991 and babies/toddlers question
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991 and babies/toddlers question
I am preparing for a long-distance move and considering selling my M3 (instead of shipping it) and buying 991 Carrera S to replace it. I also have a 1.5-month old (will be 3-4 months old by then). My problem is that I only enjoy cars when I drive them, and I want to be able to drive the “not SUV” as much as possible. Also my wife and I happen to share a lot of activities, so an ideal set up would be two at the front and the baby at the back. It works well with M3 now.
Is it realistic with 991? We are both on the smaller side (5’9” and 5’4”), so is there a chance to use rear-facing car seat with two people at the front for drives under an hour? Also, are there any strollers that fit into the trunk for use with the car seat and/or for the time when the kid is ready for front facing? We will have Cayenne GTS or Turbo for long trips, but for shorter drives to a park/gym/friends/beach I’d really want to use the fun car. Is it possible or am I having a false hope?
Also, what are the chances it will be possible to put a child in the back of the 991 GT3? If it’s possible to put a child there front-facing and impossible to do rear-facing in Carrera, I may just wait for GT3 – by the time I get it, the kid will be ready for front-facing.
If I end up not using 911 much, it's tough for me to justify replacing M3 because it does the job marvelously, but I do want something more sporty.
Is it realistic with 991? We are both on the smaller side (5’9” and 5’4”), so is there a chance to use rear-facing car seat with two people at the front for drives under an hour? Also, are there any strollers that fit into the trunk for use with the car seat and/or for the time when the kid is ready for front facing? We will have Cayenne GTS or Turbo for long trips, but for shorter drives to a park/gym/friends/beach I’d really want to use the fun car. Is it possible or am I having a false hope?
Also, what are the chances it will be possible to put a child in the back of the 991 GT3? If it’s possible to put a child there front-facing and impossible to do rear-facing in Carrera, I may just wait for GT3 – by the time I get it, the kid will be ready for front-facing.
If I end up not using 911 much, it's tough for me to justify replacing M3 because it does the job marvelously, but I do want something more sporty.
Pro
Joined: Apr 2012
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Get the C2S and get the Porsche P'4911.
http://www.yankodesign.com/2011/08/09/porsche-baby/
Made of carbon fiber, aluminum, leather, ball-bearing wheels and a minimalist design that folds compact enough to fit into the trunk of a 911.
The price is just another performance option on a 991
, I'm sure.
http://www.yankodesign.com/2011/08/09/porsche-baby/
Made of carbon fiber, aluminum, leather, ball-bearing wheels and a minimalist design that folds compact enough to fit into the trunk of a 911.
The price is just another performance option on a 991
, I'm sure.
Intermediate
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 26
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From: SoCal
I have a young son as well (will be 10 months old when mine arrives). I will likely rarely if ever take him in the 991 while he is still rear facing, but I just for kicks I did test fit my current Chico keyfit 30 rear face infant carrier in the back of a 991 and can confirm that it does fit. The down side is that no way anyone could sit in the front seat.
I am also moving from an M3 to the 991, so I can see the appeal. I wouldn't have it as your only car though. Really I went from E90 M3 and E36 M3 race car to E350 wagon and 991S. I think that was a good trade and keeps me out of my wife's SUV as much as possible.
I am also moving from an M3 to the 991, so I can see the appeal. I wouldn't have it as your only car though. Really I went from E90 M3 and E36 M3 race car to E350 wagon and 991S. I think that was a good trade and keeps me out of my wife's SUV as much as possible.
Pro
Joined: Jul 2008
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I went through this process last year. A Cybex Aton infant carrier will fit in the rear seat of the 991, but it leaves very little room for the front passenger. They'll fit, but it won't be comfortable. I think an hour long trip would be tough. Once your baby outgrows the infant carrier, you'll have to make a decision about whether to let them sit forward facing at such a young age. If you choose to go in that direction, you could probably fit any number of child seats in the back. If not, you're out of luck. I have a rear facing convertible seat installed in the back of my GranTurismo (which has adult size rear seats) and it's the same story with the front passenger seat... basically useless.
With regard to the stroller, if you fold down the backrest of the unoccupied rear seat, you should be able to fit something back there, particularly if you remove the wheels. I imagine a Bugaboo bee would fit.
With regard to the stroller, if you fold down the backrest of the unoccupied rear seat, you should be able to fit something back there, particularly if you remove the wheels. I imagine a Bugaboo bee would fit.
Advanced
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 96
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GT3 has no rear seats. C2S has rear seats, but you won't be able to fit rear facing seat. You'll have to wait and get the Recaro Vivo when the time is right. If you can find a stroller that will collapse enough to fit in the frump you will be set. I was able to fit a McClaren Umbrella stroller in the back and I used the seatbelt to secure it. It is certainly doable.
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Instructor
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 168
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From: Morgantown, WV
I have young children and also just sold my M3 and ordered a 991S. With my 997s in the past, I can tell you from experience that a rear facing child seat is not going to work with a front seat passenger also in the car. As soon as they are a year old (or whatever age you choose to front face them), all will be fine with the seat facing forward. Then when they are big enough for a booster seat, it's even easier due to the 911 rear seats having such small proportions. The booster is really just for belt positioning. My 3 yr old only requires a thin booster seat to sit on at this point.
It is doable and they will grow quicker than you think...I say get the 991.
It is doable and they will grow quicker than you think...I say get the 991.
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Instructor
Joined: Dec 2012
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From: Glasgow, Scotland
I have a tall 4 year old. My wife is 6ft and I am 6ft5 and my 4 year old can sit in the back with me in front if her. It's not major comfy on my knees but it's not bad so you should be ok with a baby in the back. I have a 991 s
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From: Ohio
I have an 8 and a 6 year old. I picked up the 991 when I felt that my 8 year old was big enough that the rear belts would sit correctly (safely) on him without a car seat or booster. I still do not take my 6 year old in the 991. I'm unsure how US child seat laws apply in cases where the child fits well in the seat but is not yet legal to ride without one? but I didn't see a major benefit to offset the risks (i.e my 6 year old does not know what she is missing yet and does not complain of staying home with Mom). So the 6 year old is not yet allowed.
Having recently promoted the kids to new (read - Highly rated, HUGE, w/side bolsters) car seats in the A6 and understanding the rear seat dimensions of the 991 - I cannot imagine that you will be comfortable (either comfortably sitting or for your peace of mind from a safety standpoint) with your little ones in the rear (assuming that Porsche even makes a car seat that can actually fit safely in the back). Not to mention the trouble of getting little ones in and out of the rear seat in a two door.
All that said, I understand the need... I ended up with a Boxster S when the kids were babies. Had it for my early morning weekend rides and date nights with my wife and that held me over quite well.
Having recently promoted the kids to new (read - Highly rated, HUGE, w/side bolsters) car seats in the A6 and understanding the rear seat dimensions of the 991 - I cannot imagine that you will be comfortable (either comfortably sitting or for your peace of mind from a safety standpoint) with your little ones in the rear (assuming that Porsche even makes a car seat that can actually fit safely in the back). Not to mention the trouble of getting little ones in and out of the rear seat in a two door.
All that said, I understand the need... I ended up with a Boxster S when the kids were babies. Had it for my early morning weekend rides and date nights with my wife and that held me over quite well.
Thread Starter
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THanks everyone for the feedback. I'm new to both Porsches and kids, so every little bit of info helps. I guess I'll move my M3 after all, and see how often I end up using it (vs. SUV) for drives with the kid. If it's not often enough, I'll just get a GT3 for track days and such.
Another, more costly, alternative would be to get a used 991 to try out how it works, and if it does not, sell it for GT3 or keep it if it does (used to minimize depreciation loss if I need to sell in less than a year).
Another, more costly, alternative would be to get a used 991 to try out how it works, and if it does not, sell it for GT3 or keep it if it does (used to minimize depreciation loss if I need to sell in less than a year).
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From: Tdot
Hey Max,
Its Pej.
I think you are out of luck with the car until you can use a front facing seat buddy. The rear facing seat just takes up a lot of room.
I did a good amount of research, you know I have a 2 year old. The 991 is OK for front facing, since its a bit bigger then the 997 and has a full bottom tether system. I plan on using a front facing seat in the new car when it arrives.
Its Pej.
I think you are out of luck with the car until you can use a front facing seat buddy. The rear facing seat just takes up a lot of room.
I did a good amount of research, you know I have a 2 year old. The 991 is OK for front facing, since its a bit bigger then the 997 and has a full bottom tether system. I plan on using a front facing seat in the new car when it arrives.
Thread Starter
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Hi Pej! Funny how M3 community is migrating here. I'll end up with a 991 one way or another. I'm just not sure when and whether it should be C2S or GT3. If I add all the performance options to C2S, it gets very close to the expected gt3 price, but still is not a GT3. So if I end up not using rear seats or if there is a way to retrofit rear seats in GT3, I'll probably skip C2S.
It sounds like you have something in the plans as well - what are you getting, if not a secret?
It sounds like you have something in the plans as well - what are you getting, if not a secret?
Banned
Joined: Apr 2012
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Hey Max,
Its Pej.
I think you are out of luck with the car until you can use a front facing seat buddy. The rear facing seat just takes up a lot of room.
I did a good amount of research, you know I have a 2 year old. The 991 is OK for front facing, since its a bit bigger then the 997 and has a full bottom tether system. I plan on using a front facing seat in the new car when it arrives.
Its Pej.
I think you are out of luck with the car until you can use a front facing seat buddy. The rear facing seat just takes up a lot of room.
I did a good amount of research, you know I have a 2 year old. The 991 is OK for front facing, since its a bit bigger then the 997 and has a full bottom tether system. I plan on using a front facing seat in the new car when it arrives.
As an aside, I had an M3 and can assure you that upgrading to a 991 will feel like heaven.
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From: Tdot
I have a two-year old. She fits fine in the front-facing car seat in the back of my 991 (my daily driver). She seems quite happy back there. I'm not sure how a rear-facing car seat would work with a younger tot, but I seem to remember a youtube video or two showing that it can be done (not sure, though).
As an aside, I had an M3 and can assure you that upgrading to a 991 will feel like heaven.
As an aside, I had an M3 and can assure you that upgrading to a 991 will feel like heaven.