Carrera 4s thoughts? - LotusTalk

EagleTime · 10-07-2012, 12:54 PM

Anyone have a Carrera 4s they want to sell? Looking to sell my Elise and get C4s. Anyone owned before C4s.. If so whats your thoughts? Seems to be best both worlds sports and can be driven in snow.

me73 · 10-07-2012, 01:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EagleTime

Anyone have a Carrera 4s they want to sell? Looking to sell my Elise and get C4s. Anyone owned before C4s.. If so whats your thoughts? Seems to be best both worlds sports and can be driven in snow.

My buddy has a 2010 C4S PDK. It's very stable, very solid, and the thrust at full throttle makes you giggle like a little kid. It's also very heavy and isolated and expensive compared to an Elise. Test drive one and see if you like it. My advice would be to get one (or any water cooled H6 Porsche) from 2009 or newer. Do a search on IMS failure to see why. Although I feel it's overhyped and preventable, some people are paranoid about it. In either case, Porsche's reaction to the issue shows that Porsche doesn't have much regard for it's customers.

Certified Lotus · 10-07-2012, 05:18 PM

I owned a 997 C4S. Great car.....but you can't drive it in the snow with those monster tires.

EagleTime · 10-07-2012, 06:02 PM

Im looking at a 2004 C4s which is the 996. In 2005 the 997's came out but is it really worth the price jump to get a 997? Whats the big differences?

me73 · 10-07-2012, 06:21 PM

Lots of cosmetic and mechanical differences. Porsches are continually getting more powerful, stronger braking, more capable, and often more heavy.

The 996.2 and 997.1 are similar chassis-wise, but different in details. Most parts between the generations are not interchangeable. In general, the 996 is a little more hard edged but not as capable. I actially prefer the 996 as a driver's car. Also most feel that the 997 is much better looking. To go back to the IMS, most 996s have replaceable bearings, the 997.1 does not.

These cars are not cheap to own and any car that didn't get regular, proven maintenance should be avoided. Suspension bushings, air/oil coolers, spark plug tubes, door and window sensors, rear main seals, wheel bearings all seem to wear out much more often than one would normally expect.

forkmeupscotty · 10-07-2012, 06:28 PM

How about a 996 turbo? Sure the interior looks a bit dated, now but it's a superb car for the price!

EagleTime · 10-07-2012, 06:31 PM

I'm wanting the C4s so I can drive it all year around.. sun,rain, or even snow.

me73 · 10-07-2012, 06:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EagleTime

I'm wanting the C4s so I can drive it all year around.. sun,rain, or even snow.

Turbos have a similar awd drivetrain as the c4.

Notorious · 10-08-2012, 06:23 AM

The 996 C4S does accelerate very well. My friend had a convertible C4 and lent the car to me and I was pleasantly surprised. The 911 family has always felt very fast off the line even though they might not have had the most powerful engines in the class.

The maintenance can kill though and the 996 generation never appealed to me looks-wise thanks to the 67% shared parts with the 986 Boxster. The interior will be very spartan and the leather won't be as nice as the leather in the Elise, go figure.

RaceCarDriver · 10-13-2012, 08:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Notorious

The 996 C4S does accelerate very well. My friend had a convertible C4 and lent the car to me and I was pleasantly surprised. The 911 family has always felt very fast off the line even though they might not have had the most powerful engines in the class.

The maintenance can kill though and the 996 generation never appealed to me looks-wise thanks to the 67% shared parts with the 986 Boxster. The interior will be very spartan and the leather won't be as nice as the leather in the Elise, go figure.

I owned an 02 C4S for 6 yrs, was the most reliable car i've ever owned. Nothing but routine maintenance and it was great in the snow with winter tires,

EagleTime · 10-13-2012, 09:02 PM

I test drove 996 C4s and the seats were very comfy. Yes the dash/radio area do look a bit dated. I could always update the stereo area and the dash wouldn't bug me a much. Is it really worth the extra for the 2005 C4s 997 over the 996 hmm.. :-)

Notorious · 10-13-2012, 10:05 PM

It might be for the interior updates alone.

RaceCarDriver · 10-19-2012, 04:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EagleTime

I test drove 996 C4s and the seats were very comfy. Yes the dash/radio area do look a bit dated. I could always update the stereo area and the dash wouldn't bug me a much. Is it really worth the extra for the 2005 C4s 997 over the 996 hmm.. :-)

my 996 C4S had full leather and supple leather seats. That helped a lot as far as the interior goes.

Agent ONE · 10-31-2012, 06:42 AM

I sold my Lotus and got a C4s, I live in downtown Chicago but commute to Northbrook every day. As long as snow tires are on through the winter its fine.

EagleTime · 10-31-2012, 06:49 AM

What about a SL55 AMG? I know its crazy fast and a lot of torque but if you put snow tires with 18 inch rims... think that would work? BTW.. how's the gas miles on the C4s?

aschen · 10-31-2012, 06:55 AM

996 engines have some inherent weaknesses you should read up on. This is the primary reason 996s are so reasonably priced. The opinions on the severity of the problem are quite varied.

996 TT is imune from these problems, is significantly faster, and is still AWD. Of course it is quite a bit more expensive than a c4s, but it is cheaper than a C4s and a new engine.

Just a heads up. Do your own research. I am not an expert, but If I thought I could track the hell out of $20K regular 996 without it blowing up, I would have one already!

Agent ONE · 11-13-2012, 04:47 PM

Wouldn't get an SL. Dull driving experience... If you like driving your Lotus, you will not like driving an SL...

The mileage on the 4S is pretty good, ~25 highway (almost all of my miles).

sprocket3 · 12-07-2012, 03:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EagleTime

I'm wanting the C4s so I can drive it all year around.. sun,rain, or even snow.

I don't think you will want to drive it in the snow. With all the weight over the rear tires even a C2 sticks pretty good in the rain. I drove a 911 in the rain of oregon for years and was amazed at how well planted the rear end stayed. Why pack around all the extra stuff anyway, and there is not enough weight on the front tires when you launch to do much either.

I would go C2 or an audi beast of some sort. Why don't you look at Audi RS4s or similar instead.

Just my .02

dma550 · 12-07-2012, 04:10 PM

sold my 05 s/c elise, bought a 2009 911 turbo new in 2010, now back with a 2006 exige. IMO, even as capable as they are, if this is your second "fun" car and not just a stylish DD, you might miss the lotus like I did, and lose a huge bunch of money finding it out!

EagleTime · 12-08-2012, 05:49 AM

Im thinking of an 08 corvette coupe and drive my beater n the winter.

10-07-2012, 12:54 PM	#1 (permalink)
EagleTime Registered User Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Illinois Posts: 334 Images: 2	Carrera 4s thoughts? Anyone have a Carrera 4s they want to sell? Looking to sell my Elise and get C4s. Anyone owned before C4s.. If so whats your thoughts? Seems to be best both worlds sports and can be driven in snow.

10-07-2012, 05:18 PM	#3 (permalink)
Certified Lotus Registered User Join Date: Nov 2006 Posts: 894	I owned a 997 C4S. Great car.....but you can't drive it in the snow with those monster tires. __________________ '07 Exige S,2bular Header,De-Cat & GT3 Exhaust,Koldfire ECU, V2 Fuel Cell,BOE Surge Tank,MWR Fuel Rail,RLS Intercooler,Pipes & CF heat shield,Sector 111 Gpan, Accusump,Nitron GT3 shocks,V2arms,AP Racing Brakes(315mm),SS Brake Lines,Prototype Composites CF Roof,ReVerie CF Front Splitter,diffuser & 1650MM Wing,RTD Brace, SSC Shift Cable, Sector 111 Trackmount, Lotus High Perf.Air Box,Defi Gauges,RAC Monolite Wheels,Safecraft 5 Point Harness,Personal F1 & Rapidfix II quick release,Traqmate.

10-07-2012, 06:28 PM	#6 (permalink)
forkmeupscotty Registered User Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Mountain View Posts: 847	How about a 996 turbo? Sure the interior looks a bit dated, now but it's a superb car for the price! __________________ 2008 Lotus Exige S240 Phantom Black - Starshield, Touring Pack, Track Pack, LSD, Premier Gold Pack 2008 BMW 535i - Sport Pkg, SportAT, etc http://www.youtube.com/forkmeupscotty

10-08-2012, 06:23 AM	#9 (permalink)
Notorious Zombie Hunter Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: LaLaLand Posts: 5,339	The 996 C4S does accelerate very well. My friend had a convertible C4 and lent the car to me and I was pleasantly surprised. The 911 family has always felt very fast off the line even though they might not have had the most powerful engines in the class. The maintenance can kill though and the 996 generation never appealed to me looks-wise thanks to the 67% shared parts with the 986 Boxster. The interior will be very spartan and the leather won't be as nice as the leather in the Elise, go figure. __________________ My 2009 Elise for sale: MoMo SloMo MoFo Joyrides upon request w/lots o' cash money http://www.lotustalk.com/forums/f94/...-995-a-116554/

10-13-2012, 10:05 PM	#12 (permalink)
Notorious Zombie Hunter Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: LaLaLand Posts: 5,339	It might be for the interior updates alone. __________________ My 2009 Elise for sale: MoMo SloMo MoFo Joyrides upon request w/lots o' cash money http://www.lotustalk.com/forums/f94/...-995-a-116554/

10-07-2012, 06:02 PM	#4 (permalink)
EagleTime Registered User Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Illinois Posts: 334 Images: 2	Im looking at a 2004 C4s which is the 996. In 2005 the 997's came out but is it really worth the price jump to get a 997? Whats the big differences?

10-07-2012, 06:21 PM	#5 (permalink)
me73 Lotastic Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Lynnwood, WA Posts: 368	Lots of cosmetic and mechanical differences. Porsches are continually getting more powerful, stronger braking, more capable, and often more heavy. The 996.2 and 997.1 are similar chassis-wise, but different in details. Most parts between the generations are not interchangeable. In general, the 996 is a little more hard edged but not as capable. I actially prefer the 996 as a driver's car. Also most feel that the 997 is much better looking. To go back to the IMS, most 996s have replaceable bearings, the 997.1 does not. These cars are not cheap to own and any car that didn't get regular, proven maintenance should be avoided. Suspension bushings, air/oil coolers, spark plug tubes, door and window sensors, rear main seals, wheel bearings all seem to wear out much more often than one would normally expect.

10-07-2012, 06:31 PM	#7 (permalink)
EagleTime Registered User Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Illinois Posts: 334 Images: 2	I'm wanting the C4s so I can drive it all year around.. sun,rain, or even snow.

10-13-2012, 09:02 PM	#11 (permalink)
EagleTime Registered User Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Illinois Posts: 334 Images: 2	I test drove 996 C4s and the seats were very comfy. Yes the dash/radio area do look a bit dated. I could always update the stereo area and the dash wouldn't bug me a much. Is it really worth the extra for the 2005 C4s 997 over the 996 hmm.. :-)

10-31-2012, 06:42 AM	#14 (permalink)
Agent ONE Censored: Too AWESOME Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Chicago Posts: 1,004	I sold my Lotus and got a C4s, I live in downtown Chicago but commute to Northbrook every day. As long as snow tires are on through the winter its fine. __________________ Sold Lotus, bought 911C4S. The Lotus didn't do too well in the snow.

10-31-2012, 06:49 AM	#15 (permalink)
EagleTime Registered User Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Illinois Posts: 334 Images: 2	What about a SL55 AMG? I know its crazy fast and a lot of torque but if you put snow tires with 18 inch rims... think that would work? BTW.. how's the gas miles on the C4s?

10-31-2012, 06:55 AM	#16 (permalink)
aschen My car is really small Join Date: May 2008 Location: Woodlands Tx Posts: 1,814	996 engines have some inherent weaknesses you should read up on. This is the primary reason 996s are so reasonably priced. The opinions on the severity of the problem are quite varied. 996 TT is imune from these problems, is significantly faster, and is still AWD. Of course it is quite a bit more expensive than a c4s, but it is cheaper than a C4s and a new engine. Just a heads up. Do your own research. I am not an expert, but If I thought I could track the hell out of $20K regular 996 without it blowing up, I would have one already! __________________ Seriously, my car is small 07 Exige-S, "Landshark" 05 Saffron Yellow "bumbleBee", on to a new owner Also: 84 930 turbo, 06 WRX Wagon

11-13-2012, 04:47 PM	#17 (permalink)
Agent ONE Censored: Too AWESOME Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Chicago Posts: 1,004	Wouldn't get an SL. Dull driving experience... If you like driving your Lotus, you will not like driving an SL... The mileage on the 4S is pretty good, ~25 highway (almost all of my miles). __________________ Sold Lotus, bought 911C4S. The Lotus didn't do too well in the snow.

12-07-2012, 04:10 PM	#19 (permalink)
dma550 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: CT, Shoreline area Posts: 1,498	sold my 05 s/c elise, bought a 2009 911 turbo new in 2010, now back with a 2006 exige. IMO, even as capable as they are, if this is your second "fun" car and not just a stylish DD, you might miss the lotus like I did, and lose a huge bunch of money finding it out! __________________ David Avery 06 Lotus Exige \| Mini Cooper JCW Cab \| Kioti CK35 TLB visit focusedE

12-08-2012, 05:49 AM	#20 (permalink)
EagleTime Registered User Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Illinois Posts: 334 Images: 2	Im thinking of an 08 corvette coupe and drive my beater n the winter.

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