Go Back   986 Forum - The Community for Porsche Boxster & Cayman Owners > Porsche Boxster & Cayman Forums > Boxster General Discussions

Post Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
Old 10-05-2015, 11:07 PM   #1
Registered User
 
SKOOSH1970's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: UK
Posts: 92
Garage
Surely not just for sunny days.......

.... over here in the UK I see many drivers of convertibles with the their roofs up even when it's sunny..... why do people buy convertibles if they're not going to take every opportunity to get it down...? Posers perhaps......waiting for just the right temp.?

I for one, subscribe to the theory that if it's dry...get the roof off.

I see plenty of users on here mentioning "the end of season" time of year.

How often do you guys and girls go topless and what temperature is your limit..?

Admittedly she's not my DD but I do try to drive her at least twice a week including at least one day a week to work on lovely, quiet, twisty, Shropshire B-roads.

Last year, before I consulted the user manual, I had the roof off at minus 2C...won't do it again due to the risk of damage to the roof mechanism but that's the only reason... after all, the heaters in these cars are exceptional and with the deflector and windows up, it's not a buffeting cockpit.

Just curious is all.......hats and scarves were invented for a reason.

Happy topless motoring

Si.
SKOOSH1970 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-06-2015, 02:15 AM   #2
Registered User
 
Retroman1969's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2013
Location: Oklahoma City
Posts: 856
Temperature range: (F) 55-85
Sunny or cloudy, day or night, as long as it's not raining.
However, since it's my daily, the top stays up if I have to arrive somewhere 100% fresh and neat of appearance. (ex. For a meeting with the boss or a client, etc)
The climate control does a good job of taking the edge off of the extremes of the above temps.

I used to be more extreme, but I must be getting softer as I get older.
Also, I have never driven with the top down and the windows up. I have to have the full open car experience or not at all.
__________________
"Remember, I'm pulling for ya! We're all in this together."

Last edited by Retroman1969; 10-06-2015 at 02:19 AM.
Retroman1969 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-06-2015, 02:54 AM   #3
Registered User
 
Fyeganeh's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2015
Location: Baltimore, MD
Posts: 60
Quote:
Originally Posted by Retroman1969 View Post
Temperature range: (F) 55-85
Sunny or cloudy, day or night, as long as it's not raining.
However, since it's my daily, the top stays up if I have to arrive somewhere 100% fresh and neat of appearance. (ex. For a meeting with the boss or a client, etc)
The climate control does a good job of taking the edge off of the extremes of the above temps.

I used to be more extreme, but I must be getting softer as I get older.
Also, I have never driven with the top down and the windows up. I have to have the full open car experience or not at all.
I used to not drive with the windows up, but now I have tried just leaving the passenger window up and it's great. The wind is way down but you don't feel enclosed.

Also below 40 F, I stop driving the car because I have summer tires and it would get dangerous.
Fyeganeh is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-06-2015, 02:42 AM   #4
Registered User
 
Top_Ramen's Avatar
Simple answer as to why I keep mine seasonal, SALT! They love to skimp on the actual plowing of the snow and instead just dump loads of salt on the ground to melt it in Chicago. As far as top down driving, the Box is pretty much top down every time I pull out of the garage.
__________________
'99 Porsche Boxster 986 - weekend car
'04 BMW 645ci e63 - daily driver
'98 BMW 528i e39 - dog carrier

Top_Ramen is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-06-2015, 02:50 AM   #5
Registered User
 
Giller's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: Listowel, Ontario, Canada
Posts: 1,120
Why do people always go to the 'posers' argument just because someone does something different than them? I love driving my car, but there are times putting the roof down makes no sense, such as if I'm heading to a business meeting and need to keep presentable.
As to temps....well, temp itself is not the deciding factoR alone. It's a combination of temp and sun. A nice clear sunny day? Top usually goes down if temp is in double digits (Celsius).
__________________
2011 Boxster 987.2 Arctic silver / Black leather, PDK with Sports Chrono Package Plus
Giller is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-06-2015, 04:23 AM   #6
Artist, 986S tinkerer
 
NewArt's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Montreal, Canada
Posts: 1,821
On the track, its roof up, windows down cuz that's the rules. On cool sunny days, it's roof down, windows up. A few degrees warmer, laid bare! Really hot and sticky in the city, all up and a blast of AC! That's the beauty of having an electric roof: an easy choice. Drop the top at the drop of a hat!
__________________
James now has: 2008 987S 6 speed
Crashed: 2010 987.2 pdk in speed yellow!
Sold to a cool racer chick: 2004 986 S
YouTube channel: the PORSCHE as seen by NewArt
www.youtube.com/channel/UCohdrH2xHTklM1thxk0KKOQ?
NewArt is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-06-2015, 04:39 AM   #7
Registered User
 
Joe B's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: Jackson Hole, Wyoming
Posts: 800
The simple answer is that Boxsters only came as convertibles ! It doesn't mean you have to take the top down. Sometimes I don't feel like getting cooked, or freezing, or I'd rather listen to the radio than the wind, so I leave the top up. In winter (November through March here) I use my hard top to keep out the cold, snow and slush.

Besides, why do you care whether or not other people drive with the top down? Do whatever blows your hair back !
Joe B is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-06-2015, 04:55 AM   #8
Luckyed
 
Luckyed's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: Florida
Posts: 253
Garage
No offense to those that do, but I can't understand putting the top down then rolling the windows up.
If it's too hot to put the top down, don't put it down.
I do leave my AC on when the top is down, but with the temp set on 80 degrees.

Actually since I don't use the Porsche as a DD, the top stays down WAY more than it is up.

The top is only used for parking in questionable areas and/or getting caught out driving when a shower pops up.
__________________
2001 Base 2.7 - Arctic Silver - 5 speed - Comfort Top -
3-4 Stalk OBC Upgrade - Double DIN Head Unit
Luckyed is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-06-2015, 05:21 AM   #9
Registered User
 
Top_Ramen's Avatar
Quote:
Originally Posted by Luckyed View Post
No offense to those that do, but I can't understand putting the top down then rolling the windows up.

"Hater-blockers" as I refer to them(have 5% tint on mine)
__________________
'99 Porsche Boxster 986 - weekend car
'04 BMW 645ci e63 - daily driver
'98 BMW 528i e39 - dog carrier

Top_Ramen is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-06-2015, 05:26 AM   #10
Registered User
 
kk2002s's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: S. New Jersey
Posts: 1,239
Garage
Sometimes I push top down beyond uncomfortable
Last night my wife and I were driving home top down (3 hours, top down, into a 4 hour drive)
It was dark, about 56 degrees. We had the heat going, windows up. My wife had her hoodie up over here head.
I was just about to get onto the highway and drive 75-80 mph.
I'm either getting to old or just smarter - I put the top up

We even commented before I pulled over - Why do we have the top down with the heat on, windows up and bundled up at night???

Also sometime the trip isn't long enough (15 mins or less) to justify (my mind) putting it down just to put it right back up
__________________
2002 S - old school third pedal
Seal Grey
kk2002s is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-06-2015, 05:47 AM   #11
Registered User
 
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Johnstown, PA
Posts: 195
Quote:
Originally Posted by Luckyed View Post
No offense to those that do, but I can't understand putting the top down then rolling the windows up.
It is out of habit for me from living in Germany. Out on the autobahn, cruising at 130 mph, you get nothing but loud wind noise. Both in my Boxster or my BMW, the roof was down any time possible but the windows were always up when I was really moving. I do the same thing here if I have to go out on the interstate for extended trips. Now back roads and such, all windows are down. Esp. with the BMW, with the roof down, windows up, you can have a regular conversation without having to yell at each other.
mump is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-06-2015, 05:50 AM   #12
Luckyed
 
Luckyed's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: Florida
Posts: 253
Garage
Quote:
Originally Posted by mump View Post
It is out of habit for me from living in Germany. Out on the autobahn, cruising at 130 mph, you get nothing but loud wind noise. Both in my Boxster or my BMW, the roof was down any time possible but the windows were always up when I was really moving. I do the same thing here if I have to go out on the interstate for extended trips. Now back roads and such, all windows are down. Esp. with the BMW, with the roof down, windows up, you can have a regular conversation without having to yell at each other.
That exemplifies the two different types of driving we do.
I rarely take the highway when in the convertible.
Here in Florida the roads are set up in such a linear pattern that many roads all go to the same place.
So we can cruise up the coastline for a slower, but quieter trip.

Thanks for the clarification.
__________________
2001 Base 2.7 - Arctic Silver - 5 speed - Comfort Top -
3-4 Stalk OBC Upgrade - Double DIN Head Unit
Luckyed is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-06-2015, 06:06 AM   #13
Registered User
 
CoBeerToad's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: Peoria IL
Posts: 529
Garage
My top is down if it's 50 F or higher. Or if I have a broad in the car. And you can safely assume that by my using the word "broad", I don't have many female passengers.
CoBeerToad is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-06-2015, 04:52 AM   #14
Registered User
 
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: Austin, TX
Posts: 175
Quote:
Originally Posted by SKOOSH1970 View Post
.... over here in the UK I see many drivers of convertibles with the their roofs up even when it's sunny..... why do people buy convertibles if they're not going to take every opportunity to get it down...? Posers perhaps......waiting for just the right temp.?

I for one, subscribe to the theory that if it's dry...get the roof off.

I see plenty of users on here mentioning "the end of season" time of year.

How often do you guys and girls go topless and what temperature is your limit..?

Admittedly she's not my DD but I do try to drive her at least twice a week including at least one day a week to work on lovely, quiet, twisty, Shropshire B-roads.

Last year, before I consulted the user manual, I had the roof off at minus 2C...won't do it again due to the risk of damage to the roof mechanism but that's the only reason... after all, the heaters in these cars are exceptional and with the deflector and windows up, it's not a buffeting cockpit.

Just curious is all.......hats and scarves were invented for a reason.

Happy topless motoring

Si.
It gets really hot here in Texas during the summer. No top down for me during that time. Maybe an occasional night drive, but those are rare too when it is still in the mid 90's F at night. There are many convertibles here, some people drive with their tops down even on the hottest days. The top is down for me all fall and winter though.
__________________
2002 Boxster S Polar Silver Metallic, Hard Top
2016 4Runner TEP
Muzzle of Bees is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-06-2015, 05:16 AM   #15
On the slippery slope
 
JayG's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: Austin and Palm Springs
Posts: 3,798
Garage
The only time the top is up is when I am parked where I can not see the car or it is raining.
Being in San Diego, we don't get much rain, nor does it normally get below 40. It does get hot, sometimes 100+, but not too often. When it is hot, AC is on and closer, heater is on.

Of course at the track, top is up for the rules and safety.

It's a roadster, so top and windows down is the proper configuration
__________________
2004 Boxster S 6 speed - DRL relay hack, Polaris AutoTop DIY
2004 996 Targa Tip
Instructor - San Diego region
2014 Porsche Performance Driving School
2020 BMW X3, 2013 Ram 1500, 2016 Cmax, 2004 F-150 "Big Red"
JayG is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-06-2015, 06:55 AM   #16
Registered User
 
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: Houston, Texas
Posts: 7,243
The weather can be absolutely perfect and I will keep the top up and the AC running.

Why? Allergies. On our most gorgeous days in Houston, the pollen count and ragweed spore count are off the charts.

And people wonder why I so desperately want to move away from Houston.
RandallNeighbour is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-06-2015, 12:11 PM   #17
On the slippery slope
 
JayG's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: Austin and Palm Springs
Posts: 3,798
Garage
I guess you picked the wrong day to stop sniffing glue
__________________
2004 Boxster S 6 speed - DRL relay hack, Polaris AutoTop DIY
2004 996 Targa Tip
Instructor - San Diego region
2014 Porsche Performance Driving School
2020 BMW X3, 2013 Ram 1500, 2016 Cmax, 2004 F-150 "Big Red"
JayG is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-06-2015, 02:05 PM   #18
Registered User
 
Perfectlap's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: New Jersey
Posts: 8,709
Only time top doesn't go down is when pollen season is off the charts, like I can see the pollen flying off the car from the wipers.
I also take the top down if there's a light drizzle and I'm going at least 65 mph.
I've done top down with snow on the ground a few times, just have to make sure the car is in a warm garage when the top is lowered.
__________________
GT3 Recaro Seats - Boxster Red
GT3 Aero / Carrera 18" 5 spoke / Potenza RE-11
Fabspeed Headers & Noise Maker
BORN: March 2000 - FINLAND
IMS#1 REPLACED: April 2010 - NEW JERSEY -- LNE DUAL ROW
Perfectlap is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-06-2015, 02:08 PM   #19
On the slippery slope
 
JayG's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: Austin and Palm Springs
Posts: 3,798
Garage
Quote:
Originally Posted by Perfectlap View Post
Only time top doesn't go down is when pollen season is off the charts, like I can see the pollen flying off the car from the wipers.
I also take the top down if there's a light drizzle and I'm going at least 65 mph.
I've done top down with snow on the ground a few times, just have to make sure the car is in a warm garage when the top is lowered.
Don't have to worry about snow or a cold garage here in beautiful sunny San Diego

Here you are a member of the TopDown365 club :dance:
__________________
2004 Boxster S 6 speed - DRL relay hack, Polaris AutoTop DIY
2004 996 Targa Tip
Instructor - San Diego region
2014 Porsche Performance Driving School
2020 BMW X3, 2013 Ram 1500, 2016 Cmax, 2004 F-150 "Big Red"
JayG is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-06-2015, 03:10 PM   #20
Hawaiian Driver
 
Hawaiian Driver's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: Maui
Posts: 58
Here in Hawaii I always keep the top up from 10-5, otherwise you'll burn up. Nighttime is awesome especially under a full moon! Rain squalls also can be an issue. Funny how many tourists rent convertibles and must open them no matter what. Many of them get burned to a crisp...
__________________
2005 Boxster S 6 Speed
Hawaiian Driver is offline   Reply With Quote
Post Reply



Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is On
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On




All times are GMT -8. The time now is 04:15 PM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.7
Copyright ©2000 - 2025, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.
Content Relevant URLs by vBSEO 3.6.0
Copyright 2025 Pelican Parts, LLC - Posts may be archived for display on the Pelican Parts Website -    DMCA Registered Agent Contact Page