PDK: Experiences, test drives, opinions, issues
 

I am a new member, currently looking to purchase an S (MY09 or 10).

I thought it would be nice to have a PDK thread. I didn't see anything during a search so moderators feel free to remove if there is one somewhere.

I will start with a recent test drive of a MY09 Boxster (both S and standard), both as a manual and PDK. No Sport Chrono.

My observations and thoughts from a test drive:

The Good:
-Boxster(S) with PDK is FAST! Believe the low 4-sec 0-60 times reported for S
-PDK makes the Boxster much faster--less reason for the extra $10k for the S
-Shifts are so fast they are nearly imperceptible--only the sound gives it away
-Zero loss of momentum during shifts (up or down)
-In auto mode, the brain picks the right gear every time even after hard braking
-In auto mode you can focus on driving--getting cornering/braking right
-Fuel economy will be slightly better with PDK
-Shift buttons on steering wheel are very ergonomic while hands are at 10 and 2

The Bad
-Shift buttons can only be used while hands are at 10 and 2
-You can't find the buttons whilst turning the wheel--needs paddles (or both)
-Using shift lever to change gears isn't fun either-travel is too short-just clicks 1cm
-If rowing your own gears is what excites you, this is not for you
-Buttons are a bit counterintuitive--you push to upshift and pull to downshift (both left and right)--will be a bit of a learning curve there to become habit.
-Very slight lag on take off when you first mash the accelerator-less than having to use clutch of course but more than a slush box.
-No long term reliability history with this new tranny
-Likely more expensive to repair than manual due to complexity

Just my thoughts from a test drive. Would love to hear comments from anyone that actually owns one of these.

CRCGuy

I'd love to drive one, you lucky dog. In my city, the Porsche dealer would never let someone showing up in a 1998 Boxster test drive a new one.

How do they sell cars? They expect people to just buy without a test drive? Crazy.

they seem to have some bizarre vendetta against paddle shifters. Makes no sense at all. The irony is that they would no doubt be a hit. German engineers are a stubborn lot.

I wouldn't mind seeing both options on the same car. Some sort of retractable paddles for city driving that fold away when you go to the shifter. Those tiptronic versions of a stick shift always feel weird.

As I recall, that was the case for Boxsters when they first came out.

I've got a pdk and have been enjoying it. I'm still about 85 miles out from fully breaking the engine in at 2k miles. Haven't had any issues with the transmission and the car is warrentied for 4 years, so I expect if any issues arise, it will be covered. Only issues have been a needed software upgrade to the PCM, a AC charge and 2 exhaust clamps needed replacing.

I'm with you, they should allow it, especially when the person already owns one, they just won't. They have no competition so they can do what they want..