Porsche etiquette around non Porsche people. ????

[mystro]

I have owned 911s on and off for 21 years. I live in a rual part of Pa. When some people find out or see my 911, they get weird. I can't explained why a Porsche brings this out in some people. My Audi's, MB, or any other car over the years doesn't seem to get this reaction. I would say the reaction I get is either snottyness or they get quiet. I don't know if it's jealousy, insecurity or what??? It makes no sence why a P-car brings this very unattractive quality out in some people. It's just in a small percentage of people but it is consistent enough for me to recognize a pattern. I remember this reaction years ago with my last 911 but it wasn't till my recent 911 that I noticed this anomaly again. What is protocol in this situation?????

[Oh Haha]

No protocol to speak of...



Just be yourself.

If you are an a$$, it doesn't matter what you are driving, you are still an a$$.

I live in a GM/UAW town so I am pretty much the odd man out most days. I am not the nicest person in the world every day but I do try to project a positive, humble attitude when I am driving the 911. I did the same when we had the BMW.

If my driving style or attitude makes 1 person think that not all guys that drive sport cars, Porsches, BMW, etc. is a dick, I am good with that.

In the end, I don't really care what other people think. I bought my 911 for ME, not to show off to others.

[mholbrook38]

Just unbutton yer shirt a couple buttons so they kin see yer gold chains. Show some bling!!!!

[RarlyL8]

Yep, I've noticed that too. My wife says I make more of it than it really is, which may be true. It's easy for my to talk the P-car down by just saying it's a 24 year old car that I built myself. You can build or restore one too if you wish.

[mystro]

I am a nice guy. I am a professional musician as well as own my own company. I work very well with the public and can work a crowd. I guess this makes me intuitive on public feedback. I really dont care what people think but wonder about this reaction with some people and Porsche cars. I am not ashamed I am comfortable but certainly don't flaunt money or arrogance at all. I'm a jeans and nice watch sort of guy.

[timchar]

I agree with you... I recently bought an 86 coupe, some reactions were; " you must be having a mid life crisis".. I respond no, I'm 52 and if I'm in midlife, I would live until104, my bloodline says that's a long shot. Then I tell them I had a new porsche in 1986 ... Then I had a guy say, that's basically just a volkswagon... I think jealousy is the main reason for snide remarks or odd behavior... Kind of interesting ...

[RSBob]

Porsche means to the unwashed, Rich, Snob and maybe a hot rod'n a$$. First, I never talk about my car unless asked and then keep it short, no matter how much I want to go on and on. Second, when I tell them that I picked it up for 7 grand, (probably far less than the car they are probably driving) then they understand that entry is relatively cheap. That usually turns on a light. Third, like mentioned above, act humble - if that is not your normal self, fake it. If none of that works show them you tattoos and tell them it is a Jeep thing and they wouldn't understand.

[Flieger]

I wouldn't be offended by the VW comments at all. I think Dr. Porsche did a fine job on the VW and I am not trying to impress with the Porsche, so I'd just let it go.

[Bob Kontak]

Originally Posted by mystro

What is protocol in this situation?????

I lived in the Franklin/Oil City, PA area for many years. I know exactly what you speak of. It's not PA, it's folks exposed to unfamiliar excess. Dump $40k+ into "stuff" for deer hunting in PA and there are high fives all around.

The protocol/trick, if you are interested in loosening them up, is to say the car is pretty affordable (say "Way, way cheaper than a new Camry" - that gives them a reference point). Further align yourself with them and say, there is no way you (yourself) could ever afford a new one. Also, "Essentially, it is a Beetle on steroids" and point out comparisons to bring the car down to earth works pretty well.

It's just a human nature thing.

Edit: If that fails, call them names and tell them their children are ugly.

[rw229]

LOL... there are some small town attitudes in PA.

I personally never mention what I own unless needed. Even then I say I have an old Porsche. A lot of people think these are still very expensive cars and I'm quick to point out that it cost less than their new mini van or truck. (or just about any new car)

ETA... Bob nailed it.

Originally Posted by mystro

I have owned 911s on and off for 21 years. I live in a rual part of Pa. When some people find out or see my 911, they get weird. I can't explained why a Porsche brings this out in some people. My Audi's, MB, or any other car over the years doesn't seem to get this reaction. I would say the reaction I get is either snottyness or they get quiet. I don't know if it's jealousy, insecurity or what??? It makes no sence why a P-car brings this very unattractive quality out in some people. It's just in a small percentage of people but it is consistent enough for me to recognize a pattern. I remember this reaction years ago with my last 911 but it wasn't till my recent 911 that I noticed this anomaly again. What is protocol in this situation?????

[BernieP]

WOW my experiences have been just the opposite. But I'm 58 and don't give a crap what other people think of me. I am a small business owner and get the occasional "gee business must be good" but when I tell them its a 1986 they can't believe it. over all I just get "nice car" comments. Maybe I am just lucky.

Bernie P

[Bob Kontak]

Originally Posted by rw229

Even then I say I have an old Porsche.

+1

Yes!!! Perfect! I always say "old Porsche", too. I like to talk about the car to anyone, so if I can get some sucker to listen by chilling them out, I will use any trick I can.

Edit: It's all about meeee!

[Hugh R]

Originally Posted by rw229

LOL... there are some small town attitudes in PA.

I personally never mention what I own unless needed. Even then I say I have an old Porsche. A lot of people think these are still very expensive cars and I'm quick to point out that it cost less than their new mini van or truck. (or just about any new car)

ETA... Bob nailed it.

I live in Los Angeles and you can't swing a dead cat around without hitting a Porsche. But in other parts of the country people see one and think $$$. Most people, even in LA, are surprised when I tell them a new Hyundai is way more expensive; at least for the initial buy.

[Nick Triesch]

When I brought my 911 home I pulled in the drive way and the lady across the street looked at it and asked me if it was my car. I told her it was and she just shook her head took a drag from her smoke and went inside her house. Did not say a thing. You are right, sometimes folks are strange around Porsche cars. A lot of folks just do not know that an older 911 can cost about the same as a clean used Honda Civic.

[Bob Kontak]

Originally Posted by Nick Triesch

she just shook her head took a drag from her smoke and went inside her house.

I would pay to see a video of that.

[timchar]

It's all very comical to me:. I love vws I have a new passat cc.. when he told me that my 911 was just a vw, I said yeah on steroids... I had one of my employees ask me why didn't I get a muscle car? To be honest in 1986 fresh out of college in 1986 I test drove a new Porsche, I passed some girls in a car and the almost broke their neck checking out car. The salesman noticed and said that's a fringe benefit of the car.. I bought the car, lol...I'm a little smarter now.... A big fat $650.00 car payment in 1986, not smart...

[Wilhelm]

Originally Posted by Hugh R

I live in Los Angeles and you can't swing a dead cat around without hitting a Porsche. But in other parts of the country people see one and think $$$. Most people, even in LA, are surprised when I tell them a new Hyundai is way more expensive; at least for the initial buy.

+1 Porsche isnt a big deal around S. California. It takes something more like an
F40 Ferrari to attract any attention. Or an Enzo. Or some of the stuff Jay Leno drives around in. Like his Jet powered car or motorcycle.

[Joe Bob]

Driving home on the 101 I got the tailgater and the asshat in the Beemer swerve, had to keep my hand from reaching for the spoon.

Fuch 'em they don't understand.

[DRACO A5OG]

I remember in College with my 944s, I would often hear "Prick in the Porsche", well I was a prick to be honest and lot of jealous stares from super rice burners, mustangs and camaros, Oh well.

Fuch em!

Now I'm a Old Prick in my still looking new '85 Porsche 911. Seriously never took care of my 944s like I do my 911

[mystro]

I am not gonna lie about the car or it's cost to make anyone feel better. Just like I would never tell anybody what my house cost. It's nobodies business and it's rude to ask the cost of such things. It's one thing being humble, it's another to misrepresent and belittle the car to make them feel better. I say if they can't handle it at that point they can go pound sand.. I guess my initial question is what makes the "Porsche" as a brand name touch a nerve with such people??