996 C4S Cabriolet to use as my DD in New England?
 

OK. The topics and conversations here have got me starting to ponder what to do about my cars. I'm thinking that I may get rid of both of them and get a used 996 C4S cabriolet.

Some background, I work from my home office. I spend countless hours working and often only wander outside once or twice a week. Besides my wife's SUV, I have two cars that I call my own. There is a 2011 Subaru Imprezza as my DD and I also have a 1984 944 with 72K original miles. I really don't even exercise one of the cars enough, let alone two. Based upon my current usage over the last three years, I have put less than 9K per year on my cars combined.

I am pondering possibly getting a 996 C4S Cabriolet to use as my DD and fun weekend car. I have gotten to an age where track days are behind me, so I am thinking that a Cab would work well and also make my wife happy for the cruising around on spring and summer days. Now, I am thinking about a C4 versus a C2 as I live in New England where we often get snow in the winter. So, part of the thought process would be to get an extra set of wheels with snow tires for the winter. I am unsure about a hard top. If we got a real bad snowfall, if we needed to venture out, we could always use the SUV.

So, my question to the group is, any downsides I am not considering here? Am I nuts?

I think a C2 with good winter shoes would be fine in your situation. I always liked the looks of the 996 targa.

I vote for a C2 cab with a hardtop. Winter tires and the option of the SUV will suit you just fine...

From experience with the year round use of a Boxster I would say that you are good to go with a C2 or C4 with max 3 inches of snow. Even with 3 inches of snow you can have drifts that are higher and can pound the underside of the car. 5 inches or more you become a snowplough.

A good set of winter tires are way superior to all season tires on snow. I think that having a C4 is overkill as C2 would likely do the job.Being retired if snow is too much I take my wifes Camry.Guy:)

You should be fine with either a C2 or a C4, but for aesthetics, I suggest the C4S as you originally mentioned. Also, the AWD system is 'removable' in 996s with an afternoon in the garage, if you desire to do so.

If you want to be buying a new car in 2-3 years, sure.

Between the inattentive / rude / completely unskilled drivers, potholes, bad road patch jobs, snow, ice and salt, jackasses with plows, etc. etc. etc. I would not ever drive any car I care about in the winters here - I'd only cautiously consider driving one regularly during the remaining two months of the year.

Cheers.

I live in the Western PA mountains and use a Boxster year round. I have Blizzaks on an extra set of wheels and I DO use a hardtop in the winter. We get a lot of snow here, but with the Blizzaks and traction control the Boxster hasn't been a problem. Also the heated seats are nice. I don't think a C2 would be a problem either.