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When did you decide you wanted one?
I can't say for sure, but probably somewhere around 15. I've always loved cars though as far back as I can recall.
How long did it take to finally purchase it?
When I was around 16 I got a job and started saving to buy a 944. This was back in the late '80s and an '83 944 could be had for around $10k. Doesn't sound like much but I didn't make much either. I saved up a couple thousand dollars and then borrowed the rest from my grandmother and paid her back in payments. I also had to pay the insurance on it but since I was a student these were my only "real" expenses....except for the maintenance. I also set up a fund to save for car repairs every month as I knew this was a high maintenance car. I still never had enough and ended up constantly owing my dad money. I also had a dad who was in the car business and knew a lot of guys with shops and also did work on my car for me that saved me a lot of money. My grandmother ended up dying and I didn't even have to pay back the whole loan from her. After about 2.5 years I decided to move away for school and since I no longer had my dad to help me maintain the car I sold it. I loved that car though and was really sad to see it go. But I told myself I wouldn't buy another Porsche until I could buy a newer one with a warranty.
How old where you then, and now?
Then I was 16. Now I am 36 and just bought my second Porsche, a 2008 Boxster.
Is there anything you would have done differently?
Maybe tried to hang on to the 944 and not moved away. I moved away because of a guy I was oh so in love with. In hindsight, I really should hve stayed and stuck with my car because it was better than the guy.
Quick word of advice for a young person trying to save for one?
Just don't give up. If you buy an older one, make sure you have enough extra to maintain it and/or learn to work on it yourself if you aren't lucky enough to have a dad like mine who helped me.
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