Why did you get out of Porsche Ownership?

[PorscheGAL]

Most if not all here have had a taste of Porsche ownership or other classics. What was the moment you decided it was no longer for you? When did you decide you didn't want to dedicate any more time or money to taking care of your car? When it was sold off, did you regret it?

Over the last 15 years of owning the 911, my husband and I rehabbed just about everything but the paint. But about 4 years ago, I finished a 2 year engine rebuild (I know I am slow but was trying to do everything right). Fresh off the break in period, I threw a rod. I was heartbroken. We dropped the car off at Black Forest Racing in North Carolina, purchased a new case and had them do another rebuild. Since that time, I had a hard time working on anything in the garage. And even though, Black Forest Racing did a great job on the rebuild, I haven't driven the 911 more than a dozen times in the last few years. My husband has continued to drive, maintain and tinker on the 911 and the other cars without me.

Well, yesterday, something happened in the garage that I think has turned my husband's views and as we sat for dinner last night the discussion came up about selling cars: the Lotus, the 911, and possibly the 930. Just simplifying our lives.

So, back to my original question. What made you decide it was time? Were there regrets?

[scotricker]

I almost sold my 1978 SC just recently. I put it up for sale, because it's pretty just sitting in the garage taking up space.

I haven't driven much at all this past year with no office commute etc, Then after thinking a few days, and fielding the offers and questions, I remembered all the comments written here about "that one I sold and wish I had it back. "

Well, the SC for me would be that one. It's paid for and yes, taking up space, but if I sold it , that would be done, no more Porsches for me, I would be priced out of the market.

If I sold it at a price low enough to make the sale, I don't believe that I could ever buy one just as nice even for the same money. So my decision to keep it is not only about the money, but about the ability possibility to have a 911 in my garage.

When I get the opportunity to get it out and drive, it all seems worth it ok .

I hope this helps, thanks for your post question. It seems we all go through these challenges sometimes.

[white85carrera]

Interesting question. Not there yet but contemplating what to do with my 85 Carrera. since 94 has slowly evolved to full track car and just having the engine put back in after a full rebuild. Years of moving down the slippery slope-AutoX->HPDE-> HPED instructing->Racing-> HPDE instructor mentoring. has brought me now to serious contemplation of retiring from work and I miss a streetable 911. Options are sell it and move on, keep it and dabble at random track events, convert back to something I can drive on the road. Daughter is contemplating a Macan and that is stirring the old interest, but the old passion is waning for sure. I am sure selling would come with a sadness. there is not a bolt on the car I haven't wrenched on and it has been a great ride.

[cabmandone]

I haven't pulled the trigger on getting rid of my car but it has been on my mind for over a year now. For me it boils down to two things. I don't get to drive the car as much as I should be driving it and I don't enjoy working on it anymore. Only reason it's not gone now is because I (had to force myself to do this btw) just put the transmission my brother and I refreshed two years ago in the car. I feel like I have to get some level of enjoyment out of that work before the car gets sent down the road.

I don't think I'll miss the car much since I don't drive it much.

[masraum]

Many years ago, I had an '88 911. I loved the car. I wish I still had it, but I don't regret selling it. It was the right thing to do at the time. Unfortunately, I can't justify getting another now. I had a few years out of Porsches, but about 8 years ago, I got the Boxster. For 6-7 years it was our only car. I'd love to get another old air cooled 911, something in the SC or 3.2L range, preferably, but I don't see that happening any time soon, and the longer that's the case, it seems like the possibility diminishes.

[Seahawk]

It really came down to what you wrote: "Just simplifying our lives."

We are doing just that and we are on the right path to selling the farm and leaving all the complexities that come with farm ownership and management behind.

That and I am at the point where a weekender car just doesn't appeal to me like it used to. I still like old school stuff but it needs to have DD utility and a purpose.

When we have down-sized in a few years I may get back to it but, and this is important at least to me, the older Porsche's that appeal to me are currently priced beyond that appeal: I have owned a bunch of different models and just won't pay the freight folks are getting for their cars.

I know them too well to think that an $80k 83 SC is something I want to experience again.

Interesting question, PG.

[greglepore]

I've thought about it but haven't. The race cars are gone, but the Targa remains. I don't drive it more than a thousand miles a year. Its far from stock, and not worth the strato money that perfect unmolested cars get, but at this point in my life if I were to sell it, I'd never replace it, and the couple of times a year it puts a giant smile on my face is worth more to me than the money. I might feel differently if I was sitting on a perfect 930 that would bring 100k, but its not that car.

If what is complicating your life isn't the cars, but they way you use them, start there. I gave up the track/race/ax cars because it did dominate my life, and it wasn't a particularly healthy or satisfying lifestyle; met some great people, but spend way too much time standing on hot asphalt waiting around, or wrenching. Having a reliable sports car that you don't beat on and break isn't that at all.

[plain fan]

I would say that this past year or so has given people a lot of time to think about what matters to them in life and many people are realizing that "less is more" when compared to other things like family, time, etc.

I think many people on this board with air cooled 911s are in the position that if they get out of it, they are immediately priced out of ever getting back into an air-cooled 911.

When I bought my 912, the prior owner was a university professor that had gotten too old for it. He preferred the comforts of AC, heat, power steering, power brakes, etc compared to what the 912 offered him.

[slow&rusty]

Interesting thread.

What exactly happened in your garage that has made you and your husband consider selling the cars? Sounds like something quite catastrophic.

I bought my 944 Turbo and 928S4 later in life as I just did not have the financial means to do so earlier and have no interest in selling them, even though I have decent offers from collectors on my 930 over the years. I do not drive them often but when I do, it makes driving something that you "want to do" not "have to do". I don't mind working on them either and have really honed my skills over the years, many times I mentally agonize over a job more than the time it actually takes, but once I get into it, its not too bad. Having access to a lift is a game changer. These are cars I dreamed of owning when I was a kid and in my office to this day, I still have all the original brochures, die cast models and road test magazines, so I feel blessed and fortunate to own them.

I'm actually on the hunt for an Italian project that I can roll-up my sleeves and enjoy in the near future.

*Edit - my Dad's brother used to own 4 air cooled 911s, he was the stereotypical check book mechanic and he would wait until something really was bad before addressing it, half the time we couldn't believe that these car's survived his negligent ownership. Anyway he got tired of them and sold them all fairly recently for a handsome amount and bought a 997 TT.

[GH85Carrera]

Bite yer tongue!

I bought my first Porsche in 1974. A 74 914 2.0 that I ordered to my specs. I have never been without a Porsche since. I have two now, my 85 911 and my name is on the title for my wife's 2017 Macan.

We have a big PCA regional party planned for tomorrow, the 55th anniversary of the club's founding. I have been digging out some of my memorabilia of my time in the club. Needless to say I have a lot of old treasures. Porsche ownership has brought me many new friends and endless hours of a fun hobby.

Someday if I get to the point where I can't get in or out of my antique 1985 911 I might think of selling it, but It will be replaced with a newer Porsche. I can't imaging life without a Porsche in the garage.

[Skytrooper]

I am rapidly losing the passion to wrench on my vehicles anymore. As we speak I am doing a full FOES on the 924S. It will be my last time. I gave the car to my daughter for her college graduation 2 years ago, but until recently she hasn't had a safe place to keep it. Now that has changed and so I am preparing it for her.
My 71 Charger is done except for the interior. All registered and inspected. That will go to my son after completion.
After ownership of 52 cars (not including 2 race teams) I am ready to hang up my hat. I always did my own wrenching, but have tired of it. The joy of it decided to leave me. Now it is just going through the motions. I still do meticulous work, but am ready to be done with it.

[911boost]

I still wrench on my air cooled Westy but not like I used too.

My 997 does not need any wrenching and when it does it’s usually simple stuff, so I get to enjoy it for what it is. A really unique car that puts a smile on my face.

I do not see myself spending the $ an air cooled 911 is commanding again, which is a shame.

Hope your husband is ok….

[rusnak]

Porsche ownership for me is like having a vegetable garden. You work on it when you want to, and you don't when you don't want to. It's been an outlet, not a lifestyle.

I can't imagine not wanting to occasionally wring out the 911 or Cayman on some twisty road, or go on some adventure with the Macan or something similar.

Porsches have been a part of me forever and probably always will.

[ckelly78z]

I was really into Datsun Zs, but had real trouble finding rust free examples (20 years ago they were cheap to buy). I then bought an original 1983 Porsche 944, had some fun with the car, but ultimately, was t-boned by a stoned driver. After 6 months off work learning how to walk again, I bought another beautiful, original owner 1985.5 944, and ran that for about 5 years.

After buying a Mustang GT convertible as a DD, I enjoyed driving it more than the Porsche, so the 944 gave up it's garage spot for the stang...now I DD a much newer Mustang GT, and love it.

Absolutely no twisty roads around where I live, only boring commuter cars/trucks hustling to work, and back.

[PorscheGAL]

Originally Posted by slow&rusty

Interesting thread.

What exactly happened in your garage that has made you and your husband consider selling the cars? Sounds like something quite catastrophic.

Yes it was: The Focus RS was his DD but he has put 200K miles on it. Thought it would be fun to buy a motor and install. Brought a new motor from a well known Ford engine builder, took 6 month to get but finally arrived a few weeks ago. Spent 3 weeks tracking down various leaks. Last night, could feel extreme heat from cam towers and then dead engine. Do I believe there was something inherently wrong with that engine when we got it? yes. Is there some sort of recourse? no, just as any other car part you buy.

He probably didn't sleep much last night, thinking of things but when he got up, the verdict is all will go: the 911, the Lotus, the 930, what is left of the Focus RS, the 4 post lift and the scissor lift. Now how to go about off loading everything is the question.

[1990C4S]

To answer truthfully would require delving into my psyche in a manner that might take me to places I prefer not to go.

In the meantime I will hold onto my three cars while rarely, or never, driving them.

Logic and simplifying my life have never been my strong points with respect to these cars. But at the same time, they have never depreciated, and I want for nothing.

And at some point you think of yourself in a certain way, as in 'I own Porsches'. Moving away from that self-image takes bold steps, as there is no going back.

[cabmandone]

Originally Posted by PorscheGAL

Yes it was: The Focus RS was his DD but he has put 200K miles on it. Thought it would be fun to buy a motor and install. Brought a new motor from a well known Ford engine builder, took 6 month to get but finally arrived a few weeks ago. Spent 3 weeks tracking down various leaks. Last night, could feel extreme heat from cam towers and then dead engine. Do I believe there was something inherently wrong with that engine when we got it? yes. Is there some sort of recourse? no, just as any other car part you buy.

He probably didn't sleep much last night, thinking of things but when he got up, the verdict is all will go: the 911, the Lotus, the 930, what is left of the Focus RS, the 4 post lift and the scissor lift. Now how to go about off loading everything is the question.

OOF! That sucks. Have you contacted the builder?

[McLovin]

The 911 was my dream car since I was around 12 and already a rabid car guy.
It was my goal and i bought my first one (an SC) in the late 80s. Prior to that I had a 914.

That led to 35 straight years of Porsche ownership, usually with multiple examples at the same time (almost all 911 and 914). Learned to do literally everything on those cars, from engine rebuilds to full repaint, and everything in between (much harder to learn in the pre-Internet days!).

I was a true life long fanatic. Thought for sure I always would be.

Then, suddenly it was over. I sold my last 911, a G50 Carrera (that’s the model I owned most) and never looked back. I still think they are neat cars, and I’ll always check them out when I see one, but I have zero interest in owning one again.

There was no one reason I can figure. Here’s some reasons, though, in rough order of importance.

1. I has so many of them for so many years, I just got tired of them.
2. I did so much work on them for so long there was no mystery left.
3. The increase in prices didn’t help. I used to have low mile (some as low as 5,000 miles on a 30 year old car) original paint collector cars, but to me those aren’t really driveable. My rule now is if I can’t drive it whenever I want, and be ok with parking it at the grocery store where it might get some bumps or bruises, it’s not for me.
4. Similarly, there’s no way in the world a big bumper plain vanilla 911 is worth $75k to me. If it was a lifelong dream and I’d never had one, that would be ok. But at this point for me, no.
5. Porsche was a great automotive story as a long running independent maker of sports cars only. But as a brand of VW now, whose biggest sellers are fat SUVs, to me the story ended long ago. I have literally zero interest in anything that Porsche has made in the last 10+ years. A minor thing, but still a thing.
6. Styling wise, the big bumpers finally got to me. As a teen in the 80s I thought they were the coolest thing. It’s what I saw in the magazines and was the latest and greatest. But now I find them ugly and shape ruining.
7. You don’t see them on the road much these days, so they do get peoples’ attention. To some, that’s a positive. Not something I really like anymore.

[unclebilly]

My 77 track car may never see another race. These cars have become a bit valuable to just walk away from in the event of an incident. It’s street legal but not street friendly.

I should have kept the chump car. That being said, I have all the parts including 3 tubs to build another chump car... That being said, it’s about as much work to build a nice 911 as it is to bui,d a ratty one...

[slow&rusty]

Originally Posted by PorscheGAL

Yes it was: The Focus RS was his DD but he has put 200K miles on it. Thought it would be fun to buy a motor and install. Brought a new motor from a well known Ford engine builder, took 6 month to get but finally arrived a few weeks ago. Spent 3 weeks tracking down various leaks. Last night, could feel extreme heat from cam towers and then dead engine. Do I believe there was something inherently wrong with that engine when we got it? yes. Is there some sort of recourse? no, just as any other car part you buy.

He probably didn't sleep much last night, thinking of things but when he got up, the verdict is all will go: the 911, the Lotus, the 930, what is left of the Focus RS, the 4 post lift and the scissor lift. Now how to go about off loading everything is the question.

So sorry to read this....very crushing and my heart goes out to you both! We all work way too hard to allow something like this defeat us mentally, emotionally and financially. I am sure there is some sort of recourse for you both, if you're active on the Focus RS forums and the engine builder is not standing behind his work, I would be broadcasting it with a loud speaker, guaranteed he is on there as well and dragging his rep through the mud will get him attentive really quickly. Think about MotorMeister on this forum...and their ultimate demise.

A few years ago I had a shop charge me more than double their original quote for some work, I wasn't having it. The case went to Arbitration and Visa sided with me and gave me 100% of my money back, so I got all the work at no cost. To be a decent human being, the day I got my refund, I went to the bank and then drove to the shop and handed (in cash) the original quote plus 25% (as it was Christmas time) to the owner....the look on his face was priceless.