Reader Comments

I regularly share comments from readers, and this is the fourth installment. Many of the comments I receive offer useful insights—including things I didn’t know myself. Here are a few highlights from this latest batch.(Please note that I’ve lightly edited some comments for context and clarity, including trimming them where appropriate.)

What Porsche Owners Are Saying

1. Panamera Hybrid

【970 Plug-In Hybrid】
The 970 plug-in hybrid has exceeded my expectations. If I had one wish, it would be a little more electric-only range, and a tighter turning circle. The 971 seems to offer more electric range than the 970, and the optional rear-axle steering should help with maneuverability, too. It may be a little early to think about it, but I’m already looking forward to my next Porsche. (Ishi B)

【971 Panamera E-Hybrid: SN replies to Ishi B】
The 971 definitely has more range in E-Mode. If you were to drive on electric power alone, I think around 30 km is probably the limit in real-world conditions. But that’s enough for local trips. I use E-Mode for errands nearby, Hybrid Auto for my commute when traffic is heavy or moving slowly, and Sport or Sport Plus when the roads are clear and I can enjoy a livelier drive. (SN)

【Ishi B replies to SN】
For now, I drive around town in Normal mode without selecting either E-Power or E-Charge. The 971 can cover 30 km on electric power alone? I’m jealous. My 970 manages 16 km. That’s still enough for my daily commute, though, so once I have a charger installed, I’m looking forward to fully charging it every day and driving exclusively in E-Power mode.
I sometimes switch to Sport on the highway, but most of the time I stay in Normal. For now, I’m enjoying the smooth, composed ride more than sporty driving. (Ishi B)

2. Porsche Coolant Temperature Gauge

The story about your husband’s Boxster temperature gauge was really helpful. Your husband’s Boxster temperature gauge is something I could relate to. My Carrera’s temperature gauge always sits a little to the right of center—right around 90°C. Many Japanese cars are designed to maintain a coolant temperature of about 85°C, with that figure often marked at the center of the gauge. In other words, a vertical needle is usually considered normal. My Carrera, however, consistently reads a little higher, as I mentioned.
I’d been concerned that there might be a problem with the cooling system, or that age-related wear could soon lead to a thermostat or water-pump failure. Your post put my mind at ease. Thank you! 🙂 (shimoyannjp)

3. Manual Porsche Driving Position

I drive a red, right-hand-drive 2015 Boxster GTS with a manual transmission, and I always enjoy reading your blog. I wanted to share something related to clutch technique. When my car was delivered, I was returning to a manual after 15 years—and I also have a bad back. I found this on a Boxster GTS owner’s blog:
〈Driving Position〉The “Sazaki Clutch Technique”〈Back Pain〉
Once you learn to pull away from a standstill using the clutch with your heel planted, even stop-and-go traffic is no trouble, and starting off can be as easy as in an automatic. I switch between setting off at idle and giving the throttle a quick blip, depending on the situation. (Lorinzer7)

 4. 718

【718 Boxster】
I completely agree that the 718 feels similar to an air-cooled Porsche! (Laughs.) It’s that feeling of being pushed forward from behind. In my case, I have a Boxster. The engine note has a great character, too. And the PDK is incredibly good. Personally, I love mid-engine cars for their handling, but Porsche is amazing at making high-powered rear-engine cars that anyone can drive. (Runrun Runpa)

【718 Cayman, manual】
With the PDK, the shift timing changes between modes, so Sport Chrono seems close to essential. With a manual, the car feels lively even in Normal mode around town, and Sport mode makes it even more responsive—that’s how I see it. (PorscheDreamer)

5. Panamera 4 Sport Turismo

My car is also a Carrara White Panamera 4 Sport Turismo. It was delivered last April, replacing the Panamera 4S (970) I’d owned for seven years. I spent around ¥4.5 million on options. It’s mostly used for family trips, and the extra seat in the back comes in handy with young children.
Compared with my old 4S, it doesn’t deliver the same punch when accelerating, but I think it’s more fun to drive as a sports car. I hadn’t even considered that two standard-size suitcases might not fit. Practical details like that, which you only discover by trying it for yourself, are incredibly helpful. (neriten)

6. Speed Camera Alerts

I use the smartphone app Orbis Alert. In my experience, it gives accurate alerts across Shikoku and on routes between Kobe and Tokyo, so I find it very useful. (Orbis speed cameras are automated cameras used in Japan to detect speeding.) The only drawback is that using GPS drains the phone’s battery. I usually keep it plugged into the car’s 12-volt socket. (vonvoyage32)

7. Touring in Shikoku

I drive a 981 Cayman S and live in Shikoku, so I visit Minami-Awa Sun Line, Yokonami Skyline, and Sadamisaki Melody Line quite often. Shikoku has plenty of fantastic roads that are a joy to drive, from scenic coastal routes to mountain passes. We hope you’ll visit again! (ijnuj)

8. Air-Cooled 911 (964 C2)

I really enjoyed reading your husband’s review of the air-cooled Porsche! Personally, I love air-cooled cars, where you can hear the cylinders moving against one another and the soft gurgle of oil circulating, rather than modern sports cars where the exhaust note takes center stage. ♡ (Ingenieur)

9. Porsche on the Track

As you know, I recently visited Suzuka for the first time, and it’s a fantastic circuit—but it was intimidating, too. As you wrote, what makes a Porsche so special is how it can deliver everyday usability and thrilling performance on the track‼️ (cara)

10. Negroni Driving Shoes

It seems Negroni also makes women’s shoes at its factory custom-order events. You’d need to make the trip to Tokyo, though… (Tsuta)

Porsche Blog

Thank you for reading the blog. We’ll keep sharing enjoyable articles packed with information about Porsche ownership and life with these cars. We hope you’ll continue reading. You can also find our earlier roundups of reader comments here:

→ Real voices from Porsche owners and buyers waiting for delivery: reader comments from the blog
→ More real voices from Porsche owners and buyers waiting for delivery
→ Real Porsche owner experiences: oil changes, door dings, daytime running lights, and more