A visit to the local dealer - 986 Forum - The Community for Porsche Boxster & Cayman Owners

Ghostrider 310 · 10-19-2011, 01:49 AM

I went to the dealer yesterday to look at how the PDK shifts on the wheel. I sat in a used 911 cabrio, I couldn't believe how whipped it was, the front rims were nearly black with brake dust, whoever owned it didn't baby it. Anyhow, the guy says there is an optional steering wheel from Porsche that has the upshift/downshift on opposite sides, anyone have one of those? I told the guy about L&N and the IMS work they had done, he seemed genuinely interested. All he had to say about the M96 was essentially "whoopsie" in a sales professional manner.

Also, I would like to hear from all PDK drivers, the good, the bad and the ugly..

In case I go a different brand, what do you guys think of a ride like this:

Aston Martin | eBay

RandallNeighbour · 10-19-2011, 09:17 AM

I could be wrong, but I don't think you'll find a lot of PDK owners here. But I'd like to hear from PDK owners too since I'm headed that direction with my next Porsche.

That Aston looks sweet. Color's totally wrong for a guy, but the car is quite nice looking and has a lot of class. What I don't know is much of anything about an Aston's reliability or cost for maintenance.

Plus, it's not mid-engine and that makes it a totally different animal, really. But if you just want a very cool looking performance convertible for work and light driving, it would easily fit the bill.

I've decided on a 997 turbo next go-round, and one with PDK so the wife will approve the purchase (so she can drive it). My bet is that I'll enjoy it on the track more too not having to worry about missing a downshift.

Topless · 10-19-2011, 10:43 AM

When I drive a PDK car the steering wheel buttons seem unnecessary and annoying. Maybe I could get used to them after a while. I leave it in auto and just poke the shift lever to downshift entering a corner. PDK corner exit is fantastic.

Ghostrider 310 · 10-19-2011, 11:09 AM

If I don't enjoy shifting the PDK, I won't really enjoy the car. I appreciate the responses, I'm still trying to get my mechanic the IMS info on L&N or try to see if just putting a new engine in the Box is cheaper. Then hopefully, in dead winter, I can find my next sports car.

Topless · 10-19-2011, 12:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ghostrider 310

If I don't enjoy shifting the PDK, I won't really enjoy the car. I appreciate the responses, I'm still trying to get my mechanic the IMS info on L&N or try to see if just putting a new engine in the Box is cheaper. Then hopefully, in dead winter, I can find my next sports car.

If shifting is part of your joy driving a sports car, just get a manual gearbox. The PDK is a really really good automatic including rev matched downshifts. Shifting it manually seems like I am just getting in it's way.

Ghostrider 310 · 10-19-2011, 04:56 PM

I was taught to shift at age seven, my dad used to allow my brother and I to drive on his lot in otherwise junker cars. I love a manual gearbox but due to my health, my left leg will no longer accommodate it. I don't think I'm going to enjoy PDK and I just don't want an automatic sports car..

blue2000s · 10-19-2011, 05:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ghostrider 310

I was taught to shift at age seven, my dad used to allow my brother and I to drive on his lot in otherwise junker cars. I love a manual gearbox but due to my health, my left leg will no longer accommodate it. I don't think I'm going to enjoy PDK and I just don't want an automatic sports car..

In my mind, if you're not pushing a clutch pedal and moving a gear lever, it's an automatic. PDK is an advanced automatic, but it's still an automatic.

blue2000s · 10-19-2011, 12:10 PM

I've driven my friend's PDK C4S a few times. He's got the steering wheel buttons but is considering the paddles if he keeps the car.

This is with the 385 bhp 3.8L. The shifts are normally so smooth they're almost imperceptible. On full throttle, you can feel the shift, but it's still relatively smooth.

In normal, around town driving, it's an automatic. Shifting while just driving around or commuting just feels pointless. The transmission picks the right gear 99% of the time anyway. Actually, even driving agressively, manual shifting still feels mostly pointless, like you're doing it just to do it, not because the car needs a different gear from what it's already in. I haven't had the car on the track, but my friend has, he says that he pretty much lets the car decide what gear to be in then too. Again, this engine has ALOT of torque, so it might be different for the other cars, but to me, this is just an alternative to a normal auto transmission.

Shifting this car has no mechanical connection, it's like pressing a button to change the radio station. So I'm not sure how much anyone can really enjoy shifting these transmissions.

Thinking about it, Porsche has just done a really good job of marketing this transmission as something special. It was in Audis and VWs a few years before Porsche got it and now the double clutch gearbox is even available in Hyundais. I think we're just looking at the new automatic transmission, just more efficient technology and without the stigma.