Some real world questions about a C4S

Be gentle with me, i'm a refugee from the 928 board who's jumping ship. I've recently sold my supercharged S4 and am just about to start my search for a C4S. I have a few questions that i could do with getting straight before I splash the cash (i've read the the buyers guide sticky) I'm looking at purchasing a late 2004 ROW C4S as my new daily driver doing approximately 12k miles a year - why a C4S? I prefer the the C4S body shape and like the idea of 4WD when needed as I live in the UK and winters can be a bit unpredictable. Here come the questions: What sort of MPG can I expect to get in the real world? My driving is a mixture of urban and motorway use. The S4 regularly dropped into the low teens, so nothing will shock me too much! Will my kids fit in the car? My 4 year old sits on a booster seat, so not a problem, but my one year old is still in a 3 point child seat. Can I get one to fit in the rear of the C4S? Will the car be too low to be practical? We seem to breed speed humps in the UK and I don't want to find out the hard way that a C4S will struggle with them. The 928 was fine with bumps. I don't carry much junk for my job (couple of laptops, boots, helmet and jacket) and I wouldn't expect to get a couple of suitcases under the hood, but what can I reasonably expect to get in the boot? What are the service intervals? This one will be going to a dealer for servicing so I am factoring this into my running costs. Finally, any options I should look for / avoid? As this will be an everyday driver i'm not fussed for LSD / Sport seats / go faster bits etc, I'm more interested in options that will be of use - sat nav? integrated phone kit? I'll make the choice on tiptronic or manual after driving both (S4 was an auto, my other cars are manual) Thanks far any input, coming from the 928 board i've become fairly thick skinned, so do your worst

Bert, I've been driving a C4S as my daily driver for about a month, after driving a Cayenne every day. Huge difference... no surprise. I can answer a couple of your questions. First of all, I think I am getting around 21 or 22 mpg in mixed highway and city driving. If it is city only, it tends to be low to mid teens. Highway only tends to be mid 20s. I haven't tried to fit anybody in the back of my C4S, and I really don't think it is very likely. I am tall, and my seat is all the way back. The back of my seat is almost touching the back seat. I know they make booster seats, but your kids would have to be pretty small to fit in the back. I haven't had trouble with speed bumps. Luggage space is not big. The AWD mechanicals intrude into the cargo space. I can fit a single suitcase that meets the airline industry maximum for carry-on luggage. (22x14x9, which is 45 linear inches). This suitcase fits nicely into the cargo area, but nothing else will fit with it. There is some storage behind the seats, but not much. As for options, I like the full-leather interior. I would avoid the sat nav. A 2004 will have the PCM 2.1 system, which isn't bad, but not great. You'll be better off with a small portable unit. I'd also go for the 6-speed manual tranny, but that's a matter of personal preference. Good luck!

Thanks Dennis, I'm 5' 8" so I don't have the seat that far back. My kids would fit fine in the back of the S4 - only problem was that it only had lap belts fitted and my better half wasn't that happy with the eldest only secured with the lap belt.

The C4S has full seatbelts in the back, but the seats are very, very small. I think you'll need to actually try one out to see if it works for you.

I don't have experience with the 996, but I can tell you their back seat is smaller than the s4 back seat. I would say the s4 is sized about the same as my m3, and I can fit full sized adults in my back seat. It's not the most comfortable thing, but it's definitely doable. The 996 I would say can fit small kids, and maybe people who don't mind being cramped for a short trip. I had a 944 and those seats are closer to 996 sized. Fitting a full sized person back there was just mean. Girls can usually fit for short rides, and kids, etc can make do. It won't be all that comfortable, but at least there are those extra two seats compared to a typical 2 seater

Welcome to the board. You have many specific questions that I can unequivocally say don't worry to all, except on the one year old booster seat, hopefully someone else will offer some help with this one. MPG will be similar to the 928, I run in the low teens, but that is my style of driving. Height of the car will not pose a problem; as a matter of fact I am getting mine lowered (x74 suspension). Your observation on not being able to fit a normal size suitcase is correct, but you can get two duffle bags in the rear seats and one in the trunk without any problems. Service intervals are every 15k miles, including oil changes. Mind you, I get my oil changed far more frequently because of my driving mannerism. I would not worry much about options except for heated seats, really useful in your part of the world. I am a little surprised at your indecision on the transmission. We Americans are known to be somewhat lazy drivers and as a result are prone to purchase automatics. Europeans on the other hand view automatics as vehicles for the physically challenged. Of all cars to not order an automatic is a Porsche. The main reason, in my opinion, to drive a Porsche is the involvement and pleasure you can derive from this vehicle. I have driven the 928 and as good a car it is it doesn't compare to the 911. I think once you test drive a 911 you will get a clearer picture of what I mean. I don't know about the 928 board, but this board is not known to set posters on fire, thick skinned is not required. I hope this helps.

Quotes source post: 6478103

My indecision on the transmission is purely a case of not wanting to write of tiptronic before I try it! I grew to like the auto in the 928 - it turned me into a lazy driver though! I was running 400 RWHP with the S/C so there was much fun to be had in whatever gear I happened to be in. Only downside was unwanted kickdowns made it a bit tail happy!

Coming from a 928 you will be absolutely shocked at how inexpensive the 996 C4S will be to operate. Anything, after a 928 is cheap. Service intervals are substantially longer, and parts' costs are significantly lower.

I allowed �1500.00 per year for general maintenance and servicing of the 928 and usually spent most of it! Enough?

Bert, These are probably answered already, but here are my answers. I don't use mine as a DD, but many people on this board do and put that many miles on. Like you, I love the look of the C4S and the fact that it's an AWD is great from here in the Northeast USA. My son fits in the back without a problem. He's 5 1/2 and is about 46 inches tall. I just have him in the base of a booster seat. There is another thread in this sub-forum dedicated to car seats which may help you more. You loose a little bit of room in the trunk because of the AWD system, but you never really had too much to begin with. Good luck with your search.

I've had my C4s for 85K miles (about 6 years) as a daily driver. And by daily, I mean daily, through city, dirt roads, track and long drives up the coast (24 hours total driving time). I don't have that many options because I was trying to minimize the complexity in car systems. I do not have a sunroof because I needed the headroom for the helmet that I would use for the track. The only option I have is the center painted console and bixenon headlmaps. 1. I get about 17 mpg mixed driving. I have a very heavy foot, so the car regularly sees redline. I DRIVE the car, not cruise around in it waiting to be noticed. Oddly enough, since I put the Sumitomo tires on the car, I've been getting 20.5 mpg mixed driving. Very odd, but a welcome surprise. 2. I've had 5 people in the car total. Granted, it was for a short time, but I have easily had a total of 3 people, including me in the car, 2 adults. I put the seat almost all the way back, so your kid would fit in the booster seat if that's the case. 3. I have no problems with speed warts. I have coilovers on the car and I have a driveway on an incline and as long as I take it slowly, the front end clears. See picture below (ignore the lambo if you can ;-): 4. A Tumi weekender roller bag fits perfectly in the boot. This is a carry on size on flights. The boot also fits 10- 1 gallon buckets of paint and misc home painting tools. It also fits 4 grocery bags. You'll be fine. 5. Servicing is fine. My car has been the most reliable car I have owned. I service it regularly and I go above and beyond it's intervals, partly because it does see the track. I do my own brakes, exhaust, and oil, but the dealer has done oil changes in the past as well. I'm on my 3rd clutch. Tires last for approx 14K miles. I'm guessing the tiptronic wouldn't have the clutch issue, but make sure you are proactive on all the fluid changes on the car. That's the car's 'blood'.

^^^ Hot I don't DD my C4S, but I'd like to 2nd Dennis's comments in Post #2. I get a combined ~22mpg but I take generally short trips and warm the car up gently on-road.

jyoteen - youre picture is an example of one of the very rare times a bright yellow 911 can almost be completely missed in a picture

My turn! Ok, the car is super stable w/ PSM on.Rain, snow, etc, should not be a problem. Tiptronic works well, although not as nice as the new PDK, I'm sure. No issues so far at 76k miles. I would suggest you "boot" the spare tire out of the boot. Replace it with a can of fix-a-flat and keep the compressor. You can probably get rid of the tire changing tools as well. This will save a lot of space and weight. With the spare gone, you should be able to fit 2 overnight bags into the boot. Remember the back seats fold down to give you a shelf for additional gear if needed. Speed bumps and driveways should not be a problem as long as you are at stock height and not any lower. These are awesome cars. Beautiful to look at. Incredible to drive. I don't think you will be disappointed.

Thanks all for the input so far. I found the thread with the child seats and it looks like I shouldn't have a problem. Does anyone have a picture of the trunk open?

Quotes source post: 6478590

lol -- how true.

bert, I have the exact model you are thinking of buying -- late 2004, c4s cabriolet. I love my Porsche and wouldn't trade it for anything in the world. I think you have made an excellent choice. The AWD handles nicely in rain and snow. The motor in the front boot for the AWD does take up a bit of space. I know it fits the Porsche suitcase, The Medium Trolley Case, 20.5 x 14.2 x 7.9 in. For more info on the exact dimensions of the inside boot and what suitcase will fit in it, check out the Porsche Design Driver's Selection catalogue. You can find the exact size suitcase that will fit in the front boot (and on the back seat after they are folded down). MPG -- depends on your driving style. I usually get 16mpg, but have been known to get as low as 12mpg when I'm doing 'spirited' driving. However, you _can_ get high 20s and even...gasp...30 MPG on the freeway, if you have it in 6th gear and are just cruising....I did it a few times for kicks just to prove it to my buddies (Ferrari's cant get that MPG, regardless). having said that, how many of us buy a Porsche to tget 30 mpg? LOL As for your kids, they will certainly fit if you are 5.8". I am 5'10" and I regularly have 3 adult females in my Porsche, one in the front passenger and two in the back seat. (Should add here that said ladies are roughly 5'4" and about 115 pounds). Let us know once you buy your Porsche.

Quotes source post: 6481854

sounds like someone's doing it right

Bert, you can't go wrong with the C4S as a daily driver; that's what mine is. I affectionately refer to mine as my daily driver, track *****, winter beater and concours winner...yes, it's that versatile and it still looks new inside and out. 2 weeks ago at the free service clinic at the local dealer, with my car up on a hoist, the tech didn't believe me when I told him I drove it in winter; these are solid, solid cars. I'm 5"11" and I have two teen daughters (5'6" and 5'7") that I regularly shoehorn into the back seat...yes they complain about it being snug back there, but that's the price to pay to ride in Dad's p-car. I'm attaching some pics of the trunk. I travel a lot and I usually throw my large rolling computer case that holds my laptop and projector into the trunk and a soft duffel bag and garment bag into the back seat. Last week, my wife and I did all the easter shopping with the C4S...and we were shopping for a dinner for 8 guests. Fuel: living in Toronto I do about 60% city and 40% highway and I average 14.5l/100km combined. Highway only, I've seen as good as 9l/100km. Maintenance: one of the most inexpensive cars I've ever owned is the C4S. Oil change ever 12K kms is $200, brake flush every 2 years is $130, wipers every 6 months @ $60, air filter and pollen filter are @ $100 every 2 years. I have to change the poly rib belt soon ($40) and I'll do it myself as it's very easy. Mine just turned over 79,000kms this week and it still has the original pads and rotors and clutch. Best car I've ever owned!

Thanks pongobaz for the great pictures. Trunk space is not as bad as i thought....... I'm amazed the cars still come with a collapsable space saver same as the 928! I think i'd probably replace it with a can of tyre foam as recommended to free up a bit more space if i needed it. I can't wait to start the hunt for my car - She who must be obeyed said I have to get silver, personally i'd love white (Orient red is beautiful though), but will probably settle on metallic grey.....hides the everyday driver dirt better.

Quotes source post: 6482141

My "boss" said "no way!" to my first choice of a speed yellow C4S...I obeyed her and stuck with her vast colour palette choices of my car: any shade of grey between Artic Silver and Black!

Quotes source post: 6482227

Just happen to have an '04 in Atlas Gray 4S 'sitting' in my garage. Interested? Only has 3200 miles - no I didn't forget an extra zero.

Quotes source post: 6482227

We may need to switch. My "boss" said "no way!" to Artic Silver. She told me to get something bold if I was buying a 911. So I told her Black and her comment was, "You're going to wash it after every drive" (which is probably true). So it was either red or SY.

Still new with 3200 miles. Can't really want to sell.

Quotes source post: 6485077

Not actively looking to sell at this point. If the offer was a good one, I'd seriously consider it. So would my wife.

I use my 03 C4s as a DD and here's my $0.02: I usually drive in the city and get about 16-18 mpg. Mixed gets about 22-23mpg. Pure highwayin the 26 - 28 range, but that is rare for me. BTW since I'm on the subject the calculated mpg from the computer is not accurate, calculate it yourself. The AWD is great in wet weather (I'm here in Oregon), HOWEVER is not adequate for ice/snow without winter tires, so if it gets white where you live budget for a second set of wheels and tires (and a floor jack). The boot (I love saying that) as pictured is much smaller than the C2's. Regular office stuff yes, luggage no. Your clearance should be fine, as long as you don't lower the car. Folks who do so say it's the best mod to make and usually do it first, but you were warned. As to the back seat, car seats fit OK. One kid can sit in the back comfortably behind the passenger seat (with noone in the passenger seat, which is all the way forward). I can't put anyone larger than a toddler behind the driver's seat (I'm 5' 11"). Enjoy the car!