Living without air-con in Boxster Spyder?

[iandews]

Having nearly got the all clear on my health, I'll soon be in the position to once again consider my purchase of a Spyder (if I don't go for a CR); however, the one I had in mind doesn't have air-con, but the rest of the spec and car is spot on.

Could you live without air-con or is it an absolute must, even if just for stopping the car from misting up? I notice that those without air-con seem to take an age to sell which is a bit of concern when it comes to trading in in a year or two's time!

The car wouldn't be tracked so the weight saving isn't a must.

[tr7v8]

Not sure about the Spyder but Climate was an essential when I bought my Boxster. The panel in 986 with no climate is horrid, not sure if the same applies to the later cars.
Being able to demist & also when it is really sunny run with the hood up & the a/c on is high on my list.

[Phooey]

The only time lack of air-con *might* bother me, was if i was taking the car into Europe etc. Didn't miss it one bit in the UK. I have it on 3 vehicles. I very rarely use it. Having it on a Spyder?... are you having a Giraffe

[shoestring7]

I note the lack of a/c hasn't prevented prices of 356s and early 911s hitting the roof. My own view is that its pretty much essential in a car used daily, but not at all necessary in a weekend warrior.

SS7

[Actus Reus]

Depends on intended use I reckon - I'd not want a daily without it, just in case. If it's purely for weekend fun and trackdays, I'd be happy without it - we get so few REALLY hot days, and the best fun is had early in the morning anyway when it's not too hot!

Me personally though? I'd have it and go on a diet to off-set the extra weight...

[spyderman8]

I don't tend to use air con in my 986 in the hottest weather - would rather drop the roof and windows. But in winter I find it essential for demisting.

[Durzel]

Actus Reus said:

I'd not want a daily without it, just in case.

+1

Essential equipment imo.

[Chins]

+2 I had my Spyder during the winter and it was essential.

[chris7676]

Not essential but helpful.
I have not noticed any difference during demisting (in 986).
Roof up it does help in warm wether.
Roof down I would use it very rarely (but I still would).

[SGBrown]

I haven't yet missed it in my Spyder during the last year or so, although it only gets used for high days and holidays - not a daily driver. We'll see if this opinion changes after this summer's trip down to Italy and back.

[mrdemon]

My spyder does not have it and I don't miss it, mores the point my Spyder will stay with a GT3 to 100mph
So the light weight concept works, but it's the BHP sapping as well with a AC unit not just weight issue.

Still never put the roof up, which means why have AC ?

depends what you want from a car, if it's a only car to be used all year round just buy a Boxster imo as most Spyders are fat anyway
so I don't see the point in owning a fat Spyder with a st roof, no heated seats etc over a Boxster in winter.

If it's a 2nd car you want Spyder spec as Porsche ment it to be , no roof, light weight, great fun, then there is nothing to match it.
PCCB are just awesome on it as well.

But I would think long and hard having one as a only car over a Cayman R or a Boxster S

Edited by mrdemon on Wednesday 30th May 13:24

[rob.kellock]

Mine has climate control, glad I have it, helps demist if caught in heavy rain and cools your sweaty palms on the steering wheel when it's hot.
R
If we're doing pics, here's a gratuitous shot of some classic pork, next to... Is it a 356? LOL

[pilchardthecat]

spyderman8 said:

I don't tend to use air con in my 986 in the hottest weather - would rather drop the roof and windows. But in winter I find it essential for demisting.

The only time i ever use air con in my convertible

[hornetrider]

Could not do without aircon in any car I'm afraid.

[Porkupine]

http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...

this thread might help

ps - it is your thread LOL - same comments different thread

[iandews]

Thanks guys, mixed opinions but why am I not surprised haha.

The car would be used more for leisure than anything daily, and whilst I can stand the heat, I wasn't sure how much these cars condensate, especially being parked on a driveway at night.

[Zyp]

I've only used the a/c once on my Spyder - and that was when I pressed the button by accident and didn't realise it was on...
When I bought it, I thought it was a must have.

It's not.

As an aside - I couldn't imagine having a Spyder even as a second car let alone an only car.
As a 3rd or 4th - great.

Oh, and don't forget - if you buy one it must be a *real* Spyder or you may as well buy a Chrysler Crossfire.
Which means you've got to have the paint stripped from the wheels to lighten them, bin the roof, get some lightweight bulbs, bin the cup holders if you're unfortunate enough to have them, and rip out the carpets.

Then you'll have the lightest, bestest Spyder.

In the worrrrrld.

[iandews]

Zyp said:

As an aside - I couldn't imagine having a Spyder even as a second car let alone an only car.
As a 3rd or 4th - great.

Come on, substantiate that claim for me, interested to know your opinion?

[shoestring7]

Zyp said:

I've only used the a/c once on my Spyder - and that was when I pressed the button by accident and didn't realise it was on...
When I bought it, I thought it was a must have.

It's not.

As an aside - I couldn't imagine having a Spyder even as a second car let alone an only car.
As a 3rd or 4th - great.

Oh, and don't forget - if you buy one it must be a *real* Spyder or you may as well buy a Chrysler Crossfire.
Which means you've got to have the paint stripped from the wheels to lighten them, bin the roof, get some lightweight bulbs, bin the cup holders if you're unfortunate enough to have them, and rip out the carpets.

Then you'll have the lightest, bestest Spyder.

In the worrrrrld.

Don't use a/c and it goes wrong...

SS7

[Phooey]

iandews said:

Zyp said:

As an aside - I couldn't imagine having a Spyder even as a second car let alone an only car.
As a 3rd or 4th - great.

Come on, substantiate that claim for me, interested to know your opinion?

Yeah, it'd have to be a 2nd / 3rd vehicle for me too. In fact, it would just be a sun-out only car if i ever have the pleasure of owning one again. I don't find the bucket seats comfy. Roof i tended to leave on, not that it was hard to operate, but purely from a lazy perspective. Security isn't great (roof). Think of it as a luxury Caterham and you won't be disappointed

Seeing J-P's new mota has got me window-shopping in the classifieds at CR's. Spyder still looks more special imo and will hold residuals better - again imo, but a CR with 'Sports' seats, PDK, ceramics, Perd (?) green....