For my current car, I did a customer build and was able to order exactly what I wanted and did'nt want. We get cars delivered to our dealer here with XM radio, but hello, we do not have XM radio in our state. For your next Porsche, I would strongly suggest to do a customer build vs buying one already built at the dealership.

The only problem is that the wait for the car being built and shipped across the Atlantic is extremely painful. Days go by so slow but when it arrives, it is pure joy.

 

does Porsche still offer pickup in Germany? would be great to pick up the car in Stuttgart and drive up to the coast ....

 

I'll take a shot. Having purchased a pre-owned 'lightly' optioned car, I've thought a bit about what I would add, and which options just don't seem necessary to me:

The basics:
'S' model
Sport Chrono
Sport suspension

Comfort:
The best seats I can find - the GT2 (folding CF seats) would be my choice
Heated seats (if I didn't get the GT2 seats which are not heated)
BT/iPod/Nav
Auto-dimming mirror
I'd also slather on a thick coat of Alcantara - but that's me including the Alcantara/yellow stripe wheel from the GT3

What I would not get:
Bose
Full leather
Power seats
PSE (I would get a lighter/aftermark exhaust)
XM
CD changer

Unsure:
PDK (I know it's 'better', but I am a traditionalist)
New lightweight battery (it's silly expensive, but the stock one is an anchor)

This sounds a lot like how my car ended up after some work (except for the seats). Hmmm...

 

I think Full leather is MUST and all others are nice to have

 

Power Comfort Seats with Driver Memory are a must for me. I am 6'3 and my wife is 5'2. It is too difficult to adjust my seats and mirrors without the power seats. All others features change on each new car I purchase based on whether I order it or buy it on the lot. I have found that I tend to get Sport Chrono on all cars since it was introduced.

 

Must have- XM radio.. would never buy a car without it

Nice to have- all the other stuff is "nice" but not a deal breaker.

 

I find this thread rather amazing, funny how varied the opinions are - Full leather goes from must have to 'really not needed', XM radio from a definite yes to 'I discontinued by subscription' (I did that).

And despite the fact that many people here on 6speed seem to modify their car, it was not mentioned once here ...

 

I'll bite,

Must have:
-LSD
-6-speed

I don't care too much about the rest...

 

I didn't add mod's to my list, because the OP asked about 'options'. I interpreted that as items you order from Porsche when purchasing the car. If you want a list of must-have mods, here's my take:

Damptronics coilovers (presuming Sport Chrono - if you don't have SC, then a far wider range of options)
Sway bars (I have H&R and would not suggest them)
Fabspeed headers, mufflers and x-cats
EVOMS CAI
7/15mm wheel spacers
MoBridge iPod/BT interface
GT3 front bumper/splitter
TT/GT3 center radiator
Stainless steel brake lines
Braille or Odyssey lightweight battery
GT3 front brake ducts