So I just came back from the local Porsche center and I`m a bit overwhelmed by all the information and impressions I got while I was there.

Right now,I`m thinking about the next "logical step" from my 335i convertible and so I went to Audi first and visited Porsche today.
This time I want to take myself a lot more time before buying a new car in the end.

I can`t imagine what is so special about Porsche and what is better then let`s say driving a M3.
I explicitly asked this the sales man and he replied :

technically,the Porsche is not necessarily better....it`s about emotions
We sell emotions!


Can you agree on that and/or give me some tips for doing the next step?
What`s a "beginners car"?Cayman(S) or Carrera?

I would really appreciate it
(sorry for the long post)

 

My suggestion is to ignore what salesmen say, and drive the various cars you are considering, them select the one that you like best. Everyone's needs and perceptions are different, so our opinions may not apply to you. If you drive some Porsches and can't see why you would rather own one of them rather than your 335, then don't buy a Porsche. Or, if you like an Audi more than a Porsche, buy an Audi.
The range of subjectivity in these decisions is huge, so receiving 100 responses on here won't likely help you, as it is a personal thing.
Good luck in your quest. Make it fun.

 

In a way he is right.

Testdrive the cars on your shortlist, and get the one that gives you the most positive emotions.

 

wow,that was fast

thanks for the input!

Yes,I think I have to see what "feels" best and not only what is best in terms of performance and general opinion of the public

 

Buying a car according to the general opinion of the public is the worst you can do.

Get a Prius!

 

Take your time and spend more time around each of the cars you are thinking of getting. In the end you will probably know which car you look forward most in getting into each morning and that is probably the right car for you. To me Porsches are more special and I miss it when I dont have it. I've had several BMWs in the past and they were all nice cars, but just didnt miss them as much when I sell them. Recently read a book on the evolvement and development of 911s and that makes me appreciate the history and technology even more. Good luck with your search.

Hiro

 

Last week my 997S was at the dealer for a warranty repair of my sunroof and they gave me a boxter to drive. I was actually depressed the whole week because I did not have my car. So yes I agree it is about emotion. I am not depressed when my S4 or any other vehicle I have is at the shop.

 

Test Drive, Test Drive, Test Drive!

You will cut through a lot of bs, numbers and opinions that way.

If I went to a dealer that would not let me take the car out for an extended test drive, I would not buy the car there.

When I was looking at my car, I was actually there to order a new one. Went out with the salesman for a test drive which was OK - but less than ideal. Asked to test drive the car overnight and they handed me the keys.

Unfortunately for them, but good for me, I was so impressed with the demo car they let me test drive, I ended up buying it and saving a lot of money and getting a longer warranty.

Test driving was the only real way I could make an informed decision about the car I was considering buying.

 

That is how people buy. Hope of gain or fear of loss. Most people do not buy on price. They may say they do but when it comes down to it is emotion.

 

Since I have a car with a trunk and real rear seats (5 series) available to me as my parents live in the same city, I instantly dismissed getting a 335i coupe and an Audi RS4 as soon as I test drove the C4S. I actually test drove a Cayman S before the C4S, and didn't come to that ultimate conclusion with the Cayman S. While the Cayman S is a well balanced, brilliantly handling car with plenty of zip, it lacks the raw grunt of a Carrera. It's hard to explain this with words, so I can see where the word "emotion" comes from, but there's visceral experience that occurs the first time you drive a Carrera and it is unforgettable once you re-immerse yourself behind the wheel of a Cayman (or any other car for that matter). I am a first time Porsche owner, and like Audi (and to some extent BMW depending on what model you have), the online forum gear-head community is fantastic. To me, that was part of the consideration. Tinkering, mods, being discerning engineers and drivers are part of what owning a Porsche is all about. On the flip side, if you plan on having only one car and you don't have access to something more practical (like a sedan chassis with a trunk/rear seats), despite what I've written, I'd have hard time recommending a Carrera. There is a plethora of daily driver owners on the forum, and that's great, these cars can be daily drivers, but there are times when I just need a trunk, rear seats, etc. and both the 335i, the S4, and the RS4 are great, exciting cars. I think the 335i is the most exciting 3-series yet (non M3s that is). Anyway, good luck!!

 

It sounds like the Porsche saleman does not have his heart into the product he sells. "Technically" the Porsche is better and that's where he happens to be wrong because its the quality and refinement in the 911 which have made it a benchmark for decades .

I have both and even though the M3 is good car I don't love it. Everything from the clutch to its burble in the engine wreaks of a sophisticated muscle car instead of a coupe with finesse . The clutch the i drive, that silly bump on the hood . Its heavy and even though its reliable it just doesn't have the same character, build quality, or overall exprience. It's riddled with technology and most of it can;t even compare to the Japanese cars. It's less "Bangled" than other bmws and thats a good thing but not so good that its design leaves little appeal.

Since I have both I get the "I love yoir BMW" and the "I love yoir Porsche" replies from different people . I apreciate compliments but I don't care what most think .

Drive both cars . I just hope you don't get bitten by the M3 because 6 months from the day you buy it you might want the Porsche . The visa versa will not be the case.

 

test drive (good demo, walkaround, salesman product knowledge) + emotions + salesperson = deal or no deal

 

carrera

 

after test driving, go with what your heart tells you to buy....is that the same as emotion?

 

I got a boxter also and same here, mildly depressed and couldn't wait to get my car back. The 911 is where it's at, "the emotion" that is.