Any danger in being a garage queen? - 986 Forum - The Community for Porsche Boxster & Cayman Owners

rubberduckie · 07-19-2006, 11:56 AM

I bought my Box about 7 months ago to use as my daily driver, however, soon after I got him home I knew that I didn't want to waste him on my boring morning commute so I left him in the garage and bought a TT to cover for the Box. The problem is that as my love for my Boxster growes (as it does very time I look at it), the more I just want to protect it and keep it clean and safe in my garage. At this point I only drive him about 30 to 45 minutes a week (all at once on a weekend) just around my gated community. Now I know that my Box deserves a real life, but other than not fulfilling his need for speed, I am doing any real long term damage to the car. It is a 1997 with about 47,000 miles on it and as long as I keep doing all the maintence based on time, not miles will I create a problem? Thanks for the advice!

blinkwatt · 07-19-2006, 12:03 PM

I would think that the only issue this could cause would be seals drying up. Since you drive it weekly I wouldnt see a problem though. Just change the oil every year and keep up with maintainence and I would think you will be fine.

70Sixter · 07-19-2006, 12:17 PM

I think Blinkwatt is wrong about things being fine. You could suffer depression from lackaboxa. You seem to have a mild symptom by just worrying about it. Next GUILT sets in. No telling what after that. Maybe start looking at Buicks to replace the TT.

Get that baby outta the gates and onto the Winding Road for some trips to redline!

denverpete · 07-19-2006, 12:49 PM

Dear Lord! Your post came close to making me cry. 30-45 minutes a week? In a GATED COMMUNITY? With so little exercise I'm surprised the SPCP (Society for Protection of Cruelty to Porsches) hasn't taken it away. In the name of all that is good and twisty, drive the thing!

Failing that, set it free. If it comes back to you, run! Cuz that'd be one FREAKY CAR!

Pilot2519j · 07-19-2006, 01:14 PM

It sounds you are making the Boxster into a veal cutlet. I don't see the need to get a P-car and not to use it. I use mine everyday top down as much as I can. Luckily I have only 15 minute commute or shorter depending on my speed mood. I use my car all year round. I love it and I would be nuts to put in the garage so I could save it from use! Dump the TT, which sucks anyway, and drive the Boxster which is the standard for all sports cars. Get rid of your guilt and drive the car that truly rewards your driving experience!

07-19-2006, 02:03 PM

It is important to get the engine up to temperature and "burn off" moisture & condensation. It is also good to get the VarioCam (does the 1997 have this?) fully exercised. I don't think driving in your neighborhood, like you have been doing, is enough to fully warm 9 quarts of oil.

RandallNeighbour · 07-20-2006, 01:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blinkwatt

I would think that the only issue this could cause would be seals drying up.

Yeah, they do get all crusty and dried out if they're out of water too long...

Rail26 · 07-20-2006, 04:00 PM

Where's my club when I need it? Here little seal.....just kidding. He's cute.

07-21-2006, 07:02 PM

As has been said so many times throughout this forum: Porsches love to be driven. They get very cranky when they are left at home while the family goes out and has fun without them. Remember, it is the Porsches that DON'T get driven that tend to have way more problems than those that do.

Brucelee · 07-22-2006, 06:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by creseida

As has been said so many times throughout this forum: Porsches love to be driven. They get very cranky when they are left at home while the family goes out and has fun without them. Remember, it is the Porsches that DON'T get driven that tend to have way more problems than those that do.

Actually, there is no data on whether this is a true statement or not and this is likely too vague a condition to actually test. After all, what is the annual mileage that constitutes a "garage queen" (think of the images this can bring up!) and a normal driver. Is it 5K a year, 10K etc etc.

In addition to seals and the like, batteries go bad faster and tires get out of round pretty quickly when the car sits.

I do suggest that a good brisk half hour drive twice a month is minimum. Moreover, you may want to get a battery tender AND those little tire cups that will keep the tires from flat spotting.

Or, sell the car and buy a nice portrait of one for your garage.