Do you leave your top down when in shops, in a bar, at a restaurant?

[Perfectlap]

top down makes it easier to steal your headlights. If you live in an area where Porsches are common, theives know HID/Litronics can fetch big money and are simple plug and play parts.
There was a rash of Litronic thefts in So Cal a few years back... a place where lots of people leave their tops down. use the clip.

[Frodo]

Originally Posted by Perfectlap

top down makes it easier to steal your headlights.

How so? (HOPEFULLY not a stupid question!)

[Kenny Boxster]

Originally Posted by Frodo

How so? (HOPEFULLY not a stupid question!)

Reach in, open the door to access frunk lever, pop the frunk, rip the carpet from the sides, slide the headlight removal tool in hole, slide them out, and gone.

[Frodo]

Yeah, but the trunk (frunk) release lever is electronic...in mine (a 2001) anyway. I can't really say I've physically tested this, but when you lock the car, isn't the manual lever-controlled trunk (frunk) release disabled??

[Perfectlap]

Originally Posted by Frodo

Yeah, but the trunk (frunk) release lever is electronic...in mine (a 2001) anyway. I can't really say I've physically tested this, but when you lock the car, isn't the manual lever-controlled trunk (frunk) release disabled??

They know how to start your car once they're in it.

[Frodo]

Originally Posted by Perfectlap

They know how to start your car once they're in it.

So you're implying that we're dealing with a professional here? I really don't have a lot of knowledge on the subject, but doesn't somebody capable of starting a car without a key generally not have a lot of trouble getting into the car in the first place? If they're capable of starting the car it's a whole new ball game---the headlights become just one small piece of a much bigger package.

Originally Posted by Kenny Boxster

That's actually a very interesting prospect you brought up. I would go try it now but my car is currently on stands with the battery disconnected. That's how I imagine a thief would go about obtaining the headlights.

And of course the other matter I didn't mention earlier (but should have) is this: Even if the frunk of a locked Boxster does open when the lever is pulled (not established---I'm bettin' it won't), you'd also have a situation where the intended crook is fiddling around with pulling headlights while they are flashing wildly and the horn's blaring. Although I'm sure there are exceptions, in general I can't imagine too many bad guys sticking around under those conditions. If they were willing to deal with 10 or 15 seconds of noise and lights, I guess somebody who knew what he was doing could disable the alarm---maybe as easily as just pulling a fuse?

KB, I'd go out and test my electronic release disabled theory for you but it's a little early in the morning to deal with the racket of the alarm. Later, for sure...

[Perfectlap]

Originally Posted by Frodo

So you're implying that we're dealing with a professional here? I really don't have a lot of knowledge on the subject, but doesn't somebody capable of starting a car without a key generally not have a lot of trouble getting into the car in the first place? If they're capable of starting the car it's a whole new ball game---the headlights become just one small piece of a much bigger package.

Well calling them professionals is quiet flattering to them but the 986 is not a very modern car from a security standpoint. They don't need to fire up up the engine they just need to get the juice going to disarm and open the trunk. Yes, you are correct getting in is not difficult either. Top down just makes it more appetizing, like a big eclair on a silver platter. But the risks and penalties of burglarizing your car vs pulling off grand theft are two different matters. One can get you time in jail the other time in prison. Your Porsche would have to have a pretty high 'hot value' (a big discount over trade-in) to make it a worthwhile risk for a gainfully employed theif. The risk/reward of a quick $1,000 for your headlights is the better deal. And of course there are always the meth/crack heads to consider. They love elcairs.

[Kenny Boxster]

Originally Posted by Frodo

Yeah, but the trunk (frunk) release lever is electronic...in mine (a 2001) anyway. I can't really say I've physically tested this, but when you lock the car, isn't the manual lever-controlled trunk (frunk) release disabled??

That's actually a very interesting prospect you brought up. I would go try it now but my car is currently on stands with the battery disconnected. That's how I imagine a thief would go about obtaining the headlights.