Advice RE storing a 996 in a Florida carport
 

Hi; I'm brand new to 6speedonline and I'm looking for advice. I'm in the final stage of purchasing my first Porsche. It's a 2001 911 with 31K miles and it's already had the intermediate shaft bering retrofit performed by Flat Six Innovations in GA. The car is in excellent shape and has been a garage queen; however I want it for a daily driver.

The big question I have is this. I live in Cocoa Beach, FL and I'm only one mile from the beach. I live in a condo and I don't have a garage, only a carport. Would I be stupid to own a Porsche living this close to the Atlantic Ocean and not having a garage to store it in? I've always dreamed of owning a 911 and I don't want to make a very costly mistake. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.

Saw this on New Smyrna Beach today!!

Thanks for the photo. Guess this guy isn't worried about rust!

is being that close to the beach worse than the salt/snow we get in the northeast?
I get snowed/salted on every winter and daily...or is it the carport you're more worried about?

I too only have a carport but it has 2 sides, like a garage w/o front/rear walls..it keeps the sun/rain off and I did buy a quality outdoor carcover that is fleecy on inside and silver material on outside that repels water and is snug fitting made for a 997

I assume constant SE salt air is worse than the winter salt/snow in the NE but I don't know for sure.

My carport is the same as yours. Sides and roof but no front or rear door. I think the car cover would help a great deal.

These cars have unbelievably great rust proofing, better than any other car IMO. You should have no problems with it and using it for a DD. So, don't let this deter you, it's a great Florida car. Be careful with a car cover, IMO better left without. My parents live just south of me on the water in a Condo in Sarasota and there are several Porsches there parked in the open, on from the late 70's and no issues.

Thanks. That really helps ease my mind. I've also talked to a couple Porsche mechanics. One said the same thing you just told me and the other said he has experienced rust issues with cars exposed to the salt air; however he did say it took several years to get to that point.

The car cover issue has also been a split decision. Most of the advice has been that if you use one, you have to be extremely careful putting it on and taking it off or you will have scratches in the paint.

Yes, it could scratch. Look, if you wash and dry the car regularly you should have no issues, use paint sealant like Wolfgangs to protect the paint, it's better than wax and lasts longer.
The most important this is to drive it the way it was meant to be driven, do regular oil changes at 5k, and ENJOY your car!:cool:

The car cover issue has also been a split decision. Most of the advice has been that if you use one, you have to be extremely careful putting it on and taking it off or you will have scratches in the paint.[/QUOTE]

Thanks!

Guess you missed us! Surfboard in the back (towel wrapped at the bottom to cover up the board wax) and a cooler in the frunk = sweet beachbum weekends.

Zuma, snow, salt, sand or rain, we've been there... have fun and enjoy! Just be ready for a thorough clean up later.

Cool. Thanks!

Modern Porsches have galvanized body and is fully dipped in hot zinc bath. I think you'll be ok. I say no to the car cover. I have one but only used it twice so far. Scratches in paint not worth the risk of using it day after day.

If you want some additional protection, you can always attach tarps to the sides and back of your car port if your city is ok with it.

salt air,condensation, sand particulates of microscopic size ,God knows what is blowing around,and u are worried about scratches from the car cover, best to buy a beater Toyota:eek:

Now, Now...........it's well known car covers aren't all they are cracked up to be. Best to stay away.