My First Week of Ownership

I have had my 911 for a week now and I thought I would share my experience. I bought a '04 911 Anniversary Edition from a private seller in town. I have been dreaming about a 911 since I was about 12 years old. So to actually getting to sit in and drive one that I owned for the first time was very special. I had many friends that were telling me to go with an M3 - an impressive car but it didn't cause my heart to flutter in the same way the 911 does. The Good: I truly never realized how beautiful the 911 is until it was parked in my driveway. Most of the time I saw them at a dealership or moving quickly by me on the road - so I never got a chance to really appreciate the lines. The car is really fun to drive ... the stuck to the road feeling is new for me. I really don't know how to drive it properly yet - waiting for a couple of Porsche driving school courses in the spring. The Surprising: I will be honest here - the two things that surprised me the most were the effect of the firmness of the suspension and the noise inside in the car. I realize that both of these items are critical to the 911's identity as a sports car, but personally I am not sure that I could use this as a daily driver. Maybe I am still too nervous in the car, but after an hour or more of driving a feel fatigued. I am sure that I will get used to it. Overall, I am thrilled with the car. So the verdict, after one week, is that it is a dream come true! Thanks to everyone on the board for the volumes of useful information and for the help and advice! PS - Pics coming later this weekend!

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Just completed my first month of ownership, and I feel like this car was designed for me. It fits like a shoe and is absolutely stunning as a daily driver. I think it's just a matter of time before you feel the same. Beautiful car & congrats

Did the engine go yet?

Congratulations upon finally fulfilling a long dream! I never understood why so many herein wind up waiting and waiting decades before making the 911 a priority. By the time you buy one you're too old to enjoy it!! I started with a 914 years ago and then transitioned quickly to a new 911S when I was 22. You just have to make it a priority. Now,--you have a LOT of catching up to do! Put down the mouse and go start that car!

Gorgeous! Welcome to the Porsche 911 world. The firmness of the ride is inherent in the car. The noise...well, it depends on what you call noisy. Yes, compared to a sedan, it's a bit louder inside, but it shouldn't be intrusive at all. You may want to check your tires. The rear tires on these cars - when they begin to wear out - will usually drone quite loudly, usually at highway speeds. Two sets of rear tires on my 996 did this when they wore out. Also, poorly designed aftermarket sport exhausts will drone too.

Get some more time behind the wheel of your 'dream' Porsche, you'll get to know the quirks, noises and handling of your new car that way. It's okay to stare and admire, but driving it is the answer. Congratulations, now go out to your garage and start it up.

No question these cars transmit some road noise. This can be minimized with good tires and a proper alignment. Beyond that you can start adding noise damping material at the expense of weight (and the possible ire of enthusiasts).

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OUCH!

I like the "noise" I hear when I drive the 996! Road noise, engine noise, whatever - it's all good to me! Vrooom!

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Yes... I could remove the radio, open the windows every chance I get and fill my senses with thhat wonderful "noise" I waited so long to own!! Enjoy the noise (as long as it's not something wrong) a couple of months ago I read a response to a thread and the person was talking about how the cars seem to attract a certain amount of the opposite sex.. his comment was what he passanger of said...after complaining about the stiff ride, loud noise, difficult access (not for everyone I assure you), cost maintenance and a host of other things. The passanger said, "well at least this car is good for something" You know, we didnt buy it for the only thing that passenger thought it WAS good for.. we bought it because it is a Porsche and comes with all the other things listed and more. It takes time, courage and commitment to really own, drive and love one of these... your journey, as mine, is just begining!! You have chosen wisely!!! E

I too recently acquired a 40th editions to replace an 06 LT3 Corvette and there is no comparison in handling, ride, or sheer fun. The suspension is firmer by design and road noise can be a bit louder than you would expect, but whether it's 90 degrees outside or even warmer, I drive with the windows open because the sound of a 911 is intoxicating. The more you drive it, the more attuned you'll become to it's own sounds and noises. Although the recommended tire pressure is 44/36, I dropped the front to 34 and rear to 42psi which helps w. some of the noise and bumps. Main thing is enjoy the car and drive it as much as possible. Great for a daily driver and as with all 911's, a real head turner that attracts ricers, mustangs and other high performance cars wanting to race. All I do is smile and let em race off alone, leaving them wondering ..... could I have beat a 911. I don't wonder a bit. Enjoy this special car, not because it's a 40th, but because it's a Porsche with a long, illustrious race heritage.

Thanks for the comments! Don't get me wrong ... I love the sounds and the ride. My wife is getting annoyed that I ask her to start the car so I can hear the engine start up from the outside! Does anyone know how much different the 40th anniversary edition suspension and exhaust are than the regular C2? I know that they did something to the anniversary edition but not exactly sure what it was. Chris

If you want to experience 911 noise and rawness drive an air-cooled 911. Then your 996 will feel like luxury.

Chris, Don't expect the wife to share in your enthusiasm, deep down she see's that car as competition. As far as the fatigue...relax man...the 911 is EASY to drive...refined in comparison even to a Boxster S or Gayman S.

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and LMAO at the word twist

Congratulations on your first 911. I share your feelings about having that first Porsche. I recommend joining your local Porsche clube and doing a PDE, it's lessons and experience are very rewarding. Until then continue to read and ask questions, but most importantly go out and put some miles on your new racing machine. Initially there isn't any better way to gain experience than by putting on those miles. Good luck. Jay

that noise you hear is the PSE.... congrats, the faster you go the more you become what we're about http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tBn73PzEics

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The 40th has the sports suspension, option code M030. Mine is even stiffer and noisier than yours, as it has lowering springs and wider 19" wheels & tires. Enjoy!

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Nice! How hard was it to add the Brembo's? Would they work with 18" anniversary wheels? The more I drive it the better it is starting to feel. Sadly only two more months (hopefully) of driving weather up here! (Toronto).

I am sure you know this but it also has the X-51 package which adds 25 HP. Takes it to 345HP. I've had mine for almost 4 years now. Great car. Congrats. I have #22..

If you are hearing loud droning type noises at speed, it could be something simple such as your tires....some are louder than others at speed, or when they get worn to halfway portion of their tread. Congrats on your new ride! I've had mine about 18 months, and still love it. My boredom factor usually kicks in by now, but I'm not even close with this car. FWIW...I did the Bimmer thing too, not even close to the same feel. Bimmers are wonderful cars, but they don't supply the same thrill factor, at least for me, whether or not it's an "m".....My "s" is better for me. J

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It is nice to hear from another anniversary edition owner. I really don't see many of them around! After a month of having it - I am really loving it. I am much more comfortable driving the car and hence enjoying it a lot more. I drive it every chance I get now! I think most of stress was due to me getting comfortable with a manual tranny again after years and years of driving automatics. As well, I have been reading Adrian Streather's 996 book, so I am learning a lot more about it too.

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Thanks! I agree on the Bimmer thing too. A couple of friends were pushing me towards a M3 ... but despite being a really nice ride ... it didn't garner the same emotional response from me!

you will get used to the sounds and handling and you will be more relaxed..it is kind of like dating a girl you always thought she was to beautiful for you and all other guys are constantly checking her out and want to steal her from you....after dating her for a while you know she isn't all that, but good enough for you and while you can't stop the other from checking her out...you can trust her enough and know she's only into you!! So you can relax take a breather and start "riding her" like you wanted to, but never thought you would have the "*****" to do....forget you tippy toes feeling and she will forgive you when you slip up once in a while......WOW this jus came to me...maybe I shouldn't sell my P since she is ALL MINE...and I can RIDE her however and when ever and as HARD or SOFT/SLOW as I want.....