997 tiptronic - only have an auto license. A few pointers. - Page 2 - 911/Carrera GT - PistonHeads UK

Hello guys, 1st post here. I feel like I'm probably about to be ripped to shreds because I only have an automatic license! But anyway, I do. Basically, I found driving hard - I never actually took my test in a manual but did the majority of my lessons in one. At the time I felt like I was struggling so went for my test in an automatic and passed first time. In hind sight perhaps it was a poor decision, perhaps I'll take a manual test one day ... Anyway, if you're still reading! I've always loved cars, obsessed since I was a little kid. I currently have a 2003 Ford Focus auto, had it for a year and bought a cheap car because I wanted to save up for something nice. I've done a lot of research into 997s and I'll be going for a gen1 car because of money (but would love a gen 2 for the better engine reliability and the pdk). There is one on 911 virgin at the moment which would be perfect http://www.911virgin.com/porscheforsale/801/997C2S... but I feel the miles are a bit too high for me to fork over the cash! But this is the type of car I'm looking for, 25kish, high 40's to 50 thousand miles would make me feel more comfortable when buying. Anyway, this thread does have a purpose. I want to arrange a test drive at a Porsche dealer but I'm a bit nervous for a few reasons really. 1st, I'm 26 and I'm sure people a lot younger than me will have bought Porsches before but I feel like the salesman won't take me seriously. Is there anyone who can chime in with some help in this regard? Or do I just 2nd, I've also never driven a powerful car before - I've driven a 2 litre Audi and I found that normal but quick compared to my focus! I'm basically looking for encouragement here that as long as I drive normally, the car will behave as such? If anyone knows of any cars available at the moment they know (or think) will be nice around the price I'm looking at (bottom end I know) then I'd really appreciate the heads up! Many thanks!

Hi, Just my two pence but firstly you can do a lot worse then going and seeing 911V for your first porsche purchase (or any after!) - they will have taken the car in based on v high standards & assessment and this would fill me with some real confidence. because of your budget and if you are really set on a 997 and not a lower mileage 996 then i think you need to be realistic. Better to buy a leggier (but better maintained car, proper history) that will have potentially had more consumables / parts replaced than one that is 15K miles less but needs more of an overhaul. With regards to your age I guess this is relevant but any dealership with a hint of professionalism should not bat an eyelid regarding your current age and should display the same customer service to you - off course in the real world this is not the case but stick with well respected indy's like on the forums and you should be fine. I bought both my previous 911's under 30 years of age and no problems with sales people or process. Enjoy, it will make the 2.0l feel a bit slow... ;-)

Tom at 911Virgin will look after you. Have bought 2 cars unseen from them and they have been the best condition most reliable cars I have ever owned. Price is fair for the quality. Remember pay less now pay more later.

It might help to get some advanced training and a manual licence. A powerful RWD Porsche is very different to a FWD Focus.

I think I'm qualified to comment on a point or two here. I have only driven auto's since late 2004 due to a disability and we have just passed on Mrs FarQue's auto 03 Focus to her son so I know exactly what you are used to. We also own an auto 997s. There's no doubt that a 997 is somewhat more powerful than your Focus but if you are sensible and don't press the throttle too far too fast they are really quite civilised. Most advanced training is useful but certainly not mandatory if you are not stupid. As far as achieving a test drive goes, l would suggest that you visit dealers that have cars in stock that suit your spec and budget. If you find something that suits be honest about your situation. If a salesman can't take you seriously, walk away.

farQue - Hah what are the chances you've had experience in the exact car I own, I'm relieved to hear you say you think it'll be manageable if I'm sensible. Thanks for the advice. Callughan and Pdj, Thanks for the good feedback about the dealer and advice - I do like the sound of this dealer and their approach to selling cars, they seem very honest. As irrelevant as it might be and I know beggars can't be choosers but it's the the miles that's putting me off, otherwise I'd be on the phone but I'd feel I'd be wasting their time because I know in my heart I'd like something with lower miles. At the moment about 26k is my limit (If I go further, my girlfriend and dad will both kill me, especially as I don't own a house).

carlar said: farQue - Hah what are the chances you've had experience in the exact car I own, I'm relieved to hear you say you think it'll be manageable if I'm sensible. Thanks for the advice. Callughan and Pdj, Thanks for the good feedback about the dealer and advice - I do like the sound of this dealer and their approach to selling cars, they seem very honest. As irrelevant as it might be and I know beggars can't be choosers but it's the the miles that's putting me off, otherwise I'd be on the phone but I'd feel I'd be wasting their time because I know in my heart I'd like something with lower miles. At the moment about 26k is my limit (If I go further, my girlfriend and dad will both kill me, especially as I don't own a house). Obviously buy what you are comfortable with. However at this age my focus would be mainly on the condition and provenance rather than miles, owners etc...

I have just bought a 997 gen1 C4S from an OPC, mileage is 64k, which is high for me (higher than any car I have bought in last twenty years) but condition is great and drives superb. Admittedly at this age level there won't be a lot of choice but you do get a two year warranty. I got all the options I wanted but had to compromise on colour.

I have just bought a 997 gen1 C4S from an OPC, mileage is 64k, which is high for me (higher than any car I have bought in last twenty years) but condition is great and drives superb. Admittedly at this age level there won't be a lot of choice but you do get a two year warranty. I got all the options I wanted but had to compromise on colour.

WinstonWolf said: It might help to get some advanced training and a manual licence. A powerful RWD Porsche is very different to a FWD Focus. ^^^Good advice there in respect of getting advanced training. This will allow you to get a better feel for the car and its capabilities (and limits) in a controlled and progressive way, as well as learning roadcraft that you can apply when driving any vehicle. It's a sensible way for you to develop your understanding of the respect you need to show a car like this but not to be overly intimidated by it. It sounds like you're going to spend a decent whack on a very nice car, so definitely think about setting aside a few hundred quid out of your budget for this...

I will take a look at driver training, but I'm guessing only having an auto license limits my options! threespins said: I have just bought a 997 gen1 C4S from an OPC, mileage is 64k, which is high for me (higher than any car I have bought in last twenty years) but condition is great and drives superb. Admittedly at this age level there won't be a lot of choice but you do get a two year warranty. I got all the options I wanted but had to compromise on colour. Your car sounds great, what colour is it out of interest!? Also, if you don't mind me asking - how much did you pay for it and did you haggle at all at the OPC? Thanks!

You can upgrade your licence to a manual. Learning clutch control is relatively easy now you've mastered the rest of driving.

Get a manual licence. You will regret always having half driven unless you do. Tiptronic isn't great so you are also compromising the Porsche driving experience s fair bit.

I wouldn't totally discount a Tiptronic, depends on what you want to use the car for, although future resale in the U.K might be a bit painful. While it's never going to shift as fast as a PDK or have the feel of a manual they're not that bad. Where I live, manuals are rather rare with most of gen 1 997 market being Tiptronic. I've driven a Tip on track and I suspect folks might just be surprised how capable they are. In manual mode you get a helpful amount of engine braking and the wheel based gear selectors work well. The upshifts are a little slow, but you get used it. The biggest drawback is only having 5 ratios compared to 6 with a PDK or Manual, but with 3.6 / 3.8 997 I doubt it's going to be an issue as it is in a 2.7 Cayman / Boxter without the extra grunt. Try it, you might like it! Edited by TNW on Saturday 4th January 12:00

carlar said: I will take a look at driver training, but I'm guessing only having an auto license limits my options! Thanks! Not really - plenty of options for doing the instruction in your own car; if a tiptronic is what you show up in, a tiptronic is what they'll train you in!

ORD said: Get a manual licence. You will regret always having half driven unless you do. Tiptronic isn't great so you are also compromising the Porsche driving experience s fair bit. Yawn.

My 996 is a Tiptronic. It's good, but obviously not as dramatic as a manual. Having said that it's faster than about 99% of other cars on the road, not to mention its fantastic road holding. Being sensible about it, we have speed limits in this country and the 996 tip will exceed them all in 2nd gear. Why not buy a tip and enjoy it. You will not be disappointed. I have driven a 996 in manual form, many years back. It was a great experience, but in today's traffic the tip is a good compromise as you don't always want to charge about like an idiot.

carlar said: 1st, I'm 26 and I'm sure people a lot younger than me will have bought Porsches before but I feel like the salesman won't take me seriously. Is there anyone who can chime in with some help in this regard? Or do I just Only bit I can help you with as I went for a Boxster - I was 20 when I first went to the local OPC to try one. I was open and honest about what I was looking for and that it would be my first powerful car. They couldn't have been more helpful, and got almost an hour in one just to make sure it was the car for me (although I have to say it wasn't the same at some other dealers...BMW let me take a Z4 about 300yds to a roundabout and back!). Go and speak to someone at a dealership, I'm sure they'll help you. Enjoy!

FarQue said: ORD said: Get a manual licence. You will regret always having half driven unless you do. Tiptronic isn't great so you are also compromising the Porsche driving experience s fair bit. Yawn. :-) Everyone was thinking it.

I think we should have a tiptronic versus manual debate.lol

Callughan said: I think we should have a tiptronic versus manual debate.lol Ha ha. What would Harry Hill say now?...

FarQue said: Ha ha. What would Harry Hill say now?... Wonderful, and I thought it was only Septics that had a hard on about being able to drive 'stick'! To the OP, you'll be able to have as much fun as you need once you get to grips with the Tip. Ultimately a Tip will be a little slower in acceleration due to the additional weight and the lack of a cog. Like the majority of the UK I have been driving manuals since I was old enough to drive but I'm just as happy with a manual box or a good tip transmission, with practice it'll do just what you want it to. Fun is what you make of it, my 996 Tip alternative is a 2009 Cayenne turbo PDCC; 2.5 tonnes, 500Hp and a 6 speed Tip can keep a grin all over my face all day long....sorry I was getting carried away, it's not a real Porsche is it!

I hated the thought of autos until I drove a bmw 325 m sport back in 2006, bought it straight away...I upgraded to a new one in 2009 still auto...and when the itch to buy a Porsche came along I thought "had to be a manual"... "Everyone said manual"... I spent 3 years worrying about over revs and missed gears in my 997 C2S and then bought a 997 turbo tip... Love it... Much easier daily drive... Much easier to go fast, down shifting etc...Double stamp the throttle and it comes alive... Mine has sport mode which is even more comedy when hard accelerating... I even like the tip buttons... Which everyone else hates as well

Slightly off topic but I'm pleased to see some love for the auto/tip box at last!! Just like the above I HATED autos and all of the ones I'd driven (cheap rental cars and old yank tanks) were absolutely terrible and deserved their woeful reputation. My mind was changed when I bought a Jag XF - no option of manual but I just had to have the car so I had to accept the auto box. What a revelation! Since then I've bought an automatic Maserati 3200, an automatic CLK430, an automatic Range Rover and am now buying a tip 996! Back on topic, to the OP - I think it's quite evident that lots of people with 'full' licences are now buying/driving autos anyway so I wouldn't worry about it in the slightest!!!!