In defence of the much maligned sunroof

In defence of the much maligned sunroof

Author
Discussion

Paynewright

Original Poster:

659 posts

78 months

Friday 20th April 2018
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Last year I began researching and looking at 996's in readiness to make a purchase. Most of the posts I read on various forums concerning 996.1 and 996.2 suggested manual gearbox with sunroof delete, so these went on the 'must have' list.

After looking for several months for my 'perfect' car without success I compromised and purchased a great condition 996.2 C2 manual with sunroof. Not ideal but hey ho.

Over the last couple of days, now the sun is out, I've found it incredibly useful to have it. I don't always like to have the aircon on (uses fuel / saps power) and having the windows open is too noisy. Popping the sunroof open at the back edge increases the airflow through the cabin considerably with little increase in noise.


So, my advice, if you're struggling to find your perfect spec car, the sunroof is a useful compromise. Like with all electrical features, just check it works OK (mine was fine).

Ian

PS - It also has a grey full leather interior, which I like, as much less oppressive than black


Rob996

85 posts

103 months

Friday 20th April 2018
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Couldn't agree more. When looking for mine the only two options I wanted was sunroof and switchable sports exhaust. Mine also came with grey interior as well and I've grown to love it. Lightens up the interior nicely.

ishay

145 posts

99 months

Friday 20th April 2018
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I've never got this one. Yes a car should be a good drivers car, but I don't understand why some people insist on making it a more miserable place to be in process. I have a sunroof, happily - and I'm looking forward to getting my AC fixed in a couple of weeks!

Reminds me of this...

http://www.evo.co.uk/opinion/19561/cars-are-often-...

(Funny how you sometimes remember where you read something. I can tell you I originally read this on an easyjet flight to Spain - aside over)

rdodger

1,088 posts

204 months

Friday 20th April 2018
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Sunroof was on the must have list for us!

I don't understand the logic of an early car with no sunroof. Best condition C2 for the budget in a colour that wasn't silver was my search

Ended up with a C2 in grey with sunroof and Aero. Lovely :-)

skinny

5,269 posts

236 months

Friday 20th April 2018
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Agreed I like my sunroof in the summer - pulls the air out nicely, and would much rather have it than not.

I'm really not fussed about an extra 5kg or the roof line

jonny996

2,621 posts

218 months

Friday 20th April 2018
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I completely forgot I have a sunroof, will open it on way home tonight.........

Jim1556

1,775 posts

157 months

Friday 20th April 2018
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skinny said:
Agreed I like my sunroof in the summer - pulls the air out nicely, and would much rather have it than not.

I'm really not fussed about an extra 5kg or the roof line
It's usually around 20kgs. Imagine strapping a full jerry can to the roof. Some like it, some don't. Pros and cons to both...

jonny996

2,621 posts

218 months

Friday 20th April 2018
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Jim1556 said:
skinny said:
Agreed I like my sunroof in the summer - pulls the air out nicely, and would much rather have it than not.

I'm really not fussed about an extra 5kg or the roof line
It's usually around 20kgs. Imagine strapping a full jerry can to the roof. Some like it, some don't. Pros and cons to both...
I'm driving my car all wrong, I cant even feel a difference when I have a 80Kg passenger in the car.

Secret director

162 posts

78 months

Friday 20th April 2018
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I made the ‘mistake’ of buying a new T with a sunroof.......... what an idiot...... Best mistake I’ve ever made...!!!

ishay

145 posts

99 months

Friday 20th April 2018
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anonymous said:
[redacted]
Same, I think he pushed it a bit too far by taking on the manual/PDK debate in there but you can see why he did it. But the first part about AC, radio, etc is spot on unless spec’ing an almost pure track day car.

c4sman

759 posts

155 months

Friday 20th April 2018
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What are meant to be the sunroof downsides? If it’s weight, there must be very few drivers who could tell the difference on a road or track day imho but happy to hear from them. If its looks I don’t see the issue but could understand someone really wanting an uninterrupted roof (but doesn’t bother me). Anything else?

Jefferson Steelflex

1,444 posts

100 months

Friday 20th April 2018
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It’s something else to go wrong, as I’ve just found out.

But the biggest issue is drainage. 996s, like many cars I suppose, have a sunroof drainage system that is not particularly good and requires a lot of maintenance. Mines always been fine, but I do constantly check the rear carpets as that’s where water goes to when the drain tubes are busted.