Embarrasing 944/968 Convertible Questions

[scotal]

Guy I work with is looking at a 944 or 968 convertible as a weekend car.
He definitely wants a drop-top, and has no interest in track days.

The questiosn he's asked me to ask are.

1. Are there any autmatic 944 convertibles out there?
2. If he goes for a 968 is the Tip box reasonable (bear in mind he uses a Honda Jazz as an everyday drive, the attraction of a perfectly executed downshift is completely lost on him.)
3. Apparently most important is will a set of Golf Sticks fit in the boot?? And only one or can he take a passenger as well?

(I know, I know, I'm sorry.)

Thanks.

[willdew]

Not sure about 944 cab autos, but searching the classifieds will soon tell you.

Triptronic on the 968 was still very much a work in progress. However, if he's only moderately keen, I'm sure he'll never know, so it'll be fine.

But that raises the question that if he's not that keen, why would he buy a 968? The improvements over the 944 would be lost on your average Joe, so it doesn't justify the increased spend. Do I presume a Boxster is out of the question due to golf club space (I've no idea if they fit or not)?

Given the above, I suspect he's not going to end up with a 968.

[scotal]

Actually I think the tip is the major reason for considering a 968, well that and airbags..... I havent seen a 944 cab auto, so I don't know if they exist.
As for the boxster he just prefers the look of the 944 and 968.

[Riverside]

The only 'factory' 944 convertables are the S2 & late (& rare) turbo. Both were manual only.

There might be the occasional aftermarket conversion but if your mate wants an auto cab a 968 is the only option.

[willdew]

scotal said:

the tip is the major reason for considering a 968

The Boxster come with Tip: http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/221900.htm

Not that I'm trying to talk anyone out of a 968 of any sort - just that it's an odd choice for someone not that keen. If you're not that keen and want a "Porsche" and have £10k - £12k then a boxster seems more logical, as it's newer, is a current model, the Tip will be better and it should cost less to run.

[scotal]

Riverside said:

The only 'factory' 944 convertables are the S2 & late (& rare) turbo. Both were manual only.

There might be the occasional aftermarket conversion but if your mate wants an auto cab a 968 is the only option.

ta, I'll pass that on.

[scotal]

willdew said:

scotal said:

the tip is the major reason for considering a 968

The Boxster come with Tip: http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/221900.htm

Not that I'm trying to talk anyone out of a 968 of any sort - just that it's an odd choice for someone not that keen. If you're not that keen and want a "Porsche" and have £10k - £12k then a boxster seems more logical, as it's newer, is a current model, the Tip will be better and it should cost less to run.

I hear you, but he prefers the shape of the older cars.

[steady eddie]

I have a 944 cabriolet and you can get a full set of golf clubs in the boot.
If you require to travel with another golfer, their clubs will fit along the rear seats as will the 2 trolleys.
These are excellent cars with good performance and the running costs are reasonable . Classic insurance on a limited milage 3000 or 5000 per annum £260/£330 pa.
The electric hood is easy to operate making open top motoring a dream.
If you need any further help please e mail me
Cheers
Steady

[Harry Flashman]

I have a 968 (manual) cab. Awesome car, actually. However, I drove a tip - and it was awful (cheaper to buy than a manual though) - really slow, hideous changes, not even remotely sporting.

As for golf clubs - they will fit - but rigid golf bag will be a problem in the boot as it is very shallow. As the car has a transaxle set-up, the gearbox is under the boot, heavily eating into space.

[dumbfunk]

I know this isn't really helping (!) but wouldn't he be happier with something like a BMW E46 Cab or something from the Merc stable? If he's never going to test the dynamics and needs auto/bootspace these could be a better buy? Or is it a badge thing?

dumbfunk

[scotal]

Thanks Gents,
Replies have been passed on.

dumbfunk I don't think its a badge thing, its more a "The car isnt big enough for the family therefore I dont have to use it for that or lend it to the wife thing".