simplysql

I'm embarrassed to say that I've just completed my first long road trip in my 997, after owning it for about 3 years. We just got back from Tampa/Madeira Beach, FL - about 1000 miles roundtrip - and it was incredible! Before this trip, the furthest I'd been in the car was probably a couple hundred miles...My daughter is away at Girl Scout camp, so we had a few days to make our escape out of town. We purchased a new Ford Explorer a couple of months ago, and I just assumed we'd take that (great car by the way). I got home, and wife started packing the 997 - I was hesitant - mainly for lack of a spare tire, but figured, what the heck - wow, am I glad we took it! On the way down, I averaged almost 26 mpg, average speed was around 75 or so. Car was perfect. At the beach, it was right at home - the convertible was perfect. I got more compliments on the car in the last 3 days than I have in the 3 years I've owned it! Trip back was a blast. Top down, hooked up with a new Corvette and a Yellow Audi S4, averaged close to 85 all the way back - about 24 mpg. My lease is up next year, and I had already decided that I've just outgrown the excitement - now I'm rethinking that decision.

Carrara

Great mileage and glad you took the 997! Your 911 S looks gorgeous, and nice, rare color too. Good luck on the many future road trips to come!

Any pictures from your trip?

StanThePorscheFan

Long road trips are key to happy long term ownership, IMO. Track days are the only other driving experience that makes me love my car even more. Last fall we spent 10 days in the C4S going from Toronto to Myrtle Beach to Tail of The Dragon to Atlanta to Petit Le Mans and back to TO covering about 3400 miles. Can't wait for my next road trip. Got any pics from the trip?

BHMav8r

My first roadtrip was driving it 600 miles home from Tampa after I bought it - 25mpg and 75mph - great drive !

FiatCoupe

I've just come back from a 3000 mile road trip in my 997. I had it shipped to LA then drove up and down the PCH before driving to Las Vegas for a car show called Wuste. Then drove back to Houston.

Used 145 gallons (550 litres) of fuel, less than a litre of oil. Averaged 74 mph on drive from Las Vegas to Houston. Averaged 21 mpg for whole trip.

Car performed faultlessly. Only issue was the DVD switched off as it got too hot! Thrilled with the car.

John

simplysql

thanks for all the great comments. Actually took ZERO pictures - which is weird for us - used 1 quart of oil, and the car is filthy now! Must get it cleaned up this weekend. These really are great cars.

Edgy01

It's always a good time to bond with your car!

MJones

Road Trips are great!

I've done quite a few.
1,000 miles is nothing.

ADias

It's a good start... next time do a 2000-mile road trip.

mdrobc1213

Road trips are great...took my car with me when job moved me from DC/MD to Texas. Had a wonderful trip down Skyline drive and into NC and Tenn mountains. Took pics but too big to upload into Rennlist. Wish I could resize them or knew how.

But yes road trips are wonderful! Picked up a Z4M convertible for my son/me and we drove it from Chicago to Texas one weekend and it was great! Next time pics!

Palmbeacher

I've gone a 2-3 hour trip across the state in the Porsche, but I wouldn't relish long hours of driving with the tire and wind noise and bumpy ride vs our Mercedes which is quiet and smooth but still handles great. That said we don't use our cars for road trips anymore. The thought of a breakdown or accident far from home is just too stressful. It would ruin the trip, not to mention the hassle and expense of going back to pick the car up later if it couldn't be fixed in time. I prefer to rent something fairly small like a Corolla, which has a pleasant ride and great gas mileage, and usually I can get one for under $20/day on a weekend or weekly rate. If there's a problem the rental company would bring me out a new car and I'd be good to go.

Charlie C

I did a similar drive last year but it was in my other P car, my 550 Anniv. Boxster S. 3700 miles from CA to MA, with stops in AZ, TX, Mississippi, Florida and TN. Nothing like it.

Steve/K2WE

I did a 1950 mile round trip from Saratoga Springs, NY to Winston-Salem NC last year and it was a blast once I got off the bad roads in New Jersey and PA. Maryland , West Virginia and Virginia roads were fantastic... According to my trip computer, I averaged 82 MPH for one 400 mile stretch and got over 26 MPG!! My back was a bit tight but turning on the heated seat solved the problem in a snap. Looking forward to bringing the "P" car down to Florida this winter. The roads are soooooo smooth... Steve from Saratoga Springs, NY PS.. Believe it or not, I burned NO oil during that trip!!

ADias

Now, that is a road trip! These cars are great for long road trips. Contrary to conventional wisdom they are more comfortable than cushy sedans. The tight suspension filters fatiguing low-frequencies and one gets far more relaxed and less tiring after a long 8-hour stint. I've done both in a MB and the 911 and much prefer the 911, for all reasons, including comfort.