Some of you may have massively researched the car before buying so nothing might have been surprises, but based on Porsche's history of not giving anything for 'free' these were some of my surprizes:

1. Illuminated Vanity Mirrors: Certainly something you would expect with a Lexus but I was surprized

2. Heated side mirrors (with rear defrost)

3. Heated windshield wiper fluid (nice touch)

4. Memory Seat recognizes which key was used (key 1 = seat 1, key 2 = seat 2)

5. Odometer 100% accurate: My 1998 Boxster had the odometer/speedometer about 7% off (overestimate) meaning that if the odometer said I travelled 100 miles, I really travelled only 93 (same with speedometer). This aparently was a well known issue with all the Boxsters at the time. I was 'told' that this was a common 'practice' with Porsche cars at the time as well. My firends Audi S4 is 3-4 mph off, as is my Lexus GS 300, and the story that I have been told is that sports cars are designed that way so that you are really not going as fast as you think you are??

There were a few other oddities that I was plesantly surprised to see but cannot remember at the moment. Any of you have similar findings?

 

Illuminated vanity mirrors have been around Porsches for several years. Heated side mirrors since 1976; heated windshield wiper nozzles since 1987. Odometer inaccuracies were actually MANDATED by the DOT,--to encourage a slower rate of speed on the roadways. They forced auto manufacturers to show a higher speed than was actual. This DOT policy was rescinded several years ago.

Dan

 

I was surprised to see the speedo go to 200mph, I was expecting it to only go to 85mph!

 

are you kidding?

 

That was another DOT mandate,--but only around 1980 to 1984.

Dan

 

Well, I didn't know if optimistic speedometers were mandated by the DOT, but I know most of the german cars seem to have optimistic speedometers (at least BMW and Porsche). As far as odometers being highly optimistic, or being mandated to be inaccurate, I don't think that's the case. In some cases the speedometers are as much as 10% off (more for some unmentioned Italian makes)...but (1) what would the purpose of making the odometer be optimistic, and (2) don't you think people who lease cars would want their 10% of miles that they paid for back, or their money back if they had to pay at the end of the lease for going 10% over the allowed miles? In fact, that would be grounds for a lawsuit (and I'm normally the last person to recommend lawsuits, lawyer's or lawyer consultations )

 

Lighter plug socket in passenger footwell - WOOHOO!

 

Cooler under rear seat

 

does the car have heated side mirrors even if you didn't order the dimming mirrors??

 

Huh??? You jest of course Now I have to go out to a cold garage and check and I just know you're full of $$$$

 

Hard to believe, but this is true. If you check several workshop manuals you will find this to be the case. The discussion within them is provided to counter complaints from customers about how far off their speedos and odometers are off. I found it nuts that the DOT was getting away with that sort of crap. But then, that was one of those 55mph issues, as well. All to slow us down.

Dan

 

Absolutely. They are standard. They come on with the rear window defrosters (grid).

Dan

 

I have been VERY pleasantly surprised by the rain sensing variable windshield wiper speed - it rocks.

 

awesome info edgy. thanks

 

I love the automatic "three blink" lane change signal thingy.