Porsche 911 Carrera C2 3.6 Review

Overall Rating

The 2009 version of Porsches iconic sports coupe offers a pure driving experience without dripping with pointless toys (Unless you start playing with the options list that is!)
Sure, it's fast and good looking, but at this price everything is. The 911's uniqueness in this sector of the market lies in it's unbridled rawness and the respect that it demands.
With a 3.6 litre Flat 6 cylinder engine hanging out behind the rear wheels, a feature of every 911 since the '60's, one would be forgiven for fearing the on-the-limit handling, but Porsche fettling and a fine ESP system tame the old bugbears to an almost imperceptible degree. Note the word 'Almost' though, because this 180mph machine still has 345 bhp and can bite back if foolishly driven.
The 911 needs no introduction looks-wise, but over the years it has become a bit more flowing, and the interior is now highly attractive and very comfy for two, and with occasional rear seats for modestly sized adventurers, or a pair of medium sized Dogs (Actually the reason we chose a 911!) Standard kit includes BiXenon lights, Leather trim, as well as the usual toys. Dig deep for extras though, you'll certainly want to customise your 911 with £2000-5000 worth of goodies to suit your lifestyle!
Driving the car is quite simply sublime. It's not only a doddle to drive, but turbine smooth, quiet when driven gently, and all the time, steering like no other car man has made! All the controls snick into action with a teutonic precision, and the brakes are made in heaven.
If you want to dawdle down to the shops, it gently thrums along in top gear at 30mph and indicates 25mpg, but a block change downwards and footful of throttle creates the familiar banshee like yowl and a severe forward thrust all the way past 160mph to the 180 top speed! It's almost like two cars in one.
Driver involvement is essential at all times though, the steering is alive, writhing a little over worn or ridged roads, and the controls are very precise, so get the clutch timing right or suffer the occasional graunching from the poor gearbox!
The front boot is surprisingly capacious, and extra stowage is added behind the rear seats, or even more if they are folded. Running costs won't be low, but £215 road tax and 2 year/ 20,000 mile servicing keep it real. Reckon 20mpg around town and 30mpg on a run.

If you're looking to spend £60-70K on an icon, look no further...