looney2n

My first post.............................

I first got the bug to get a Porsche when I was 20...............being just a poor smuck,, I quickly realized I had a champagne taste but was on a beer budget.

I have worked my butt off for many, many years and am now thinking about an early retirement.

The question is this, "Am I too old drive a 996/997 and enjoy what it brings even though getting in and out won't be as easy as my SUV?" and, "How do I justify nearly $100K for recreation vehicle without the all of the RV capabilities?"

VGM911

You want us to tell you that you're not too old....okay, you're not too old. The enjoyment one gets from driving a Porsche is not age-dependent.

If ease of entry and exit are important, then remember that it's not as easy to get in and out of a low-slung sports car as it is a higher car or an SUV. This physical consideration guided the design of the Ford 500, which was a "higher than average" car that would be more suitable for an older demographic.

If performance is important, then the braking, cornering, and steering capabilities of the Porsche are superb. In this sense, the car's handling is so good that it makes the car safer than most, in my opinion, particularly if you value a car's accident avoidance capabilities.

If power and acceleration are important, you'll have more than enough and more than you'll dare use on public roads if you buy a Porsche.

If fun is important, then a Porsche will deliver that to you every time you drive it.

All in all, however, you might be better off in a sport sedan, like a BMW. It will provide many of the benefits described above but in a sedan package. You might want to consider a 3-series, in particular. The BMWs are great cars (I've had several).

Good luck.

leek

I am very similar to you (early 50's, 2 years to "retirement", always wanted a 911, but couldn't justify the expense). Several years ago one of my good friends bought a 911 (last of air cooled series), it had been lowered slightly and had coilovers. It ruined the dream for me; tough to get in and out of and rode like a truck, very responsive and very cool car but not for me. He moved on to BMW 540.
I have a female project manager that is driving a Carrera 4s, it rides better but is still tough to get in an out of if you are not used to it. Nice car though.
This year after looking at everything in the market I bought a 08 Cayenne Turbo. It's not a 911 but it is related; fun to drive, handles extreamly well for it's size, very fast, capable towing vehicle, great in ice, snow, rain, etc. Puts a grin on my face every time I get in it. Only downsides; in earlier models lots of gremlins (I have had none in 12K miles) and fuel consumption is not very good. I have been getting 12-13 mpg in mixed driving, 17mpg out on road but I am sure you could do better if you stayed off the go peddle . Far and away the best vehicle I have ever owned.
The wife just bought an e class benz, they make all kinds of variants of the e class and the s class that could be fun as well. My buddy is very happy with his 5 series BMW as well. Audi makes S and RS models in the A6 that perform and handle well also. Good luck with your search, it's part of the fun.

ltc

You can't justify buying a Porsche, it's an emotional thing, not a rational one.

A 997 Targa 4S with Tiptronic is a fantastic comfortable daily driver....with a hatchback, and the feeling of a cabriolet and the rigidity/security of a coupe.

ltc

Related?

Sputter

If you have to ask then stick to your suv.

ron mcatee

I've been driving Porsches for 40 years. As I aged, the lower the cars seemed to get and the ease of getting in & out become a little harder. I am 67 and have an 88 Carrera. Even though I grunt and groan a little when getting in and out of it, the thrill of driving the vehicle far outweighs the minor pains I experience. One thing I don't do anymore is autocross or drive high speed events. My coordination is slowing, but if that hadn't been affected, I would be driving on the tracks.

LouZ

You have a pulse?

Then, you're not too old!

BTW - I was born in 1950 - what does that make me?

looney2n

Thanks folks, except for Sputter "Did I say that?"

I am 60, 6'3" and 250 lbs........................I am amazed how easy it is for me to get in and out of the 997.

My engineering thought process will take some time for me to evaluate the best model/accessories and timing to acutally make my purchase........but I am going to move forward.

The emotional excitement is just too over powering and I've put $100K in the budget............so, now, let the fun begin with the journey to locate my baby!

Thanks again and I look forward to watching this board as I go.

Crazy Canuck

Buy the 997. It's a great car. The only justification you need is the smile on your face when you drive one. If you are not smiling don't buy.

CN

Porsche is the most fun you can have with your pants on and it requires no Viagra.

rgrimm

Of course, some people would think the perfect "RV" for traveling cross-country is a 911 with nightly reservations at the Holiday Inn!

Then again, there are those who travel the country in their RVs towing enclosed trailers to hold their favorite motorcycle and/or sports car. Permanent address is a post office box (pick your favorite state for tax purposes). I know one who besides the pad he rents in Texas for the winter, his only other commitment to by anywhere at any time is Indianapolis during the month of May...

ghostwriter11

I'm 55 and just got my first one ...

You're never too old, but I do question why you think you need to budget $100k for a Porsche.

I paid only a little over $30k (with exorbitant sales tax) for a 996 and it's more than enough of a thrill. Or are you thinkin' track-prepped 997 Turbo?

looney2n

I was thinking of a new one.......3.8 with 911S/or 4S. I have just begun to look, but I did see one I could live with the other day and sticker was $99K.

When I get right down to deciding exactly which accessories I cannot live without, I would consider used, but that still looks like around $76K.

I am a little concerned about having the maintenance issues that seem to crop up after the 50K mile mark.

Did you post a picture of yours? I would like to see it.

Thanks again..................

CN

If you are as OLD as you think you are, why do you care about maintenance costs. Just spend all your money... you cannot take it with you!