Been shopping - this is hard

lofi · 2 Apr 2013

As some may have noticed from my previous threads (thanks all for the help) I've been doing some shopping. It's really very difficult. Only found one car that I thought was the one but was beaten to putting down a deposit. Waiting for confirmation that it has gone.

What I am finding surprising is how the same car, C4S tips, drive differently for whatever reason. I'm certainly learning to ignore the spec, read the history carefully and make sure the car feels 'right' on a drive. I'm not really sure what 'right' means but I certainly knew it when I drove the car on Saturday.

Ho Hum, I'm sure something will come up . . . .

T8 · 2 Apr 2013

Hard, but great fun I bet. :thumb:

I'm following your journey with great interest.

opcorn:

Hopefully the right one will turn up soon.

KGV · 3 Apr 2013

lofi said:
What I am finding surprising is how the same car, C4S tips, drive differently for whatever reason.

Hi Lofi, just thought I'd chip in here as I have a C4tip (the one with a smaller arse). The differences in driving you are experiencing are most likely the various programs on offer in the tip box, this can be quite misleading at slower speeds. To find out more, do a search on here on tips (there's loads).

You could also try the car in manual using the steering wheel buttons or simply override the auto using the buttons too. Takes a bit of getting used to, but soon becomes second nature and is rewarding too. :wink:

lofi · 3 Apr 2013

Kevingardner said:
Hi Lofi, just thought I'd chip in here as I have a C4tip (the one with a smaller arse). The differences in driving you are experiencing are most likely the various programs on offer in the tip box, this can be quite misleading at slower speeds. To find out more, do a search on here on tips (there's loads).

You could also try the car in manual using the steering wheel buttons or simply override the auto using the buttons too. Takes a bit of getting used to, but soon becomes second nature and is rewarding too. :wink:

Thanks for the tips (pun intended) :wink: I drive my current car on the paddles all the time so I have been testing in both auto and using the wheel buttons. The main differences I have felt have not been with the gearbox but more been in the performance, cars not pulling as strongly as they should, differences in braking and differences in on the road planted feel.

Red993C4 · 3 Apr 2013

Kevingardner said:
lofi said:

What I am finding surprising is how the same car, C4S tips, drive differently for whatever reason.

Click to expand...

Hi Lofi, just thought I'd chip in here as I have a C4tip (the one with a smaller arse). The differences in driving you are experiencing are most likely the various programs on offer in the tip box, this can be quite misleading at slower speeds. To find out more, do a search on here on tips (there's loads).

You could also try the car in manual using the steering wheel buttons or simply override the auto using the buttons too. Takes a bit of getting used to, but soon becomes second nature and is rewarding too. :wink:

The Tiptronic transmissions have "adaptive" electronic control systems which try to match the gear change strategy to the driver's "style". That is, if a driver is driving in what might be termed a sporty manner, the control system will adapt the road speeds at which shifts take place accordingly, e.g., typically shifting up at higher road and engine speeds to make more use of the engine's rev range and the power available at the higher speeds. If the car then gets into a city traffic or a hold-up, the control system will adapt to this over a short time.
I suppose this could be a little disconcerting for a little while after a change of driver, if the drivers adopt different driving styles, but I've not driven a Tip since I had one for a while in the late '80s, so I can't remember it being that noticeable. :dont know:

Red993C4 · 3 Apr 2013

lofi said:
Kevingardner said:

The main differences I have felt have not been with the gearbox but more been in the performance, cars not pulling as strongly as they should, differences in braking and differences in on the road planted feel.

Click to expand...

This would be due to the different wheel / tyre dimension combinations and tyre types available and the fact that these cars really react to changes in the suspension set-up.
Do a search on here for "Center Gravity" to find lots of comments on the difference just a change in set-up can make.

spectraluk · 3 Apr 2013

have you tried a manual?

T8 · 3 Apr 2013

lofi said:
The main differences I have felt have not been with the gearbox but more been in the performance, cars not pulling as strongly as they should, differences in braking and differences in on the road planted feel.

+1 what Red993C4 said.

see here >> http://911uk.com/viewtopic.php?t=77667&highlight=£300

Igurisu · 3 Apr 2013

Thats the great thing about test drives Lofi, you'll have a much better feel for when you find the right car.

Take your time and enjoy the search, and remember, there always be another one coming up for sale

lofi · 3 Apr 2013

spectraluk said:
have you tried a manual?

No, because if I try one I'll likely prefer it but as an auto is a non-negotiable condition from the Mrs it will have to be auto. In any case, whilst struggling under the thumb, I've been exclusively auto for nearly 3 years and I'm not sure I can be bothered with a manual everyday. I'd love PDK but those cars are still real money.

lofi · 3 Apr 2013

T8996C4 said:
lofi said:

The main differences I have felt have not been with the gearbox but more been in the performance, cars not pulling as strongly as they should, differences in braking and differences in on the road planted feel.

Click to expand...

+1 what Red993C4 said.

see here >> http://911uk.com/viewtopic.php?t=77667&highlight=£300

Thanks for the link and I fully appreciate what is being said about setup. I've had previous cars (Subaru, Caterham) benefit enormously from regular geometry setup on a laser rig. I've always used Elite in Rainham who do a great job.

spectraluk · 3 Apr 2013

lofi said:
spectraluk said:

have you tried a manual?

Click to expand...

No, because if I try one I'll likely prefer it but as an auto is a non-negotiable condition from the Mrs it will have to be auto. In any case, whilst struggling under the thumb, I've been exclusively auto for nearly 3 years and I'm not sure I can be bothered with a manual everyday. I'd love PDK but those cars are still real money.

shame :thewife:

KGV · 3 Apr 2013

lofi said:
spectraluk said:

have you tried a manual?

Click to expand...

No, because if I try one I'll likely prefer it but as an auto is a non-negotiable condition from the Mrs it will have to be auto. In any case, whilst struggling under the thumb, I've been exclusively auto for nearly 3 years and I'm not sure I can be bothered with a manual everyday. I'd love PDK but those cars are still real money.