OPENING up a Porsche 911 on a good road is like a birthday every day for anyone who loves driving.

But let's face it, they are about as family friendly as a pushbike - and there are probably lots of other downsides..

The 911 seems to have been around forever and most have been cherished by loving owners so that even though they might have been driven hard, they have also been properly serviced.

Not surprisingly, that means you can buy one for much less than you might think and be pretty sure it's going to be reliable.

The design has been improved time and again and even the earliest cars, many of which have been restored by enthusiasts, are great to drive.

It has been one of the supercars of every era since it was launched, well able to hold its own against the best.

It is one of the most involving and entertaining cars ever made and feels as stable at 130 miles an hour on the autobahn as it does parked outside the house.

Older models are very noisy and have so much power that care is needed in the wet, but later models have the electronics to keep you safe.  

Comfort is good but as always, never buy without service history or records of a rebuild, and pay an expert to give it the full once over. Most will have leather and air con.