Tell me about your Tiptronic transmission

[KCinBR]

I'm looking to the purchase of a Boxster and am also considering a tiptronic trans (maybe)
I have not driven one so I was wondering how they stack up to the manual trans cars.
I'm a firm believer that a sports car should be manual, but i'm at least open to the idea of a auto if it does not detract from the driving experience.
At this time I drive a MINI S 6 speed and a 88 911 5 speed, so the art of changing gears properly is something that to me adds to the experience.

KC

[KCinBR]

Tell me what you think I will like or dislike if I move from a 23 year old 911 to a 200x Boxster.
I know this is an open question but you answers will help and old guy make his decision easier and more informed

I took a short test drive wednesday in a 06 Boxster S and was pleased, I think I could live with it

[racer]

I went from a 1978 tracked prepped 911SC to a year 2000 boxster, 2.7.

The boxster was a great "car". Fast, nimble, stable and with only "R" comp tires seemed as quick as my SC at the track. Living in Virgina, I loved the cold AC.. great heat.. modern conveniences etc.

Then again, I only kept the boxster for 1 year. It was a great car, but wasn't a Porsche to me.. which given my raising, means an AIRCOOLED car. Personal Preference, I know.

As for my TIP experiences, the ones that stick with me was co-driving at AX a very well set up Boxster S Tip. It made autorcossing so easy because I could easily left foot brake and didn't need to worry about shifting. On the occasion when I did try to shift it myself with the thumb buttons, it didn't go well.

If I were looking for Tip, I'd want an S vs a normal boxster. The extra HP of the S help hides some of the performance loss when compared to a NonTip S, but still felt quicker than a base car.

I've had a few TIP loaner cars (Audi, VW) and enjoy playing with them.. but in the end they are Automatics.

I've also been told replacement TIP transmissions are NOT cheap (especially when compared to a clutch swap of a manual trans car)

[ronster]

I own a '99 Tip non S and wouldn't have a stick. All my prior "sports" cars were sticks and I was dubious about the Porsche Tip but after learning how to drive it I am only 100ths of a second away from some of the 911 guys with sticks and I plan to catch them next year. For DE it frees you up from heel and toe shifting and gives you one less thing to detract from your concentration. For highway driving, especially in stop and go traffic, it is a godsend. The car changes its whole dynamic when put into the "M" mode and makes taking the twisties a blast using the shift levers on the steering wheel. If they fail they are expensive to replace versus a stick but they are built for stout and you rarely read about them failing. The downside is your car weighs more and is slower in a straight run but that is where you learn to be a better driver and use the Tip to you advantage in the turns. The new PDK (I think that's right) is an even better system than the Tip and if I ever upgrade that is what I will go with.

[mikefocke]

There are those who race TIPs and who swear they are superior to manuals for them.

In my case I lived in a densely populated area and commuted in the car and so noticed that I arrived home refreshed with an auto where I was worn out with a manual (and I had driven stick for 30+ years at that point). My previous sports cars were 2 Alfas and a 914...of course all stick.

I'm on my second TIP Boxster. I drive in auto 80% of the time..shifting manually probably 2-4 times a trip. Out to have fun in the twisties, its semi-manual mode I use.

A short ride is not enough to demonstrate the merits or demerits. Only over time do you learn how to use the transmissions characteristics to your advantage. It learns your mood and reprograms itself for lazy driving or more aggressive behavior.

No trouble in 6+ years, 2 cars. Get a '00+ car as the TIP can be shifted manually even in auto mode where the '99 and earlier had to be in manual mode to shift manually.

[Unclduey]

After having an '80 SC for 3 years and most recently an '85 Carrera for 11 years, my 02Boxster S Tip is a blast! I almost always use manual mode, seems to like being kept at 3000 RPM's as it can be a little boggy at times. I wouldnt hesitate to have another with a Tip. I dont track the Boxster BTW so cant really comment on that experience.

Personally I would like the shifter to look a little more " non automatic looking" if you know what I mean. It does seem to raise eyebrows occasionally that I am driving an automatic so a leather boot to disguise the plate would be a nice aftermarket addition. I am looking into it....

[jcb986]

Love it.

[turboflyer]

The tiptronic is the way to go. I dare yo to take one in the mountains and out drive it. May be selling my 01S, undecided yet. Get the S and the 3.2 no matter what.