Thank You All

To everyone who regularly reads this blog, thank you for finding your way to this somewhat niche blog written by a car-loving couple among so many others out there. And to everyone who takes the time to leave comments, your feedback is a huge encouragement and motivation for running this blog. Truly, thank you so much.

The other day, quite casually, I reread all the comments we’ve received on the blog so far. And then I realized:

Reader comments are genuine voices and a treasure trove.

The comments contain real opinions from Porsche owners, those considering purchasing a Porsche, and car enthusiasts—information you won’t find in any motor magazine. That said, most readers probably don’t check the comment section, so today I’d like to share a selection of the comments we’ve received. (Comments have been lightly edited for context.)

Selected Comments from Readers

〘Waiting for Delivery of Panamera 4 E-Hybrid〙
I also ordered the Panamera 4 E-Hybrid last month and am eagerly awaiting delivery, scheduled for November. I was surprised to hear that if the Panamera 4 E-Hybrid runs out of charge, the engine won’t start… huh? But I’m glad that issue has been fixed. I chose the Panamera 4 E-Hybrid because I believe “the future of Porsche sports cars is hybrid” (inspired by Le Mans). Today’s news said, “Porsche to withdraw from diesel, aiming for half EV/Hybrid by 2025.” I wonder if the 911 will also have EV/Hybrid versions soon? The Panamera 4 E-Hybrid’s acceleration and torque are better than the 4S. Actually, I signed the contract without test driving because I had never driven a Porsche before, but after reading many reviews, I was convinced it’s the right choice. I’m really looking forward to it! (SN)

〘Comparing Resale Prices of 718 Boxster (MT/PDK)〙
When I sold my 718 Boxster MT, I was surprised to hear that PDK models fetch higher resale prices than MT. I thought MTs would be valued more for their rarity, but I was told it’s because PDK options are priced higher at new car purchase. Maybe this applies only because 718 MTs are still available new, and the evaluation might differ for MTs of older models like pre-981 or pre-991.1, but it seems MT doesn’t always guarantee better resale depending on the model. Still, I plan to keep choosing MT. (B)

〘Air-Cooled 911 vs. Water-Cooled 911〙
Our 911 is a 2000 model year 996 Carrera, which is the most affordable among the 911 generations. I previously owned a 964 Carrera 2, but I find the 996 quieter and easier to drive, and I really like it. Mina’s Panamera and 718 are also great cars. I’m very curious to see how your husband’s interest in air-cooled models develops. (shimoyannjp)

〘Importance of Warranty and Insurance for the Unexpected〙
I drive a 718 Boxster and just hit the two-year mark when I had a coolant leak that risked overheating, so I sent it for repairs. Unfortunately, the same issue recurred soon after, and the car was in the shop for about a month. I was truly grateful to have insurance at that time. Even new cars can break down. (TAKAP)

〘Interested in the New Cayenne〙
I’ve never been interested in the Cayenne because I dislike SUVs’ body roll, but after reading your review, I’m thinking of test driving one. The dealer said, “The new Cayenne doesn’t roll,” and it seems that wasn’t just sales talk. I’m happy that the base grade is satisfying and wallet-friendly. I used to think Tiptronic was a compromise version of PDK, but it seems Tiptronic has advantages depending on the use. (IshiB)

〘Targa Wind Intrusion〙
I’m a Porsche enthusiast from Hamamatsu City, Shizuoka, driving a 970 Panamera S Hybrid. I used to own an ’85 911 Targa with a wire clutch, and the wind intrusion was beyond imagination. The car looks great with the roof off when stopped, but hair flies toward the windshield, making it impossible to drive with a woman beside you. Just reminiscing made me want to write this. ^^ (igu19)

〘Recommendation for Long Touring〙
I’m not “crazy” about touring, but I also drive a 981 Boxster with a manual transmission. It’s not as fast as the GTS, just the 2.7-liter base model, but I really relate to your husband’s passion for the Boxster and wanted to comment. From my perspective living in Kanto, the inland areas of Hyogo and Kyoto and the Sea of Japan side seem full of great roads. Including nearby Fukui, Tottori, and Okayama, I seriously want to tour that area again. (wata)

〘From Air-Cooled to 981 Boxster〙
I always enjoy reading your blog. I started with air-cooled Porsches, so my path is the reverse of the usual, going backward in model years. I can’t drive as fast as wata-san, but I wanted to drive a bit more than an air-cooled, so I ended up with a 981. The world of hobby cars is vast and deep, so why not keep one in your garage regardless of cost-effectiveness? I’m most interested in how you’ll write about it here (laughs). Looking forward to more! ^^/ (Air-Cooled MOCO)

〘Panamera Sport Turismo〙
What I like about the Panamera Sport Turismo is that when my child gets into the child seat, they can stand in the center of the rear seat. The previous model forbade standing there. Also, the rear gate opens from bumper level, making it easier to load heavy, large suitcases. By the way, I copied the idea of using a non-slip mat that I saw here. The only downside is that you can’t see the rear spoiler extend from inside the car. (Neriten)

〘Seeking Genuine Voices from Porsche Owners〙
That’s exactly it. It’s hard to find real information about Porsche, and I want concrete opinions from people who actually drive them. Especially with so many options, it’s hard to know what’s really necessary, and the long wait times make it tough to take the first step. I’ve owned BMW, Audi, and Mercedes before, but Porsche feels a bit intimidating. However, I recently went to see a Macan but ended up test driving a Panamera, and now I can’t get it out of my head! It was easy to drive despite its size. Having driven an Audi A7 before, size isn’t a problem. Please keep sharing more! (kuni)

〘The Charm of the Last 6-Cylinder 981 Boxster (MT)〙
I love the 981 MT too (right-hand drive). I foolishly switched from a 981 PDK to a 718 MT, then back to the 981 MT because I missed the six-cylinder NA engine. The 718 MT requires care to avoid stalling at low speeds, but the 981 MT is easy to drive and can be mastered quickly if you’re motivated. The 718’s chassis and handling have improved a lot, but it’s sad that future Boxsters won’t have six-cylinder engines. I want to cherish and drive my 981 for a long time. (IshiB)

〘Rear Axle Steering and Car Buying in the U.S.〙
Hello Mina, I enjoy reading your blog. I think rear axle steering is an essential feature. My previous Lexus had it too, but it was hard to notice the effect (which is a problem in itself (^_^;)). It improves maneuverability and makes cornering stable. I recently visited a Porsche dealer in the U.S. and was shocked to find that a Panamera Turbo with the same specs costs about 10 million yen less (30 million vs. 20 million yen). Modifying for the Japanese market must be tough. (How to Support Life)

〘Panamera Oil Filler Cap Cover Operation〙
Delivery is just around the corner—so exciting! My new Panamera was delivered in September, and I love it, but there’s one issue: the oil filler cap cover is tricky to open and close. Once you get the hang of it, it’s manageable, but practically speaking, it’s questionable. Please check this with your dealer at delivery. (Kumakuma)

〘Recommended Roads in Kansai〙
Good evening, Mina. When I was in my 20s, I often drove in Kansai. A famous spot is Mount Koya in Wakayama. How about trying the Ryujin Skyline? It should be fun in a Panamera. Recently, I’ve been driving around the Katsuragi area in Nara on my days off. (sutearing-bouya)

〘From Panamera Order to Delivery〙
I fell in love with the Porsche 928 in high school and always wanted to own one, but production stopped. Somehow, I see a bit of the 928 in the Panamera. I ordered a Panamera 4S in mid-May and am currently waiting for delivery.
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I ordered my Panamera after Golden Week in May, but my production slot hasn’t even been assigned yet.
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I just got a call from my dealer confirming production in January. While waiting, I used this blog to help decide on seat and option changes. I even thought about switching from 4S to Turbo to copy you, but I fell for that amazing engine sound and stuck with my original order. (boyasuke)

〘About the 911〙
I want to try the 991 GT3 PDK sports, but considering daily use, the 911 Turbo is probably better. I think the wide rear body is sexy. (R230BRABUS)

〘Panamera Specifications〙
I’m considering switching from a Maserati Ghibli to a Panamera, and this blog is very helpful. I plan to get a base Panamera without the Turbo. I want to choose the white-ish seat option (780,000 yen). I’m still debating the exterior color and wheel size. (adachi671266)

Looking Forward to Your Comments

Your passion for cars and Porsche shines through your comments, and just reading them makes me happy. I apologize for only sharing a selection this time and not all comments. I often see phrases like “Sorry for commenting again” or “I held back because I thought too many comments might be bad” in messages, but there’s absolutely no need for that, and in fact, feel free to comment every day if you like (actually, that would make me happy (￣ー￣)w). Please continue to share your thoughts and stories!