Nick,

You're such a bleeding heart liberal! You mention Porsche's "quest for profit" and "unconscionable profit." Since when is the car business altruistic? Should be Porsche produce cars for the fun of it? The answer is no. But, we as the customer are the problem. Until we stop buying Porsches, nothing will change.

You cite the 997 as an example. How about the 996 TT "S"? It's just a recycled X50 with ceramics for about $20k less than a comparable '04! I was thrilled to get $125k for my TT cab that listed for $148k! The CGT is the ultimate example. Come on, 1,500 examples at $448,300 each? Give me a break. They won't sell 1,200, and they'll kill resale in the process.

You and I both own Ferraris, but they're in a different position. They don't need to make money. They are not independent like Porsche. Therefore, they can keep production low - 4,000+/- cars per year, and keep residuals reasonable - at least 360s.

Eric

BTW - I don't think Ferrari let potential Enzo buyers "test drive" it before buying one.

I think that is one of the great things about Porsches ... evolution in design vs. revolution, so even older models still look great and not too dated.

Compare the 993 which still looks fresh ... to the 355 which looks hellishly dated (don't even mention a 348 lol ... all models that looked hot when released but now very old) ... as the 360 will when the 430 comes out ... and the 996 doesn't even with the 997 out now.

or compare 993 turbo (still looks hot) vs. Diablo (yes looks hot but looks "old")

recycled design? maybe, cuz they got it right the first time. A classic timeless design.

"You can still buy a GT3 if you have to fall on your sword, but word is you'll have a hard time shaking an S in the twisties which you can get for 20K less."

From the prices I've seen on the S, my GT3 cost roughly $5k more (and it's not a stripped down version). For kicks, let's compare resale values in 12-24 months...

Don't mean to stray from the points here, but i have to disagree with you on the 355 and diablo, neither of them look THAT old. They're essentially timeless in their design and beauty, forward looking and technologically sufficient for even the next few years...

The 348 on the other hand, is naturally associated with a TR, and is assumed by non-enthusiasts as being outdated. No doubt.

I disagree. I'd trade a 993 for a 355 in a heartbeat. In fact, I'd probably trade two 993s for a 355 in a heatbeat.

Saw both this past weekend at Cars and Coffee.

Diablo and 355 look old.

996 interior is not as nice or better then 997.

wow, 10yr old thread revival...gotta be a record.

Darn - you just beat me to it!!

10 year old thread...

Now that is using the search function! Kudos!!

Although I have to wonder if John S would still trade 2 993s for a 355. I would rather have the two 993s.

Yes, I agree.... this is !


But then again, 10 years ago:
1. Air cooled Porsches with asking price of $80,000.00+ could be had or low 20's;
2. That British Guy who had issues with his Porsche and posted a video was probably just in diapers or in elementary school (jk);
3. We had less gray hair;
4. Economy was great;
5. Remember the piggybank that people had? H.E.L.O.C.
6. We are at least $1,000,000.00 richer;
7. etc.


So, seeing a 2004-thread could trigger memories.

after i bought a lotus elise i found out that the warranty would be voided if i tracked the car. WTF!!!!

Is there a company that honors warranty when car is tracked?

I thought ALL companies are the same regarding no-track-warranty.

I haven't researched the super exotics like Ferrari, Lambos, etc.

dbl post

So... I am guessing the OP has made the switch to another brand for his auto-motive needs or will in the near future?

Anyways, interesting post and read!

From what my dentist who owns a newer Ferrari said, Ferrari needs to be on a special dealer service plan to be track warranty d. Don t know? I find it hard to believe that a company would warranty a track car with no qualifications. Anyway, how would they know if the engine blew on the highway or track if the car was being driven within it s limits?

As far as Porsche standing behind their product, I think you can find examples of both good and bad service. Depends (on what I can t say).
I can tell you in the last 5 years I have had issues with the warranty on new Chevy, Mercedes and Subaru where they pull the old "it s normal" BS. Maybe it just hurts more because of the Porsche price and repair cost.
Good thread.