PORSCHE TIPTRONIC GEARBOX | What It’s Like To Drive 2023 Review |

How fast does the Porsche Tiptronic Gearbox shift? Is it really that bad? Porsche's Tiptronic gearbox as often totally disregarded second-choice to a six-speed manual transmission for the 996 and 997-generation 911 and also Cayman/Boxster. But with many thousands of examples available worldwide, is a 911 with Tiptronic transmission really that bad?! I take my Porsche Cayman 987.1 for a real-world road test and reveal every stat you need to know about the gearbox for the early Millennium era. Are you a fan of the Tiptronic gearbox? Do you think it's underrated? Let me know in the comments.
Let’s not pretend this is an alternative to the PDK, it is not. But it could make a great choice for somebody wanting to own a Porsche but for one reason or another they need auto.
🔵 Don't forget to click the ‘like’ button and SUBSCRIBE
/ @joetalkscars
Follow me on social media
🔵 / mrjwpenny08
🔵 / mrjwpenny
🔵Here are some links to the fantastic gear I use to create my videos
Microphone: amzn.to/3pdBTgI
Lighting to Aux: amzn.to/3jIChDa
#joetalkscars #cayman987 #porscheowner
Thanks for watching
Joe 😊

[@Peter-pw9lc]

Thanks for this video! I drive a 996.2 Tiptronic and love the way it moves. People say its slow BUT no manual car will keep up at traffic lights compared with a Tiptronic. Unless you can change gears like Ayrton Senna a Tiptronic is faster than a manual every time.

[@MrRoyck10]

There is no right or wrong Porsche, it all about individual choices that’s why Porsche in their wisdom have the transmission options. I like my flat six served on a manual transmission as analog as possible. The speed or extra MPG of the PDK is irrelevant, how quick a PDK can change gear is meaningless to me as I want to engage my left leg and left hand whilst driving my Cayman, now that’s personal to me. All Porsches are good be it flat four, flat six,air cool, PDK or Tiptronic, the BoxEngine is iconic.

[@JoeTalksCars]

Yeah they wouldn’t do it if it ruined the car. Porsche know what customers Want and expect. It’s a great gearbox.

[@M_IkeLeBlanc]

Great video. Before ordering my 2022 Cayman S, I flipped back and forth between a manual or PDK. Finally decided on the PDK and could not be happier.

[@JoeTalksCars]

Thank you! Love the PDK! Amazing gearbox, my next one will be a PDK. However the new car I am on the waiting list for doesn’t have a gearbox 😉

[@Alan-mb8zy]

@@JoeTalksCars please don’t say that you’re going electric 😢

[@andreysedgwick9613]

As an ex motorbike rider and owner of countless manuals, automatics were the devil. Now that I am closer to my deathbed, I have been there done that and my 135i, 335i and 911 are all automatic. I simply can’t be bothered anymore with the manual gear changes and just enjoy holding the steering wheel with both hands while carving around our back roads and nailing those apexes.

[@thekatmann9730]

What you elude too... with your daily driving... is exactly it! It's all in where you drive, and what you want your experience (while driving) to be.. I drive mine as often as possible - in the Summer months (late April, to sometimes November). And I wouldn't have considered anything BUT a manual. I work from home - so I'm not commuting daily. But I drive the car several times a week. I also live in a very small Town. But when I get to the City close by, it does become a bit of a labor. The traffic lights are awful in this particular City. So there's is a LOT of 'start n stop' driving. But I absolutely LOVE the connected feeling I have to the car, while shifting the gears. The joy I get from that connection is far greater than the hassle of shifting in cluttered traffic.

[@JoeTalksCars]

That’s just it:) thanks for your comment. It all depends how much you like the feeling of manual vs commuting and daily driving the car.

[@tomburns890]

I like my Tiptronic in my 997 Turbo and I had a stick in my 996 turbo. I also love the 997. the best sport cars ever made imo.

[@JoeTalksCars]

Oooh I get in the turbo it’s brilliant. I mean you just hang on for dear life in those.

[@carsandcats3161]

Much better than people think in normal ‘D’ mode. Kick down was fast in my opinion. Thank you for making your vids mate, keep up the great work!

[@JoeTalksCars]

Thank you! Yeah to be honest when I first drove it and did that I was sat there like, what are people even talking about? 🤣

[@jonwarshawsky5288]

I drive a Tiptronic 964. For track use, PDK is the best, but unavailable prior to 1990. For driving on normal roads, Tiptronic is excellent. Very underrated, and quite durable. The extra complexity and cost of maintaining a dual-clutch gearbox is probably not worth it for typical driving.

[@JoeTalksCars]

Yeah the Tiptronic just isn’t going to be as fun or engaging on track but for daily use it sure is great! I’ve heard similar about how tough they are which is good. Least that bit of the car will hold up.

[@ThatCaymanGuy]

Very fun and educating video Joe! I cant imagine Tiptronic being all THAT bad. I once owned an Eclipse that was Tiptronic as well, it was definitely fun in manual mode. For me, buying a Porsche it had to be a manual. It's really preference, my daily car is a 2009 Camry and its automatic, perfect for everyday driving chores.

[@JoeTalksCars]

The Porsche Tiptronic is great I think. Just love having the car so usable day in day out. I do want to drive a manual one to be fair.

[@ThatCaymanGuy]

@@JoeTalksCars well if you ever make your way out to southern California.

[@Roland_Rohrle]

Even though I have a 987.2 base PDK, I have very fond memories of the first Cayman I ever drove, which was a silver base 987.1 Tiptronic . I loved it👍😎🏁 As previously mentioned, it's all down to personal choice.

[@JoeTalksCars]

They just arnt that bad. That being said, if you compare to the PDK it’s not the best 🤣 just the ease of the makes up for any flaws

[@oggie1967]

Thanks for the info Joe! Am currently in the market for a 997 911 but suffer hip problems in my left leg currently. Think you’ve set my mind at ease about getting a Tipton model so thanks for that!👍😄👏👏👏

[@JoeTalksCars]

Glad it’s helped:) you will love the Tiptronic! Ignore the haters and get what is right for you:) enjoy

[@esculape1452]

Got one on a 997. Don't worry the Tiptros really nice. I think the only ones who don't like it are the one who don't own it.

[@oggie1967]

@@esculape1452 Hmmm, a bit late to the party! Saw an absolutely gorgeous Aston DB9 with touchtronic 2 transmission and pulled the trigger!👍🤷🏻

[@garrymartin3804]

Great review Joe fair and accurate in my opinion mine is also tiptronic and I like the choices it offers ps no snapped cables lol (cost for that anyone )

[@p____p4tel]

Shifter cables can come away in the tiptronic as well. No fun. Believe me...

[@JoeTalksCars]

Didn’t realise yours was too! Nice. They are much less common too. Usually cheaper apparently, I’ve not seen this in the used market tho. They are all expensive now 🤣

[@JoeTalksCars]

Really? I’ve literally never heard of this!

[@HektorBandimar]

I have a Skoda Fabia with a 6 speed Tiptronic gearbox, with the addition of a sport option gear, plus the manual option. It's been great, I really like it. And yes, despite it being a Skoda it can motor. It doesn't have buttons of paddles on the steering wheel, the manual shift is just + or - depending on which gear you want.

[@benriche2846]

I love my tiptronic in my 996. Most people I suspect are put off without ever even trying a tiptronic. I have also never tried a manual so I’m sure these are great on good roads/track. I live in London so an auto works well for me and when I occasionally find a country road the manual setting allows for pretty good gear control.

[@rodgraff1782]

Try flooring it twice in rapid succession, while cruising on the highway. It Will kick down two gears and take off like a rocket

[@s10lucky]

Great video Joe. The tip looks good. I love my PDK especially in town. I’m still missing a manual but not sure if its enough to go back. Plus the PDK is rapid and sounds great.

[@JoeTalksCars]

Thank you!!! I love PDK, the budget just didn’t stretch at the time. Shame. Next one I get has to be PDK. I have a manual golf GTI also and love that but still prefer an auto

[@nickjmcgarvey]

Finally, someone that speaks my language, great video.

[@JoeTalksCars]

Thank you!

[@kangzau1006]

Makes a lot.of sense. Great demo. Porsche are daily drivers . Having driven a manual for 10 years as a daily. I really don't want to deal with all the shifting anymore.

[@JoeTalksCars]

Thank you!

[@Subiacoste]

Hi Joe love watching your videos. i have an 06 cayman with tiptronic gears and love it but didn't like the buttons on the steering wheel so i did the tiptronic paddle conversion at a cost of about £300 and tbh it should of had the paddles from factory and it is a must if you ask me. brilliant to drive now around the A roads with the conversion.

[@JoeTalksCars]

Thank you so much! Appreciate that. Those paddles sound great! Could be a modification I do! Have you got a link to where yours came from?

[@simonknight5531]

Don't like the buttons so I'd be interested in paddles info too.

[@stevenmann6143]

It won't let me post the link for some reason. So if you search for cayman DIY tiptronic paddle shift conversion then you will find it on Rennlist

[@user-qq6rm3jx6k]

The steering wheel controls are not great. I always shift unintentionally when backing out of a parking space or making a slow tight turn. How that upgrade treating you?

[@-Grifter]

I’ve had a 997.2 C2S PDK for 3 months and love it. In manual mode I use the stick rather than the steering wheel buttons which I’m not keen on. Put the car is Sport + and use manual mode and you can keep the revs etc where you want them like a full manual. I’d like the paddle wheel but I’d miss my heating and multifunction buttons for safer driving while controlling the PCM etc. good vids mate.

[@JoJoJoker]

You can covert your wheel to paddles or use the 991.2 wheel:-)

[@JoeTalksCars]

I can’t change using the stick weirdly it’s buttons or nothing, I don’t think anyway.

[@connorsdad1841]

Enjoyed another great video, cheers Joe. Idea for another video, just how versatile the Cayman is regarding storage. The frunk, trunk, door compartments and the back compartments above the engine bay.

[@JoeTalksCars]

Thank you!! Yeah I’ve been asked about this before! Thanks! Il see what I can do, they are such a daily car and I think people don’t realise this.

[@johnash826]

The Tiptronic box, in my personal opinion mind you, is not bad. Mine is properly set up fresh fluid etc etc. I am fine with steering wheel buttons and say coming to a roundabout I can be in second with a slight flexing of the wrist way quicker than a manual box car. Now in normal driving, that doesn't matter a bit really. The only thing I am not doing is physically pressing the clutch and changing gear, in a manic fashon to ring the neck of the car! Each to his own, maybe I am just lazy!🤣

[@alyssiaalexandria3553]

Thank you so much for sharing this video, helpful, thoughtful and an eyeopener for someone who appreciates control of the car, be well!

[@JoeTalksCars]

Thank you very much! It’s done well this video has, seems not talked about enough these Tiptronic boxes

[@chrispig7748]

I have a manual Boxster but would love to try a tiptronic. I drive a DSG in my everyday car and it’s very smooth and relaxing

[@JoeTalksCars]

The DSG is way better but it’s different too. Having a Porsche already you will love the Tiptronic but if you are used to DSG then it could be a shock.

[@brianbarnes7273]

Greatly enjoyed the video. My boxster was a tiptronic and I liked it so much I chose a tiptronic for my 911 and its very good and has all the good points you brought out in your review. Its also provide a good protection for the engine as its almost impossible to over rev the engine.

[@JoeTalksCars]

The over revving I forgot to mention! Thanks for reminding me. I just think it suits the car, rightly or wrongly I’m glad I chose it.

[@m4ttsbook]

The paddle conversion makes it feel like more of a modern gearbox - really changing the experience of the gearbox

[@JoeTalksCars]

I need to look into this! Heard a few say it. Thanks ☺️

[@Baerchenization]

When German Auto Motor Sport magazine tested the first Tiptronic in a 964 C2, they said that no human driver in a manual car could beat it in the 0-100.

[@JoeTalksCars]

That’s really interesting and to be honest I’m not surprised. The Tiptronic even tho it’s slower than PDK is faster than your average manual driver.

[@paulmilward9594]

Love my 911 Carrera S with tiptronic. It's my daily driver and I wouldn't want a manual. Fantastic drive!

[@JoeTalksCars]

Nice! Glad to hear others share the same view:)

[@zaink7037]

I've driven my dad's Volvo S60 automatic and his previous VW Bora automatic. I realised different automatic boxes have characteristics. The Volvo pushed me to get a manual car again later as it didn't feel as engaging.

[@JoeTalksCars]

Yeah they do! Different feel to them, some are lazy and designed to be more of a cruiser. I’d say this one is a decent middle ground.

[@frederickschulze8014]

I don't think people's issue with the tiptronic is whether it chooses the correct gear to be in (Which is what a lot of this video focused on). I think their problems with it were lack of crispness and feel between the driver and the drivetrain and potentially longer shift times. While feel is totally going to be a personal opinion, my impression is that the shift speeds do seem ok, and they'd probably be better than what most people are trying to do on the street.

[@jpalbin1350]

Thanks Joe. Nice video. There has been so much rubbish talked about Tiptronic boxes. Each to his own. And coupled with PASM and Sports+, the manual option is good enough for real world roads. Not everyone tracks their cars. 👍

[@JoJoJoker]

Typically it’s the manual crowd who says “not everybody tracks their cars”…opinions eh?

[@warrenlucier5796]

Most people think all automatic transmissions work like they did in the 1970's, also earlier, and those sucked from a performance standpoint. If one has a lot of driving in congested areas the automatic will be a Godsend vs going through clutching constantly, which isn't good for the car or driver at all. Some people can't get on with driving a manual transmission from some sort of disability or the inability to do so. Years ago I converted an automatic (1979 Pontiac Trans Am) to a manual valve body and that made a world of difference for me; like night and day.

[@JoeTalksCars]

Yeah things have moved on so much! They had really bad rep in the UK, slow and expensive to run. It’s not like that now. There is a trade off in MPG with the Tiptronic but it’s worth it I think.

[@bennaylor7047]

thank you joe you just made my desion for me

[@JoeTalksCars]

To get one or not? 🤣

[@pitis2flie]

I’ve owned a tiptronic Cayman S for 5 years now and I agree it’s not bad at all. But I always use manual mode when I want to have some fun. In auto mode it doesn’t really impress me. And a 6th forward gear would really be nice for fuel economy on the highway.

[@JoeTalksCars]

Yeah I do feel 6 gear would be nice! Not sure why it’s lacking that! Yeah manual mode does work well and due to the fact 3rd gear is all you need on most UK roads it’s works well to lock it in.

[@subbudwal5075]

i love my Cayman s Triptronic no problems and fun to drive .

[@JoeTalksCars]

They really are! Thanks for the comment and enjoy your car

[@harrisonbergeron5393]

I've watched a lot of video's about tiptronic. I have 96' 993 in tiptronic. The one reason I never see given is that 'I got it in Tip because my wife can't drive a manual' That is why I got mine in Tip.

[@JoeTalksCars]

Yeah true. As much as people disagree with me on here I like to have a car my wife is happy with too. She loves the cayman and although she can drive a manual I think she does prefer it the way it is.

[@harrisonbergeron5393]

@@JoeTalksCars and there was absolutely 0% chance I could get my wife to learn...heheee :)

[@nunosilva6787]

I have a tiptronic for the past 18 years and also drove PDK. PDK is way busier, manual gear box it is what it is and it will burn clutches like it burns tires and brakes and if you own a Porsche you know what I mean. Tiptronic has two modes. Everyday driving and manual/sport and this mode makes the car complete. Although manual/sport mode will surprise you because the car will be very different and rather quick, specially if you are on a range of 75% or above throttle rate in third and fourth gear, up and down. You better be a good driver because the car will be totally old school Porsche. The rear end will move a lot and the front end will bite. Be careful don't get yourself on a ditch. BTW Tiptronic lasts forever regardless if it is a ZF or the Merc version.

[@JoeTalksCars]

I’ve found that before with DSG, always shifting gear and racing to 7th. My Tiptronic is only a 5 speed which has its disadvantages but also means there are less gears to get though. Love driving it in manual as like you said it comes alive.

[@JoJoJoker]

It’s unfortunate Porsche didn’t continue to develop the Sport-O-Matic manual with an automatic clutch.

[@kevinisaac9139]

I love my tiptronic boxster

[@JoeTalksCars]

So underrated aren’t they? Do you find people question your choice or pull a face too?

[@vaggelis_daoutis]

I want to buy an automatic tiptronic boxter but I wonder if I can drift like just a bit in the turn you know.. You think I should only go for the manual or I can also do that in the automatic?

[@JoeTalksCars]

You can certainly do that with the auto. It can be put in manual so it allows full control

[@9jfd1]

Idiots who get bore scoring, leaky coolant stains, worn rings, premature timing chain adjustments etc. Are the ones who drive a 911 with a stick and make mistakes redlining or dont care and redline the crap out of these engines. Clueless people who garage queen and dont drive them and poor maintenance also cause issues like IMS failure on M96 engines. I daily drive my 996 and tiptronic is way better for me. Just take care of the car that's my 2 cents. Also tip delay lag is easy to get use to. Similiar to pdk gen 1 on my panamera. The Mercedes tip from ZF are simple and bullet proof. If it jerks or takes long to change gears in cold weather, get a fluid flush replace filter and your are good for another 4 or 5 years. Cheers!

[@JoeTalksCars]

I do agree with a lot of this, my car did suffer the dreaded bore score. Was clearly present when I purchased it but never showed the signs until nearly a year on. My car before i owned it barely did any miles, in-fact I think 3000 over 2 years during one period in time, crazy. This really does seem to contribute to the car being worn out. As you said they need to keep them running, they are designed to be used. I had my Tiptronic box serviced when i got the car, knew it would never have been done. Glad I did for peace of mind but it didn't seem to make any difference to the shifting.

[@9jfd1]

@@JoeTalksCars Hydraulic fluid for the tranny and dirty filter is a function of mostly mileage and as you mentioned 3K is nothing in a year. Mine had over 100k before I replaced myself, it was jerky and hesitant to change gears in cold start up. Also on the tip, oil cooler and centre rad needs to receive coolant to moderate the gearbox oil temp, never want bubble air traps in the cooling system with these cars as the low fat cooling lines are notorious and easy to get air, a vacuum tool is handy to have. But staying on topic, I replace my oil on my C2 Cab every 3000km and drive over 10k a year even through winters on non snowy days and put on almost 300,000km on my M96 never had to adjust timing, only accessory replacements like water pump alternator etc. 996's are fantastic legacy now considered a classic and are special to drive. Borescoring sucks but you can still manage it to mitigate accelerated wear, best of luck:)

[@VictoryHand]

I'm actually thinking maybe a trip 911 might be alright after this.. hmm

[@JoeTalksCars]

They are good, this video was always going to surprise people:) glad it has. Never seen a video showing it like this so thought I’d do it.

[@chrispig7748]

Hi Joe, what oil do you recommend to top up the oil level in a 987 Boxster? Thanks

[@JoeTalksCars]

Hi, mine has Millers Nano Drive 10w50 in currently as recommended by the engine builder.

[@russellbaker8956]

Do you find the car changes up to top gear too quickly? I tried a similar age 911 with the tiptronic gearbox and found that during normal town driving it wanted to get into 5th gear as soon as possible. In a manual I would be holding onto the lower gears for longer which seems to give a sportier feel to the drive.

[@JoeTalksCars]

For sure! My wife only commented the other day that it’s a little random, she noticed it hangs onto the gear when it’s cold and races to 5th when warm. Can always chuck it into manual which I do quite a bit now. Makes it feel nice and sporty.

[@Mezg3r]

Had a manual 986 sold it and I rejected all Porsches with manual. Until i found my beloved 997 c2 with tip and sport chrono. Manual has it charm, but its shit in cities / daily driving. Porsches tiptronic is actual a Mercedes Benz gearbox, same gearbox is in SLR Mclaren.

[@JoeTalksCars]

I have this same thought, why would I want a heavy clutch and manual when I sit in traffic more than I enjoy a back road?

[@cvovrsce]

My 987 Boxster s has tiptronic & its great can't fault it - you pays your money make your choice. All these have a manual - F1 cars aren't manual 🤣👊🏻

[@JoeTalksCars]

Glad somebody agrees with me 🤣

[@anthonytan8751]

Hi! I am looking for a cayman recently. Does the Tiptronic gear starts at gear 2?

[@JoeTalksCars]

It does start in 2nd but you can manually put it in 1st or when you plant it from standstill it drops to 1st.

[@anthonytan8751]

Thanks Joe. When I cold start in the morning or standstill during traffic stops, does it start at 2nd gear as well? New to tiptronic pardon my much asking

[@bigpauly3358]

Does the Cayman 2.7 suffer with bore score and is there anything to look for when you buy one or suffer with anything

[@JoeTalksCars]

The 2.7 does not. Things to look for, smoke of a blue colour, heavy oil use, black exhaust tips (excessive)

[@danrook5757]

I dont think they sell manual in Kanada anymore

[@JoeTalksCars]

Probably not. It’s going that way here now.

[@nicholasurfe9568]

Chicktronic. Hands on cell phone and makeup.

[@prof_tim]

Guess it depends on how you use the car. My daily is an auto, works great, makes life easy. But that’s not what I want from my Cayman. Horses for courses.

[@JoeTalksCars]

Yeah I’ve yet to venture on to track. This year tho! Will see what that’s like.

[@prof_tim]

@@JoeTalksCars Not tracking mine, but use it almost exclusively for spirited, B road, fun drives (within the provisions of The Road Traffic Act, obviously).

[@jamesdaley0581]

When you say internet, do you mean RCA on a WhatsApp group? Keeping both hands on the wheel when pressing on is safer and when tootling through town a manual becomes an inconvenience. What are the penalties for the tiptronic box over the manual (or manuel 🙂) 0-62, top speed and economy?

[@JoeTalksCars]

🤣 not just him 🤣 it’s just got so much hate. When it comes to speed I think it’s just the same. Some German magazines when the box came out found it to be quicker than manual tho. Jury is out on that I think. It does lose mpg tho. 2 or 3 I believe. Top speed thankfully the same! Will find out this year on the autobahn;)

[@gt4rca]

How dare you!

[@JoeTalksCars]

@@gt4rca 🤣🤣🤣

[@jeffreylindley845]

I drove a 2000 Porsche 911 with Tiptronic and it was slow.

[@JoeTalksCars]

Surprised but then again that’s 24 years ago now. Things have moved on by 2006 when mine came out.

[@jeffreylindley845]

@@JoeTalksCars My daily driver is a 2015 SHO and it probably had something do with the 911 feeling a little anemic. The SHO 0-60 is in the 5.3s range. 2000 911 with Tiptronic is 6s. Pretty big difference. Porsche had more comfortable seats though.

[@scottchelmford7136]

Tiptronic twin turbos are waaayy underpriced!

[@JoeTalksCars]

I often think that. Reliable too.

[@user-qq6rm3jx6k]

First gear is in case you want to pull another car out of a ditch or keeping your 10yo from going fast hahah

[@JoeTalksCars]

haha that's true!

[@svenhansen1796]

Once you learn how to use a tip, they are plenty fast..

[@JoeTalksCars]

Seriously are! Surprised myself a few times. It’s just a case of learning.

[@mrh6577]

I don’t believe the issue is the quality of the gearbox, that’s the not biggest issue. It’s more about your driving experience. Anyone can use a stop go pedal like a go Kart, it’s easy. Even my boy can do that!! You say ease of use?? Lazy driving. Changing gear before a corner, or selecting the right gear, is the challenge and makes for a great driving experience. The automatic just doesn’t give that engagement. It’s for drivers who just like to steer and don’t really want that driving experience. Manuals are drivers cars.

[@JoeTalksCars]

Yeah it’s lazy but it gives you time to appreciate the other parts of the car, it’s raw grip, the steering and brake feel. Just one less thing to do so you can see the other things more clearly. I know it’s not for everyone but it’s not as bad as people think.

[@JoJoJoker]

A good auto allows the driver to use the whole car as a package. There’s more to driving than changing gears with a stick, eh?

[@gundogsdirect]

IT'S SLOW

[@JoeTalksCars]

Compared with PDK? Sure. Manual? Depends on the driver. It’s not what can be described as slow.