Isn't that what this entire thread is about (the OP's intent)? I think you and the majority of the participants here are saying similar things.

And I agree, by the way.

It's not that california is a car culture. It's that california is a show off your money culture so that spreads to everything. Clothes, homes, cars, you name it. I'm not saying all of California is like this but the places where you see the nicest cars you locals will understand what I am saying. They just happen to have car events as well because California is nice and sunny. They aren't going to have them in florida with the hurricanes nor have them in the midwest with 12 ft of snow.

Northeast spends money mostly on homes. Also the culture is more to be secretive about your wealth because they have a lot more. We have to spend more on homes to get the same level of a home in california. For instance a 3 mil home in bethesda or DC is crap compared to a 3 mill home right in beverly hills next to rodeo drive.

I grew up in Orange County, CA and recently moved to the armpit of the world aka Houston. You are right about showing off. That's just how it is there. However, there are those (myself included) that are truly into cars. I've been into cars my whole life so I guess I was one of the few in the neighborhood who actually new anything about what they were driving!

It was amazing when I moved to houston... people would gawk at my M5. An M5 is as common as a Honda Accord in OC. I was so confused! Last week I was at one of the nicer restaurants in Houston... you always see a few exotics... which is rare for Houston. People were actually taking pictures with them. It's not that people don't have the money here. Its just that they spend it on other things... like massive trucks!

This is an interesting thread.

Sometimes I have a hard time driving a Porsche.

This is kind of related to the annoying thread I recently posted, about being able to "afford' a porsche.

I think I posted that thread because I have a lot of forces holding me back because the 991 I feel is a bit flashier than the 997. Its also not quite as eccentric looking -- instead it looks more badass, like a Ferrari.

I like that its more aggressive looking, but I also like the more humble/underdog/classic look of the 997. 911s have always been a bit of an underdog - they always kill the giants but do it in a bit if a humble way. The Bruce Lee of cars, I read once.

...

I have driven a 997 for about 3-4 years here in the midwest. It gets a lot of looks. I dont like to look out the windows because people are often looking back at me.

Sometimes people will tell me "cool car" or make some (positive) joke, IE " I'll trade cars with you!" which leaves me with an awkward prompt for a response.

But now and then people are rude.

I have this theory that college-educated people who don't make a lot of money resent fancy cars, but more working-class types seem to respect it.


Also - a lot of people also don't know what a Porsche 911 is. They dont' know the legend behind it and compare it to just a regular sports car, like a corvette or something. They dont realize its probably the coolest, most iconic car ever made.

I also think we are over-concerned about what others think (in this thread). But I think its better than NOT caring completely what others think. I know a guy who is worth over 100m owns a ferrari enzo, amongst millions of dollars of other exotics. I asked him once if people crowd around his cars a lot, and he seemed to enjoy it and revel in it.He has let money and objects be all that defines him. So its good we're not that guy, right? (Sadly others might view us as him sometimes)

Growing up in the 80's, we all wanted a cool car when we grew up. Almost every kid knows a Porsche and dreams of having one some day. Yet so few of us ever make our dreams come true. Most men live lives in quiet desperation.

So true, the average person cant tell the difference between a boxter, Cayman or a 911... All they see is a "Porsche" sports car and they assume its the same price as a Ferrari. So in essence your boss may be driving an Audi saloon and because you're driving a boxter for example, you will still have the same dilemma. The majority of people aren't enthusiasts.

You do live in a Lucid Day Dream don't you? Just like most your perceptions about being able to afford a Porsche making $400k a year. I'm college educated and I think it's going to be a must in the future just because much of the rest of the world puts a high importance on college education, and we don't want to be left behind. That is unless you are a genius or have an exceptional ability in sports or entertainment.

I saw this recently...

A guy in front of a group noticed that someone drove a Boxster (turned out to be a 2002 base model), asked who owned it. A retired LEO raised her hand. Theories were flying about how she must have been corrupt to afford such a car, and asked how fast it goes. She said,"No, it only cost $8k. I've had it for a few years. It isn't as fast as my husband's Mustang GT."

A few people looked around like she was crazy, and made comments about how she must not know anything about cars, because she was a woman.

I would agree with this.. civilians have no clue.. Same with the differences between a Turbo and non turbos.. (Maybe more with the GT's simply because of the over the top aggressive looks..)

I also think most have no idea what the cost is either..

You shouldn't care what others think. Enjoy your luxuries.

You can thank our commander in chief for the change in attitude.

I have a lot of family and friends in SoCal, their mentality or culture is so different than ours, it's hard to understand. Keeping up with Hollywood seems to be the culture there. Everyone needs the latest and greatest whether they can afford it or not even if it means eating ramen noodles everyday. I've had friends tell me that they can't find a girlfriend if they don't drive a nice German car. I asked them if that is the type of women they want and they just look at me like I'm some country bumpkin. The culture there is buy what the bank is willing to lend you as suppose to what you can afford. Most of my friends and family here, only buy cars that they can afford with cash. Totally different culture and way of thinking.

Where is here?

It's funny how one can believe an area can be summarized so narrowly. Sure some generalizations made because there are tendencies based on the overall culture that develops.

But such a generalizations are ignorant.. Just as it would be ignorant if I described all New Yorker's as obnoxious and rude which is also a widely held stereotype.. but one I've found untrue once I spent a little time there. It however may make you feel better or superior about yourself...

California is definitely a car culture and there are a lot of reasons for that of course that are well discussed.. And there is there are pockets of affluence... And I think that lends itself to a lot of nice cars...

Unfortunately not all of us here live in "Hollywood"... or the stereotypical places. We live in suburbs, have modest houses, go to work each morning and come home to our wife and 2.2 kids.. And we buy what we can afford..

Most likely in the state of denial about his own existence that makes him feel so knowledgeable as opposed to his ignorance