Hi All,

I am new to the list and as yet don’t have my Porsche, came very close this year but regret that I didn’t go for it. I have been reading with interest the discussions on them being used as daily drivers and want some feedback on what my situation is.
I moved to MN from the UK this summer and nearly bought my dream 2007 911 C2, I ended up not taking it and getting a Range Rover Sport instead thinking I needed a SUV for winter.
As time has passed I regret that more and more and think that the Porsche would have been fine (admittedly I haven’t done a full winter yet!), I take the view that cars are for driving and the Porsche was developed in Germany a market with plenty of sun, rain and snow!, so running it all year wont be an issue.

So my situation is, I live 5 miles form work and cycle most of the year and will drive probably Nov-Mar, will use the car for a few weekend trips ect, so around 5k miles a year, my questions are:

• Is only a 5 mile trip in MN winter in issue for a 911, interspersed with the odd longer drive?
• Is driving a 911 daily in MN winter going to be an issue?
• Do you just put snow tyres and rims on or need any further prep?
• I love the lines of a coupe, but with the great seasons we have here a cab would be great in the summer, any comments on a cab as a DD especially in winter?

Cheers

Ross

 

Snow tires are a must. The high performance summer tires just don't work in cold weather, the rubber compound gets hard under about 40 degrees F. With PSM a C2 is definitely derivable, lots of owners drive them year round. However, the C4 (and I am prejudiced) gives you a lot more capability in the snow. I have driven my C4 year round for the last 10 years. As long as the snow does not get so deep that it high centers my C4 is actually better than my SUV.

Three years ago I drove to MN in February for a visit to a friend. On the way back we were caught in a blizzard. I was passing everyone on the road including all the SUV's. The only problem I had was when we stopped for lunch and tried to pull into an unplowed parking lot with 6-8 inches of snow. I ended up high centered on the snow with all four tires not touching. Took about 10 minutes, a couple of shovels and a few helpers to get the car off the snow. Went and found a place with a plowed parking lot.

So the only problem I would foresee is if you have a deep snow and have to go somewhere before they plow.

If you get a cab get a hardtop for the winter, they are great. If the car you get does not have one you can get a used one, they are for sale all over the place. If the car does not have the hardware for the hardtop it can easily be added.

 

I drive my C4S in the winter with Blizzaks and it's great. As Dharn says, it's great in everything except deep snow.

 

I'll let you know soon.... I have a C4 that's about to see it's first winter. I live in the U.P. of Michigan, so it won't get a lot of use, but I plan on taking it for a spin a few times a month.

 

Cheers guys

 

Snows are a must like others have said. These cars actually do very well in the snow. But 6-8" of the white stuff can be problematic.

 

Can't find winter tires for 275/30/19. Ideas?

 

I ran into the same problem for my C4S - no snow tires available in 295/30/18. I bought a dedicated set of winter wheels in the Porsche recommended size and offset. This tire is a 265/35/18.

You may have to buy another set of wheels and get some different sized tires.

 

Sigh