chance2001

Yeah. I use a booster seat as well since my son is old enough now. I've noticed it pushes a little forward given the concavity of the lower, rear seat. Not the most comfy position. Perhaps putting a tightly rolled-up towel on the lower part of the back seat to fill that concavity. Any thoughts??????

I agree. I take everything out of the car. If they want to rip the car, go ahead. I'll have another one in the garage in a week. They are great cars, but if somebody wants your car, it's as good as gone. My buddy is a cop and he's seen them all stolen with every alarm you can think of. In fact they caught one guy driving a new Mercedes with the alarm going off as he drove down the highway. Nobody pays any attention to alarms anymore. Heck, I've seen Hyundais with alarms going off in the parking lot at the local mall. Get a kill switch, but at best it only slows them down. While in college I woke up one night to my neighbor's car alarm going off. I looked out the window and this guy was just taking his time steeling the t-tops of my neighbor's new 300zx. He didn't look concerned at all; breaking the window, undoing the tops and putting in the back of his truck. By the time my neighbor got outside, mr. crook had slowly driven off. I would have headed out myself, but I don't go after anyone in my underwear unless they're stealing my stuff or I'm running from the cops (kidding). :huh:

AVg. speed of 23. Man, I'm glad I don't live in California. I sure do miss the incredible weather though. I have to say, I drove my 997 to downtown Dallas today (my daily driver needs service) and it was fun, but rough. I've gotten accustomed to my BMW 745 for bus. Don't get me wrong, I love my P but I don't think I could drive it every day. I'm not so sure I'd have the same appreciation for the car. My hat's off to you guys that drive these every day unless you have reasonable commutes. Cheers!

You have some bad cells in your battery, residual power is causing the clicking (your starter struggling on insufficient power) and allowing your lights to come on. You need real cold cranking amps to turn the engine over, which you don't have anymore. Take the battery out and have it tested; 99% sure your battery is shot.

It doesn't really matter if the shop does a perfect job. I don't want to buy your car and neither does anyone else who really knows these cars. The liquidity of these cars and their value is based on very few factors: mileage, condition, service and paint/body work. Any and all of these determine the car's value more so than any other non-exotic. They cannot give a great estimate until the car is done. I told them to base my estimate on perfect work. They did and even with that the dealer gave me very reliable numbers they would stand behind, which I presented to the adjuster along with a couple of salvage offers, we compared them to what the car "was worth" before the wreck and we struck a deal. If you want to walk away, approach all parties with that intent in mind. "Why should I wait for the repairs when I already know I don't want a fixed wrecked car?". Insist they work with you on this. If this is what you want, you'll get it if you're hungry enough. Also, how high can your blood pressure get wihout your head blowing off?? Careful,..this is business-remember that. :cursing: By the way, I too sufferred whip lash and still have problems with my neck to this day and I am in excellent physical condition. Part of me wishes I kept an open book on my neck so I could have gotten more treatment (something to think about). <_< Also, fair warning: don't let the other guys insurance company insist your insurance pay for it and they subrogate. This means your company pays and then goes after them for the money. Your insurance company will get reemed and they'll tell you this if you ask them. If you feel you are in over your head at any point, contact an attorney for "real professional" advice. Also, call you claims dept., they'll give you really good advice on how to deal with the other company. I have USAA and they told me how to play hard ball and it helped alot. Hope this helps. You should know I am not a lawyer. :unsure:

I had mine salvaged because I didn't want to wait for the repairs I knew would take weeks. Waiting until after the repairs will get you a more accurate salvage value and diminished value estimate, no doubt. You're on the right path, it will just take time. Keep putting your plans together as you go so once your car is ready, you're prepared to deal with them. You will find the insurance company far more interested to take care of you if there may be a pending medical claim, as you eluded to. Car damage is easy to estimate, physical injury is not.

997S. I never paid any attention. With a GT3 I'm surprised to hear you ask, really. I wonder if there's a Hummer forum somewhere where they discuss MPG?! The metro area in which you reside will make a significant difference, especially if you deal with rush-hour traffic in a city like LA or SFO.

I agree with Brian. You took delivery knowing there was a flaw. They're doing their best to do the job right and tossed in some comp for your trouble. That's no excuse for poor communication, bad service and significant delays--unprofessional. I understand your frustration, but you accepted the vehicle as is, with a promise. If it were bad, I would have said keep the car. You're in love, let 'em fix her (to your complete satisfaction). I still think the manager of the dealership deserves some of your thoughts, given thier poor service.

Considering it says you are from Texas, I would love to read the story of what happened to this punk. Black belt (full contact), five years boxing--my prior life before investments...

Dont give up. Call Porsche and ask them for salvage dealers, call local Lexus, BMW and Mercedes PAINT SHOPS and ask them. They have this info. Don't trust some idiot giving you a quote over the phone. He's looking to steal your car. Don't even call him back. You want pros that deal in high end cars. Trust me, they are there. Get two, no less trade in values given the car's damage, one from two Porsche dealers preferably. You can also get one from your local HIGH END car dealer. These guys are pros at finding paint work and discounting your fixed car. Those two estimates will go a long way with the insurance company. If they are jerks, threaten to report them to the state board of insurance for ripping you off (every state has one). You have to be a nail eating a** h***. Appraisers get paid year end bonuses for keeping the claim payments down; we're talking about your check here. It comes down to two things; how much time do you have and how p'd off are you? I fought hard for two or three weeks (off & on) to get what I wanted. The reality is I probably spent more time $$ than I'd care to admit, but it was/wasn't about the money, if you know what I mean. I had the money to buy another car, but they owed me for smashing my sweetie. If it were my fault, fine I'll take a hit since I screwed-up,..no problem. If it's not, come on..work with me here. I'll trade you a wrecked and fixed Taurus (what the adjuster was driving) for your Taurus. What do you say? I didn't think so. Let's be fair here... I hate being tough on people, but they're getting paid to beat you up. Remember that when you deal with them. Touch base...

Get a list of all the services that are included. I know Porsche isn't cheap, but there are no free lunches. I live in Dallas. Let me know how it goes...

Apartments are ponds for scum to grow. Review the crime stats and you'll find that apartments harbor more transient individuals that tend to be pressed out of work easily (no home). Buying a home requires commitment, hard work and a sense of neighborly responsibility. I lived in high dollar apartments previously and it just didn't matter, someone in the complex is looking for quick cash or their friends are. I'm bummed for your loss. I've had the fortunate opportunity to catch one in the act of ripping out my stereo years ago and made him pay dearly for his transgression. There are more crooks out there than you can teach a lesson. Find peace in the fact you have the opportunity to own such a fine car, and some will be jealous of your success. Keep living well!

The real question: will you be happy with a damaged, repaired car. I know the feeling, it's happened to me. I received a quote of $22k for repairs. Here's what I did: I took the estimate for repairs along with an estimate from a salvage firm (buy cars, fix 'em and resell them), and it was less than I had paid four months earlier so I pushed hard for $4k is deminition of value and got it. I walked away from the car and bought another. Here are the elements: Residual value + deminition of value + salvage value = your cost, hopefully. Ask the body shop for three, THREE salvage bids. They know salvage guys, trust me on this one. Do your numbers. If it doesn't make cents, don't do it. It did for me, though. I am anal as hell and can't stand having paint and especially metal work done. Life's too short to settle if you don't have to. I'm not the first to tell you they can do incredible work on cars these days, but can you live with it???? Another thing, diminision of value is not absolute, but a negotiated number you can influence with support from your local dealer on how the value of the car would be affected if you traded it in after repairs--get this from them. They'll know the shop you're dealing with and the quality of their work. Push hard (a few calls or one good visit with your local porsche service rep and used car mgr). I'm bummed for you, but you'll be back in the driver's seat soon. Don't despair.

There are trade-offs; if you want sticky tires that really handle well, then you will burn through them within 12k miles, less if you push the car. Sure you can find plenty of tires that will last longer, but you'll pay for it in performance big-time. Stick with good ones. Check out discount tire online to find the right tire and you may even save some money at the same time.

Chrono doesn't change the suspension PASM does....... chrono on its own won't do anything to the suspension however pressing the Sport mode button will also put PASM (if fitted) into sport mode....... each can be used independantly....... eg press Chrono button and PASM goes into stiff suspension mode, by then pressing the PASM button you can turn it back to normal mode. If you also have a tiptronic slushmatic Chrono makes the gearchanges quicker........ I haven't tried the later option because automatic sportscars shouldn't be allowed :rolleyes: Yup. Also agree with your comment on craptronics.

This does not apply to N. American models, as Loren states. Also, the solvents that are used in laquers and clearcoats cure much faster than ever before. You're fiine.

I'm not sure about the installation of rear latches, but the front should be done by Porsche. Here's why: first of all they add a kit that includes a key switch on the dash inside the passenger door that allows you to turn-off the airbage, then there's the seat that is supposedly designed to fit the seat. I looked into it briefly as I have two kids that I love to take in my car, but it's a safety issue so I put them in the back in a booster seat. It fits well, but my 997S has that extra piece in the lower back area that pushes the upper part of the seat forward--probably not the most comfortable position for them. The cost with seat and switch installed was almost $1300 if I remember correctly (front seat install). Post what you decide and do...

These look pretty nice. I may get some for my 997. I see the screws so they are obviously drilled. Do these feel the same or better than the stock ones????

I have a 997 S, Cab with Chrono. It does more than reduce the response time of the accelerator, it also stiffens the suspension significantly. It also provides several options of controling features in the car the non-chronos car owners will have to pay to have changed at the dealer. I like the feature, but I honestly don't use it that much. Trust me, there's no doubt when it's on becasue you feel it throughout the car as you push it hard.

Sweet. Don't care for the spoiler, I think it's a little overkill for such a fine looking car. My thoughts.

I have not seen any that were spot welded. I am curious if the welds are stock. Is your car a 996?

Sounds real fundamental, but make sure the waterspots are on the outside of the paint. I know, sounds strange, but my last 996 had water spots UNDER the clearcoat. Can you believe someone would reclearcoat without colorsanding. Potato heads. They weren't easy to see, but they were there. If they are on the outside, there is a great site that provides three different polishes, 1, 2 and 3. Each provides a different amount of abrassiveness to remove varying degrees of paint imperfections. Griotsgarage.com has this micro polish formula that as it is used, the molecules actually shrink into almost nothing. So when you start, it starts out abrassive and gradually becomes very fine. I've had tremendous success using this formula. As it turns out, my neighbor created the product and sold the formula to him. Too bad he didn't keep any. Give it a try you'll be very pleased. My neighbor uses it on his Ferarris and I've always used it on my cars (997, 745li, 996, E55's).

Here are your options: Starter (bushings or solenoid short), ignition switch (most likely), wiring harness (doubtful, but possible) or battery connection problem. Trace the voltage from the battery through the ignition switch to the starter. You need to have current running to the starter when the ignition is engaged (full turn). If no voltage through the ignition switch you've found your probem-ignition (assuming you've run your checks to be sure power is getting to switch). If you have voltage THROUGH the ignition, focus on the starter. You can bench test a starter easily when it's out of the car and before replacing, strongly recommend just as a confirmation of a dead unit. In addition, sometimes the solenoid alone can be replaced saving you from replacing the entire unit, if the solenoid is shot. Good luck!

I have seen the logo mats, but didn't pay attention as to whether they were lined with leather. I do remember the quality being very, very high. I was surprised at the detail in the logo, but then didn't realize their cost either. I'll ask my buddy who has them in his car what the scoop is...

I think the bumper cover would be sufficient. You're right, I hate looking at the stuff but know its a trade-off you have to accept. After returning from the gym this morning, I was backing my car into the garage and accidentally coasted into the fence that separates my property from my neighbor's. While it was very, very slow I did bump (front) into a wood fence. After inspecting the sight, there was a slight nick and scrape in the film. Man, if I had no film I'd be pretty sad today. It saved me today. While I despise the look, just consider it a Porsche trojan. I still plan on doing the headlights and in front of the rear wheels (I imagine this was probably done at the factory or port because all S models have it). I will post the photos of the entire process. I've done three of my other cars so I'll let you all be the judge. During the winter months it's a little tougher because it's cold and the film is not so pliable, but the hair dryer and heater will solve that problem. I'll try to post some here so you don't have to search too much. I noticed some of the film on the lowest part of the front spoiler is fraying just a bit. Those high driveways and speed bumps probably rashed me a tad. I may have that piece redone. Check back next week. Good day!