Sad Day... :(

[deliriousga]

Originally Posted by mjw930

We Americans are such wimps. I travel to Europe quite a lot and it warms my heart to see Porsches with ski racks cruising the Autobahn in January on their way to the Alps.

True, but Mercedes are taxis over there too (i.e. German cars aren't as expensive, compared to others, when they're domestic). Plus, they don't have 3-4 cars per family like Americans so there's not as much choice in what to drive in the winter.

Originally Posted by mjw930

I can't say what I would do if I lived in the great white north.......

I would have to hibernate with the car.

Originally Posted by lexuspilot

Are you sad because your garage is so cluttered?

If that's cluttered, I'll spare you pictures of my garage. ROFL You may pass out.

Originally Posted by mjw930

Porsche's aren't jewelry, they are cars that are meant to be driven!

While I personally agree with the drive them thing, you have to take into account we are all unique creations. While we all like the concours look, some people's enjoyment is personally making it look its' best. Some like putting mods or working on the mechanics themselves and that's how they enjoy it. Some just want to drive it and let someone else take care of the cleaning and maintenance and that's how they enjoy it. Whatever flavor you pick, just make sure it's something you love so you never get bored with it.

[threpwood]

Jim, I would say that I would do exactly the same. I drive Hondas in the snow but not imports (Porsche, AMG, etc) because of cost issue. I mean, it costs $$$ just to replace this tiny part if you know what I mean Mine is only meant to be driven top down when it is sunny and nice outside. Hondas can do all my dirty work

[mjw930]

Hey, I don't begrudge anyone wanting to keep their pride and joy in tip top shape and it's obvious that MN is one of those places where you won't see the pavement for months at a time.

I lived in the Midwest and northeast for over 30 years. Of course you choose the proper vehicle for the conditions and anyone that lives up there and uses their Porsche as primary transportation will have days where they simply won't be going anywhere. When I lived up north I would take very opportunity I could to drive the Porsche but it never got snow tires and I think I only got caught in the snow once or twice.

However, when I lived in Cupertino I routinely took the 944 to Tahoe to ski and had cable chains to get be over the pass. (but then is was a 944 so I suppose it doesn't count )

BTW, if you've been to Germany and shopped Porsche's you'll find that you will end up paying at least 20% more than we pay (MSRP tends to be higher depending on the exchange rate plus the VAT). Most people who have new Porsche's also have other cars, usually company cars as that's a standard practice in Europe for most management and engineering positions.

[MNBoxster]

Hi,

Thanks for the Many and Varied replies. Fact is, I have 3 Fun Cars, a 34 Year Old Datsun 240Z (Original Owner - 21k mi.), a 21 Y.O. Lotus Turbo Esprit (34k mi.) and my '99 Boxster, (24k mi.). They are all in Pristine Shape and well Driven. My Lotus and Datsun are National Show Winners, but regularly see Track and Auto-X - not Queens, but not Hags either.

But, in the Weather up here it simply makes no sense. First, you can't Drive 'em like you Stole them, because of the weather and the cold which never lets the Tires warm sufficiently. Second, it's really really hard on the Cars, both cosmetically, and also on the mechanics of Warming it up and having the Temp drop so fast once they're shutdown. Finally, all the other Crazies out there make it unwise.

So far as the clutter, most of the Boxes are stuff from my Mom's House which we are emptying after 45 years in preparation of selling it - my Dad passed away this past Summer at the age of 80, so I'll have some clutter until my Mom gets out of her house and better settled - What'ya gonna do...???

Happy Motoring!... Jim'99

Great house, Jim, love the tile roof!

Your dad was 80 years young. From some of your previous post, I can tell he was an awesome man.

[Mr. Boone]

Just to let you know, its about 80F and crystal clear here today in LA.........

[threpwood]

Nice house, Jim. Just curious, how big is your house (or the land) in feet square?