Name 5 GOOD Reasons why we own a Porsche

Ok so the questions is besides
1)Good looks
2)Kind of the corners
3)Racing History
Im still 2 short of answering my questions
All i can thing is
1)Very expensive
2)Unpractical
3)Slow
4)Over Priced
5)Parts Prices astronomical
Before we talk about the twin turbo or even a GT lets talk realistic, any opinions

Only need 1 reason:

Because I want one.

Tom

Cause they handle good, and go fast around a track. Not only that but they feel good doing it. There are many other reasons, like proven platforms, good aftermarket support/recognition, relative reliability, etc.
Ahmet


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It's all the driver...

I can think of several good reasons to own one:

1. Depreciation is money. Go out and buy a Honda civic and own it for 10 years. You'll pay at least $20,000 for a decent one, and when you're done using it, it will be worth $5000. That's a loss of $15,000. Then put in the cost of repairs and maintenance and it's likely (if you're lucky) another $5000 over the years. If you buy an older 911 whose value has "flat-lined", meaning it's gotten to the point where the value of the car won't depreciate much more, or it will depreciate minimally (and in some cases APPRECIATE in value) then the only real costs are for repairs and maintenance. Needless to say, if you look at a newer 911 you'll be out of the "flat-line" value of the car and you may be facing minimal to horrendous depreciation on the car the newer it is. From my observations, 911s seem to "flat-line" at about 10 years of age. Other factors (condition, mileage, etc) will effect the value of a "flat-lined" car.

2. The prices for 911 parts are CHEAP! I rebuilt an '85 Toyota MR2 and used to own a '93 Dodge Stealth RT/TT. Prices for parts on these cars were UNBELIEVABLE....maybe it's because they're sports cars. EVERY 911 up to and including the 964 is cheap by comparison.

3. Stability at high speeds! My '91 964 EASILLY is much more stable at high speeds than anything else I've ever owned. It easilly out handles and out performs what I've owned in the past. From a stability stand point, Japanese cars are good, but NOT as good as my 964 by a long shot!

4. The consistency of the 911 models over the years means that, assuming you don't do all your own work, the mechanics that you may have working on your car will have a higher degree of experience. NO ONE, and I mean NO ONE at any of the Dodge dealerships I took my Stealth to had any idea how to work on it. It's production run lasted less than a decade (the Stealth RT/TT is a Mitsubishi 3000GT VR4 with a Dodge nameplate on it). This is typical of Japanese and American production. The models are overhauled frequently and "experts" on the cars become hard to come by. I don't think this is the case for the 911s.

As far as some of your other comments go, did you know tires for a new C5 Corvette are about $2000, and a clutch job for the same car is about $1500, AND it's value in about 5 years will be roughly half what you paid for it? The C5 isn't the only example...look at a 928. 911s tend to keep their value better. ALL sports cars are expensive to own.

Good Luck,

Bill Wagner

1. Unique handling characteristics, including low center of gravity and phenomenal braking capabilities
2. Heritage of the model -- the fact that so many racing victories were won by a car that is essentially the same as the one we drive
3. Distinct look of the model -- unlike anything produced before or since
4. Robust mechanical character -- what other 28-year-old car could I race all day and consistently rely on for the ride home
5. It's really the best, most economical platform for straight-line street drag racing.

Now, see, that last one just isn't true... which I suspect is the crux of the issue for you, Juan. As great as the 911 is as a track car, it's very expensive and unwieldy to transform into a dragster. The reverse is also true -- you'd be in for a lot of dollars and mods to turn a classic American muscle car into a worthwhile track beast.

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Jack Olsen
1973 911 T (3.6) sunroof coupe
jackolsen@mediaone.net

[This message has been edited by JackOlsen (edited 05-21-2001).]

YES!

Bill, you are right on on all your comments! Porsche, though not perfect has really done many things so right.

For me:

1. ENTERTAINMENT!!!!!!!! FUN

2. Mechanical feedback, engine sound, feel, and vibration. Enjoy doing my own maintence.

3. Handling. Understand what Vic Elford says and it will all make sense.

4. Style: I love the functional style and size of the car.

5. DEPRECIATION!!!!!!!!!! Or lack there of. My 911s are all at least 15 years old and their values are not going to go down.

6. Parts availability: Porsche has been building this car since 1964 and there are so many used and aftermarket parts available for reasonable prices.(not in terms of Chevrolet, but not more than special Corvette parts) This applies to the availability of mods as well.

7. Old cars are great and this is one of the best. I really don't like new cars: No character, owners don't and can't work on them, too complex, too quiet, too cushy, too heavy, too much emphasis on electronic B.S.,
too many power accessories (please, I can STEER BY MYSELF, I can adjust my own seat, thankyou. Too much cash tied up in one vehicle and horrendous depreciation.

8. Fellowship of other great DIY enthusiasts who are not just Porschephiles, but true auto enthusiasts who appreciate hot rods, classics, other sports cars, and those who can turn a wrench.

9. Non abusers of machinery. While many drive their steeds fast and hard, most appreciate machinery and don't abuse them. Mechanical things respond to smooth transitions and times on the track as well as vehicle longevity are rewarded.

Diverdan

1 - The sound it makes when it starts.
2 - The feel when 2nd gear really gets into the power band around 4500rpm.
3 - The way it handles around long, tight onramps.
4 - The way it settles down for cruising speeds.
5 - The smile on my face when I pull in the garage.

Oh yeah - all those other things too.

CHICKS DIG IT!!!!!!!!

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85 Carrera Targa

i can beat the hell out of it and it won't break like other cars will

but, seriously, i think Bill Wagner hit the nail on the head. reaplace "911" with "most Porsche" and the same sort of thing applies to many other cars they make/made from the 356s to the 928s. there's a few expensive Porsche parts out there, but it's no less or more than Mitsubishi, Chrysler, or even Toyota. a car is a car, they all have their cheap fixes, and they all have their astronomical repairs.

obin

I can sympathise with you juan as I am sure your rebuild is a painfull process, which is why I am surprised you chose to rebuild rather than decide to cut your losses?.
I have enjoyed my ownership of a classic sports car that I too dreamed of owning since a kid.
But I have over the past 1 1/2 yrs decided that the spares, over here in the states, are harder to come by than in the UK (except for maybe in California)
I also have learnt, to great expense, that these cars need a fair bit of 'tinkering' and adjusting to keep healthy.
If you do not have the work space, time, tools or ability then these cars can be a serious hole in the pocket!
I have been burnt by greedy wrenches who have attempted to rip off and others who have simply charged for work which they have done badly due to lack of knowledge/expertise.
Where as I have enjoyed my car I may, in the not too distant future, trade in for a modern new sports car with increased performance and reliability/warrantee!.
The reduction in value will be a trade off for the reduction in downtime and wrench fees.
The upside will be, added performance, reliability and that new car smell!.
I went into owning a porsche with my eyes wide open and regret none of it!. I have learnt tons of usefull knowledge from you guys which will stay with me until I am ready to own a peice of classic racing heritage again in the not too distant future.
I will own a P car again, but will be prepared to have it sitting in peices in the garage until the parts arrive or i feel the inclination to do the job!.
These cars are better suited , in my opinion, as 'hobby cars'.

But then again maybe I'm wrong?

PS anyone want to buy an 86ragtop in the Hamptons , NY region ?

I couldn't have said it better than ServerDude....especially #2!

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Doug
'81 SC Coupe (aka: "Blue Bomber")
Canada West Region PCA
members.home.net/zielke/911SC.htm

Well, these five apply to early 911s, no doubt some of them apply to the latest models as well:

1)Enginering integrity - Early 911s were designed by engineers who seemed to give little to no thought about costs. Hence you have marvelous expensive materials used throughout - magnesium alloy engine cases and transmission housings - forged crank-shafts, sodium filled exhaust valves etc etc. You simply can't get this sort of racing car technology on most cars, even expensive ones.

2)Build quality - the fit and finish of all components is good to excellent.

3)Character - a 911 is a unique car, for many years the only sucessful air-cooled vehicle available.

4)Maintence friendly. OK, apart from certain areas (the pedal cluster comes to mind) these cars are actually quite simple and accesable, its perfectly possible to do many maintence/repair tasks yourself, even if you have no training.

5)Safety - 911s are strong, have the most extraordinary brakes, and handle well at sensible speeds. My targa also has a fully functioning roll-bar.

Actually, none of the above reasons actually matter much to me because I simply like 911s, decided to own one at the age of 7, and they are relatively affordable for folks like me.

- roGER

Something I haven't seen yet- The Porsche Club of America! Because of the PCA I get to drive the track at SIR. I get to autocross on a regular basis. There are "tours" through back roads I never knew about where we get some very "spirited" driving. Bottom line- I get to drive my car the way it should be driven! I appreciate the instruction I've received to drive properly- I even drive my Chevy pick-up much better now(I can out-corner most BMW's with it now-he-he-he). Join the club- learn to drive.

944S2, 1973 911 about to get e 3.2

Well, having just bought my 73E w/ 2.2S powerplant, here are the 'pros' I came up with when deciding.

1. Porsche (specifically 911) Heritage.
2. Great lines (even 28 years later).
3. The music from the engine.
4. The thrill of driving.
5. Depreciation (or lack thereof).
and who could forget...
6. The looks/stares from other on the road.

How many 'toys' can you buy these days that are as much fun as a 911, with relative affordability, and little or no depreciation?

And the downsides?

1. Mechanical fussiness of a 28-yr old Porsche.
2. Cost/availability of parts.
3. Inability to 'blend into traffic'.
4. Once you have one, you want MORE!
5. Friends want to try it out.

My Carrera will be hitting the high road pretty soon. I gotsta have a turbo.


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Kurt B
'84 Carrera Cab.
carrera_cabriolet@yahoo.com

A P-car is a street legal race car.

It's a everything a car should be.

Economical. And I've had plenty of cars. The cost of repair is actually lower than most foreign cars. And it retains resale value better than most all cars.

It's all about class.

My P-car puts a smile on my face everytime I open the garage, let alone drive it.

Expensive is always an interesting topic that comes up when talking about these cars.

What other car could you have in this price range with similar repair bills that offers the on and off road benefits of a Porsche. Surely not a Japanese car. Not an american car for sure (keeping in mind we are not talking about drag cars here). Even the new Porsches are one of the lease expensive exotic sports cars around right now. The vette and the viper are probably the only cars that are cheaper with comparable performance. (minimaly of course)

I guess my point is that there seems to be some moaning and groaning about what our cars are costing us and people need to understand that Porsche ownership isn't for everyone. Unless you can afford a new TT or GT2 then don't even think about draging your car. Buy a Honda or a muscle car. If you want luxery and comfort, buy a Lexus.

If you want the most unbelievable track/stability/performance vehicle that is available to you, buy a Porsche.

There is a reason that most GT racers choose Porsche.

Adam Roseneck

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1978 911SC 3.0
roseneck@cyberbeach.net

I think the Harley crowd know how to answer this one... "If I had to explain, you'd never understand".

It's strange though, its pretty easy to come up with a precise list of things that are annoying about 911 ownership, and much harder to put what you love about it into words without sounding like some teen taking a poetry class.

Mine are for a 13 year old car, couldn't stop at 5 and are in no particular order.

1. Over 200K on the engine
2. Can sell it for almost as much as I bought it for seven years ago
3. Still performs great on the track, even against newer cars
4. Fit/Finish/Paint still great
5. People comment on the car just about every time I drive it
6. Has been very reliable
7. Love the targa top
8. Absolute blast to drive
9. Unique
10. When talking to non p-car folks they always compare their cars to Porsches' (handles as good as..fast as....etc). Need I say more!

If I could explain it, I wouldn't have wanted it. It's really never been a matter of want, but more a matter of need. I still open the door from the house to the garage just to take a quick look as I walk by. There's a million ways I've rationalized this car and the money I've put into it, but truth be told, I can't explain the attraction.

Jeff C
81 SC