First PCA Meeting

Well, I went to my first PCA meeting this morning. I am on day three of ownership with my 99 C2 Factory Aero. There was a car at this meeting that looked just like mine, except I saw it had the newer 996 headlights. Turns out it was 2004. Then I noticed much cooler seats in it, to which I said to myself - I should investigate getting a set of those. And pretty cool wheels. Then I noticed it had no back seat. Next, I noticed it was actually not so much like mine, as it said GT3 on the back. So now I am thinking of trading up for one of these GT3's. Does anyone know if these cost much more money? I figure those seats and wheels alone probably make it worth a few hundred dollars more than mine. Of course, I am only kidding about the question of additional cost. Those GT3's are cool (or sick, or whatever the word is nowadays). However, given that I am probably not ready for that kind of power, nor would I ever be able to afford it, I am pretty happy with my car and with its cost for now. I never realized that the Factory Aero kits are so close looking to the GT3's, or maybe it was a GT2 in 99? I found it interesting that the PCA meeting had mostly Caymans, that one GT3, one boxster, one Cayenne, one 914 and one 88ish 911 Cab. Although some of the guys said they also had 356's and 72 RS's at home. Seemed like a good group of people.

+1 for good people!! enjoy day #4 and go for a drive!

Quotes source post: 6722011

Current prices for decent 2004 GT3 is around $50-60K. There are a few for sale over on the 996 GT3 forum.

a GT3 is a completely different car.....what ever you do never, never drive one as you will want to sell your 996 so fast your head will spin off.... To me one of the ultimate cars to own in 996 or 997 flavors

Welcome to PCA. I owned Porsches for many years before I learned about the PCA organization. There are many experts in the club who can teach you much about these things. Since it sounds like you're new to the Porsche brand, take it slow. Learn about your current car, drive it a lot, and then start to learn about other models so that you can make an intelligent decision on #2.

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I definitely agree with you on this; in fact, since I got my GT3 I hardly ever drive my 996, nor do I care.

Ahh, first interaction with PCA. I remember mine. Did you know that this company called Porsche built cars before the Boxster? No, really! Yes, I did notice your shoes. They match your handbag, that's terrific.

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pretty much sums it up.

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Love it. I've been a PCA member for 13 years, but for the first 11 didn't attend any PCA events other than DEs. I went to one social event and realized I was the only one there that had ever tracked their P-car. Isn't that why you buy one?

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That would be a "no." Hopefully I'm not the only one. While I do appreciate the folks that do track their cars and some of the extra stuff they do to their cars to enhance their enjoyment, I for one, never intended to track my car. I'm content with the mere ownership of a car with such a prestigious history, exceedingly aesthetic appeal and oh yeah, it's as fast as it needs to be for me... Rudy

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Sorry - I was being a bit facetious. I understand the track is not for everybody and there are other reasons to own a 996. However, I'm still surprised that in a room full of (presumably) enthusiasts, there were so few people interested in tracking their vehicles.

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Patrick, No apology necessary... I understood your point and was merely pointing out what you just said, there are other reasons to own a 996. Were I of the means, I would have a second car to play on the track with... as we all know, the purchase price of these cars is only the first consideration - the costs for routine care and feeding (and modding) are what keeps me from having another car for the track... In short, I would if I could... Best, Rudy

Quotes source post: 6722011

Perhaps you saw my thread about my recent drive in a GT3. It's easily worth 3x the value of my 996... and it was cooler - but 3 times cooler? If money were no object, I'd trade up in a heart beat (well, actually I'd probably go to a 997 GT3 if money were no object...)

Sounds you like went to a Delaware Region meeting. Great group of people. Region President has a 356 Speedster and a right hand drive 73 RS.

Keep in mind that PCA has evolved over the decades. In many areas the clubs have become Wine and Cheese outings and display little interest in driving fast on twisties. That's the nature of the beast. i've been a member since 1982, having owned a Porsche for about 8 years before that. I had heard that they were just social organizations but with the right region, you can autocross, etc. and do rallies, etc. Sometimes I have to remind the ones here that this is a SPORTS CAR CLUB and not just a mechanical devise to use to get to the nearest winery...