2008 Porsche 911 Carrera 4S Cabriolet

Pros: (1) That 911 look that will still hold when your own 10 year old is in the seat.
(2) Earth-moving acceleration and that distinctive Porsche howl
(3) Unbelievable cornering and stability, especially from a cabrio

Cons: (1) Without the windblocker up, the interior is more windy than most cabrios >75mph
(2) I wish the heat were stronger for al-fresco trips up to Tahoe
(3) All the jealous whiners driving 318ti's missing the point and complaining about sat-nav (!)

Summary: Porsche ran an ad in 2005 that featured a 10 year old falling in love with the 911. Check it out on Youtube. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g5Iu7Gk6Igg)

That kid was me.

After 22 years of saving my pennies (and a little luck with stock options), I just bought a pre-owned 911 C4S Cabrio (997 body) in Slate Grey Metallic and let me tell you, it is everything I ever imagined it would be and more. After 22 years, my expectations were pretty high.

I just spent the weekend hurtling down Hwy 1 which is perched on the face of the cliffs above the Pacific. 200 feet above the crashing waves, I never for a moment felt the slightest tinge of worry as I tore down the road early in the morning on my way to the beach.

The car drives like a dream. Double-clutch downshifts are amazingly intuitive and the car is instantly responsive to my every command. Steering is taut and instantaneous and the body follows obediently with no roll.

Also, on those rare occasions when I put the top up, I am always surprised at how quiet it is.

Complaints about sat-nav...is that guy for real? Has he even used the BMW iDrive?