ELUSIVE

Good afternoon fellow Porsche enthusiasts.
I've been a Porsche fan from an early age and have been an owner for the past 15 years, but have never joined the PCA. Maybe because I have kept my Porsche ownership rather private in my social parts of life.
I've seen more and more PCA stickers on cars and have started wondering what it's all about. Anyone care to share an opinion on benefits of joining the PCA and if you enjoy it. Clearly I can see some information on the website, but was looking for some thoughts from actual member.

Is it time I join?

Thanks for your time!

SARGEPUG

I've been a member since '09, when I bought a 997.2S. I've always enjoyed the membership, meeting enthusiasts at events like myself, going on treks, etc. It's always time well spent and on top of it all, you save 10% on car insurance, get discounts from dealerships, etc. IMO, It's a no branier for any P-car owner....

raspritz

It's the largest single-marque car club in the world. The low membership fee brings entre to a lot of fun events from racing to DEs to scenic drives to parties, sometimes at extraordinary car collections not otherwise open to the public. Membership brings up to 3 different magazines per month, depending on what you get involved in. Free high-performance driving instruction at DE track events. Plus Porsche dealerships and many indies give a 10% discount on parts and service to PCA members.

gavonder

Three magazines? I only know of 2, the national mag Panorama, & the local regional mag (now online for CVR). What's the third?

Free DE events? Not around here.

Manny Alban

In PCA you'll find equally minded enthusiasts. I'm a car guy and I drive a BMW as a daily. I never had any passion for the BMW brand. Porsche, on the hand, was my passion and I love speaking with other Porsche people whenever I can. PCA has pretty much something for everyone. Hopefully, you're near an active region and can really enjoy the experience. I've been in the club for 30 years (joined when I was 23). Remember, it's a club run by volunteers (yes, they do have a paid staff but the leadership is 100% volunteer) so part of the fun is getting involved and helping out.

Spyerx

Ive been a member for a while. I probably get the $ for membership in discounts at local dealer... The past year or so I haven't don'e too much with the club but there is someone for everyone (socials, drivers, autocross, track), our regions here in SoCal are very active and good. Lots of friends made from the track events. Despite the fee I think you get out of it what you put into it...

raspritz

The PCA Club Racing mag is also free, though the club racing license does cost, so I suppose that mag is not technically 'free'. I did not say DEs are free; I said instruction at DEs is free, or at least it is in RMR. And our RMR regional mag is in-print, not online. Also, come to think of it, while the discounts I receive on parts and service far more than makes up the cost of membership, so also do the values of the free door prizes I've won at various local RMR events.

Reiver

I joined for Panorama and whatever discounts are available...not much of a 'club' joiner but I am good with my decision.

n8kruger

Yes. If you like the cars it's worth the small fee. I haven't had much time for more than 2-3 events per year, but I always want to do more! The shared collective knowledge is invaluable.

skl

Been a member for going on 50 years... joined right after I got my first Porsche (and first car), an early '71 914 which I still have. Some of my best friends over that time are people I met through the club... I recommend it obviously.


(of course, at the time many in the club didn't want 914's in the club as they weren't a "real" Porsche. Luckily that wasn't a common theme in the Central Iowa Region!)

cobalt

Agreed. I have been involved since 1977. Spent the past 15 or so years as our local social chair and have met so many wonderful people and life long friends. For $46 a year it is worth a try. We have nearly 3500 members and affiliates in our region. Some just join for the magazine and don't want to be seen, others for the events. Although you have to make an effort to attend and meet people you will find most are like yourself with similar interests and a passion for the marque.

SARGEPUG

Same ? here, what's the 3rd?!

Igooz

I tried to join PCA in 1983, but back then I didn't have enough money to spell Porsche so I joined BMWCCA. I finally joined in 1993 when I bought my first Porsche a new RSA.
Both magazines and people are great.
Do it!

Edward

I've been shamed! I was a PCA member yeeeaaars ago, but that has long lapsed. Maybe this thread has waken up my need to check out membership once again. Hey you SoCal (LA) region guys ...you around here on RL?

Edward

autobonrun

I've been a member 36 years. I really can't advise on your local club.

Your enjoyment will depend on the strength and activities of your local chapter and the personalities of the individuals in that chapter. If they frequently conduct activities you also enjoy, chances are you will have a positive experience. If the members and officers are friendly, again you will have a positive experience. I've seen very negative stories about PCA and also positive stories. Without fail, the opinions have been more about the local chapter than PCA itself. People speak of PCA as if it's a single entity, but it's really about the chapters. My suggestion is to go to several chapter events before joining and see what you think about your local club. I'm fortunate to have an excellent chapter where I live. I can't say the same thing about my previous location.

My last piece of advice would be not to let one chapter member shape your decision one way or the other.