race911

Wandered the LA Auto Show yesterday.

Survived the mono-silver display (absent the yellow Cayman, and the red 991 tucked back in the Exclusive room). Guess the one Panamera was darkish silver or something, too.

Every car displayed (save the dark Panamera) was optioned 25-50% of base price. The red 991 came in at $170K.

Now, I'm sure glad there are buyers out there. And I'm really glad some guy laid out ~$93K + tax for what's now my 4S 15 years ago. But is it just me who thinks that $100K car purchase was more in the realm of possibility back then? (Realistically, it was 10 years ago for me. In '97 I was still pretty much broke, but knew my one business was kicking in.)

Even if it IS as affordable today, who wants to be see you in an expensive, new car? Your customers? Your employees? The smug Leaf/Volt/Prius driver?

So I'll go back into my little corner and appreciate the sports car that's fast enough, reliable enough, affordable enough, and is attractive enough (though that's really 5th on my list of 4 things).

Ed Hughes

Well said. I was playing around with the new Cayman in their configurator to where I'd be happy with it (and I didn't add the $6800 stereo or the 18 way power seats), and it's amazing how quickly it climbs.

XavierLaFlamme

Nice. I will add that 40 mph in my car seems fast! If I shut my eyes and listen I think I am going 90 mph. In a new car, 90 mph feels like 40 mph then you wind up in jail. This I know from experience.
--Michael

tcsracing1

a 993 is a humble fun car.

f8vr993

I was there too yesterday and Porsche display seems a bit empty. I'd spend more time staring at the 904 in front than any other. New Cayman was so-so. I'd wished they had brough over 918 'cause that would have made it worth it.
In a book "The millionaire next door", one of the things is never buy a new car!

Cactus

More details on the $170K 991! Leather tires?

f8vr993

Power kit alone cost $18K with 50hp increase...

RudyP

I own two Porsches (soon to be three) but I drive my BMW to work because I don't want the associated baggage with coworkers and employees.

FWIW - I don't think it matters to the average non-car person whether you drive a $170k 991 or a $30k 993. They're both Porschs - thus I don't feel any more comfortable taking the 993 to work than my 997.

But I agree with the overall point that 993s are awesome.

Quadcammer

that really depends. You drive a new S550 with a few options (bout $100k give or take), and nobody batts an eyelash, at least around here.

Having been to LA several times, I can't imagine anyone giving a **** there if you have a new 911 or not.

A used gallardo for $100k would probably raise far more eyebrows than a stripper 991.

CamsPorsche

So damn true! The sad part is that my co-workers 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee costs more than my 993 but "wooooo you have a Porsche" is the general consensus given by the peanut gallery.

For202fly

Maybe it's because I cant afford an expensive new car is the reason I want to be seen in one! lol.

mts

+1. To the average non-car person my 993 might as well be a $100k+ car.......

JLJ11

I understand why but aint is sad that the small minded judgment of a few prevents people from driving a car to work? I understand it gets a certain reaction but i worked my b@lls off to have what i have and im not going to apologize for it. Im not saying u are doing the wrong thing and im sure its better that way for the easy life but I still go with a 911 every day and people can say what they ilke. However its kinda hard to go to work any other way considering my cars.. i didnt leave a lot of options.

95carrera

I have heard that as well. Very aggravating and really one of the negatives about being an enthusiast. Its ignorance or jealously only.

matt777

I've been appreciating the 993 much more lately even though its sitting covered until May. If you compare it with what early 911s are going for now its a great value. I suppose that is partly why I own one. Nobody seems to give my 993 a second look around here (unlike my 356) which is just fine by me. I really don't think much about new Porsche cars partly because they don't do anything for me and partly because the depreciation on $120k+ would drive me nuts. IMHO the new stuff mostly appeals to a totally different group of buyers.