Is Porsche’s configurator a blessing or a curse? The answer is, yes. While you’re allowed to spec your own Porsche, the myriad of options may soon become a source of frustration and sales prevention tool. Most manufacturers give you a choice of color, interior, and a few packages or options. By comparison, Porsche’s voluminous list is overwhelming.
What is not explained is that Porsche allows individualization of its models. You are permitted to make your Porsche a personalized, one of a kind. That message gets lost on the uninitiated who quickly conclude that Porsche doesn’t make anything standard, has way too many options, and has overpriced their products.
A few disciplines may make the process more palatable. First, how long do you plan to own this model? Typically, most options do not represent much of a return in resale. For most prospects, ownership of three years or less should limit the check list on options. For the few who find that practice too restrictive, weigh your options. Is this option worth sacrificing a percentage of retained value?
On the other hand, for those who plan on owning their Porsche for several years, the cost of an option may be justified by spreading it out over a longer period. Here again, while an option may seem appealing, is it justifiable in the grand scheme of things?
Finally, before writing off this exercise as cost prohibitive, find an experienced Porsche Brand Ambassador who can advise you on the pros and cons of your choices. They do this every day and see which options are must have, and which options may be overkill.
It is also important to define what your goal is. What do you want to accomplish? Is it a high-performance track car? Is it a grand touring car? Is it a work of art? How will it be used and appreciated? What virtues must your Porsche possess? Here again, play with configurator, but consult with a professional.
Always reward professionalism because, bottom line, the ownership experience should carry more weight than the purchase. Focus on the real goal. “There is no Substitute.”