michael_l

Hi

I figured it was high time to introduce myself. A couple of weeks ago I decided that waiting until I had paid off the house and the kids were gone and off to school in order to finally drive a Porsche was a terrible life plan. I also decided, that since I don't have any yet, who needs to worry about kids anyways? I guess my day job flying for the USMC doesn't quite satisfy my speed needs.

Plus with the plummeting 996 prices, holy crap, I could afford a Porsche. I couldn't believe it myself when I found a 2003 911 C2 with 16,000 miles for sale for about the same price as I was looking at spending on a used G37!!!!

I also decided any practicality arguments went out the window, as I've managed to keep my 120k mile '04 WRX which has been payed off for decades to handle all the home depot / beach/ camping duties.

So yes, I bought myself a Porsche. And damn am I glad I did! What a great drivers car. It was refreshing to find a car that manages to stir the emotions while standing still as well as moving!

So I found myself an 03 911 with low miles, 16,000 and the owner through in a hard wired Valentine 1, (can't use it in Virginia....but I'll move in a year) and a bra (can't stand the looks of these, but hey, it was included, so maybe I'll use it while moving?), and a battery tender (don't plan on using this, I plan on driving it!).

Of course I'm concerned with the hole IMS time bomb, but looks like Flat6 is coming out with a solution, or I'll get the confidence (and a neighbors help) and just do it myself for a little bit more than double the cost of the warning device. Other than that, I've got a tint and short shifter planned in the near future.

I'm looking forward to learning more through here and would love to meet anyone in the Virginia Beach area! Thanks for the entertainment, and enjoy the pictures!

jordanturbo

Welcome, I made the same decision as you a couple years ago and haven't regretted it. Now that I have kids on the way I decided it is much easier to get it before and keep it versus trying to convince yourself you need it later on.

mpd425

Welcome to Rennlist. Nice looking pcar.

Mfletch

Congrats on the Porsche and welcome aboard. Thanks for your service.

logray

Nice skirts. Good color.

michael_l

Thanks for all the comments; I'm loving it so far. It was about as clean as anyone could have hoped for an 8 year old car. There were a couple of scratches under the front lip and some small rash on the wheels, but what are you going to do. Other than that, perfect condition with not a drop of oil coming from the engine and all the switches inside work great.

I've been using it as my daily driver and it sure has made the commute more entertaining!

Quick question: Is the B+M short shifter the best option? Seems people prefer this over the Porsche or other brands. I was reading the maintenance manual and it looks easy enough to install myself, so I'm looking forward to picking one of those up.

Thanks!

911FM

Welcome! Nice car!

FM

Hardback

Nice buy Michael. Thanks for posting pics. 16,000 mile eh? Looks like you've done your homework. Don't worry about then boogeyman ims stories. Drive it and enjoy it. If I were in Virginia I'd be sure to hit VIR and really learn what pcar ownership is all about. These cars are pure athletes in a track environment.

michael_l

Everyone is afraid of the bogey man. Or at least lots are. I think there are others that fit into the category with me: those that can afford a used 996 responsibly, but not if you tack on another 20k for a new engine. I figure if I drive it like I stole it every day I can help mitigate that though

I'm definitely looking for a track day, it's a tough call though, I want to take the Monster S4RS out to VIR as well, so I'm not sure I can swing a car track day and a moto track day. Oh priorities.....Might have to find a way to swing both!

ivangene

welcome...
great story and great looing car.

when you get a chance to slow down, take the towel back to the car wash guy...geesh talk about being in a hurry

as to track days, the car is faster than the bike (in the turns) thus more fun - see if anyone jumps all over THAT comment

robert r

Looks great... I'm sure you'll enjoy it. As for practicality, the 996 has back seats you know. They are there if you look hard enough!

Hardback

I've owned several monsters myself. Never tracked one tho as one mistake can cost a lot of damage to you and total the machine. Last one I had was a S4 and I loved it. Sold it to a good buddy who tossing me the keys from time to time. I bought my car with intentions to track it. Still a bit risky but the addiction it creates outweighs common sense. I just got back from Homestead yesterday and after 5 sessions I had the permagrin kicking big time. Ed is right about cornering but the speed of an s4r is astonishing. I've ridden one and the thrust and composure with the ohlins is incredible. Now you have a pcar and a Ducati... Lucky man in my book.

Barn996

Great intro story with pics, welcome Michael l your Porsche looks great and so little miles on the clock, congrats to you.

Dennis C

Nice car! Welcome!

michael_l

Yeah....addicted to speed I suppose. I guess I just appreciate quality engineering. Save your money so you can spend it on what you enjoy you know. The bike is ridiculously fast though. I was debating selling it trading down to something more usable for the street. That engine doesn't really purr until well north of 50mph....not so fun on the commutes you know.

As to above, I did think I saw something that looked like seats back there. At least big enough for a child seat when the time comes.

It sure does bring a smile to my face every time I drive, that's for sure.