI or type R, Audi S3, Mustang (let out your inner hooligan), or many others would be more fun than a Macan.
Given that life is short, maybe another model or (gasp!) another brand? A VW GTI or type R, Audi S3, Mustang (let out your inner hooligan), or many others would be more fun than a Macan.
My GTI is 90% of the fun of the 911 with none of the stress. Put on winter tires, and it's a snowmobile. I also have an A4 with a 6-speed. It's great in the snow and relatively fun to drive.
But last winter I tried something new: F-150. There's nothing sporty about it, but it's fun as hell after a blizzard.
I detail the Porsche before I store it. In the Spring, it's like opening a present.
07-19-2018, 09:21 AM
#27
I do worry about my minty 991 with 7000 actually now 8500 miles. If I were able to get a 996 for 20-25K and the engine blew I guess it would be a total loss and an easy decision to scrap the car. I have to see what kind of risk the IMS bearing is. I do know it is a touchy subject so I will do some stealth research.
Thanks a lot for the ideas.
CB
07-19-2018, 09:53 AM
#28
Rennlist Member
Thread Starter
07-19-2018, 02:03 PM
#29
Check out an older Cayman. I know someone who daily drives one in the Boston area, and said it is great on plowed roads when equipped with snow tires. Rear engine in the summer - mid-engine in the winter!
I love our GTI, but would not buy one as a dedicated winter car in New England. Traction is terrible even on dry pavement.
Ironically, I also had a B6 A4 and a B8.5 S4; the former was solid in the snow even on all-season tires, and the latter was a beast on Blizzaks
^ This
My GTI is 90% of the fun of the 911 with none of the stress. Put on winter tires, and it's a snowmobile. I also have an A4 with a 6-speed. It's great in the snow and relatively fun to drive.
But last winter I tried something new: F-150. There's nothing sporty about it, but it's fun as hell after a blizzard.
I detail the Porsche before I store it. In the Spring, it's like opening a present.
My GTI is 90% of the fun of the 911 with none of the stress. Put on winter tires, and it's a snowmobile. I also have an A4 with a 6-speed. It's great in the snow and relatively fun to drive.
But last winter I tried something new: F-150. There's nothing sporty about it, but it's fun as hell after a blizzard.
I detail the Porsche before I store it. In the Spring, it's like opening a present.
Ironically, I also had a B6 A4 and a B8.5 S4; the former was solid in the snow even on all-season tires, and the latter was a beast on Blizzaks
07-19-2018, 09:42 PM
#30
Rennlist Member
I've owned quite a few winter cars:
Audi A4/S3/S4 with winter tires can handle anything but a snow bank.
Macan was a good all rounder but a little too nice to beat on.
FJ Cruiser with big narrow pizza cutters will park on snow banks.
but the best sporty winter car.... Audi Allroad. Period.
Audi A4/S3/S4 with winter tires can handle anything but a snow bank.
Macan was a good all rounder but a little too nice to beat on.
FJ Cruiser with big narrow pizza cutters will park on snow banks.
but the best sporty winter car.... Audi Allroad. Period.