Looking to buy my first Porsche and I've noticed all the options are expensive. Are aftermarket installers a lot lower in cost at similar quality than factory-installed?

For example, I'm looking to install HID xenon headlights and a rear camera park assist. Does anyone know of any aftermarket installers that can do these (particularly in the SF Bay area)? This happens to be for a new Cayenne, but more people here probably know about aftermarket installers.

 

Don't skimp on HIDs. Most aftermarket kits install HID bulbs into the incandescent housings which have the wrong optics for the HID bulb. Beam pattern is a mess, you'll blind everyone on the road and get not-so-great lighting.

Can't comment on the camera, as I have a 997.1 which didn't have a backup camera option (is it even an option on 997.2?). Camera can't be added to the 997.1 PCM that I'm aware of, so adding it requires replacing PCM with an aftermarket stereo which is a whole expensive adventure of its own.

 

Go into Porsche ownership with eyes open. While you might be able to acquire a used car for a good price, servicing and parts will always be expensive.

 

If you're buying a new car I think you have to go with the factory options for rear camera and xenon headlights if you want it to be done right. Unfortunately you're going to have to pay to play.

 

IMHO non-bose with a good aftermarket headunit and a backup camera is way better than PCM anyways. And cheaper if you shop well.

 

The best web site I have found for aftermarket parts at reasonable prices is www.kalecoauto.com. You'll find many options you didn't know were out there.

 

I agree, get the car you want right off and save the trouble you will have doing lots of add ons.

 

Thanks. I've finally found a replacement 710 cap. And it's in chrome too!

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For the rear camera try Sound Innovations in Hayward. They do excellent work on a lot of high end cars. I got a quote for something similar on my Carrera GTS but haven't had the work done yet. They did the stereo upgrade on both my previous cars (BMW M3s) and the work turned out awesome. The owner is a Porsche owner himself (along with a couple of other cars) and he REALLY knows his stuff. Nice guy too.