I work from home, so daily driver might be a bit misleading. I should probably say "only means of transportation"...anyway on with the questions. I'm considering a Spyder - the manual top is not an issue with me. My fear is what it's like to drive with the top on. I live in South Texas and it stays hot and humid for a long time. Last thing I want to do is show up for a meeting and be sweaty. If I get one with the A/C, does it really stay as cool as a regular S might? Also, what is the max speed you can drive w/ the top on? Maybe that's not an issue. I guess I'm looking for what it's really like to drive with the top on.

Getting caught by a sudden rainstorm won't be a problem since we can see rain coming for a few days around here!

Thanks.

 

hi hay32g

i'm in houston and commute ~90 miles a day. normally in a 08 STI

i've had the spyder since sept last year and have about 18000 miles on it. ~6000 of these commuting or driving around houston on business

the a/c works as well or better than any car i have experience with. take today in stop and go traffic, 103+- oat, a/c set at 72 and felt a bit cold after a while.

no issues with the top in the rain so far. i set the limit alarm at 110 just in case.

normal commute speeds around houston range from 0 to 85 or so

so the spyder is a commuting option if it's your only car.

that said when it is time to replace the subaru i think i'll seriously consider a cayman for dd duty, keeping the spyder for weekend duty

cheers

 

Hey, well if it can take the heat and humidity in Houston then I shouldn't worry. Thanks a lot for the quick answer, you've made me feel a lot better about it.

Thanks again!

 

in terms of commuting conveniences i would add the PCM + XM radio if you have the choice; PDK maybe.

in terms of ride comfort no real issues, obviously a bit louder than a hard top. There are some roads in and around Houston that i avoid in the spyder and not the STI and there are one or two garage/parking ramps that i don't care to negotiate in the spyder

good luck

 

Thanks. I was planning on the PDK, I've used a clutch for a long time and I'm ready to try something new, plus it seems like a lot of fun on a track.

 

I've had my my Spyder for almost two months now. I have an IS-F that I was planning on using as my daily, but since getting the Spyder I've only driven the F twice and that was only 'cause I felt bad for neglecting it...I even got groceries in the Spyder the other day

AC is definitely worth the extra weight for those rare occasions when the top is on and its rainy and humid, but that aside I almost always have the top off. The car is a blast to drive and does everything well (although I do wish it had the massive torque curve of the F). Anyway, I say go for it!

 

I had a convertible here for a few years, always felt like I should be driving with the top down, but there are not that many days where it is very comfortable. It's not too bad when cruising, but when stuck in traffic or at lights it gets too hot for me in work clothes. I ended up getting sweaty on my way to/from work, even with the A/C blasting. Maybe the ventilated seats would help. No more verts for me.

 

I was worried about the top up driving aspect of the Spyder since I saw "Fifth Gear" out of the UK say it was loud. So before I bought it I made them put the top on to drive it. Not bad at all in the way of sound. Actually, I enjoying driving the car around with just the Sunshield or main part of the roof up. Back window out and stored. The AC is just as the person above stated. Just as good as any.

I went from my manual '06 C4S to a PDK Panamera. I loved the PDK, best Dual clutch I have driven, but since I am like you and don't commute and work from home, I missed a manual so much! Glad to have a manual back.

I love the tent style roof! I also love the OEM Sport exhaust on this car! IMHO makes the car.

No worries with the roof, you will be fine!

 

OP, my other concern with the Sypder here in SA would be security. As you know, some areas can be sketchy at times. I spend two days a week on the South Side and would have concerns with the top in that area.

 

Hey guys thanks for all the feedback, each one of you made great points.

hey eyedoc, I wouldn't even consider taking it down there. However, I have a friend that is also an MD that takes his 360 Spider to the southside all the time. I don't think he's had any trouble yet. But I have thought about the security issue. I do have my wife's and son's cars, although I don't think I'd want them down there either. It's okay though, my life is spent between Stone Oak and La Cantera with an occasional trip downtown, but parked in a parking garage.

Thanks again for all the input.

 

Given where you live, I would not hesitate. My only qualm would be racking up miles on such a rare car. But hey, it's meant to be driven.

 

I got an 08 ISF too and alternate between the two. I use the Spyder as a DD. I do prefer the ISF for longer drives, especially when i drive out of town and days when i crave some luxury.
I did get a lean spyder, no conforts beyond an AC and a radio.

 

PDK is a blast on the track. It's amazing that it can execute a down shift in the middle of a turn under extreme lateral loads without upsetting the balance of the car. It scared me the first time it happened. Don't try that with a manual. Make sure to get the Sport Chrono or add it afterwards as PDK is lethargic without it.

 

Is your Spyder red? if so I you're the one who inspired me to look at the Spyder after seeing your pics / review on clublexus

 

I picked up a Spyder a few weeks ago and am using it as a dd. I have no complaints at all and I moved from an Audi S5 as the previous daily dd. I am enjoying this car more than expected and love the fact that i have only seen one other Spyder (black) on the road in Houston in the last six or seven months.