I've been seriously considering a 997 - most likely a Cab in the 2006-2008 range. However, I don't currently have a garage. I do have a nice gated parking area, but it's exposed to the elements. I live in California.

Just wondering, if I should even consider buying one without a garage? I'd use a top of the line cover, but I'd be worried about resale (and I turn cars over every couple of years) considering I don't have a garage.

Your thoughts are appreciated.

 

I don't see a problem with that. I don't have a garage and i'm prefectly fine. i Just have an outdoor car cover. As long as you don't have kids running around and riding their bikes around the car etc, i don't see how it would get scratched/damaged.

 

Personally I wouldn't buy any nice car unless it was protected by a garage. Putting a car cover on a dirty car. Well you just might as well clean the car with fine grit sand paper.

 

If you do, go with silver.

 

I wouldn't buy a nice car if I don't have a garage AND nice parking spot at work. But that's just me.

I do have a beater and if I am late for work, I use the beater and leave the Porsche in the garage.

Btw, My Porsches are DD and not garage queens.

 

Depends on how far North in Cali. Snow and ice, no, IMHO. Rain and sunshine, SF area, ok I would think. Personal opinion mind you.

 

In most cases, NO.
If I had a large plot of land, with fencing around it, I might go as far as a carport.

But generally, a nice car just parked on the street, or easy access to anyone who wanders up--- no.

 

Sure. After all, its just a car.


but keep in mind that the weather (sun, wind, rain, snow, etc) and dirt will have negative effects on the exterior and the interior over time (especially the cab top)


theft is another possible problem.

I am also against using car covers due to:
1) dirty cars will get scratches (like CALGUY stated)
2) any moisture trapped can have adverse effect
3) I am just too lazy to put it on, take it off, and store it on regular basis.

 

Never ever would I do it. Way to picky.

 

I don't have a garage but a carport with two sides on it, keep it covered with quality all weather car cover and no problems,just outside im not sure about that one, heat, sun, rain etc.

 

I moved my mercedes outside once I bought my 911. I won't put the cover on the Mercedes because it gets fairly dirty outside and don't want to scratch the paint with the dust / dirt getting rubbed in by the cover. I'm in the bay area so the weather is mild, but the 911 will always be in the garage.

 

Sure. Get a good outdoor cover (Noah fabric is great) and keep car clean and waxed to avoid scratching. Learn to put it on/off by rolling and folding not dragging. I have done this with my last M3 (4 years) and 997 (8 1/2 years) Both cars looked/look new over a total of 80k miles. I keep mine in trunk when traveling and use it when ever and where ever I park. At home the car is kept at the head of my driveway off the street and there are no small children around. Modern cover material is great, protects vs weather and offers (some) ding protection. Here in NY, Noah material is best of all worlds. Check with Car Cover Direct or the like for advise in your climate. Replace q 2 or so years at a cost of 200$

 

Thanks for all the responses. I'm in Sacramento so it's a sunny dry climate, with some rain in the winter, but no snow, freezing rain, etc. My gate is very secure so I'm not worried about it being stolen. Just the elements getting to it - even with a cover. And the resale value when I go to sell it - gotta figure that some folks would be turned off by a 911 that wasn't garaged.

And...I'm not a huge fan of silver, althought that seems the way to go for minimizing issues with the paint, swooshes, etc. I like black, which is probably the worst when it comes to scratching, fading, etc.

I'm going to have to give this some thought

Thanks againf for the opinions fellas

 

Some good responses. NorCal is a dusty / high pollen area. It would require a lot of attention to make sure there wasn't an degradation of the surface, plus the time with a cover, etc.

I would go silver too, btw. I hate it when my black BMW sits outside. Which it does every day at work.

 

Would it be possible for you to build one of those tent garages or you in an apartment? I think white is more easy maintenance than silver and looks sexier too.