Another Newbie looking for help

[MarcBC]

After 12 years of Range Rover ownership, I have decided to change to a 997C2S. Having test driven one, I am hooked. Sadly I am not a very patient person and when a decision is made, I prefer to get on with it quickly.

If I order from an OPC, I am told by them there will be a 10-12 week delay. Apart from some added interior leather on the centre consol, my spec is nothing outlandish. I have decided I do want a manual.

From the Saffron Cars website, I note they have a couple of new unregistered cars in stock from a February delivery but with the "short shift" manual box.

Is this really an issue in the cold as I have read in both the blurb and 911 magazine? Whilst I am London based I also spend time in the Highlands of Scotland, which can get down to -18 in the winter.

Are Saffron a known and recognised dealer amongst Porsche owners?

Many thanks for your responses.

 

[davecunningham]

Hi Marc

Firstly may i congratulate your choice of vehicle, I have a c4s which i have the short shift option and i am absolutely delighted with. I spend a lot of time in the North of Scotland and I occasionally find it a little stiff going into second at start up but once things are at running temperature i have felt no issues.

Having said all that, would say that having driven a tiptronic recently at millbrook , that the auto box is excellent and i would consider one in the future especially if you drve in town. When I am in cental Glasgow and crawling in traffic the clutch can feel very heavy, numb toes a frequent occurance!

Anyway enjoy your car.

Oh and saffron have an excellent reputation , watch out though that you know whether the car is a c16 parallel import and a genuine uk car.< I am sure you would cvheck that anyway , just mentioning for completeness.>

 

[MarcBC]

Dave,

Many thanks for this. I have another car for around town and so any gearbox stiffness should not be too much of a problem. I looked at the Tipronic, but still prefer a manual in a sports car!

Re the C16 etc. bit, I have checked but received a blurred reply. I will confirm this if I go ahead with them.

Marc

 

[Jamie Garside]

Hi Marc,

Welcome! I had my car factory built to order in 7 weeks. I can also get my hands on new and un-registered cars supplied by main Porsche dealers. If you want a car, pronto it can be done avoiding the import route.

Cheers
Jamie

 

[snarf]

ORIGINAL: MarcBC
. . From the Saffron Cars website, I note they have a couple of new unregistered cars in stock from a February delivery but with the "short shift" manual box.

Is this really an issue in the cold as I have read in both the blurb and 911 magazine? Whilst I am London based I also spend time in the Highlands of Scotland, which can get down to -18 in the winter. . . .

I have the short shift and think it's marvellous. It can be a little stiff 1st to second when cold but after ten miles it's action is rifle-bolt like.

 

[garyw]

I also have the short shift fitted. []
The standard gear change on the 997 is very sweet, if you are expecting to quite a bit of town driving then I'd possibly suggest you stick to the standard, however if like me you get to drive the car more for pleasure then I'd certainly say stick it on as an option.

garyw

 

[Jamie Garside]

Mine is a standard shift however did have some time with a short shift.

The standard shift is great and I liked the short shift but at first constantly wondered when changing whether I had actually changed as the distance felt too short - I suppose you get used to it quickly enough.

IMHO neither system would particuarly tempt me or put me off purchase

 

[MarcBC]

Many thanks again guys. Given the choice I will probably go for the standard manual. Having spoken to an OPC and Saffron today I will just say watch this space! []

 

[Guest]

They're all a bit stiff 1st to 2nd when cold - std and short-shift.

Not the first car either - all of my previous M3's were the same.

2nd to 3rd in the 911 - now that is sweet ! Very satisfying gearchange.

 

[Julio Geordio]

Marc,

There is absolutely no reason why you shouldn't use an independent dealer or indeed import a vehicle yourself directly from a Porsche dealer on the continent.

The advice re: a C16 spec vehicle is crucial though. When you inspect the car, ask to see the Guarantee and Maintenance booklet supplied with the vehicle, and it will have a "Vehicle Identification" page near the front. At the bottom of this will be a series of numbers in sets of 3. This is actually the codes for the vehicle spec. The exception is the first set of three characters which should start C16. Other right hand markets e.g. Cyprus start with (I think) C98, or maybe C48. The independent dealer may tell you that it's no different but it is e.g. vinyl dashboard rather than leather, and other variations to boot.

So long as it's a C16 spec, there should be no impact on resale or trade in values, although your Porsche dealer will probably try to screw you out of a few grand because "it's an import". You just need to be firm with them - remind them that every single Porsche in the country is an import! Other than that, you should register it with GB so that you are notified of recalls etc.

Good luck.

 

[ianfiat]

Only 10 weeks ?
It took 4 months to get my boxster

 

[Jamie Garside]

Depends who you know []

 

[MarcBC]

I am just off to pick the car up [] and am grinning like a kid in a candy store. I have a 500 mile trip planned then sadly have to travel on business tomorrow for the next couple of weeks. The next time I will get to drive the car is 26th May. 600 miles planned that weekend.

Full report and pics soonest.

 

[garyw]

Enjoy the trip Marc []

garyw