You'r probably right, ignacio. I can't speak for the average buyer, but I certainly would be more likely to pay for an item that adds to performance or comfort. On the other hand, I did pay for those crests on the wheels, a totally useless item, when there was already a unique cap that said C4S. But,darn it, I wanted it. I guess that's the reason for the long and expensive list of options. Some people will pay for certain things, others won't.

 

Its funny that you raise this topic Ignacio. I brought up the same issue, albeit from a slightly different angle, two days ago:

Here.

Regards.<a href="http://forums.rennlist.com/forums/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic&f=5&t=001345" target="_blank">Same Foglight Question</a>

 

i have always enjoyed the selection process in choosing the options for a new car but the 996 options booklet just takes the cake for to many options.i doubt any other producer other than true bespoke car makers have more options. choice overload - i get easily confused. have used the pcar configurator on the website but doesnt really let u look at how alot of the options will fit in the car etc...

 

I think most 996 buyers would gladly pay $4000 more if the car came standard with all the leather stuff that individually cost nearly $10,000 . By economies of scale, simplification of assembly , significantly decreased hassle factor for buyer/dealer when ordering , PAG 's total 996 profit would be maintained or increased , since all car's would have full leather instead of a small percentage. Without many of these items, the base interior is pretty plasticky for a $80-$100K car.

 

Just thought I'd weigh in on this topic. At the risk of sounding two faced, I must admit that I really like the opportunity to "personalize" my Porsche and make it something that no one else has. This is particularly true in sunny SoCal where there are very many P-cars!

That said, I also found the options and option packages that are available confusing. You can get some options, you can't get others on the C4S. I was even somewhat confused about what exactly comes standard. Even the dealer was confused about what you could get. Although I like the fact that there are many options, Porsche might consider providing better examples of what options are what and what exactly do they mean by the various trim parts that are available with Design versus Advanced Design packages. Clarification not simplification would be my preference. <img src="graemlins/xyxwave.gif" border="0" alt="[bigbye]" />

 

Ignacio was right on target 10 years ago, and his words still ring true today.

 

Thanks for bringing it up.

 

Are you just realizing this? Porsches have always been built a la carte and your general criticism has been heard and voiced around the world countless times. In actuality though the base cars come equipped comparable to the competition. What other company embosses a logo in the headrests of their base cars for free? It may not seem fair but as others have said it's a part of capitalism. Unfortunately, the cost of customization really adds up quickly since none of the "extras" come cheap. For what it's worth, I was amazed at how many relatively base cars I came across in my 996 search. I was also surprised at how many original owners bought cars with limited options list but still opted for things like carbon fiber interior trim over things like PCM.

-Eric

 

10 years ago or today... it does not matter. Porsche is in the business to make money. These cars are luxury items, they are not marketing to the" Value for money" crowd.

My car has the crests, not that I cared one way or the other

 

I have the Porsche crests on my seats, too:

 

Buy used as most of the upgrades you want are included for a fraction of the price!! New Porsche's are bloody expensive used ones are a bloody great deal IMO!! It's the same with buying a Ducati (my other passion) used low mileage, mint condition highly optioned examples are available all over the place. Let some other mug pay for all the options and take the depreciation hit!!

 

Bingo!!

 

Do dealers negotiate on the prices of new Porsches like dealers for almost all other cars do?

 

Everything is negotiable.

 

I am sure they will negotiate for crests on the seats to.