Do you feel it is worth it to just drive the car on the street?

For the entry price of the car, and the much more $$ you spend on maintenance vs a honda or acura, is all this money worth it to just daily drive a 996? You really can't get half the car's potential in the street

As much as I would love to try the track, I need to pay my car off first, then afford all the track consumables and also be in a position to afford a drastic event on the track - and for me, this looks like it won't happen before 5-6 years at least - maybe more depending on the kid's school

So is it really worth it to spend all this money on the 996 just to daily drive it?

Please discuss

PS - this topic came accross my brain as there is always a fight between the left side (the wise one) and the right side (the crazy about cars one)

 

Whether you track the car or not, whether the car is worth it Is the question. Only you can answer that for yourself. The good news is that you are aware of the higher expense before purchase. Part of the problem is, unless you have owned one in the past, you're not sure just how rewarding it would be for you.

My guess is that the more time you spend in heavy traffic, the lower the relative reward. Also, you tend to worry more about fools running into you, parking lot damage and the maturity/skill of valet parking employees.

Getting a good car at a good price gives you an exit strategy in a year or so if you decide it's not right for you.

Yet...you buy many cars mainly because the numbers pencil out to use them as transportation. You would tend to pay extra for a Porsche because of its entertainment value on back roads, trips, et.

 

Tracking is not as expensive as you think it is if you don't get too serious about it.

These are the costs I can see:

Helmet - $200
Event fee - $250
Inspection - $100
Brake flush - $50

As for the consumables if you're only tracking once in a while it really doesn't kill your tires and brakes all that much (especially if you're still in the green group) so you'll just need to increase the frequency in which you replace these components.

So in my opinion it's something I have to do at least once a year now just so I can really feel how or why this car is so special.

 

its like asking, "is it worth it to get married so you can have sex everyday"

I think there is more to it than just tracking the car.. I drive my car everyday to work. and everyday I get out of the car with a huge grin and walk to the front door with my head turned back looking at the car as I walk into my jail cell (cube) - I get more pleasure in driving to work than just about anything else I will do all day (sad I know)
I track my car too... and the track is great fun, like sex in the elevator if you need an expression to compare to, but still... the daily is WAY WORTH THE PRICE OF ADMISSION !!

 

Don't forget insurance or make sure your current insurance will cover a mishap.

 

Interesting answers so far - although I disagree with the marriage comparison - tottaly different IMO

I should mention that I already have an 02 C2 - I have been driving it daily for 5 months - and this came across my mind last month and is still in my brain

 

Sex everyday? married? Funny stuff.


Anyways, it's all about whats important to you, life is too short. Drive what makes you happy. It does not have to make sense!

 

How do you stop a nymphomaniac?

 

Marry her.

 

I actually think getting married reduces the frequency of sex, having been married twice, it becomes a declining benefit...

Now to tracking your car, IMHO, you are investing in yourself as a driver, and the skills you acquire on the track are transferrable to driving anywhere with any car. I did not buy my car with tracking in mind, but after my first and second time on the track i cauhgt the bug (big time). Loving to learn, and loving the rush you get on the track (both sides of the brain working together) has made me appreciate how much there is to discover.

It is not expensive at first, but when the bug bites, it also bites into your checkbook...

FWIW, having a porsche and not taking on the track is a big mistake, the car is so well engineered and needs a track to safefy appreciate the fabulous car you own.

Hope this helps..

 

Frankly, you don't get to half the potential of a Honda on the street either, FWIW.

 

very true but a used Honda is thousands cheaper than a used Porsche - and the maintenance difference is also in thousands

again it's the right side vs the left side of the brain

 

I completely agree with you there and hence my question from the first place. I know I should not go to track when I owe lots of money on the car - it's just not right - also I know myself very well - once I go that route - once every year will not be enough and I will be addicted

 

I'd focus on the driving attributes of your Porsche such as, fabulous brakes, a willing engine, steering feedback, and a better handling.Then compare it to other cars that are available in the 996 price range, and I'd say you'd be hard pressed to replace it with another make. Whether you track or not is a whole different matter, try it and see.

 

Best part of my day as well and likely the best material possession in my life.