Test Drive (long Post)
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Intermediate
Joined: Aug 2007
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Test Drive (long Post)
A bit of preaching to the quire but hear it goes:
Last Saturday I had a 10:45 am appointment to demo a 2000 C2 996 at a local BMW dealership (See the listed link)
http://www.bmwofnewport.com/inventory/details.php/VIN_WP0AA2996YS620513/ID_bmwofnewport/UI_detail_new2
The 996 is almost an ideal specimen for me although I am a little wary of low mileage garage queens. I wasn’t big fan of the color from the internet pictures but actually in person it looks darker, which is nice. Anyway, to give you a picture of the day, it was 20 degrees with partial cloudy skies. The 996 was parked in a sea of modern (i.e. post bagel-butt) BMW looking sexy. The front tires were in great condition but the rears looked 85% worn, and the set was matching Pilot Sports.
The sales rep was busy prepping the 911 for the test drive when he discovered the battery was dead. He jumped it and let it run for about 5 min. I confirmed the ECU wasn’t reset due to the dead battery (i.e. it had enough juice to crack the windows when opening the doors.)
The key thing about this demo is my wife was along for the ride. I wanted to get her impression of the livability of the car because I plan on using a 996 as my daily driver.
My wife and I entered the 996 and began adjusting the power seats for optimal comfort. After 5 min. of screwing around we were off.
The street we first turned onto is East Main Road. It’s a four lane bumpy 30 mph retail haven. I was very happy with how easy it was to drive the 996 in that environment. My wife was laughing at the backseats. She is very supportive of my automotive obsession.
The street eventually turns into a highway (Rt. 24) which now that the car is properly warmed up I could open it up. I will say I was very careful about applying speed due to the worn-out summer tires in the rear. But the car never felt unsecure. It was alive, full of instant response to my inputs and high fidelity feedback from the road. I was just plan giddy from the experience. After 5000 rpms the car was an animal, a precision road weapon, it’s amazing… You feel like a different set of rules apply to you on the road. The sense of occasion was phenomenal for a 300 hp car. I can only dream of what a GT3 is like.
My wife is all for a 996. She loves the smiles it brings to me, although the seats were not that great. (We’re both fairly in-shape with medium builds, so it’s not width or size)
I have a couple of seat questions:
The car has power seats. Does that mean it (power seats) include power lumbar support also? How much more comfortable are the “full” leather seat over the standard? or the sport seats?
Were cup-holders an option on all the 996’s or only particular model years?
We are looking to purchase a 996 in spring 2009. The purpose of this drive was really to test the waters with my wife. Passed with flying colors! We plan on doing a national search starting in April/May 09.
Thank you for reading my long rant!
Last Saturday I had a 10:45 am appointment to demo a 2000 C2 996 at a local BMW dealership (See the listed link)
http://www.bmwofnewport.com/inventory/details.php/VIN_WP0AA2996YS620513/ID_bmwofnewport/UI_detail_new2
The 996 is almost an ideal specimen for me although I am a little wary of low mileage garage queens. I wasn’t big fan of the color from the internet pictures but actually in person it looks darker, which is nice. Anyway, to give you a picture of the day, it was 20 degrees with partial cloudy skies. The 996 was parked in a sea of modern (i.e. post bagel-butt) BMW looking sexy. The front tires were in great condition but the rears looked 85% worn, and the set was matching Pilot Sports.
The sales rep was busy prepping the 911 for the test drive when he discovered the battery was dead. He jumped it and let it run for about 5 min. I confirmed the ECU wasn’t reset due to the dead battery (i.e. it had enough juice to crack the windows when opening the doors.)
The key thing about this demo is my wife was along for the ride. I wanted to get her impression of the livability of the car because I plan on using a 996 as my daily driver.
My wife and I entered the 996 and began adjusting the power seats for optimal comfort. After 5 min. of screwing around we were off.
The street we first turned onto is East Main Road. It’s a four lane bumpy 30 mph retail haven. I was very happy with how easy it was to drive the 996 in that environment. My wife was laughing at the backseats. She is very supportive of my automotive obsession.
The street eventually turns into a highway (Rt. 24) which now that the car is properly warmed up I could open it up. I will say I was very careful about applying speed due to the worn-out summer tires in the rear. But the car never felt unsecure. It was alive, full of instant response to my inputs and high fidelity feedback from the road. I was just plan giddy from the experience. After 5000 rpms the car was an animal, a precision road weapon, it’s amazing… You feel like a different set of rules apply to you on the road. The sense of occasion was phenomenal for a 300 hp car. I can only dream of what a GT3 is like.
My wife is all for a 996. She loves the smiles it brings to me, although the seats were not that great. (We’re both fairly in-shape with medium builds, so it’s not width or size)
I have a couple of seat questions:
The car has power seats. Does that mean it (power seats) include power lumbar support also? How much more comfortable are the “full” leather seat over the standard? or the sport seats?
Were cup-holders an option on all the 996’s or only particular model years?
We are looking to purchase a 996 in spring 2009. The purpose of this drive was really to test the waters with my wife. Passed with flying colors! We plan on doing a national search starting in April/May 09.
Thank you for reading my long rant!
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Joined: Jan 2007
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From: Ohio
Great story, glad you enjoyed the drive.
The lumbar was a separate option than the power seats, my car has power seats and lumbar only on the passenger side (don't ask me, I'm not the original owner!).
The sport seats are different and cradle the occupant more, you would have to try one for yourself.
Best of luck in your search, and get a PPI when you find the right car.
The lumbar was a separate option than the power seats, my car has power seats and lumbar only on the passenger side (don't ask me, I'm not the original owner!).
The sport seats are different and cradle the occupant more, you would have to try one for yourself.
Best of luck in your search, and get a PPI when you find the right car.
Burning Brakes
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Thank you for the cup-holder link and the seat info. I need to try the different types before making a choice.
The dealership was pretty motivated to say the least. I had to make-up a reason not to buy it. I was smiling ear to ear.
I’m hoping the market stays soft (no offence) for next 6 months.
I would much rather buy from a fanatical owner… So get ready to trade-up in the spring!
The dealership was pretty motivated to say the least. I had to make-up a reason not to buy it. I was smiling ear to ear.
I’m hoping the market stays soft (no offence) for next 6 months.
I would much rather buy from a fanatical owner… So get ready to trade-up in the spring!