p-funk

It comes down to which car get's the garage...

p-funk

It's great to experience three distinct cars...

The Acura is a front wheel drive, The Lexus is a rear wheel drive, and my 911 is an all wheel drive. I personally enjoy them all, and depending on the mood I am in, any one would still get me there fast.

Anybody could own these cars I drive, and but it's easier for haters to hate. I own the pink slips on every one, and I personally don't see a Sunrise nor a Sunset, on any down grades or upgrades. I am done, and frankly very happy with my rides.

P-FUNK-

lvc2

A guy I work with has z4 m series. He parks next to me and he was looking for a non-convertible so asked me what mine costs. I said 16 thousand. He said "60 thousand?" Non-Porsche people don't always know what year they are if they are shinny. I wanted to laugh because it cost less than a three year old accord, etc. one of the pluses of Porsche ownership. Somewhat offsetting higher maintenance costs.

TexAg911

Half of my friends are car enthusiasts and the rest drive trucks or midsize Japanese vehicles. My car enthusiast friends break my ***** and call it a Boxter. My family car friends think the car is novel. Overall the car has a fairly low-key presence thanks to the color and the simplicity of the '99 Carrera 2. It isn't an obnoxious model/year/color combo.

vu.q.le

Seriously, I purchased a porsche because of the name, people think I spent a ton of money on it, and it's the best reliable handling sports car. (they don't know that it costs me less than what they paid for their Prius) LOL

996pp

I woudn't touch a prius even it if was handed to me free.

Byprodriver

Only way I would is while executing PIT manuveur on one holding up traffic for the sake of maximizing MPG.

5CHN3LL

I would happily accept a free Prius...and drive it straight to Carmax.

538awhp

I got random calls from friends that I usually don't talk to asking if I really got a Porsche. Once I say yes there would be an awkward silence. I would finally have to say thanks for calling.

Cuda911

It's kind of funny to look at the beginning of this thread, which was started in 2004 when the 996 was the current 911. Now, of course, to many owners of other 911 variants, 996 owners should sort of act embarrassed or something.

Here in San Diego, a 911 of any sort barely gets a second glance from anyone, but I gets TONS of compliments on my 914!!!

I do most of my work on a subcontracted basis, and I don't let the folks that hire me know I own a Porsche (well, three of them). Even though they drive cars that are much more expensive.

particlewave

I realize that this thread is old news, but I have a bit of a sob story, too.

I don't talk to my extended family much anymore. Just my own offspring and one brother. Sad, but absolutely true.
I bought my 986 three years ago and after only about a month of ownership, drove it to the family reunion. Initial reactions were great (of course, no one knew that it was only a $10,000 car and I didn't let on).

Not more than a month after that, cue the family drama.
I won't go into the gory details, but basically they thought that I was some sort of stuck up moneybags that wouldn't share.

Got similar treatment from my "friends".
Whatever. It's just a car. I hate to say it, but I have no use for family or friends like that.

Of course, things are a little bit different out here in the middle of America. Porsches are much more rare and to this day I still get stares constantly when I drive it.

LesField

Might be an old post but an interesting one.
I had a lot of cars in my time but nothing has the effect of a Porsche. After 2 months of 911 ownership I've found:

1.Other Drivers.
It seems that 90% of other drivers will not let you out of a junction. Trucks ,buses and vans will try to cut you up, and tailgate you.

When you park someone will come up and tell you that their friend has a much faster car thats also worth more than your Porsche.
Others will tell you that they had a brand new 911 and sent it back because it was rubbish - and when asked which 911 did they own the say the 4.0 one...???? Then they return to their 8 year old Nissan.


2.Family and Friends.
Every car I've owned (and I've owned a few) gets its photo and details posted in my 'Car History' Facebook album. Every car in there has lots of likes and comments apart from the 911.
The only people who have clicked like or commented are close family or shall we say the more affluent friends. I've never seen such a lack of comments.

If I visit someone the Porsche is the subject that is never spoken about. Very strange. Even if I see someone in the street whilst I'm driving, they will come over and chat but never say 'Hows the new car' or anything.
Some have asked how did I get the cash to buy it, and when you explain that it cost less than their new Ford, they don't believe you.

Owning a Porsche certainly brings out the little man syndrome in people.

It's got a lot worse, since I brought my wife a Boxster.

Seeeu911

I'm the exact opposite. My 996 is part of my personal professional brand. It's just about always spotless inside and out. I don't flaunt it but I don't hide it either. As a consultant I want my personal choices and appearance to be crisp and performance oriented. The 996 is task specific very focused not a catch all and just a little Kimmy Raikkonen ...I know what the **** I'm doing get out of the way car ... that for me sends that subliminal message.

Litesonic

Totally agree.
I used to have a shouty WRX STI (stock... But still obnoxious).

Loved that car, but it was far from professional.

tomc_mets

As I get older, my grandma's platitudes ring truer each day. If people are really (I mean, REALLY) your friends, they will find joy in your new Porsche, or whatever success you've achieved. If not, too bad for them. Wife & I treated ourselves w/ two new cars in past year - Benz roadster & 997.2 S for me. Both are "loud": Mars Red & GR. In our 'hood, MBs & P-cars are rare. Despite this, we've experienced no negativity. Friends know we scrimped & saved to pay for these new cars, and all congratulated us on our new rides. Long story, short - P-cars are great, enjoy the heck out of them & if other people have to be haters, too bad for them.