jcf7

On June 11, 2005 I wrote (posted) the following:

“Four months old:

11,500 miles
- wenched out of a snow ditch after 9 hr snowstorm ride from nyc avg 10mph.
- warning light due to car wash syndrome
- shaft failure - new engine (and $2200 check from Porsche for my trouble)
- truck in nyc hits rear wheel, tire, & quarter panel (rock guard). $3800 in repairs. Fixed and looks great.

Not one rattle, just great performance. the car has responded to all of life's inequities with style and grace....I love the Porsche experience (so far).”

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On September 21 I add:

7 ½ months old:

19,700 miles:
- park at the office with 30 minutes to go before a very important meeting….the trunk switch doesn’t work…all meeting materials are in the trunk. Great response from Manhattan Porsche, trunk opened in 30 minutes…life is ok. In opening the trunk they break the black panel on the front of the car. Not a problem….plastic cement. Trunk switch works fine.
- a month later…..an important meeting….switch is broken again. Again, Manhattan Porsche opens the trunk and orders another piece and all seems fine…..however, I no longer put Chinese take-out in the trunk. MSRP $85,000 Thank you.
- parking in an indoor ramp garage in New Jersey I “tap” the rear fender….haven’t fixed it yet…about $4 – 500 in damage.
- a flat tire on a great highway at 2:10in the afternoon on one of the most beautiful days of the year. Roadside kept me waiting 4 ½ hours….tell the wife, “it’s part of the Porsche experience”…she’s mildly amused….great wife.
- still had 7 to 8k miles of thread on the tires, but as I rode on the flat tire for less than ¼ mile, I need a new tire….no, I need 4 new tires….$1400.00. Thank you.
- 6’4” kid driving the car into the bay to replace the tires snaps off the front seat back release button. No problem, I say.
- do I align the new tires? Yes…no…yes…how much? $275.00. Thank you again.
- oil change needed for the new engine? Porsche says 20k miles….the dealer “recommends” a change at 10k miles….$285.00. Thank you again and again.
- drivers side window sticks....need to remember the next time I'm in.
- horn sounds weak.....when they fixed the trunk switch problem?

After all of the above….at 51 years old and a ton of great cars, I tell all that have read this far, that the Porsche experienced has been worth all of the trials and tribulations I have gone through. Every single mile has been fantastic.

That said…..I am only 7 ½ months into a 3 year lease…..by the way, the lease is for 15k miles a year and I have 19,7k after 7 ½ months…..there’s 21/4 years to go!! Life is great!! I love my Porsche! Cheers!

SrfCity

Wow, that is quite an experience. Credit to you for having the guts to really drive the thing.

gota911

It IS true... that truth is stranger than fiction! Kudos to you for maintaining your sense of humor, which shows up repeatedly in your "report."

I'm glad you are loving it! Even if nothing else happens to the car, when all is said and done, this could end up being the most "memorable" car you ever own.

AeroSmith

Is this a 2005? Any idea if it was an early or late 2005?

You are truly a patient man. I can tell you that if I had things for an imprtant meeting trapped in the trunk, not once but twice, I'd be bloody pissed!

jcf7

AeroSmith: It was built in Nov 04. I bought it the day I test drove it - Feb 7.

Blue S2

We deal with these things because of the feel we get from the car! Gotta love Porsche! Ide rather deal with this stuff than drive something else and live a drab life.

DJ23

Carlos, I know you. You have a great sense of humor and take things in stride. Trust me you'll live a long time. By the way what happens when you exceed your miles per year on the lease? Just wanted to know for future reference.

Take Care , Jay

jcf7

Jay, your car looks great!

If I surpass 45k miles at the end of 3 years, I am charged .30 per mile or maybe .25...I don't remember. I also have the option to buy it...and I may. While I've had these adventures, the car is in perfect shape and runs great....how knows what I'll do. I do know that there will always be a Porsche in my garage....God willing! Best regards, Carlos

Dan_997

Carlos,

Your approach demonstrates an approach to life I aspire to emulate - the behavior not the incidents

Good luck (or maybe, better luck in the future),

Dan

Larry Harris

jcf7,
I was on a lease once that was identical to yours. Mercedes called it the "Fabulous Kiss Your *** Goodby" lease. I would strongly consider a bribe program with the original dealer in order to mitigate the shock you're gonna get when they present you a bill at the eand of the lease for thirty gazillion dollars. The only way out, for me, was to buy the SL. Really wasn't that bad. I paid it off in 360 easy monthly installments.

DJ23

Carlos, let me know if you are going to attend the last metting in November at the Southbury, Hilton. Love to see you there. It should be a great time. Thanks again for giving me my first drive in a 911. Let me know if you would like to go the Alabama next Spring for a DE program. I'm 90% committed at this time. Would love to travel with anyone who is interested.

Jay.

JAX GT3

It is nice to see people who really drive their Porsche's on the street, instead of sitting in the garage.

Your outlook is unusually refreshing, Cheers!!

jcf7

jay, I sent you a private message.

I've been out of the country for a week with another 12 days to go....boy, do I miss driving the 997....can't wait to get home.