taming an active imagination

Relations are back to almost normal. The wife now says "go ahead and keep the car", and the tone of her voice sounds like she actually means it. Had some good conversations about the real issues and we're moving forward.

Now I've got to slay some of my own demons that have cropped up. My reasoning all along was to buy a car I knew I could sell in case we wanted to move. Getting a newer car like a TT or Z3 coupe would result in significant depreciation. But now that I'm the owner of the 911, I find myself waking up worried that something will break, or the valve guides are worn, etc, and I'll have to drop $3k or something into it. Part of me is thinking, "gee, the depreciation is worth the peace of mind of having a warranty and an AC system that works."

Also, my reasoning of getting a car for short term ownership is flawed I think. I find that I don't want to drive it, because I'm just running down the value. I've always owned my cars and driven them till they dropped (mostly japanese cars that ran forever and I didn't care about dings, etc).

So I guess there is a transition from generic transportation car owner to Porsche car owner. Is this something you grow into? I've got a few people seriously interested in the car, but my thinking now is if they don't pay my asking price (or more), I'm going to keep it and just work through the issues....therapy, right?

btw, does anyone else find sport seats a bit narrow, especially mid to upper back? Would it be sacrelige to swap them for stock seats?

Relax, relax, reeelllaaaxxx. There, now that's beter. The best thing you can do is drive the 911 every oppertunity (sp) you get, and not to worry about it. And don't change anything on it until you have done 4,000 miles or 3 months of ownership - whatever comes first.

I have consistently driven the ***** out of my car and experimented on it. These things are built to last and you do not need to worry, seriously.
I fully intended to drive the hell out of it when I got it anyway, and I haven't been disappointed (but yes there's $ to be spent, but I won't go into that here

Re: my reply on your other(new) thread. Don't worry about valve guides that might go bad, for Chrisakes! You're probably gonna get run-over by a bus tommorow anyways. Better enjoy tonight! Cheers!

It's a car you can take out to a track, and run it between 6 and 7 thousand RPMs all day, on a hot day, braking like you've just spotted a baby carriage on the turnpike -- then bringing it right back up to 130 -- again and again and again -- and then drive home. They're probably the most durable production cars ever made. Back in the late 60s and early 70s, the factory rally teams hardly carried any spares at all. The cars didn't need them. They just don't break.

(Of course, your mileage may vary...)

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Jack Olsen
My Rennlist page • My Pelican Gallery page • My Porsche Owners Gallery page

Further to Jack's comment, I strongly advise that you join the PCA and sign up for a few Drivers Ed events. On the track, you will become comfortable with the car and come to realize that, as Jack points out, they just don't break. As I mentioned in another post, my 83 SC, went from being a garage queen, with about 100k miles, to a DE and daily driver - and it has never run better. Before taking it to the track, I very rarely exceeded 4000 rpm, ever. On the track, I rarely went below 4000 rpm, and most of the time, I was above 5000 rpm. Other than a couple more stone chips on the hood, the SC is no worse for wear - and I am far, far more comfortable and confident using this 18 year old car, now with 128k miles, for a daily driver.
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One last piece of advice, change the oil frequently (every 3,000/4000 miles and have the valves adjusted religeously, every 10k to 15k miles. I also do a leak down test with each valve adjustment.
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And finally - - - - - yeah, you could have purchased a new Audi, BMW or mind-numbing, all-look-alike Asian-mobile and had peace of mind - - - perhaps. But remember, you would have taken a big hit on depreciation and been paying far more interest on the financing. No one here is going to tell you that you will not have repairs on the Carrera, you will. It is not a young car. But even with the cost of repairs over a five year period, you will still be ahead of the game compared to the cost of owning a brand new car.
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I challenge you to take that Carerra out on a drive, and after it's warmed up, enter an Interstate or other limited access highway. Be sure the on ramp is empty and traffic is light. Accelerate that puppy in second gear, throttle to the floor, to 5500 rpm, shift into third and again take it to 5500 rpm. Then come back and tell us that you did not have a ****-eating-grin on your face. Do it, we dare you!!
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Chuck
83SC

I will take a contrary position to other posters - if you find someone willing to pay your price - sell the car. Then buy another one with your wife's help. After thinking about the first post I began to wonder if the misses might have prefered a convertible.

And making the purchase a shared decision makes the worry a shared issue. As far as the valve guides go, don't fret. Unless your car is a lemon, it should go 60K-70K without a valve job.


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Eric Bradway
'86 911 Targa
http://www.bradway.net/porsche

If something in your car needs attention you will probably discover it soon . Fix it and then sleep well as these cars are superdependable if well maintained. At the time I bought my car , I probably could have bought a new honda or BMW or something or other. Taking into account my cash purchase and repairs my cost of ownership is actually very reasonable. Thats even counting in some cosmetic things I have done because I want the car to look good. RElax , take a deep breathe and go drive that thing!

Congrats! You have just replaced me in the "most anal about messing up your low milage 911" category! Also, 1st place in the "my 911 is screwing up my marriage" category. Ahhh.... what a relief. Here's a tip: I've never felt better, now that I RELAXED about my 85 Carrera, 44,xxx miles, concour winner! I had similar issues as you about the car and wanted to sell. Instead, I kept it, made the wife and kids happy about it by chillin' out, and enjoy driving it every chance I get! I have since replaced the steering wheel w/ a 930s model and wouldn't ya know it; the car's accelerator is now fixed as a result! It goes to the floor much easier and more frequently now! Who would of thought? The car doesn't flinch at spirited driving and has REMAINED trouble-free. In fact, it seems to be "happier" and less quirky now that I DRIVE THE THING! DE and Autocross are next on my list of improvements to the car. I believe I can truly call myself a "real 911 owner" now. Keep the car- don't be an idiot!

Eric,

Are you trying to send this poor guy into a complete psychological melt-down? You mention that he shouldn't need a valve job until the car reaches 60-70K. . .its got 57 on it now!

Rest assured Nostatic, your valve train should easily last 200K-plus with scheduled adjustments and common sense. Don't downshift from 5th to 2nd and you'll be fine.

BTW, intresting comment on the possible cab angle. The A/C in your car pretty much sucks and I suppose this could be a point of contention with the little woman. The good news is that you are going into the cooler months...so you don't need to make any rash decisions.

As suggested, take that baby to the redline with your foot on the floor through 2nd and 3rd gear. It's begging for it! Heck, strap your wife into the passenger seat and see if you can make her throw up (a few twisty roads at high speed can help accomplish this). You'll know you've arrived!

Good luck and enjoy!
Mike