Guidance on test drives with OPCs - Page 2 - Porsche General - PistonHeads UK

I am in the pleasant position to be buying my first Porsche. I've narrowed down to 718 Spyder, 718 GT4 or 991.1 GT3 (the last is a stretch as I'd rather not do finance). However, I need to know which I gel with. My biggest questions of the 3 are: - Which are unbearably loud on a motorway cruise (car will be used for European jaunts) - Which seat type is preferable (I love the look of the buckets, but will they fit me?) - Manual vs PDK (I'd want to drive both to be sure) How do I best go about getting some time with each? I've heard stories on here of OPCs showing no interest to punters who genuinely want to spend money. Is there consensus on which OPCs to avoid? I am in Essex and my closest is East London OPC, but I would rather drive outside of the docklands to get a feel!

I can't help with the test-drive question as I've never bought from an OPC (although I did test drive a 996 GT3 and Cayman S from Porsche Hatfield although that was at least 10 years ago. They were very happy for me to test drive back then.) I would say that my 981 GT4 was susprisingly noisy inside though - louder than my Lotus Elise according to my iphone dB app. I had to wear noise-cancelling earphones when I drove to Spa and back - in fact I used them for any boring journey over about 20 mins.

GroundEffect said: I am in the pleasant position to be buying my first Porsche. I've narrowed down to 718 Spyder, 718 GT4 or 991.1 GT3 (the last is a stretch as I'd rather not do finance). However, I need to know which I gel with. My biggest questions of the 3 are: - Which are unbearably loud on a motorway cruise (car will be used for European jaunts) - Which seat type is preferable (I love the look of the buckets, but will they fit me?) - Manual vs PDK (I'd want to drive both to be sure) How do I best go about getting some time with each? I've heard stories on here of OPCs showing no interest to punters who genuinely want to spend money. Is there consensus on which OPCs to avoid? I am in Essex and my closest is East London OPC, but I would rather drive outside of the docklands to get a feel! I'll try and answer some of your questions... 718 Cayman/Boxster will meet the current euro standards so should sound quite muted (from the outside), but the engine is literally next to your head so inside so it is noisier, however I enjoy it. I'd imagine the Spyder with the soft top will be noisier still and down well it's quite obvious. I'd expect the GT3 to be equally as loud inside as there are no back seats and being a 991 will fall under previous regulations, so louder by default. Could you live with that day in day out? If you're buying a GT product it's part of the deal and one of the many reasons to love it, it's constant engagement either on a B road on sat on the motorway. As for the seats, personally I'd want buckets in a GT car, again it's part and parcel of what you are buying. I've had multiway sports seats in a GTS and buckets in my GT4, both are comfortable over a distance for me, but everyone is different so my advice would be to try them both. The only issue with buckets is they are extremely low so getting in/out isn't the easiest, something my wife doesn't care much for. And they are non-adjustable, you can increase the height/tilt only. As for test drives, that would be a conversation withe your OPC I'd imagine.

BillyB said: I would say that my 981 GT4 was susprisingly noisy inside though - louder than my Lotus Elise according to my iphone dB app. I had to wear noise-cancelling earphones when I drove to Spa and back - in fact I used them for any boring journey over about 20 mins. This is what I'm nervous about. It's reason I'm selling my Elise that it's tiresome to do long journeys, so I just never took it anywhere to enjoy it. It remained a local b-road machine (and occasional track day toy) only. I want this new car to be a more reasonable proposition, but still be properly special and engaging. I looked at McLaren 570s as an alternative, but the reliability potential puts me off, and the yearly costs are hard to swallow (even if nothing goes wrong). I want to try all 3 at 70mph on various motorway surfaces and see how tiring it is. Especially if my OH is in the car, can we have a conversation. On your 981, what were the dominating noises? Engine (mechanical noise, because of proximity), intake, exhaust, tyre/road, wind?

Cabin noise levels very similar across all three but the 718 Spyder and GT4 have way more induction sound...in a good way though. Spyder has some additional buffeting noise from the hood particularly above c70mph. 991.1 GT3 pre gpf. Transmission noise greater than the more 'refined' 991.2 which doesn't suit all. Front lift available as an option on the GT3 unavailable on the 718s. Bear in mind the 991.1 GT3 was the first to get PDK S with no creep facility so broadly 'manuel' means 'manuel' unlike standard PDK to the Spyder and GT4 which may 'feel' faster than the manuals but in reality isn't largely due extra weight and parasitic losses. Some criticise the tall gearing of the 718 manuals but this is rarely an issue in particular relative to the 981s due to the better engines and torque developed at lower revs and higher 8k rev limit of the newer gen cars. All three available with comforts or buckets but bear in mind the 991.1 GT3 only sold with the old now somewhat dated style p3 folding buckets with optional heaters which are a different shape to the later p11 'Spyder' buckets only fitted to the 718 Spyder and GT4 as these are wider at the seat and narrower at the shoulders than the older seats furthermore are designed more vertically although this can be modded. Other drawback to the older buckets is unlike the newer p11s they have no height adjustment and you sit slightly higher. Depends on your body shape and preferred seating position as to which best suits. 718 obvious alot newer car and warranty implications can affect the 991.1.....much discussed along with the engine issues etc. For the record have owned all three the GT3 and GT4 from new and all are great cars but with rather different characters depending on what you want. I would be inclined to try and arrange a back to back test drive of the 718s maybe start with a PDK then manual and see which you prefer. HTH.

GroundEffect said: I am in the pleasant position to be buying my first Porsche. I've narrowed down to 718 Spyder, 718 GT4 or 991.1 GT3 (the last is a stretch as I'd rather not do finance). However, I need to know which I gel with. My biggest questions of the 3 are: - Which are unbearably loud on a motorway cruise (car will be used for European jaunts) - Which seat type is preferable (I love the look of the buckets, but will they fit me?) - Manual vs PDK (I'd want to drive both to be sure) How do I best go about getting some time with each? I've heard stories on here of OPCs showing no interest to punters who genuinely want to spend money. Is there consensus on which OPCs to avoid? I am in Essex and my closest is East London OPC, but I would rather drive outside of the docklands to get a feel! Good luck getting test drives on a GT car from an auth dealer. Many will check your financials first or ask for a deposit. Understandable as many “try” for a test drive.

I bought my GT4 from an OPC....they chucked me the keys and said see you in an hour. Just ring them up and book it in.

East London were good with me but that was +10 years ago... I had the same noise concerns as you when buying (another brand) car recently. I specifically searched for cars which were at out of town dealers so that I could see what they felt like at m-way speeds. Added bonus, it was in 2021 during Covid measures, so got to do all test drives by myself.

Don't get thd gt3. It will make every other car seem average. Also, gt3 can't be fully experienced on an opc test drive. Opc test drives won't give you an ownership experience. Just an idea of what roads are like local to the opc. From my experience, early gt4s are very good motors and alot of fun. Gt3 will be next level. Ultimately try them and let us know what you think.

GroundEffect said: This is what I'm nervous about. It's reason I'm selling my Elise that it's tiresome to do long journeys, so I just never took it anywhere to enjoy it. It remained a local b-road machine (and occasional track day toy) only. I want this new car to be a more reasonable proposition, but still be properly special and engaging. I looked at McLaren 570s as an alternative, but the reliability potential puts me off, and the yearly costs are hard to swallow (even if nothing goes wrong). I want to try all 3 at 70mph on various motorway surfaces and see how tiring it is. Especially if my OH is in the car, can we have a conversation. On your 981, what were the dominating noises? Engine (mechanical noise, because of proximity), intake, exhaust, tyre/road, wind? I swapped an Elise 250 Cup for a 718 Spyder. The Spyder is quieter and more refined. I can hold a conversation in the Spyder, listen to the stereo and it’s much closer to a normal car than the lotus. To be clear, it’s not like cruising in a Merc as the soft top makes a noise and the engine is behind your head, but it is manageable in a way the Elise wasn’t so much.

Chemical Ali said: Don't get thd gt3. It will make every other car seem average. Also, gt3 can't be fully experienced on an opc test drive. Opc test drives won't give you an ownership experience. Just an idea of what roads are like local to the opc. From my experience, early gt4s are very good motors and alot of fun. Gt3 will be next level. Ultimately try them and let us know what you think. You mean don't try the GT3 because I'll end up with credit that I don't want? jimmyslr said: GroundEffect said: This is what I'm nervous about. It's reason I'm selling my Elise that it's tiresome to do long journeys, so I just never took it anywhere to enjoy it. It remained a local b-road machine (and occasional track day toy) only. I want this new car to be a more reasonable proposition, but still be properly special and engaging. I looked at McLaren 570s as an alternative, but the reliability potential puts me off, and the yearly costs are hard to swallow (even if nothing goes wrong). I want to try all 3 at 70mph on various motorway surfaces and see how tiring it is. Especially if my OH is in the car, can we have a conversation. On your 981, what were the dominating noises? Engine (mechanical noise, because of proximity), intake, exhaust, tyre/road, wind? I swapped an Elise 250 Cup for a 718 Spyder. The Spyder is quieter and more refined. I can hold a conversation in the Spyder, listen to the stereo and it’s much closer to a normal car than the lotus. To be clear, it’s not like cruising in a Merc as the soft top makes a noise and the engine is behind your head, but it is manageable in a way the Elise wasn’t so much. Good to know. I presume your 250 Cup will be louder than my S2 R Touring. Maybe? Okay let's get some phonecalls made on the weekend then. Fun problem to have I know.

You might struggle getting a test drive of a GT car (let alone several, or have to travel some distance to different OPCs). I enquired about a GT4 and was told the only way to test drive was after agreeing a deal a drive would be available. Conversely when looking for a 992 a few years ago I was given a 3 hour test drive on my own which was rather enjoyable. You could of course get a good drive of some of those cars at the PEC, they will cater the experience to your requirements which could mean a bit of track and then out onto the roads. I drove the GTS (manual) and GT4 (PDK) which was great and when I wanted to try and drift they were very accommodating although I failed miserably! The GT4 is a superb car, loved the PDK but they are pretty noisy - but isn’t that part of it? Definitely recommend checking the seats out - many view the carbon buckets as essential but for me the lack of lumbar support and awkward entry/exit means the comfort seats would be the only option. I also test drove the 570S spider and the Mc dealer was very helpful, again just handing the keys over for an hour. I was very pleasantly surprised by the car and it felt much more of an event to drive than the 992, obviously quick, extremely comfortable and when dropping the rear window (or putting the top down) sounded fantastic. Parked up back at the dealer, locked the car and the drivers window dropped (oh probably just a sensor sir… not a great advert on the test drive). Enjoy working out which is right for you!

Hoping this may help. Also in Essex and smack bang between East London and Colchester. Just picked up my first Porsche (a Carrera T), decided to try for the allocation through Colchester as ideally didn't want to test drive and keep having to come back closer into London. Organised it all over the phone back at the end of 2022 and they had a GTS for me to try as soon as they opened after the Xmas break - very simple and welcoming experience. My wife and I were told to take it for a few hours if we wanted and drive it on whatever type of roads we liked. Came back after about 90mins, put my deposit down and the rest is history!

I bought a Macan from the other end of the country but the OPC was great - easy to organise test drives and great to communicate with. I'd just give them a call and explain. I suspect you'll be pleasently.surprised.

Had varying experiences with test drives. My first drive - having had zero relationship with Porsche before - was a Cayman, “Here’s the keys, bring it back tomorrow”. Having since bought several from the same OPC, longer test drives were never a problem, until last year. Usual OPC but my regular sales person had left. New sales guy was totally resistant to me have a test drive of any sort. Seemed horrified at the thought of letting me out on my own in one of their cars, “we don’t allow that - all test drives are on local roads and you must be accompanied by us”. After looking me up on their system he relented, I did get a drive, but he still seemed very anxious that I wanted an hours drive. Checked several times before I left that I’d only be an hour and no longer. Not sure why the new nervousness.

There's quite a bit of difference not only between the cars you're considering, but also the car you've had. In comparison I think you'll find any of the Porsche's quite refined compared to the Lotus. The rest is down to size you need/want, how much you want to spend, and how many seats are required. Don't let anyone influence you one way or the other, the only real way for you to know is to spend some time in each. Enjoy the search, and don't rule out decent independents... I would have thought all dealers would be keen to make sales currently, and if that requires allowing you a test drive, then why wouldn't they.

I’ve owned multiple examples of all three of these, plus I also have an Elise for reference. As a car to daily and to live with I find the 718GT4 to be quite hard work to be honest. They have a lot of tyre noise, general belt noise, intake noise and background noise that actually makes them very tiring. My last one, a 2022 PDK car was particularly bad for this. Yes they are a great drive and can be proper fun however as a daily drive around the M25 for example they can be a bit crap TBH. You really do need to drive one for a decent distance to see how it fits into your life and expectations. Bit of a long shot but the Porsche Experience Center at Silverstone used to allow you to pay for an experience session and drive it on the road rather than on the track. That might be an option? I personally found the Spyder a much better car to live with day in day out as long as you could put up with the faffing about with the hood whenever you need to get into the boot. The Spyder has an additional bulkhead between the cabin and the powertrain, this certainly reduces the amount of mechanical noise. Up to about 70MPH the additional wind noise from the hood when it’s up is OK. Above that it gets a bit loud. Unless it’s actually raining I drove my Spyders hood down. They have brilliant heaters, heated seats (not buckets) and a heated steering wheel are optional. Hood down they are great and very civilized up to about 85/90 MPH. Above that it gets a bit windy but not too bad. Best I did hood down was over 150MPH which was still OK. Once the hood is down and at UK road speeds the Spyder is streets ahead of a GT4. The other thing of note is that the Spyder can be specified with the Burmester stereo upgrade. This cannot be done on a GT4 or a GT3. The Burmester system is superb. In a Burmester Spyder it is perfectly possible to blast up a UK motorway top down and listen to a podcast or take a phone call and hear every word. Good luck with that in a GT4. As far as the 991 GT3 goes they are noisy but in a nicer way than the GT4. Less drone and belt whine. There is more mechanical chatter from the powertrain but I think the bigger space behind the seats helps to attenuate this a bit. Similar tyre noise. They also have no PPF so it’s a much sweeter exhaust noise. I never had any complaints about the GT3 interior noise levels they seem to be well matched to the car. My top 3 for NVH and general living with it would be: 1. 991 GT3 2. 718 Spyder 3. 718 GT4

Thanks for the insights chaps. They are valuable but as said above, it's my money so I'm going to be the judge. If I can convince someone to let me try first! I'll go look at the PEC option as that just sounds like a fun day out anyway. Note: surprised slightly with the feedback the Spyder is better than GT4 - which is a relief because that is such a beautiful car I'd be inclined to try and put up with it. Note 2: this will be a second or third car (if you count my OHs) so not too concerned about dailying. And my office is in central London so I won't be driving even if I wanted to!

If you could find a (super)car hire place that has the model(s) you are looking at, you could hire for a weekend to get some proper time at the wheel across a range of driving conditions/locations.

You might get more mileage out of a specialist with respect to test drives. They tend to be a bit more sane. Although what you’re asking doesn’t seem unreasonable.

What tyres are fitted make a big difference to the road noise, so motorway cruises could be misleading. You could have the same car with two different sets of tyre makes & they sound drastically different

SV_WDC said: What tyres are fitted make a big difference to the road noise, so motorway cruises could be misleading. You could have the same car with two different sets of tyre makes & they sound drastically different What should I look out for? Quick search of PH suggests PS4S is the best road option? My car would mostly be a road car, but not year-round. Are Cup 2s too much for the road (not for safety, but for enjoyment and the compromises that might come with them - tram lining, noise etc)?

OP if wanting more comfort/usability/less noise might want to consider a 981 Spyder being less focused than the 981 GT4 and more hardcore proper GT chassis 718s. Sits higher non GT chassis so no clearance issues or requirement for front lift. Came standard on Pirellis so less restrictions from standard Cup tyres for road use. Suspension quieter than GT models too. Power output at 380 slightly down on the 981 GT4s 385 and somewhat over farty exhaust (externally) in sport plus mode (in contrast to the 981 GT4) with rather dire economy from strangled basic C2S engine are negatives but bear in mind many cars came with the standard p11 buckets (advise to get heated as cab...unavailable in 718 bucket seat cars) and the cars basic list was a remarkably low £60k in late 2015 v the GT4 at £65k( without standard buckets). Ran a new 981 Spyder alongside a new 981 GT4 from late 2015. Both great cars but totally different focus. Could take the view the 981 Spyder is over valued as good spec and mileage low owner cars still sell for over list ££ even at 8 years old + but low production numbers (c225 for UK) should ensure relatively strong future residuals.

I have gone from 981 Spyder to 991.1 GT3 to 718 Spyder so hopefully can provide some useful feedback. Of the 3, the 718 Spyder is generally the most refined in terms of cruising noise and ride quality. For me it's almost too civilised and I actually regret selling my GT3. The main noise intrusion on the Spyder (both 981 & 718) is from the roof, which as others have mentioned can create quite a lot of wind noise at motorway speeds. For reference, "standard" Boxsters, including 4.0 GTS, don't have this as the roof structure provides a more insulated environment. The GT3 is louder generally and also more fidgety in terms of ride quality which my wife found very noticeable compared to the Spyder. The interior noise itself at motorway cruising speeds mainly comes from tyre / road roar, where the lack of back seats don't absorb so much of the intrusion. I can't say that I found it annoyong or overly loud and the stero is good enough to cut through but I'm sure some would find it tiring. Despite that, I would whole heartedly recommend the GT3 if its going to be a second or third car. It's so much more of an event to drive and just always feels exciting to be behind the wheel. I'm actually starting to look at getting back in to one over the coming months if I can make the numbers work. As for OPC test drives, on used cars I have found they are only willing to allow TD if you have agreed a deal and paid a deposit, as they don't want the hassle of having to prep and wash cars each time. Things may of course be different if they are pushing to get stock gone but I would be surprised if they allowed you to drive multiple cars without some serious intent to purchase.

I was clearly overthinking things - I have a test of a 718 Spyder manual w/ buckets tomorrow at OPC Colchester. That should allow me to cover a lot of the bases.

Better choice for test drives. At Colchester you can burn up and down the A12 which is rubbish surface and ideal for worst-case view of noise, but there are some nice country roads around as well so you can get a better view. East London is too urban and traffic dense, so you'd be stuck unless they let you go North up the M11 or West on the A13 but they normally want you heading up to Excel Centre and back.

jimmyslr said: GroundEffect said: This is what I'm nervous about. It's reason I'm selling my Elise that it's tiresome to do long journeys, so I just never took it anywhere to enjoy it. It remained a local b-road machine (and occasional track day toy) only. I want this new car to be a more reasonable proposition, but still be properly special and engaging. I looked at McLaren 570s as an alternative, but the reliability potential puts me off, and the yearly costs are hard to swallow (even if nothing goes wrong). I want to try all 3 at 70mph on various motorway surfaces and see how tiring it is. Especially if my OH is in the car, can we have a conversation. On your 981, what were the dominating noises? Engine (mechanical noise, because of proximity), intake, exhaust, tyre/road, wind? I swapped an Elise 250 Cup for a 718 Spyder. The Spyder is quieter and more refined. I can hold a conversation in the Spyder, listen to the stereo and it’s much closer to a normal car than the lotus. To be clear, it’s not like cruising in a Merc as the soft top makes a noise and the engine is behind your head, but it is manageable in a way the Elise wasn’t so much. I had a S2 exige S and I can fully agree with this statement, the radio couldn't go loud enough to overcome the whine from the supercharger which was literally in line with my head, awesome car but so loud for general use.

GroundEffect said: I was clearly overthinking things - I have a test of a 718 Spyder manual w/ buckets tomorrow at OPC Colchester. That should allow me to cover a lot of the bases. The Colchester car is a nicely specced car but you should note the buckets are the sports folding buckets which were only available on the early 718 cars, they are heated and IMO the best of the buckets. You cannot get these seats anymore. The fixed buckets (current 918) are a different shape and fit .

If you find yourself near Milton Keynes you can have a go in my .1 GT3. (Don't PM me though, PH will not allow me to change my email address linked to the account, which is now defunct, with as little effort as I'm prepared to put into it). I've owned CGTS, GT4 and .2 and .1 GT3's, from what I can glean from people on here the 718 GT4 PDK has a higher 7th gear than all other GT PDK cars, which I'd assume makes the big difference on motorway cruise to the place of fun. I still don't understand why other GT cars don't have an overdrive, it's not like you use 7th on track. FWIW I found the 981 GT4 too noisy and uncomfortable without the payback in searing speed or theatre. Not definitive, just my opinion. The GT3 is still revving too high in 7th for my liking, but with the engine not right behind your ears it's less obtrusive and when you get the chance to wring it's neck all is forgiven.

Geoff39GL said: GroundEffect said: I was clearly overthinking things - I have a test of a 718 Spyder manual w/ buckets tomorrow at OPC Colchester. That should allow me to cover a lot of the bases. The Colchester car is a nicely specced car but you should note the buckets are the sports folding buckets which were only available on the early 718 cars, they are heated and IMO the best of the buckets. You cannot get these seats anymore. The fixed buckets (current 918) are a different shape and fit . Nothing is ever simple. It's a nice car but I'm not a fan of the colour. In my head a Spyder should be white or crayon.

CantDecide said: You might struggle getting a test drive of a GT car (let alone several, or have to travel some distance to different OPCs). I enquired about a GT4 and was told the only way to test drive was after agreeing a deal a drive would be available. What I was told by OPC Leicester recently.

Summary - Kem from Colchester was a good egg and let me take the OH with me, and him lead in a 992 GTS. Got a perfect chance to stretch it's legs. The car: - Folding buckets are comfy (sat in a GT3 with fixed backs and they felt similar too) - Ride is hard but not overtly so - Sound is an interesting one - lots of mechanical noises from the powertrain which are quite pleasant; exhaust noise with button pressed is nice; intake noise is lovely - Gearing is quite hilarious. Could drive in 1st quite a lot of the time, which is a shame since the shift is lovely to use (it's not a deal-breaker) - the car looks amazing in the flesh. Not sure about Miami blue though so going to wait for a GT Silver in my budget before committing - my biggest concerns was noise at motorway speed with roof up. It's not bad. Much better than I feared. The actual example was a bit rough around the edges for a 12k mile car. Scratches to the Spyder plates around the roof anchors; bolster wear is unacceptable for such low mileage (sign of what I'll get regardless?); seat belt a bit frayed; lots of marks to the paint. Just not what I'd expect to see on such a new low mile car. My 17yo Elise is in better condition. They made some noises about detailing but a lot of this stuff is too far gone. Just a shame when you're paying over (or around with options) list for a 5yo car. Don't need to bother with the GT4 as the roof missing is just a huge part of the appeal. There's been 2 991.1 GT3s come up this weekend in my budget that might tip the balance... Overall a very special car

GroundEffect said: Summary - Kem from Colchester was a good egg and let me take the OH with me, and him lead in a 992 GTS. Got a perfect chance to stretch it's legs. The car: - Folding buckets are comfy (sat in a GT3 with fixed backs and they felt similar too) - Ride is hard but not overtly so - Sound is an interesting one - lots of mechanical noises from the powertrain which are quite pleasant; exhaust noise with button pressed is nice; intake noise is lovely - Gearing is quite hilarious. Could drive in 1st quite a lot of the time, which is a shame since the shift is lovely to use (it's not a deal-breaker) - the car looks amazing in the flesh. Not sure about Miami blue though so going to wait for a GT Silver in my budget before committing - my biggest concerns was noise at motorway speed with roof up. It's not bad. Much better than I feared. The actual example was a bit rough around the edges for a 12k mile car. Scratches to the Spyder plates around the roof anchors; bolster wear is unacceptable for such low mileage (sign of what I'll get regardless?); seat belt a bit frayed; lots of marks to the paint. Just not what I'd expect to see on such a new low mile car. My 17yo Elise is in better condition. They made some noises about detailing but a lot of this stuff is too far gone. Just a shame when you're paying over (or around with options) list for a 5yo car. Don't need to bother with the GT4 as the roof missing is just a huge part of the appeal. There's been 2 991.1 GT3s come up this weekend in my budget that might tip the balance... Overall a very special car Glad to hear it was a good experience, Kem was my contact for my recent T order/delivery and I was actually in this morning catching up with him and Joe about all the follow-up questions I've had - personally, don't have anything but positive things to say - good bunch of people.

I think that the bolsters can take a bit of wear and show it quite early depending on how you get in and out of the car. You can buy covers though - I ordered some through classic fx and once fitted, you couldn’t tell that they were there.

I moved from a 410 Exige to a 981 Spyder, to be honest I found the single skin roof pretty noisy on long journeys and ended up using ear plugs, if I was buying again and using it for Eurotrips I think I’d be looking at a 4.0 GTS Boxster.

From my short attempt, it was fine. There is definitely some wind noise from the roof anchors at the back, but compared to my Elise it's good. And driving at 70mph with hood down and windows closed was acceptable. Since this is a weekend car, it's acceptable. GT4s are cheaper, so I'm tempted to go try one too, but the Spyder is such a good looking car, and rare too.

Maxym said: CantDecide said: You might struggle getting a test drive of a GT car (let alone several, or have to travel some distance to different OPCs). I enquired about a GT4 and was told the only way to test drive was after agreeing a deal a drive would be available. What I was told by OPC Leicester recently. Am not trying to be contrary or disagreeable at all, but the above is interesting. They (Leicester) gladly let me test drive a Spyder a few weeks ago, although they were very keen to close a deal afterwards (we didn't), so am vaguely wondering how / why they screen interested parties