Cayman sales tidbits

[chiefsalami]

Actually pretty soon I'll probably have a supercharged 2001 Z06 to complement my 2002 Box S. At least for a short time, until I sell the Z06 again. Guys, realize that we keep talking about strictly performance. How often on the street will you be driving either car at 10/10ths? For that matter, how often will you be at the track?

So for every-day driving and comfort (everything besides 0-60 times), I'll take the Box or any Porsche (including the $80k - $100k prima donna) over some other American or Japanese car that, sure it goes fast, but makes me sick sitting inside of (or looking at the outside of). Since we're using the vette as an example, the American's have never figured out how to make something look and feel "exotic". Sit inside a brand new $80k+ Z06 (hell, even the Ford GT for that matter!) and you get the same clunky GM radio, crappy plastic, and flimsy non-ergonomic interior that you get in a Chevy Malibu. Or how about a Subi or some S2000 - cloth seats and bare interior, ill-thought-out layout, etc. You get my point?

Sure, performance is a piece of the puzzle. But I'd much rather have overall quality and a higher standard car to drive in every day and love to be in than one that gets to the next streetlight faster than the guy next to me but I have to detail often to get rid of the smell of my own vomit. I'd be willing to pay for this overall quality, and I'm sure that's where a lot of Porsche or MB owners are coming from. The money is not spent on the bigger, better performing engine, but rather *everything else* you get for the price.

[Brucelee]

"But I'd much rather have overall quality "

I will be laughing about this for a long long time.

I have dealt 911s for some time now. I can tell you that there is nothing scarier to a dealer than a 911 out of warranty. We just want them GONE as fast as possible.

Now a vette out of warranty is not scary at all.

Can you guess why?

Because having the 911 in inventory is like musical chairs, where the $5K repair bill is given to you after the music stops. Or, if you are really unlucky, a $12K repair bill of for the engine.

Sorry, but that is a BIG part of quality.

IMHO

[chiefsalami]

Granted... out of warranty cars are out of warranty cars. I was referring to new vs. new. With the exception of my 2002 Box s, every other car I've had in the last several years have had warranty on them, so if anything goes wrong it's covered. So I mentioning overall quality for a new Corvette versus a new Porsche. I'll tell you where I'd rather spend my money....

[Ronzi]

From what I have seen in the automotive press, the Cayman IS outselling the Boxster. Probably to be expected since Cayman sales are being bumped by purchases from the "early adopters" that simply have to have the latest thing.

Perhaps the more surprising statistic is the continued very strong sales of the 911. US sales are reportedly up 31%, 1st 6 mos. of '06 vs 1st 6 mos. of '05. The 911 sales in the 1st six mos. actually exceeded combined sales of the Boxster/Cayman, 6,421 vs 6,416.* Apparently 911 buyers don't consider the car to be overpriced. Or maybe they're just wealthy enough that it doesn't matter.

*reported in August '06 Porsche Panorama, the PCA monthly magazine.

[Brucelee]

What has suffered for the Porsche dealers is USED car sales. My dealer reports used cars down 50% in last year.

Both 986 and 996 resales are hurting.