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    Nov 16, 2006 6:12:19 PM

    Dan L
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    Dan L
    Loc: Santa Barbara, CA , United States
    Posts: 1957, Gallery
    Registered on: Jan 2, 2006

    Cabriolet Owners' Practices

    Some questions for other cabriolet owners.

    (1) Do you bother to select "ECO" for the a/c when the top is down?

    (2) Are you really using the windscreen? (Sometimes I just like it without it).

    (3) Is the top control mechanism a little difficult for you when trying to raise or lower AND handle a shifter, e.g., in a parking lot?

    (4) Do your rear windows come back up after you have lowered the top or do you have to manually intervene after the top down mechanism is finished raising up the front windows?

    (5) Do you find less turbulance (without the windscreen up) with the rear windows down?

    (6) Do you have a hardtop? Do you wish you did? (I like the options afforded by having one).

    Just some cab-unique questions. Of course, I'm not going to even as kif you wish you had bought the coupe instead,--I can't think of anyone who would be serious enough to buy a cabriolet to have second thoughts about a coupe instead.

    dan

    Nov 16, 2006 6:25:35 PM

    Randy 911
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    Randy 911
    Loc: New Jersey
    Posts: 14, Gallery
    Registered on: Jul 18, 2006
    Reply to: Dan L

    Re: Cabriolet Owners' Practices

    Interesting
    1) i never use the eco button when top is down...should I?
    2) I don't use the windscreen as a can't put the seat back as far as i need to. I'm 6'4" and i need to change the angle of the drivers seat to accomodate the wind screen. I also kind of like the wind blowing.
    3)Sometime I have trouble handling the shifter and the top button, but it's only takes about 10 seconds so I guess its managable.
    4)My rear windows stay down....does it make sense to raise them as well??
    5)not applicable as I don't really use the wind screen
    6) Not sure why anyone would want to have/store the hard top. It seems like an over priced option with little to NO added value. I have two friends who own 996's convertibles with the optional hard top and they've NEVER bothered to use them!

    I couldn't be more happy with my convertible. I owned a 996 coupe and it was OK, the convertible ROCKS!!

    Nov 16, 2006 6:44:30 PM

    Scotty A
    Senior
    Scotty A
    Loc: New Jersey
    Posts: 606, Gallery
    Registered on: May 31, 2006
    Reply to: Randy 911

    Re: Cabriolet Owners' Practices

    1. I use the AC when the top is down if it's really hot; not sure why I would use ECO.
    2. I use the windscreen alot. It was drizzly this morning in NJ and I was passed by another Midnight Blue CS2 Cab with the top down and the windscreen up.
    3. Yes.
    4. Not sure
    5. I've tried to see if there's a difference but can't detect one. I often put the rear windows up anyway.
    6. Got a hardtop - love it. It's like having a Cab in the warm weather and a coupe in the cool weather.

    Nov 16, 2006 7:20:54 PM

    beltar
    Veteran
    beltar
    Loc: belgium , Belgium
    Posts: 1232, Gallery
    Registered on: Mar 15, 2005
    Reply to: Dan L

    Re: Cabriolet Owners' Practices


    Some questions for other cabriolet owners.

    (1) the ecobutton is standard procedure in my car: saves fuel and ads 15HP!Only use AC to defog the windows when raining ;and when driving open when it's very hot outside (in belgium not often the case).

    (2) Almost always using the windscreen.Because we are mostly letting the horses galop!

    (3) no prob

    (4) No you have to handle them manualy

    (5) I find closing the rear windows with the screen up makes less noise, but no less turbulece.

    (6) No, almost never used it on the 996 (3 months a year, and only because of the lack of a glass rearwindow)

    Nov 16, 2006 7:40:35 PM

    Alex_997TT
    Rennteam Master
    Alex_997TT
    Loc: Reading , United Kingdom
    Posts: 3320, Gallery
    Registered on: Nov 20, 2005
    Reply to: Dan L

    Re: Cabriolet Owners' Practices

    Do you bother to select "ECO" for the a/c when the top is down?
     No, I turn off the air-con completely. Otherwise you are just blowing out air into the surrounding atmosphere! I normally just put the heated seats on if cold. If a hot day then I don't use my wind-deflector in the back to get a more natural source of air-con.

    Are you really using the windscreen? (Sometimes I just like it without it).
     Windscreen?! I assume you mean the wind-deflector! I initially considered if you were routinely sitting on a box to peer over the front window!! Might be a bit blowy at 80mph down the freeway!
    Then I worked out what you were actually asking! Yes, I use it every time I know in advance that I am going to have the top down. So typically in the summer. My young lady finds it a bit too blustery without it.

    Is the top control mechanism a little difficult for you when trying to raise or lower AND handle a shifter, e.g., in a parking lot?
     Yes a real pain in the backside! I wish there was a single action you could open and close the top with without having to hold the button for what seems forever.

    Do your rear windows come back up after you have lowered the top or do you have to manually intervene after the top down mechanism is finished raising up the front windows?
     Rear section windows don't rise after lowering the roof no. I don't think they are really necessary though unless you have someone sitting in the back.

    Do you find less turbulence (without the windscreen up) with the rear windows down?
     Haven't noticed that

    Do you have a hardtop? Do you wish you did? (I like the options afforded by having one).
     No, and no I wouldn't use one even if I had one. They are not to my taste style-wise. With the soft top up I sometimes forget that I'm not in a coupe anyway so I personally don't see the need.

    Nov 16, 2006 8:13:45 PM

    Le Chef
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    Le Chef
    Loc: Chicago , United States
    Posts: 1059, Gallery
    Registered on: Jul 3, 2003
    Reply to: Dan L

    Re: Cabriolet Owners' Practices

    (1) Do you bother to select "ECO" for the a/c when the top is down?

    Depends on the outside temp. If outside temp > 80F then have A/C on.

    (2) Are you really using the windscreen? (Sometimes I just like it without it).

    Yes. It's up most of the time. Only down when I'm driving in town at low speeds.

    (3) Is the top control mechanism a little difficult for you when trying to raise or lower AND handle a shifter, e.g., in a parking lot?

    Yes. but I lower or raise the top when the car is stationary.

    (4) Do your rear windows come back up after you have lowered the top or do you have to manually intervene after the top down mechanism is finished raising up the front windows?

    No. Rear windows have to be raised manually.

    (5) Do you find less turbulance (without the windscreen up) with the rear windows down?

    Yes.

    (6) Do you have a hardtop? Do you wish you did? (I like the options afforded by having one).

    No. No. Perfectly fine without one.

    Just some cab-unique questions. Of course, I'm not going to even as kif you wish you had bought the coupe instead,--I can't think of anyone who would be serious enough to buy a cabriolet to have second thoughts about a coupe instead.

    I had 2 Coupes before I bought a Cab, and with a soft top as good as this I see no reason to go back to a Coupe. The only reason would be if the car was always parked in the street and that would be for obvious security concerns.

    Waiting for my next > 40F day...

    Nov 16, 2006 9:47:54 PM

    GA997S
    Veteran
    GA997S
    Loc: Athens, Georgia, USA
    Posts: 1059, Gallery
    Registered on: Aug 19, 2005
    Reply to: Dan L

    Re: Cabriolet Owners' Practices

    Quote:
    Dan L said:
    Some questions for other cabriolet owners.

    (1) Do you bother to select "ECO" for the a/c when the top is down?

    I have but not that often

    (2) Are you really using the windscreen? (Sometimes I just like it without it).

    Like the look without it and I'm 6'7" so seat pos is not quite right w/ it in place. I do like the way is helps keep heat in on cold days.

    (3) Is the top control mechanism a little difficult for you when trying to raise or lower AND handle a shifter, e.g., in a parking lot?

    of course

    (4) Do your rear windows come back up after you have lowered the top or do you have to manually intervene after the top down mechanism is finished raising up the front windows?

    same as yours...stays down

    (5) Do you find less turbulance (without the windscreen up) with the rear windows down?

    no

    (6) Do you have a hardtop? Do you wish you did? (I like the options afforded by having one).

    no. don't like the look

    Just some cab-unique questions. Of course, I'm not going to even ask if you wish you had bought the coupe instead,--I can't think of anyone who would be serious enough to buy a cabriolet to have second thoughts about a coupe instead.

    CABRIOLET!

    dan

    Nov 17, 2006 2:31:23 AM

    bstew
    Expert
    bstew
    Loc: NC, USA
    Posts: 1797, Gallery
    Registered on: Oct 11, 2005
    Reply to: Dan L

    Re: Cabriolet Owners' Practices

    Quote:
    Dan L said:
    Some questions for other cabriolet owners.

    (1) Do you bother to select "ECO" for the a/c when the top is down?

    (2) Are you really using the windscreen? (Sometimes I just like it without it).

    (3) Is the top control mechanism a little difficult for you when trying to raise or lower AND handle a shifter, e.g., in a parking lot?

    (4) Do your rear windows come back up after you have lowered the top or do you have to manually intervene after the top down mechanism is finished raising up the front windows?

    (5) Do you find less turbulance (without the windscreen up) with the rear windows down?

    (6) Do you have a hardtop? Do you wish you did? (I like the options afforded by having one).

    Just some cab-unique questions. Of course, I'm not going to even as kif you wish you had bought the coupe instead,--I can't think of anyone who would be serious enough to buy a cabriolet to have second thoughts about a coupe instead.

    dan



    1. I have a few times. Most of the time I just leave it alone.
    2. Yes I use it at times.
    3. It's not bad either way. I guess I'm just use to it.
    4. You know I don't know. When I lower the top I usually leave the windows down.
    5. Don't know. I usually raise all the windows or lower them all.
    6. No I don't have the hardtop. I wouldn't mind trying one though.

    Nov 17, 2006 3:42:17 AM

    kw sofadv
    Junior
    kw sofadv
    Loc: SF area, Ca, USA
    Posts: 92, Gallery
    Registered on: Jan 25, 2006
    Reply to: bstew

    Re: Cabriolet Owners' Practices

    1. ECO with top down half the time. AC half the time.
    2. Windscreen most of the time with top down. It makes a big difference on the freeway.
    3. Holding the button is a pain. I have Smart top installed. Love it.
    4. Smart Top took care of the rear window also.
    5. Don't notice any diff. with the rear window up or down
    6. No hardtop. No need in Calif.

    Cab. was my only choice. It would be a deal breaker.

    Nov 17, 2006 6:01:16 AM

    SVNSVN
    Rennteam Pro
    SVNSVN
    Loc: CA, USA
    Posts: 2994, Gallery
    Registered on: May 22, 2005
    Reply to: Dan L

    Re: Cabriolet Owners' Practices

    Quote:
    Dan L said:
    Some questions for other cabriolet owners.

    (1) Do you bother to select "ECO" for the a/c when the top is down?

    (2) Are you really using the windscreen? (Sometimes I just like it without it).

    (3) Is the top control mechanism a little difficult for you when trying to raise or lower AND handle a shifter, e.g., in a parking lot?

    (4) Do your rear windows come back up after you have lowered the top or do you have to manually intervene after the top down mechanism is finished raising up the front windows?

    (5) Do you find less turbulance (without the windscreen up) with the rear windows down?

    (6) Do you have a hardtop? Do you wish you did? (I like the options afforded by having one).

    Just some cab-unique questions. Of course, I'm not going to even as kif you wish you had bought the coupe instead,--I can't think of anyone who would be serious enough to buy a cabriolet to have second thoughts about a coupe instead.

    dan



    (1) Yes, but only after Porsche-Jeck pointed this out to me. Perhaps this is one of the reasons I was getting such poor gas mileage before.

    (2) Yes, even with the top up... OK- I'm lazy! I was pleasantly surprised that even with the seats all the way back, they didn't touch...

    (3) No problem.

    (4)I believe they come back up,,,, too long since I drove my car- STILL waiting for it State side.

    (5)Refer to answer #4.

    (6)Yeah, don't think I would ever use it in CA.

    I LOVE the looks of my Cab!!! ( and everything else about it!) ; however, the Coupe does have slightly better lines and a more masculine/strong look, IMO.

    Nov 18, 2006 12:27:48 AM

    TomFromCT
    Newbie
    TomFromCT
    Loc: Connecticut
    Posts: 7, Gallery
    Registered on: Apr 7, 2006
    Reply to: SVNSVN

    Re: Cabriolet Owners' Practices

    1 - Yes, always. Except if I'm stuck in stop-and-go traffic in very hot weather. Then I run the A/C and direct teh cold air to the footwells.
    2 - The windscreen was delegated to my garage on the day I took delivery and I have never used it.
    3 - I installed SmartTop and activated the one-touch feature.
    4 - SmartTop handles this.
    5 - Don't know. I never raise the windows with the top down.
    6 - Not sure. I'll let you know in the Spring.

    Nov 18, 2006 2:08:21 AM

    PeterC4
    Newbie
    PeterC4
    Loc: Ontario, Canada
    Posts: 3, Gallery
    Registered on: Oct 1, 2006
    Reply to: TomFromCT

    Re: Cabriolet Owners' Practices

    1. never thought about it, but if it adds more hp without it, I will try without it.
    2. use the windscreen when cold, and my wife prefers it when cooler. it works very well, and is worth having it, but I prefer without, and windows down if warm enough.
    3. I will get smart top, I had it in my 996 cab and works really well.
    4. in the 997 they do come up automaticaly
    5. yes there is less turbulance
    6. no hard top. so far not driven in winter
    2006 C4 Cab Seal Grey, black inside, fabulous car!

    Nov 18, 2006 2:45:25 AM

    GA997S
    Veteran
    GA997S
    Loc: Athens, Georgia, USA
    Posts: 1059, Gallery
    Registered on: Aug 19, 2005
    Reply to: PeterC4

    Re: Cabriolet Owners' Practices

    Quote:
    PeterC4 said:
    4. in the 997 they do come up automaticaly




    rear windows? look again...don't think so

    Nov 20, 2006 9:04:59 PM

    Weasel
    Junior
    Weasel
    Loc: GA
    Posts: 125, Gallery
    Registered on: Apr 5, 2006
    Reply to: GA997S

    Re: Cabriolet Owners' Practices

    With my Smart Top equipped 06 C4S, the rear windows go up if you hold the button until just after the front windows are completely raised.

    Nov 20, 2006 10:09:12 PM

    harlandoc
    Junior
    harlandoc
    Loc: New Jersey
    Posts: 64, Gallery
    Registered on: Jan 23, 2005
    Reply to: Scotty A

    Re: Cabriolet Owners' Practices

    Scotty A, was that Rt. 17 South?

    Nov 28, 2006 9:31:24 AM

    Scotty A
    Senior
    Scotty A
    Loc: New Jersey
    Posts: 606, Gallery
    Registered on: May 31, 2006
    Reply to: harlandoc

    Re: Cabriolet Owners' Practices

    Quote:
    harlandoc said:
    Scotty A, was that Rt. 17 South?



    yessir. was that you?

    Nov 28, 2006 7:55:09 PM

    Dan L
    Expert
    Dan L
    Loc: Santa Barbara, CA , United States
    Posts: 1957, Gallery
    Registered on: Jan 2, 2006
    Reply to: Scotty A

    Re: Cabriolet Owners' Practices

    I hope to install the smarTOP within a couple of weeks. Should eliminate a lot of the remaining shortcomings. Thanks for all the replies and insight.

    Dan

    Nov 28, 2006 10:00:46 PM

    harlandoc
    Junior
    harlandoc
    Loc: New Jersey
    Posts: 64, Gallery
    Registered on: Jan 23, 2005
    Reply to: Scotty A

    Re: Cabriolet Owners' Practices

    Quote:
    Scotty A said:
    Quote:
    harlandoc said:
    Scotty A, was that Rt. 17 South?



    yessir. was that you?



    Yup- I travel that road often with the top down. My car is Lapis blue, which looks sometimes darker and sometimes lighter, depending on the ambient light.
     
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