Retiring the P-car as a daily driver :(

pbs911 · pbs911's Garage

After 4 years of using my SC as a daily driver the day to retire her as a daily driver has finally come. With all the upgrades, fiberglass body parts and a killer 3.6 motor that even Harald regrets promising to me, I just can't get the car insured for what it's worth and retain its daily driver status under the "agreed upon" value limitations of insurance policies available in Ca. The car has only stopped 2 times in the 4 years as being a daily driver and I hate to put her in the garage to keep the mileage under 5K a year. It's a sad time in my P-car ownership. But cold AC, not having to wash the grime off FM-10's after a rainy day drive, and being able to transport the surfboards and outrigger to the beach sounds nice.

Has anyone else retired their daily driver street P-car? Also I am looking for an American made 2000 to 2002 truck. Any recommendations?

CHILI · CHILI's Garage

"and I hate to put her in the garage to keep the mileage under 5K a year. "

But, you're keeping it, right?

rcwaldo · 07-16-2003, 04:13 PM

The only American made truck these days is Toyota! Believe it or not.

I hope you will keep the SC though. Having another daily driver is nice, I must admit.

pwd72s · 04:21 PM

I guess my P-car never really was a daily driver. But for a truck? If you want to go a smaller one, Cindy drives a Ranger XLT 4 door...4.0, 5 speed auto trans, power everything, air that blows too cold, cruise, 2 wheel drive. Hers is a '99...and we've had ZERO problems with it since buying it new. I mean zero. Only work done on it was service by the book, and voluntary aftermarket installs, like the (highly recommended) edelbrock shocks, spray in bedliner, tonneau, etc. Oh, mobil one oil of course, changed every 3,000 instead of the higher book mileage. I believe that the best oil, changed more often is cheap insurance...

Moses · 07-16-2003, 04:15 PM

You may actually enjoy the car more when it's not a daily driver. You will likely choose the SC when your mood and the weather are perfect. The contrast between your daily car and the 911 will keep it fresh.

You can have one hell of a good time with 5,000 miles.

74911s · 74911s's Garage

i retired my 911 with the purchase of my 99 dodge pick up in january. i have to say the ability to tow my pcar to the track and stop the street/track compromise has been rather nice. oh, and the ac, radio and comfy ride is hard to beat for running around. plus with a pick up think of all the p car parts you can bring home!

i enjoy my pcar more than ever although i almost do not ever drive it on the streets anymore.

pohsche · 07-16-2003, 04:31 PM

Look at the upside! Think how lucky you are to be able to keep your Porsche and still have another daily driver. Sometimes we forget how fortunate we are, not only to own these great machines, but to have the means to keep them as hobbies. I use mine usually on Sunday mornings and enjoy the difference from the everyday grind. We are blessed!

Alan Poh
'77 Carrera 3.0

pbs911 · pbs911's Garage

Quote:

But, you're keeping it, right?

Oh yea. There came a point when I made the decision that if I kept modifying the car I would keep it forever. That point came with the 3.6. There are no foreseeable reasons that I will ever change my mind and sell her.

pwd72s · 07-16-2003, 04:55 PM

Good point made by several...you know, I don't think I'd enjoy my 911 as a daily driver...I'd be worried too much of being carjacked, pranged, or vandalized. So, on the days I do drive it, I really enjoy it. Plus, I have to admit, driving is carefree in the Ranger. Comfortable, reliable and anonymous. Most of the time, I like being just one of the herd. If I had to drive from coast to coast? I'd take the Ranger over the P-car, for just those reasons.

widebody911 · widebody911's Garage

I'm considering the same thing myself. The THOMN8R is fun to drive and all, but it starts to wear on you after a while. It would be nice to relegate it to track and Sunday Driver duties, and get something more comfortable - and insurable - for the daily grind. Can't afford it right now with the garage project underway. I'm thinking a nice M3 or M Coupe would be the way to go.

pwd72s · 07-16-2003, 05:12 PM

The gossip columnist in THE OREGONIAN told a post 9-11-01 tale. Ron Tonkin, a Portland Oregon "megadealer"...one of those guys who sells many makes, including Ferrari, through a chain of dealerships, was in Washington D.C. on 9-11-01. He was there for a car dealer's convention. All airports closed, and he & his wife wanted to get back to Portland. So, what else to do? He bought a car, and drove back to the west coast. A week or so later, there was a Toyota Camry with a little over 3,000 miles on it for sale at his Toyota dealership. Ron Tonkin is a multi millionaire, if not a billionaire by now. He's an enthusiast...has entered the mille miglia vintage thing in his old Ferraris, having them shipped over for the event, along with his support crew. He could have afforded, and had the connections to buy ANY car he wanted for a coast to coast drive back home. Food for thought...

Jack Olsen · 07-16-2003, 05:27 PM

I'll admit. I'm glad mine isn't my daily driver. If I could only have one car, of course, the 911 would be it. But it's also nice to have a car that passengers don't have to make too many compromises for. And while my AC works well, it's not in the same league as my daily driver's. The daily ride (a soft, heavy coupe) is also a lot smoother, and quieter, and (somewhat) less attention-getting.

And it's true, having a choice every time you reach for the keys means that the times you take the 911, you appreciate the experience all the more.

Superman · 07-16-2003, 05:54 PM

Sadly, I can see that the day will eventually come when my SC's manners are too coarse for daily commutes. Already, it's impossible to have a cell phone conversation while driving it. The more obnoxious it is, the more I love it, but the day will come. Perhaps a 993 will replace it. Certainly not a Boxster.

on-ramp · 07-16-2003, 06:13 PM

as a daily driver of my 83sc for over 3 years, i can tell you that it's been very enjoyable and i dont know how long until i stop it, maybe until the car stops running (whenever that is).

It also makes a huge difference where you drive. Stop and go traffic, lights every 2 blocks can be a killer. I'm fortunate enough to have mostly highway miles. Just put it in 5th and cruise along.

these cars sure do a good job keeping up with traffic

Bob's Flat-Six · Bob's Flat-Six's Garage

I have a 95 Chevy short bed Silverado with a shell on it so you can lock stuff in the back and being a short bed it's easy to park. It has a ride as good as most cars and you can sit three in front if you have too.

I bought it new and if I every replace it I think I would just buy a new one as it's worked well for me. It also get's down the road pretty good if you need to make a getaway

It has a 350 V8 and I put twin pipes on it and get around 16/17 mpg if you take it easy.

nostatic · nostatic's Garage

Sorry to hear that Paul, but I'll carry the torch as mine remains a daily driver (should hit 14K miles in this first year). I guess I'm living dangerously, but the car has "standard" insurance, so it isn't covered for what it is worth (none of the collector companies will accept my mileage). But if it gets dinged, I'll just fix it and keep driving it...in fact as it gets a few more nicks and chips, it becomes more comfortable as a daily warrior.

The only change I've made is that I can't really hear on the cell phone while driving (yes, using a hands-free device). No biggie...I just don't talk on the phone while driving. It is a good excuse..."what? I can't hear you..I'll have to talk to you later."

Every day I'm happy to make the drive to work (even if traffic is bad...I've got a stereo and semi-cold AC), and really happy to drive home. Whenever I have to drive the 4-runner (like tonight to my gig) it bums me out, but then makes the next morning even sweeter.

350HP930 · 07-16-2003, 06:34 PM

My 930 was my daily driver but I also plan on reducing its burden once I am finished rebuilding it.

I bought the following jewel for $250 a few weeks ago to get back and forth to work in and haul parts.

Now that I have a beater with super cold a/c I may only take out the 930 on special occasions.

Chuck Moreland · 07-16-2003, 06:59 PM

I once had a motorcycle as my only vehicle. Had to ride rain or shine. Heading off to work in a rainstorm on your bike, regularly, is a great way to squeeze the fun out of it.

Then I got a car. Let me tell you, the bike bacame a lot more fun.

Same applies to the 911.

VincentVega · 07-16-2003, 07:16 PM

LOL I had a bike as my only transportation in college for a little while. I remember crossing the Chesapeake Bay bridge in January in maybe 35 degree weather at the start of the spring semester one year; I've never dealt with crosswinds like that before. Gotta love the heat from the SSI's.

Sorry to hear you are 'retiring' the SC, but think of all the good memories you have from when you drove it. Now the real solution is another SC that's not quite as nice.... yet.

Joeaksa · 07-16-2003, 08:58 PM

Bought a Honda Accord to serve as my daily driver. The 911 is driven when I want to have fun and I could care less about rain, grime etc with the Honda but it does a very good job for what I use it for.

Will never sell the 911 and its just aging while sitting in the garage.

Joe