Can I Drive It???

[dkirk]

I’ve owned my ’88 Carrera Coupe for a little over 5 years now. A close friend and myself have redone almost every mechanical system on the car, including an engine top-end overhaul, full AC system upgrade, rebuilt brake calipers, etc., etc. I consider the car a driver, but one in very nice condition. It truly is my pride and joy!

Recently, I took an acquaintance for a ride as he’d never ridden in a Porsche. After a nice ˝ hour jaunt, and on the return trip to his house, he asked “would you mind if I drive it?”. My response was an emphatic “no”, but stated with a smile. He actually got a bit miffed which I thought was comical. I personally would never ask another car owner if I could drive his car – if he offers, that’s a different story. I’ve allowed other competent and experienced drivers to drive my 911 after I’ve offered it to them and don’t have a problem with that.

So here is my question – how do you get out of the “Can I drive it?”

[JJ 911SC]

Only one person drove mine in the past 5 years. It was to move it and I was not there so he did not have to ask.

A friend let me drive his 997 and I was not exactly comfortable doing it.

So, if someone that never had driven one ask me, the answer would probably be, when it goes on sale and you are interested to buy it...

[Hellafunctional]

I just laugh it off as if it was said jokingly.

[DRACO A5OG]

Practice this "N O"

or if you want to, tell them it has a bad clutch and brakes or accelerator sticks :-)

I only let 911 guys drive my car, they know the car and can handle it if something goes wrong.

[swade]

I'll let most anyone I know who is somewhat sensible drive my car, its easy to drive and I certainly don't baby it. Both my kids, my son in law and friends have driven it.

Always with me in the passenger seat mind you.

[Joe Bob]

Draco, drove mine......as a favor......he's it....no one else.

[heimtun]

Here's another way to look at it. A very good friend of mine, a long time Porsche owner, driving instructor, a very good driver who has commented several times that he likes my 1980 911SC and that when he rides in it, he comments "this is the way they are supposed to ride/feel."
So, I've offered to let him drive it on everal occasions- he's always declines - he doesn't want to just in case anything happens when he's behind the wheel. In other words, he understands old cars and the owners of them - your friend, IMO, needs to appreciate old cars and their owner - especially when it's your pride and joy.

[porsche930dude]

if youre not comfortable letting them drive then just say no. Iv ridden in enough cars with bad drivers and seen enough u-tube videos to know that its not wize to let just anyone drive it. my brother and dad are really the only other people that drive it. I tried getting my best freind to take it for a spin but he suddenly forgot how to drive a stick lol I think he was just super nervous. Plus youre insurance may not even cover other drivers. you can use that as an excuse.

[DRACO A5OG]

I don't even let Valet's drive my car. I pay extra to let me park it and keep the keys :-/ Porsche Tax

[Joe Bob]

Originally Posted by DRACO A5OG

I don't even let Valet's drive my car. I pay extra to let me park it and keep the keys :-/ Porsche Tax

Just for giggles, I ask valets if they do a stick.....most if not all shake their heads.

[NYNick]

The key word here was "acquaintance". I've let all my kids (including my daughter) drive my car to experience it. In fact, they've driven all of my Porsches. I've let other people drive my cars as well, at my offer.

Asking to drive someone else's classic car is presumptuous and kind of out of line, especially for an acquaintance. I would laugh it off and say "Nah, I don't let anyone drive my cars." If they get insulted, that's their problem.

Maybe he was just clueless.

[JJ 911SC]

Originally Posted by Joe Bob

... I ask valets if they do a stick...

A lot of them do but nothing to do with with car... Maybe with gear!

[DRACO A5OG]

Shoot, my Kendo Master wanted to drive my car I said No Sir!. He beat the crapola out of me, but still did not drive my baby.

[Bill Jennings]

I have let good friends drive my car if they have driven old 911's before but would never allow it if it was their first drive in one.
Excepting my wife of course!!!!!
Cheers
Bill

[gregwils]

I don't have an issue with someone that I personally know is familiar with this vintage Porsche drive mine. After all, it's a car. If I get my car inspected in PA, most of the time the mechanic that puts the sticker on it will road test it. Other than a paid mechanic, I would be in the front seat.

If someone doesn't own or know these cars well, then I agree, 'no' is the correct answer.

[Rich Gas]

What is a Kendo Master? Guys at the alignment shop, One known race car driver/mechanic, previous owners...

[JJ 911SC]

Originally Posted by Rich Gas

What is a Kendo Master? Guys at the alignment shop, One known race car driver/mechanic, previous owners...

I thought he said Kato Master...

[Reiver]

...ask him if you can sleep with his wife.....then get miffed when he say's no....

[Oh Haha]

Very few people have driven my SC. My wife is one although she doesn't drive it much anymore(she doesn't care for the Corbeau seats).

My little brother is another. I have let him take it during our hometown's car cruise weekend to make a few trips through town(cruising, sort of).

I have traded cars for a short time with other Pelicans and PCA members. My car was typically the lowest on the rung of value so I was more worried about hurting THIER Porsche, BMW, Corvette, etc.

The way I see it, if I let you drive it and you break it YOU will be 1.paying for repairs. B. Assisting me in repairing it.

I felt the samw way when I was driving someone elses car. I would give them the same offering of repair.

[911SauCy]

Originally Posted by Reiver

...ask him if you can sleep with his wife.....then get miffed when he say's no....

Classic.

My response, which is true, is that I have collector car insurance and I'm the only insured driver. If anyone else drives it, the insurance is void.