Realities of a daily 996 in upper midwest?

[eolson]

Hi,

My dad and I are big Porsche fans but never really figured we'd be driving them. Last summer I finally found an '86 Carrera that needed some work, I did the work, and now I drive it all the time. Now my dad is starting get curious and also think about retirement and driving something more fun and maybe a little less practical.

With 996 values as they are, they're starting to get pretty tempting. We found a local 1999 C4 that claims to have had an engine replacement by a dealer in 2009 with all appropriate updates. It looks clean but I haven't seen it in person yet since we're just starting to feel out the whole idea.

I would love any input from you guys regarding the practicality of driving something like this on a daily basis. We live in Minnesota, it gets cold. My dad is thankfully a very practical guy, he brings up genuine concerns like will this start when it's way below zero and it's been sitting outside, are there concerns to be had with a first-year design, how sturdy/reliable are they, is the AWD any good, etc.

Thanks for any input you guys can offer!

[jwgn777]

There should not be a problem starting you 911 in the cold weather providing you are using the proper oil viscosity such as 0-40 for the colder ambient temperatures in your region. And a sound battery. As long as there is not any precipitation or snow on the ground I will drive my 911 or my twin turbo in the cold weather. You can also consider a dip stick heater on the 99 911. I know you guys have much colder weather then NY..

[racer]

While it is AWD, it will be limited by its ground clearance. Not sure if you get deep snow or just cold air (or, the combo of course).

Considering modern cars are tested in ALL weather, all over the globe, it would seem that a 996 would work in any climate, assuming the same precautions are taken as you would with any car in that climate.

[AA717driver]

Germany/Europe gets pretty damn cold. I think they've got it covered.

TC

[badges2]

I have been using my 2000 996 C2 as my daily driver for four years now in the Chicago suburbs. Thick and thin, this is my car (well, my wife has a minivan but........no thanks!). I bought a second set of wheels off Craigslist for next to nothing and mounted Bridgestone Blizzaks on them. Every November, Mother Nature shows how much she hates me and the winters go on. Every March, the sun gods allow the summers to go back on. I definitely love the Blizzaks in the snow. The only issues I've run into have been when the trucks plow, if they leave the big snow boogers in the intersection you are either pushing them away or driving another way.

I just make sure to spray the salt/slush away at least once or twice a week at a car wash. The cars are German and made for the snow! I can't imagine not getting to have fun in it year round!


I'll take summer anytime!!

[jvmcnair]

As a Guy who has suffered Catastrophic Engine Failure (a cracked head) in my 2000 996 my comment is not so much about driving a 911 in the cold (I used to drive my '71S in Fargo winters on occasion) but qstion buying one at all. The price should be cheap enough to toss the car if te engine fails. One must not forget that the failure rate of this engine is btw 5 & 10%. If you want to argue it is not that high, what are you willing to accept? A 2% rate is still awful. A good engine R&R costs over $20K. I would actually consider buying a failed one and sending it to Jake Raby at "RED". jvm

[LanceGT4]

it snows in the Northwest too:-) Yes ground clearance is a problem and yes Blizzaks work great. I got mine as a set with wheels from Tirerack. 6 inches of fresh snow when I took this picture.
If the snow gets deep this winter I'll use the Cayenne, even if it is a gas hog.

[onewhippedpuppy]

Originally Posted by jvmcnair

As a Guy who has suffered Catastrophic Engine Failure (a cracked head) in my 2000 996 my comment is not so much about driving a 911 in the cold (I used to drive my '71S in Fargo winters on occasion) but qstion buying one at all. The price should be cheap enough to toss the car if te engine fails. One must not forget that the failure rate of this engine is btw 5 & 10%. If you want to argue it is not that high, what are you willing to accept? A 2% rate is still awful. A good engine R&R costs over $20K. I would actually consider buying a failed one and sending it to Jake Raby at "RED". jvm

Interesting numbers. I assume you have data to back up your assertion?

[badges2]

Winter is officially in Chicago...... The winter tires/wheels are on.......

[sc235813]

i am trying michelin alpins this year - but this is st. louis. no real winter but cold temps.

[uncle_scott]

Those who don't drive their 996s int he snow are missing out. Blizzak snow tires are doing the trick.