
One-Year Test Update: 2003 Porsche Carrera C4S
Our biggest problem was prying the Porsche out of editors' hands long enough to get it to our dealer
By Neil G. Chirico
Photography by John Kiewicz
Once we reached the 15,000-mile mark, our biggest problem was prying the Porsche out of editors' hands long enough to get it to our dealer. But pry we did, and, $1555.77 later, we left with two fresh rear tires, a wheel alignment, and the completed service. We feel this shop overcharged us for the tires, despite parent company Porsche's plea to its dealers to fairly price the Tire Rack-sourced rubber. The service included 10 quarts of Mobil One, the oil filter, replacement of the air and cabin pollen filters, a long list of inspected items, and a shot of lube on the squeaky clutch pedal. We were surprised to be handed back a dirty and unvacuumed car. None of this has lessened our determination to make sure the Porsche never sits home alone.
| 2003 Porsche Carrera C4S |
| Base price | $82,645 |
| Price as tested | $90,575 |
| Vehicle layout | Rear engine, awd, 2-door, 2-pass |
| Engine | 3.6L F-6, DOHC, 4 valves/cyl |
| Hp @ rpm | 315 @ 6800 |
| Torque @ rpm | 273 @ 4250 |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual |
| 0-60 mph, sec | 4.6 |
| EPA mpg | 17 city/24 highway |
| Total mileage | 18,826 |
| Average test mpg | 18.1 |
| Problem areas | None |
| Non-warr cost | $1555.77 |