Ok guys/gals,

I am trying to seek some guidance and advise from y'all. I am 26 yrs. old and a big-time lurker and occasional poster the past couple of years now. Needless to say I am P-car fanatic (I cannot say enthusiast as I do not own a P-car yet and do not feel I deserve this distinction). I think I fell in love with this car seeing it in Bad Boys (3.6 Turbo I think that was). It was gorgeous and mean at the same time. Since then any sight of a P-car catches my eye and causes me to stare for a min. longer. I always thought of myself in a 996, it being the current model, newer must be better mentality, blah, blah. I like the modern interior, but the exterior never truly struck me (exception of the Turbo and C4S) as the Bad Boys one did. I slowly began to realize that the 993 was a timeless beauty, keep in mind i've never driven or sat in one.

Here's is where I need a little guidance from you enthusiasts. I am 26 years old working as a Sybase DBA, I just bought a 1 BR apt (30yr. mortgage), I own a BMW 323i, and I keep convincing myself make a decent salary. At the same time, I am lusting over a C2S/C4S. How financially ignorant would it be if I actually pull the trigger on one?? Keep in mind, with a steady girlfriend, marriage may be a few years away (no earlier than 5 yrs).

Someone, please edumicate me and slap me back into reality.

 

Whats the question?

 

There is no reality, it's all inside your head.
Figure this out - what is important to you? Travel, food, entertainment, toys? Other things? Deal with life based on that.
At 26 you have plenty of time ahead of you. By the same token, this might be the only time where you can still spend fairly freely. The only question is what you spend money on.
I will tell you this, and it will probably be a very unpopular sentiment around here. It's only a car. If you can afford it comfortably - do it. If not, seriously consider your priorities. At 35 (age I'm at right now) it will be much easier to buy a car than do a number of other things that you can do now.

 

Arrwin,

I was in your shoes just a few short years ago...I bought my '95 at age 25, straight out of grad school, and I don't regret it for a minute. One bit of advice that I wish I'd listened to way back then: Don't every borrow money to buy a "used" car -- especially a Porsche. Budget 2K year for maintainance, and 2K/year for mods, and you'll have no problems.

Be advised, however, that a P-car is a lifestyle choice, and driving one *will* limit other things you might want to do.

cheers,

sean

 

Quote:

Be advised, however, that a P-car is a lifestyle choice, and driving one *will* limit other things you might want to do.

Amen, Brother Sean!

Seriously, if you already love the marque now, when you get one you turn into a diehard fanatic (if you're the "car guy" that you sound like, anyway).
Be prepared to make decisions that will incorporate this neurosis into your lifestyle. And on that latter note, consider this a test for the compatability with your girlfriend, as well. When I got married, my wife was completely apprised of all my numerous hobbies/addictions. Four kids later, she is nothing but supportive of my hobbies (needles to say, she's a real gem!). Sound financial planning is in order, but one must always balance quality of life with nest-egg building, IMHO.


Edward

 

get one before you change your mind. i've had over a dozen porsches ever since i was 18.

cheers,
boris

 

Arrwin,

Please forgive me for making assumptions, because I tend to be pretty financially conservative (i.e. invest at least 1/3 of my take-home salary each year). However, the fact that you're asking the question in the first place, plus your 30-yr mortgage (as opposed to a 15-year note), would make me wonder if you're not stretching things a bit thin. Why not invest more now and get the car later when it might not impact you as much? The 993's are well-built and will be with us for a long, long time - at prices less than those today.

Then again, as someone who didn't get his first real paycheck until the age of 32, I might be too much of a glutton for delayed gratification. I just worry about all the Americans who seem to live for the moment, regardless of the long-term financial impact. Good luck with your decision, and forgive me for the "slap back into reality"!

 

Arrwin, I stopped driving Porsche's in the middle 80's and did not get back into one (a 993) until 1997. It was a long break from these great cars. For one reason or another I did not, house, marriage, kids, etc.....it goes on and on. I finally did get a 993 but it was hard. At this point in your life you have less obstacles. You do need to be responsible as Anir points out you might be a bit stretched as I know DBA's are not in huge demand as they once were, but I think you should make some adjustments in your lifestyle if you want to get a 993 now. That way you will not be too stretched. What adjustments you might ask...well you have to decide, maybe you do not need that Bimmer, maybe you need to go on less vacations, less out to dinners, less bar hopping, I do not know. that is up to you. But, you have the power to choose now with little stopping you, just be realistic about!

 

No kids ? No wife ? Good for you on homeownership...you'll need the tax deduction.

If you were to buy the Porsche would you trade in the 323i ? Or would it be a second car ?? I suspect living in NY...it wouldn't be a daily driver ?

Is the 323i paid for ?

Lots of questions to be answered and I doubt you will get to the bottom of your inquiry.

I'd have to say ....be patient.....wait for the EXACT car you are looking for. If and when you find it......pull the trigger and don't ever look back and second guess yourself !!!!

Good Luck.

 

Arrwin,

Very IMPORTANT question: are you and you spouse planning to have kids?

Kids change everything. With kids, you will not have enough room in your car, time on your hands, or money in your pocket, to enjoy a Porche. Thus these scenerios.

YES Kids: I'd buy the car and enjoy it now. Once you have kids, you'd have to wait till they are at least in high school (more likely college) before you could really enjoy a Porsche. I have two kids, and I bought my first Porsche when I 'm 53 years old. How many pristine 993s will be there when you turn 53?

NO kids: Then I'd wait and save up a little more. I am VERY conservative financially. I only buy my toys (a Porsche is nothing but a toy, no matter how passionate WE are about it, everybody body else realize that it's a toy) with cash. My rule for myself is that I'd have enough cash to pay for it twice over before I buy any toys. I will not drain my cash hoard with one purchase. Then I can really enjoy it guilt-free.

Now slightly O/T: if you can use your desire for the 993 as the motivation factor to better yourself, in all areas, until you can truely AFFORD the car (being a responsible driver, financially capable, will still have time for your GF/spouse etc.) then it's a good thing. My first motivation in life was that I wanted to design/build our own dream home. I was 23 years old then. We have now done it three times, and it no longer is my ultimate-motivator. However, during the time that it was, I learned so much about goal setting, problem solving, money/time management, and other life skills that I'm enjoying the fruits of the pursuit for life. Same can go for you.

I'm off the soap box now.

Good luck with your decisions.

CP

 

Arrwin:

It's all about priorities. I'm in Anir's camp - very conservative with expenditures. At your age (just out of law school) I thought upgrading from a VW Golf to a used Audi Coupe' was a bit extravagant. But you must decide what you value in life. If owning a Porsche will really enable you to drink from the cup of life, so to speak, then pick up something that is affordable - i.e., allows you to enjoy those other things that are important to you - and your girlfriend - such as travel, evenings out, etc.... Btw, it may not be a 993.

Someone wrote that the 993 (or any Porsche) is a lifestyle vehicle, and it is to some degree, depending upon your paradigm. This board has all sorts of enthusiasts: those that pamper and detail their cars as museum pieces and those of us who drive them with a "whatever" attitude. You have to figure out where on this continuum will provide you the most enjoyment. It's just a car, really.

Put pen to paper and start looking. The more informed you are the better decision you'll make. It may very well be that you will decide to wait.

Good luck. You're welcome on this board either way.

 

Only you can decide what is best for you. We don't know what you make, what you have saved, what your plans and tolerances are. All we can do is share what we have done in our own lives. Just because we did it one way doesn't mean you have to follow in our footsteps.

The other thing to consider is that the need to balance responsibility/planning for the future with the other half of the equation. The other half being you don't know how long your future will be so you had better have some enjoyment today as well.

In general terms, if you can save/invest as much as the monthly payments (assuming you finance the car) than you are probably covering all your bases. These cars don't depreciate as fast as a new car so it might be MORE prudent to buy one of these than a brand new car.

 

Exactly.

I admit to a bias here. I was a competitive windsurfer, sailor, and biker. Then, thanks to an untreatable chronic disease, in a couple short years I went from excellent health to being physically challenged. Now only through lots of surgeries will I be able to extend the time I can enjoy my one remaining hobby--cars and driving.

I have also seen two older friends deny themselves simple pleasures to "save up" to travel and otherwise enjoy their later years, only to pass away before being able to take advantage of their parsimonious ways.

Are my experiences typical? Probably not. But, unfortunately, neither are they as uncommon as you might think.

You can't take it with you, and you can't control the future. So, my vote is to, within reason, enjoy what you can while you can. If a 993 is your passion, go for it!

 

Wow guys....I am truely grateful to be part of this awesome warm community and would like to thank everyone for their open arms. Although I am not part of the "club", I never thought I would receive as many responses as I already have. I truely appreciate everyone's comments and experiences and hope one day I can give back as you have given to me.

I do realize that there is a lot to consider, as everyone here has stated with different experiences and points of view. A major reason why I wanted to bring this question onto this forum is that we all have the same passion - the Porsche. I was sure that I can learn from everyone's experiences as they were in my shoes some time in their life. When it comes down to it, a Porsche is a luxurious toy which I am well aware of. I am going to take all this in and do some deep thinking.

To answer some of your question...

Sean Spicer...."Be advised, however, that a P-car is a lifestyle choice, and driving one *will* limit other things you might want to do."
Very wise words Sean.

CP/kdurg.... Yes...I would love to have kids one day, but since we don't see ourselves getting married for a couple of more years, kids will probably not be in the picture for some time. Like you said, it's either now or when they are in HS. I will be keeping the 323i as the primary car, since I think only my dog can fit in the back seat of the 993.

Bob D.... I agree with you here. Life is short and fragile. You never know what can happen and one should "live it up" (to a certain extent) as much as they can. One of my greatest fears is when I am truely ready to get my Porsche I won't be able to. But like everything in life there must be a balance. Finding that balance is the key.

Edward... And on that latter note, consider this a test for the compatability with your girlfriend, as well.
Haha....I guess we are both lucky. Like you, my gf is well aware of my neurosis and has taken it in great stride. She is one great gf and is completely supportive. Shh....I think she secretly wants to drive the beast.

I just want to thank everyone again for their time and genuine generosity in posting their opinions and experiences with me. Whatever path I decide to take, you guys definitely had a part in it. As of now, I think I will continue to save, but keep both my eyes wide open for that perfect car. When that car turns up, you may see pics from me introducing my new ride to the Rennlist family!

Thanks for the open arms and have a great night! Until tomorrow.....

 

Life is short and it and it is not a practice run. Live life, enjoy. It is only money...trust in your experiences. Get the car!