The three kinds of Porsche owners...
Registered User
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 8,875
From: Vancouver
Rep Power: 684
I am the type of enthusiast that enjoys these cars the way they were meant to be! Driven hard, enjoy them for the balanced performance, and change the fluids when they should be changed. I don't worry about dirt, a scratch, a rock chip, or an over rev. These cars are meant to be driven hard on the weekend, and driven around town on Monday.
Registered User
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 508
From: South OC, CA
Rep Power: 39
While searching for my 996 5 years ago and most recently after searching for my 997 that I just bought last November, I discovered that there are two opposite kinds of Porsche owners out there.
The leasee type 1: A professional that is attracted to the brand by its image and want a performance car that can be used as a daily drive. This car will most likely be automatic, as the owner doesn't know how to drive stick. These are the lamest cars available on the secondary market. Minimal options from the factory to keep the monthly payment as low as possible and not a single TLC moment on the life of the car. Took the dog to the vet on this car and there is proof of that! No preventive maintenance and only warranty related work and the mandatory oil changes from the manufacturer. These are the ones that will have more wear and tear, bolsters on the leather seats, scratches on the center console and shift *****, soft touch plastic will show the lack of love. Coffee stains around the cup holder and god forbid, cigarette ashes. The front lights are probably yellowing from the lack of care and paint has swirl marks, rock chips and scratches; wheels are surely to show some curb rash and coolant may be non factory...
The leasee type 2: This one is a little better... took care of the car, added a few upgraded pieces but you are probably missing some that he took out when trading in the vehicle... probably it had some great suspension. tire/wheel combo and even some exhaust but now, it's back to mostly stock. This kind of car is the second best option you can get. Everything is well taken care of and the replacement parts (exhaust, wheels/tires, suspension) may be in like new condition, since the type 2 probably swap those parts early on the life of the car to be put back close to the trade up day.
The enthusiast: The OCD, picky owner. While more difficult to find using the regular channels (autotrader, cars.com, etc), this one is the one to get. Most likely, all the upgrades where done tastefully. No rice stuff here, no weird stickers or goudy non OEM stuff. Even if the owner takes some of the stuff back to the original condition prior to the sale, you will still get a lot of car with some great options.
The reason I posted this, is because a co-worker offered me more than what I paid for my car this past November and when I told him that he could probably find a newer car for that money, he said that all the cars he is seeing on Autotrader and cars.com are great but they lack carbon fiber pieces or lots of little nice upgrades that makes the car complete and more enjoyable...
If you are reading this, congratulations, you belong to the third kind and the next owner of your car will deeply appreciate it!
I'm missing some other kind?
joel
The leasee type 1: A professional that is attracted to the brand by its image and want a performance car that can be used as a daily drive. This car will most likely be automatic, as the owner doesn't know how to drive stick. These are the lamest cars available on the secondary market. Minimal options from the factory to keep the monthly payment as low as possible and not a single TLC moment on the life of the car. Took the dog to the vet on this car and there is proof of that! No preventive maintenance and only warranty related work and the mandatory oil changes from the manufacturer. These are the ones that will have more wear and tear, bolsters on the leather seats, scratches on the center console and shift *****, soft touch plastic will show the lack of love. Coffee stains around the cup holder and god forbid, cigarette ashes. The front lights are probably yellowing from the lack of care and paint has swirl marks, rock chips and scratches; wheels are surely to show some curb rash and coolant may be non factory...
The leasee type 2: This one is a little better... took care of the car, added a few upgraded pieces but you are probably missing some that he took out when trading in the vehicle... probably it had some great suspension. tire/wheel combo and even some exhaust but now, it's back to mostly stock. This kind of car is the second best option you can get. Everything is well taken care of and the replacement parts (exhaust, wheels/tires, suspension) may be in like new condition, since the type 2 probably swap those parts early on the life of the car to be put back close to the trade up day.
The enthusiast: The OCD, picky owner. While more difficult to find using the regular channels (autotrader, cars.com, etc), this one is the one to get. Most likely, all the upgrades where done tastefully. No rice stuff here, no weird stickers or goudy non OEM stuff. Even if the owner takes some of the stuff back to the original condition prior to the sale, you will still get a lot of car with some great options.
The reason I posted this, is because a co-worker offered me more than what I paid for my car this past November and when I told him that he could probably find a newer car for that money, he said that all the cars he is seeing on Autotrader and cars.com are great but they lack carbon fiber pieces or lots of little nice upgrades that makes the car complete and more enjoyable...
If you are reading this, congratulations, you belong to the third kind and the next owner of your car will deeply appreciate it!
I'm missing some other kind?
joel
Registered User
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 805
From: ATL
Rep Power: 64
I am the type of enthusiast that enjoys these cars the way they were meant to be! Driven hard, enjoy them for the balanced performance, and change the fluids when they should be changed. I don't worry about dirt, a scratch, a rock chip, or an over rev. These cars are meant to be driven hard on the weekend, and driven around town on Monday.
I'm going to get my front bumper resprayed soon, and I like the aesthetic mods as well as the performance mods. I wash it often and try to keep it nice, but since I drive it so often, things are gonna happen...
Registered User
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 8,875
From: Vancouver
Rep Power: 684
I'm closest to this category, where I drive it every day, and take the kids in it often. That includes their hockey bag, or other stuff. We eat in the car - it's a car, after all!
I'm going to get my front bumper resprayed soon, and I like the aesthetic mods as well as the performance mods. I wash it often and try to keep it nice, but since I drive it so often, things are gonna happen...
I'm going to get my front bumper resprayed soon, and I like the aesthetic mods as well as the performance mods. I wash it often and try to keep it nice, but since I drive it so often, things are gonna happen...
Registered User
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 2,759
From: NJ
Rep Power: 185
Great write up jp;
I use be compulsive about the car and the scratches and stuff. Now I am hooked on the track and getting to the apex and learning all the stuff that makes it great performance machine in a talented person hands.
I have taken my time with the mods, adding a little each year. I don't see myself letting the carrera go for many years. Its just too much fun.
I use be compulsive about the car and the scratches and stuff. Now I am hooked on the track and getting to the apex and learning all the stuff that makes it great performance machine in a talented person hands.
I have taken my time with the mods, adding a little each year. I don't see myself letting the carrera go for many years. Its just too much fun.
Registered User
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 805
From: ATL
Rep Power: 64
We just got back from Niagara Falls, where we took home the Championship trophy! The kids beat teams from Buffalo, Cleveland, and North Bay (north of Toronto). Earlier this year, we got to the Silver Sticks Finals in Newmarket, but lost to the #1 ranked team in Ontario...
Back on-topic, the hockey bag nicked up the front of the car when i was putting it int the passenger seat, with the kid in the back. Now I put the bag in the bag and kid in front, and I'm not having any issues. But I did learn that the seat should move fwd in the typical position, then fold fwd after it reaches all the way. That's probably confusing, but - put another way - I nicked up the center console by folding the seat fwd, then moving it all the way fwd with the power button. The Seat belt receptacle scraped the center console.
I may mention it to the dealer and see what they say.I posted the photos below in another thread. Me and the 9 year old Squirt just went on a weekend hockey tournament trip to Knoxville in the the 911. That's about 3 hours away and one overnight.
Registered User
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 2,670
Rep Power: 195
Interesting thoughts, but I'm not sure about this classification system. My priority is a car that's fun to drive, so I drive it hard when I can, and I'm willing to put some wear and tear on it. Appearance is nice, but a much lower priority. I take care of it, but am far from obsessive. Also not interested in mods - that's why I got a nice car in the first place. 
Registered User
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 8,875
From: Vancouver
Rep Power: 684
Not only do we play here, but we do well against the teams up north!
We just got back from Niagara Falls, where we took home the Championship trophy! The kids beat teams from Buffalo, Cleveland, and North Bay (north of Toronto). Earlier this year, we got to the Silver Sticks Finals in Newmarket, but lost to the #1 ranked team in Ontario...
Back on-topic, the hockey bag nicked up the front of the car when i was putting it int the passenger seat, with the kid in the back. Now I put the bag in the bag and kid in front, and I'm not having any issues. But I did learn that the seat should move fwd in the typical position, then fold fwd after it reaches all the way. That's probably confusing, but - put another way - I nicked up the center console by folding the seat fwd, then moving it all the way fwd with the power button. The Seat belt receptacle scraped the center console. I may mention it to the dealer and see what they say.
I posted the photos below in another thread. Me and the 9 year old Squirt just went on a weekend hockey tournament trip to Knoxville in the the 911. That's about 3 hours away and one overnight.
We just got back from Niagara Falls, where we took home the Championship trophy! The kids beat teams from Buffalo, Cleveland, and North Bay (north of Toronto). Earlier this year, we got to the Silver Sticks Finals in Newmarket, but lost to the #1 ranked team in Ontario...
Back on-topic, the hockey bag nicked up the front of the car when i was putting it int the passenger seat, with the kid in the back. Now I put the bag in the bag and kid in front, and I'm not having any issues. But I did learn that the seat should move fwd in the typical position, then fold fwd after it reaches all the way. That's probably confusing, but - put another way - I nicked up the center console by folding the seat fwd, then moving it all the way fwd with the power button. The Seat belt receptacle scraped the center console.
I may mention it to the dealer and see what they say.I posted the photos below in another thread. Me and the 9 year old Squirt just went on a weekend hockey tournament trip to Knoxville in the the 911. That's about 3 hours away and one overnight.
Now I know why I can't get a bag in my car, they have roll bars
Registered User
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 1,656
From: Eastern Washington.
Rep Power: 105
When it is time to sell, how many type 3 owners ultimately get what they truly deserve: ie. a type 3 buyer. One who will appreciate the care given and give asking price. That's what I want to know. Type 3 owners are most often the martyrs in my opinion. I pat myself on the back for being a type 3 seller and buyer.
Last edited by w00tPORSCHE; Feb 29, 2012 at 11:02 PM.
Registered User
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 1,115
From: Denver, CO
Rep Power: 79
I keep my cars up, proactive on the mechanics and try to keep them clean. An ex girlfriend and her husband (we're close friends) have bought their last two cars from me because they know when an oil change is due, or any routine maintenance, it is done. In fact the only thing that's keeping me from buying a new Land Cruiser is they are not ready to buy the one I have. She has said she really wants the SUV.
When I sold my SC430 to buy the 997, the first guy to see it bought it. I think because it was spotless, shiny, I had all the the service records and was willing to sell for a fair price (because my 997 was enroute on a car carrier). But Toyota/Lexus always sell quickly.
I suspect that when I sell my 997, it will take a lot longer to sell. But I am hoping that at that point it will be a relatively high mile 997 that is very clean and has been well cared for, so maybe the price point as compared to the condition will help it move quickly.
Does that place me as a 2? LOL
When I sold my SC430 to buy the 997, the first guy to see it bought it. I think because it was spotless, shiny, I had all the the service records and was willing to sell for a fair price (because my 997 was enroute on a car carrier). But Toyota/Lexus always sell quickly.
I suspect that when I sell my 997, it will take a lot longer to sell. But I am hoping that at that point it will be a relatively high mile 997 that is very clean and has been well cared for, so maybe the price point as compared to the condition will help it move quickly.
Does that place me as a 2? LOL
Thread Starter
|
Registered User
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 1,749
From: Miami
Rep Power: 125
You guys make a total valid point. Type 3 owners will suffer a lot and sweat the small stuff. I have to drive my car 100 miles everyday, so rock chips and wear/tear are inevitable on the outside but I try to create an untouched cocoon on the inside. For example, I loved the Rennline aluminum floor mats that I had on my 996 but they got scratched at the heel section of the driver's side pretty bad... so when I got the ones for my 997, I had them wrapped in 3M protective vinyl.
When you take care of your car, it will be easier to sell in the future; and you can be like me, and sell it to another (forum member) enthusiast... (in the case of my beloved speed yellow 996)
Side note for the seat belt scratching the center console... the padding that's behind the seat belt receptacle is tiny and tend to move with time... One easy solution is to buy velcro squares at homedepot or similar and then use the fuzzy side to attach to the back of the receptacle...
When you take care of your car, it will be easier to sell in the future; and you can be like me, and sell it to another (forum member) enthusiast... (in the case of my beloved speed yellow 996)
Side note for the seat belt scratching the center console... the padding that's behind the seat belt receptacle is tiny and tend to move with time... One easy solution is to buy velcro squares at homedepot or similar and then use the fuzzy side to attach to the back of the receptacle...
Registered User
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 283
From: Virginia
Rep Power: 34
Hockey Bags and sticks are no problem. This little 8 week old monster is what it's all about though !! Daily driver with 95,000 on it. Maintained fastidiously. Most of you would cringe putting your dog in the car 'eh ? lol.
