Getting ready to order my first P car (exiting a BMW 650) -- it's about time @ 62 yrs. old! I live half the year (warmer months) in CO, and I intend to use the car almost exclusively for mountain driving. No traffic, no track; just up and down the mountains. Also, I'm not an accomplished driver (although P school would be nice) so I'm not into drifting and other racing maneuvers. I'm thinking of manual and AWD. Leaning toward Midnight Blue with Natural Brown, heated sport seats, short shifter, thick steering wheel. May not resist the leather headliner, just to be unique.

Your comments would be appreciated.

 

Given your preferences and mountain driving, it sounds to me like the 4 is the best bet for you.

Sounds like a good match. Enjoy and please post pics when you get it!

 

Don't forget Adaptive Sport Seat.....well worth the money

 

you probably won't notice the difference between 2 and 4 wheel drive, unless you see some heavy rain or some light snow. With the stock tires, you can't drive in snow anyway. If it is just for cruising around the C2 should be fine. You have PSM to save you if you make a driving error. Your option list and color should be really nice. Heated seats would go well with the cool colorado eves...

 

Normally I would suggest the C2, however knowing how quickly the weather can change in the mountains I would get a C4, you will be happy you have it if you get caught in a little snow storm.

 

I would get the c4s with the x51... everything you will ever need....

 

C4 would be a good choice - just remember to have winter wheels and tires if you plan being in the mountains in winter.

You might consider taking a test drive in a car with PDK and Sport Chrono. that would give you the option of manual shifting using the "bat ear" shifters or just leaving it in "D" if you wanted to cruise.

And consider the comfort seats but with both seat heaters and coolers fitted. They're comfortable and don't require quite the same contortion to get in and out of them that the Sports Adaptives do.

The best advice I can offer is to find a really good dealer and take your time deciding. It's your money and you're going to have to live with your choices for a while.

 

get in and out of a car with the adaptive sport seat a few times before you decide; then consider the power comfort seat option. Why the short shifter? Self dimming mirrors may be useful and the sport chrono package is a resale plus even if you don't use it much. X-51 is not available on the 09's.

 

sweet. get the c4s. the c2s is sweet but if i was driving around mountain i would want the 4wwwwwwwwwwd.

 

You know that the price your going to pay for a new C4S is about what you can get a CPO 07 Turbo now? Maybe a 08 if you wait a few more months. There are several out there with very little miles. Just a thought.

 

Thanks to everyone for your replies. I appreciate your sound advice. The forums I follow for my two other vices, golf and wine/food (neither of which pairs well with Porsche), are populated by knowledgeable contributors, some of whom tend to be too "cute" with their postings.

I'm still leaning toward the 4s both for the twisties and the occasional surprise squall coming over the Divide -- plus I like the extra width. I'm going to try adaptive and comfort seats and compare. I also leaning toward the manual -- tried the PDK and, while it's great technology, I prefer the conventional clutch. Since I intend for this to be a long-term vehicle, at the end of the day I'm sure I'll wind up erring on the side of more rather than fewer options. As for the turbo idea, I'm afraid they'd eventually scrape me off of some large chunks of granite, so I'll forego the extra hp . . . for now.

 

C4S for the mountains would be my choice . It can snow heavily in an instant in some regions . Why not consider a Turbo ? A slighly used Turbo might cost less than a new C4S.

BTW --The color choices sound real nice . I like sports adaptive seats .

 

I live in western colorado and drive a C4S as my daily driver. I have been in some major storms with it and it works great! The only limitation is clearance(and if it's that deep, probably shouldn't be driving anyway) I have had a host of different AWD and 4WD SUV's and cars and can say that Porsche brings something special even to snow driving. Traction is good, but what I like the most is the feedback you get from the tires. When it breaks loose that info is telegraphed to you and easy to adjust for. I would say C4S or turbo as some others have suggested. Good luck.

 

Congrats on first Porsche! I remember that feeling from 13 years ago.

I'm not going to suggest which one to pick as any Porsche 911 is good! Welcome to the club.

 

Targa Tim,
Thanks for the nice welcome.

Arzo,
Notwithstanding many snowy winters in New England and Chicago, your tidbit of information is interesting news. Thanks.