6/26/16
It’s been about a month since I bought the 912. As I indicated in my prior post, the honeymoon sort of ended when I saw the oil leak. The car spent about a week in the shop where the more obvious of the oils leaks were fixed, which included the replacement of the transmission seals. Since then I have been driving it, continuing the experience I had when I brought it home.
The car has had its coming out party this weekend. I took it to breakfast to meet my Porsche friends. They all seem attracted to the car, as are my neighbors and co-workers. The color, though not the original, is very appealing. I am not thinking of restoring it to its original color, Bahama Yellow, any time soon or at all.
I have learned that it’s a great little commuter car. I have driven it to work many days over the past two weeks. For the most part, all is as I expected, though the smell of gas is a reacquired taste. I take it on the freeway on the way to work, and it is quite happy to cruise around 70 MPH down the 405. I take it on the streets on the way home, and it is quite happy to go from light to light and stop sign to stop sign. In the afternoons I take the Targa top off and am happy to enjoy the openness of the car and its connection to the world.
As I alluded to in my prior post about this car, it has power nothing. I find my commutes in it very relaxing, as I do not make phone calls, I do not mess with my Nav system, and I do not change the radio station, which is set to crank out Country tunes. I do not try to compete with the Prii. Instead, I just focus on driving the car. It is relaxing because I am so present when I drive it.
As I drive and use the car I am compiling a growing list of things it needs. It needs to go back to the shop, as a small oil leak still remains. It needs interior work, including seats, door panel and carpets. It needs new retractable seat belts. It needs a more period appropriate radio. It needs paint work. It most likely needs new tires. It needs new side view mirrors. It needs the clock fixed. It needs the interior light replaced. It needs the lights in the gauges replaced, as you can barely read the dials at night. These are just the obvious things it needs. I am also convinced that it needs suspension work, which might include some upgraded components.
The good news is that the car is running well and the transmission is shifting smoothly. So none of the issues, except making sure the oil leaks are under control, require too much immediate attention.