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Originally Posted by z12358
Mark, very well said.
I too have driven a lot of cars before. Close before buying my Box I test drove a 987, 997, and 987S in that order in the same day -- never having driven a Porsche before. I wasn't even that serious about buying a car at that time. I was having fun contemplating and testing various models over the preceding year (BMW 5, M3, Audi S4, RS6, MB E500, E55, etc.) as I was looking to replace my 9yr old Maxima with something better -- but didn't really have to as I don't need a car for commuting.
From the moment I drove the 987 I knew I was in trouble. I had never before had so much fun in a car while at the same time feeling the balance, safety, and control that actually allow you to feel comfortable having the fun. Keep in mind that playing with the probablility of ending up in a ditch is NOT my definition of fun, though for some it may be.
Then came the 997 test drive and it showed the sweetness of the low end grunt and the benefit of a larger engine. But it wasn't a convertible, doesn't look as good as a convertible, was too butt heavy compared to the 987, the interior was the same, and it would have costed $40k more than the 987S.
So even before getting into the 987S I knew I was done for. On paper, it should have combined all the positives of the 987 and 997, without the negatives of the 997. When I actually drove it I literally could not wipe the grin off my face, even though I tried to contain it next to the salesman. A month later (last May) I picked up my triple-black 987S from a dealer that offered me the best deal in the area.
This car changed the concepts of "driving" and "weekend" for me. I only drive it on weekends and in the country (far away from the city). I can't wait for the weekend to come so that I can just get out there and drive it. No other car that I have driven (and I've driven the Miata and the S2000, too) would have encouraged me to arrange this set-up -- leaving the Maxima for the occasional errand around the city. The 987S did. That's how good I feel it is.
Undoubtedly, there are plenty of other cars out there that are as good or better, and even tough I can comfortably afford almost all of them, I am a value seeker at heart, and for me the 987S is the best bargain in the sports car, convertible, AND roadster universe, bar none. I am also very image conscious -- but in the opposite sense, as ostentation is not my thing. So the fact that this Box is a Porsche had absolutely nothing to contribute to my decision to buy it. If anything, it may have hurt the decision, given the "rich folk" notoriety of the brand. So I got the Box, despite that, too.
Now, after becoming a PCA member and enjoying a few excellently organized events through the club (DE, rally, coffee run, etc.), I appreciate meeting all these Porsche people who are nothing but great, helpful, and enthusiastic folks sharing the Porsche secret together. I have a feeling it wouldn't have been the same with any other brand, but I could be wrong.
Just my $.02.
Z.
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