When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
I also have a Mk5 GTI that I bought before getting my 997, but I plan on keeping because it complements the 997 nicely.
Instead of a soccer mom land barge SUV, why not get something unique? A unicorn like a BMW E91 wagon in 6MT
It'll be more comfortable and practical than the GTI. The naturally aspirated inline 6 gives a dynamic sound track that newer BMWs can only dream of. And being a 3 series, it is still great fun to drive even if the car isn't quick.
The answer gets asked about twice a year here. The consensus is that a 4Runner or Pilot as the daily winter beater win out for most frequent response. Dozens of outliers from there depending on budget, car vs SUV, size requirements, marital/family status, etc
You need to provide more info. What's your situation? $30k budget we've got. Kids to haul? If so, ages? What's your parking situation? Looks like you're set on a car and not SUV?
I can't tell if you just want to start a conversation or want to solve an actual problem. Help us.
I drive my 991 in colder months. It's equipped with proper winter tires. I did the same with my 997 and my 996.
That said, Colorado gets some pretty nasty weather, and they use shocking amounts of gravel on the roads. I suppose that's better than salt like they use in the midwest, but not much better. They do use magnesium chloride on the interstate highways and larger side roads here, and that stuff is about as nasty as traditional salt. As a result, my other car is a GMC Denali 4x4 crew cab pickup. This is my second GMC truck in a row. They're really nice to have in bad weather, for Home Depot runs, etc.
Here's my winter ride/daily, I seriously love it. But I live in Houston so I can get away with it
Nothing wrong with driving the C4s in the winter, but I have always loved the old school Land Cruisers. That's what I would go with if I was in CO and needed something to get me through the occasional snow day.
I drive my 9972 C4S in summer and winter, and I also drive my R53 2006 MINI Cooper S in summer and winter (you can get more stuff in the MINI, especially with the seats down). Both have studded Nokian HKPL tyres. I do soften off the Öhlins on the MINI though, to improve traction. But when push comes to shove, and I need to get to the cottage in winter or pull my boat out of the water, I arrange a swap and borrow a Land Rover from a family member. My old Dad is usually delighted to get behind the wheel of the MINI again. And he's 77.
2001 GMC Sierra c3 is my daily - sees 25k miles/year between me and the wife.
The 997.1 is an interesting idea. In fact, my job may change over the next year where I'll be driving more and flying less. If that happens, I'm probably going to pick up a cheap 997 4S as my daily business car and beater (stays outside, drives through crappy weather, etc), leave it mostly stock (at least as stock as I can leave anything), and drive the wheels off of it.
Another vote for a used SUV or pickup truck. Wife's Honda Ridgeline has 227K and has been very dependable. Certified used go ones for your limit. I've also heard great things about Toyota trucks...T
01-24-2019, 07:35 PM
