From neighborhood perspective best way to make friends - let them try to feel it like your are one of them and is no different. I simply did let neighbor I know and who likes to speak A LOT around to drive my new car around a block as he stopped by to look at it and I think it made his year as he now constantly stops by to shake hands and speaks about his early days when he had a vette, etc. So, you got to make friends somehow to be friends with people.

Work situation is different. No matter how it goes, especially if you are a boss over somebody and have bosses above you - you are always compromising. One thing for sure - you cannot be nice with everybody and you cannot befriend everybody. You have to choose whose feelings you do not give rats` *** over and whose feelings do matter, then behave accordingly.

I would agree with most people here saying it is damaging to show your exotic car to your clients if it is not commonly expected in this line of work.
As of relations with peers - they will always find what to hate you for - for bonus you got, for promotion, for anything that may be suspected makes you better than them - so, it is a fine edge to walk on. I would be more concerned about effect your flashy statements make to your superiors, there is ethic of workplace that most people obey - like how much your suit should cost, or not to wear latest 20K Gucci bag with your lunchbox in it, etc.
Flashing your 911 to your boss everyday if you know he got 4 kids and drives Sienna to work may be not your wisest career move. If you know your superior just got new Ferrari and into such toys a lot - then overwise, it may be considered as a positive move from your side to 'blend in' with his style. Act accordingly to your situation and decide for yourself.

 

This thread was more provacative than I had anticipated when I posted. Great responses.

BTW - My boss had a scale cast model 911TT on his shelf ,and we have had several conversations about cars when he first started. He mentioned his old company had several engineers with Porsches, and he seemed to celebrate the fact.... so I felt it was relatively 'safe' in his eyes. A few weeks later, over a beer on a business trip, I let him know that I was making the purchase. I realize he's my boss first (not my freind) so I know there is an element of risk...but I needed to manage the message, at least with him.

Managing my colleagues' comments has been much more challenging. It's really good to hear that others work at being self-aware, too. It seems that most of the P-drivers in here are human.

 

Just tell people you are doing your part to stimulate the economy!

 

Funny, but no one has mentioned the root cause of our dilemna here: the Porsche 911 demographic. If we Google this we will invariably find that the owner of a 911 is a white male, 35-50, well educated, with a gross household income of 300k+. Seems like in the public's eyes that makes us all public enemy #1.

 

The brand image was one of the "deterrents" before my recent purchase. I've created a comfortable talk track that works for me:
-I don't have a $300 a month golf habit
-I don't do clubs, drugs, or hookers
-At the end of the day, used Porsches aren't really that much $

In my ecosystem, there is less emphasis on one's brand image - particularly with what you drive. However, this simply could be a movement in my own personal maturity curve. I've come to realize that if clients, employees, or exec leadership are affected by what you drive and change behavior because of it, perhaps your value proposition to them just isn't that strong...

 

Well, in my case... most of the companies I deal with have money and the owners of said companies have money, but the people I work with from those companies don't make allot. Many drive a leased prius and live in one bedroom apartments and pull down about $60k a year. While their boss may relate to the porsche in the same way I do, I rarely see the company heads.

 

I don't drive my 911 to work. It is a weekend driver. Some of my colleagues know I have a 911 at home.....no real reaction either way. I work for a German company and I told them how many people were dumping 911s this summer due to the economic situation. As a result I got a 2008 S with 50 miles on it from a dealer for a lot less than a new Boxster would cost in Germany. My German friends are happy for me and jealous, too.

 

Speaking of neighbors...

My next door neighbor is a guy in his late 60's. He thinks he knows everything about cars. He has a previous generation MB SL500. Before whenever I'd see him driving it, he'd stop and talk to me. Usually about how his car was so awesome, and how much power it had, and how people look at him whenever he drives it, etc...

Ever since I got my 911, he no longer stops to talk to me. Actually he has only spoken to me once since I got it. He asked me "Whose car is that?". It had been in my garage for a month and he'd seen me driving it plenty. Jealous much?

My response to people that mumble "Don't you know we're in a recession?" "Yeah, I know. I wanted a Lamborghini, but could only afford a Porsche" That'll shut em up.

 

I didn't get my 911 to impress others. I got the car because it impresses me ( and 911s have impressed me for many years). I do not care one bit if anyone sees me or looks at me ( actually I prefer not to attract attention). I simply want to enjoy driving my car.

 

ah. that's me.

 

I drive the C63 to the hospital, no one looks twice. With impending healthcare reform, no need for patients to see the GT2, though most won't know the difference between that and a Boxster, they already think we're overpaid for what we do.

 

Also, top sales market is Los Angeles. Everyone is jealous of LA.

 

@work in Silicon Valley, nobody seems to care about my 911. There are 4 other 911's in my company and those that don't have one could probably afford one.

@home is a different story. I used to have a neighbor that would give a friendly wave every time I drove by but not anymore. It's very odd to me as they own a Boxster...

 

I love driving my car to work and I could care less what people think I worked hard my whole life to get this car. People are usually cool and give me the dumbs up and want to talk about it with me.which I love to do.the only problem is I have to park it in an area that no one else parks because I am afraid of someone opening there door and dinging me.

 

I'm thoroughly entertained by this thread. I've picked up on 3 camps, so far. It be interesting to run a personality test. This is just for entertainment value...but what do you think?

(GroupA) "Oh, please. Don't park your car at work." (GroupB) "If you are going to do it, at least park far away".(GroupC) "Who the F**K@ cares. I earned it! I'll drive it anywhere, anytime."