JJB236

Been driving a 996 and 997 for years. People around me are telling me to keep the 997 over a 4-door Merc S550 (been thinking about this car) since there is no family to haul. What I really I need a sporty car with 4 or 5 proper seats. Being a P-car forum, I know some of you may say a Panamera, but the shape still hasn't grown on me, and I don't think it will.

For a few months now, I have been driving my 997 to business meetings, and people have seen me pulling up in a 997. It resulted in a negative comment from more than a few. Playboy image, player, selfish person for driving a 2 door car, etc., etc., and that's not good when conducting business. Besides, when I am on the freeway, cel phone conversations are difficult to hear due to the engine/tire noise. Taking the 997 out on the weekends on a t-shirt and jeans of course is great.

Can you guys recommend a sporty car with a minimum 4 seats that can also be respectable that doesn't conjure up bad image of the driver like our P-cars? Dont like the style of the acura-looking MB CL550. Don't like the Jag XKR. M6/650 is good, but they are everywhere on the road. Audi S5 (2 door) looks pretty slick, but I feel the name Audi is a downgrade from a 997.

Seriously thinking about S550 and CL550, but both have downsides. S550 is not really for a singly guy. CL550 doesn't have the Mercedes curves. S550 has the more Merc curves. Anyone own and recommend a much more expensive Maserati GT or Bentley Continental GT?

alexb76

Well, I was gonna recommend M3/M5/RS4/S5... but if you think those are "downgrade", then look for a used Maserati Quattroporte... I haven't driven S550, CL550... they got a big engine, but I'd pick the M3, M5 or RS4 over the larger MBs as they are lighter, smaller, and have more sporty feel, handle better and closer to your 997 than a large Merc!

PS. Why dont you KEEP your 997, then get a used M3/RS4 at around $30-40K, you can then use M3/RS4 to your business meeting with those shallow ppl, and keep the 997 to enjoy on weekend or when you're not meeting with envious a-holes!

gota911

If you move to a MB or Audi, how does that help your "business image?" Do you think the people that said..... "Playboy image, player, selfish person for driving a 2 door car, etc., etc." are now going to say, "Oh, he sold the Porsche so he could drive a reasonable and inexpensive S550."

If that is your primary concern, getting a S550 is not going to help. Buy a used, boring "cover car" and make sure everyone that made those ^ comments, gets to see you driving the "cover car."

gruppe75

I heard the Aston Martin is a gentleman's sports car?

hockeyguy

Keep the Porsche. Get a second car.

Get a 2 yr old used Subaru Legacy GT (especially Spec. B.), 2008 or 2009, for 20-25K
It's a dynamite 4-seater, and is a GREAT driver's car, and totally under the radar...
That's my combo... (note: it's the previous generation Legacy, not the current generation, which started in 2010)

Buying a large Mercedes or Aston will not accomplish your goal....

Btw, in L.A. especially, a successful businessman driving a 2-seater Porsche as his ONLY car-- as a single man would likely do-- probably means strangers might think "gay" as often as they would think "playboy".... that's just the way it is.

GolfTango3

I, for one, advocate the the Scion xB as the ideal non-Porsche car.

It's the perfect blend of boxy and affordable. It's great for hauling stuff around and is very fuel efficient.

Even after GT3'ing around all weekend, I don't mind switching back to the Scion on Monday.

dsanto

Drive what makes you feel good and don't worry about the other people. Audi's are not a down grade from Porsche, but if so, then that might be what you're looking for.

997_rich

I have the same issue (I have a ducati as well which doesn't help) but i just deal with the annoyance. I usually just park in the extremeties of the lot and I tend to make a joke of it when people comment. "that's my practical car" or "hey, you have your kids, i have mine".

If it's a hobby and not just beautiful transportation, then you might get a pass. Do a few track days and put of photo of you on the track on your desk.

Unfortunately I don't think another car is going to get you out of this... people are always going to talk. But if you really want another car, maybe go for something really practical like a 4 seat pickup or a subaru wagon. That will go a long way toward helping people understand that you're a real person (i go buy my groceries like anyone else).

fgv1it

Keep the Porsche and get a new 2012 Mercedes CLS.

dansen

I do believe character can tell by the car you drive or the way you dress. Scion is for student and Subaru is for young street racer. Porsche is the best sports and Merc is the best luxury car. Driving a cheap car to a business meeting will also give you a negative. We get to dress casual on Friday so I drive Merc on Mon to Thur and Pors on Fr to Sun. That is my character and don’t want to cover it up.
Just buy a used 4 doors Merc for business and keep the 997 for the weekend.

Para82

Did you lose your ***** on the way up the corporate ladder? How about a Prius.

SeanR

I think this thread is going to make my top 10 real quick.

Mike in CA

There are plenty of good reasons why you might want a 4 seater and there are many nice examples out there to choose from. I'm only posting to say that what other people think is not one of those reasons. You may buy something different and think you're resolving your problem only to discover someone else takes offense to what you drive. Drive whatever car pleases you or meets your needs and find a polite way to tell your business associates to go frack themselves.

MRB2222

Why do you care what other people think? When they know you they won't care unless you are a player/playboy/yadda yadda and then the car won't matter.

Concerned about your contemporaries at work? Their jealousy will be their downfall. Don't sweat it.

Hyper911

Funny, next thing you know its Timex watches and polyester ties.