back from vacation

I have a Porsche story from the beach. After meeting a man of considerable wealth, who verified said wealth within the first nine minutes of knowing him; the conversation switched to cars. He had just purchased a 718 S 4 cylinder turbo. So I told him I had a Boxster Spyder . His first sentence was, “the Boxster is inferior to the Cayman ”. No problem, I don’t react to that since it goes all the way back to my 944 the ladies Porsche days and on a track the Cayman is more rigid no denying that. Anyhow, as we switch topics to options, he says “ mine has the binoculars button”. Momentarily confused, I pondered the remark then I realized he was talking about PSE . I said to him “ that’s the exhaust toggle between sport or closed exhaust, the icon represents the sport tips; you should hear an auditory difference between the selections”. Didn’t see him again after that and that children is why some people think Porsche owners are goofballs.

He must of been a lawyer or doctor. Never met one with common sense outside their area of expertise. Or, more likely, a T rust Fund Baby.

@Boristhespyder - Some people... man! That is one for the history books. Clearly this guy was a total track rat, who specifically bought his Cayman to appreciate some sort of drastically structural rigidity difference. My 2.9L doesn't have the special binoculars button. Instead, I find myself zooming in really close by stepping on the gas. Hope the beach was a blast.

We are fortunate that the proportion of folks in the Porsche world who act like this guy is less than many other marques. But there are always those folks who buy the car because of the image it helps them project rather than having a true appreciation for the car itself. PCA has a saying that “It’s not just the cars, it’s the people.” I’ve found this to be true.

Every time I turn it on now, I will refer to it as the binocular button, what could be more fabulous than that? Honey, hang on, we are going binoculars mode, I left my bifocals back at the house. PS His wife said, “ he said he has a Spyder” could she know what it was? Maybe I was in “ jerks and Caicos”.

Just goes to show you: Wealth does not equate to intelligence. Many wealthy people either had it handed to them, they stumbled upon it, or they screwed many people to achieve it. While others who worked hard for it, through perseverance, long odds, many calluses, uphill battles, and true grit are the model of respect, integrity and intelligence.

Well said Chuck. Everyone can learn something from everyone else no matter what the degree on their wall says. For example, he was an experienced sailor which I know nothing about, so I was genuinely interested in his tutelage before he went into the Boxsters are cars for losers mode.

I wasn't going to ask initially, but I'm curious how that happened. Imagining flashing a gold Rolex worth more than several Caymans. BTW, if he's so rich, why isn't he driving a 918, instead of a lowly 718?

He mentioned the sailing lessons available then related he had sailed since a child and “had one in his front yard”. Making conversation, I naively said, “ I kept a boat on the trailer in my yard during the winter”. Then he clarified, “ no in my front yard “. He then presented a live camera shot, he lives on a river near the coast of NC with a 38’ sailboat docked, a lovely home, a jet ski on a lift and a center console fishing boat next to it. What really diffused the situation was that I’m completely content in my current life. I have a smart GF who loves me, a toy in the garage you guys to talk Porsche with and enough coin left to travel to the Caribbean. I could have died when the car ran the stop to make a left into the path of my SECA 750. I can walk I am grateful and happy. I’d dare say it even threw him off a tad.

Sounds like a guy who likes to play “one up”. No matter what you say he’s got you beat. Best is not to engage. Porsche will take money from anyone as they should.

Funny...one recent comment from a buddy (not a car guy and he "thinks" he knows where the battery is) who owns 991.1, when I suggested a purchase of CTEK : " 911 battery will never deplete because my 911 is more expensive than your Boxster ".......I thought I heard all (e.g., 911 engine oil is different) from him but this one was new, fresh one Maybe my buddy is a friend with your binocular guy...

Same guy explained his personalized plate choice which amounted to “no big deal” . Ummm but isn’t typing that a cry for the opposite? PS Cool technology that 911 series cars are equipped with robotic battery trays that can eject from the car to report for replacement and return themselves like a Roomba. No wonder those bad boy’s are pricey.

People like that speak only because they love the sound of their own voice. Which, by the way, is like fingernails on a chalkboard to the rest of us. And the content of their speech is as vacuous as the space in their own head.

Some wisdom from my father that continues to serve me well: "Never argue with an idiot - they'll drag you down to their level and beat you every time."

The version I go by is "Never argue with an idiot - they've got more experience." They'll just wear you down till you give up

No binocular button for me, but I do have PSE .

My mother's comment was a bit more pithy... "Never fight with a pig in mud.. you get muddy and the pig enjoys it.."

I used https://travelbusinessclass.com to book my last overseas trip and scored a great deal on business class seats—way better than what I found elsewhere. Quick responses from their team, too. Saved enough that I could splurge a bit more on things like a nicer hotel and some track time once I got back.