Test Drives and Porsche Experience Days

Hi, I'm new to the forum and looking to buy either a used C4S or 996 Turbo. I have never driven a Porsche before but of course I would like to have a good go in both those cars before purchasing either. I haven't been down to a OPC yet and I wondered if it was likely that I can convince a dealer to lend me a car for a whole day or half a day to try it out. If so would they charge me for it (ignoring any deposit and putting it on my insurance). I live in Northampton and wondered if anyone had got this sort of service from Silverstone (or lets be honest Towcester) Porsche garage? Aside from that has any one been on any good Porsche Experience Days where you actually get a decent amount of time driving the car? If so, where was it, who ran it and how much did it cost? Whilst I'm asking questions what are people's thought's on Silverstone Porsche, been there once, they weren't that helpful, can anyone recommend a good dealer near to Northampton (and one that would let me try a C4S and Turbo for a decent timespan before I buy). Thanks in advance!

A typical test drive is not going to stretch to a half or whole day. In my experence you can have about 45-60 mins. The representative of the OPC will be with you too, so you can't just drive about on your own. This is for a new car, for a used car, then I doubt they will be any more generous. Bear in mind you will need to produce your driving licence and sign an indemnity form. The free Porsche experience events are for new cars, so you can get a go in a Cayenne or 997, but not a 996 of any description. I suppose some of the tracks have Porsches, for the experience events, but I believe you only get a handful of laps. If you really need a day in one, then I guess you would have to hire one. You'll need one of the performance car specialists - no idea about cost. You can get some impression quite quickly, although in order to get a real feel for the cars takes time and a non-public road environment. Most people will tell you that you quickly realise the car is better than you are. It rewards good driving technique like very few other cars, and whilst not punishing you too severely, does not respond well too poor technique. Smoothness, anticipation, balance and control are met with fantastic feedback and very quick progress, but jerky inputs and an unsettled car will make it feel all-at-sea. The traction is just unbelievable compared to a front engined car. Depending on what you are coming from, it could feel quite alien. Be aware that the turbo and the normally aspirated cars have very different characteristics and the driving technique is quite different.

I think almost all OPCs and independents would be reluctant to lend you a car for unaccompanied use, unless you were a long-standing customer. Porsche Test Drive Plus was introduced some years ago following several high profile (and some fatal) incidents involving test drives. It was felt that only professional instructors, not sales personnel, should be demonstrating or supervising their cars. Nevertheless, if you can convince an OPC that you are seriously intending to buy a 996 they may be able to arrange something with Porsche Cars at Reading. Failing that, best to see if you can rent one. I have lent cars to Porsche Cars for display, in the past, and a couple of years ago they gave me a C4 and a C4S. Although, personally, I prefer the C2.

One other way to get an extended drive in a 996/ 997 / Boxter is available here, http://www.porsche.com/uk/motorsportandevents/travelclub/ Costs some money, and you have to arrange your own travel to Stutgart etc, but it is a very worthwhile experience, and you get two days in the car [ ]