do we have a "guide" for prospective new 356 owner

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Bud Osbourne
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do we have a "guide" for prospective new 356 owner

#1 Post by Bud Osbourne »

While attending a family wedding this past weekend, which we travelled to in our '62 S-90 coupe, I found myself fielding questions from prospective future 356 owners.........the wedding was held outdoors, on a lawn overlooking the Magothy River and the Chesapeake Bay, and along with the bride, our 356 was a big hit with the guests.
At a brunch, held the next morning, at the same location, a woman, whose young son was particularly smitten with the 356, expressed a very strong interest in acquiring a 356. While I'm happy to answer questions from potential new 356 owners, I have to say that I have some concerns about the effect of the current gasoline prices motivating people to look for more fuel efficient cars, with "character". While the 356 is certainly fuel efficient, and has character, it is NOT a sensible, practical replacement for an SUV.
Does this mean that a 356 would be a poor choice for this woman? Not necessarily. She struck me as an intelligent, rational lady, and with the means to purchase and properly maintain a 356. However, without spend a considerable amount of time discussing the characteristics, needs and limitations of a 356 vs. the lady's expectations and capabilities, it is really impossible to really help prevent her making a big mistake.
I think that the Registry should develope a Guide for Wanna-Be 356 owners, both to encourage ownership and to discourage mis-matches of ownership. This would be something that could be displayed prominently on the Registry web page (I suggested the lady google "356 Registry"), where interested parties would be sure to see it.
Let's face it; the 356 is, for many people, still an inexpensive little car to purchase, and, with many people looking for more fuel efficient cars to drive, it is quite probable that many 356s will fall into the "wrong" hands. Still, there is also the possibility that, if given the right information about the car, many new 356 enthusiasts, who will DRIVE their 356s, may emerge.
Whadayathink, guys?

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John Lewenauer
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#2 Post by John Lewenauer »

Hopefully the bride's honeymoon will last longer than this lady's transition from an SUV to a 356 as a daily driver.
1964 356 C Coupe, Togo/Fawn, Chassis 126634
Enjoy some pictures of my Togo 356 at:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/8292359@N06/sets/72157603043153749/show/

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Barry Brisco
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Re: do we have a "guide" for prospective new 356 o

#3 Post by Barry Brisco »

Bud Osbourne wrote:While I'm happy to answer questions from potential new 356 owners, I have to say that I have some concerns about the effect of the current gasoline prices motivating people to look for more fuel efficient cars, with "character". While the 356 is certainly fuel efficient, and has character, it is NOT a sensible, practical replacement for an SUV.
Bud, in my opinon, by modern standards the 356 is not particularly fuel efficient. There are many modern compact cars that get over 40mpg average (combined city/highway). In my experience a 356 gets something in the high 20's for combined city/highway driving. Advances in battery technology in the next few years are likely to make mpg figures of 60 to over 100mpg commonplace in hybrids or all electric cars, at which point the 356 will look like a gas hog. :-) Anyone buying a 356 now just for fuel efficiency is not thinking long term.
Bud Osbourne wrote:I think that the Registry should develop a Guide for Wanna-Be 356 owners, both to encourage ownership and to discourage mis-matches of ownership... Let's face it; the 356 is, for many people, still an inexpensive little car to purchase, and, with many people looking for more fuel efficient cars to drive, it is quite probable that many 356s will fall into the "wrong" hands.
Whadayathink, guys?
Okay, you asked, and I don't see how it is the purpose of the Registry to make sure that 356s are kept away from the "wrong" people. There is plenty of information available right now regarding the cars, and it's easy to find online, or at least find where to buy books like Jim Schrager's. Owning and driving a 50 year old car is certainly not for everyone. And given how much prices have risen in the past several years, and how inexpensive modern, fuel-efficient compact cars are, I think that very few people are going to seriously consider buying a 356 principally because they want to save money on gas, though naturally I agree that many people are attracted to the cars because of their appearance and character!

If I am mis-characterizing your post, I apologize. Certainly I want the general public to recognize and appreciate the 356 automobile, and I'm happy that my A coupe can get up to 35 mpg on the highway.

Best regards,
Barry Brisco
1959 356A Coupe 105553, Ivory / Brown
2009 987 Cayman, Carrera White / Beige (daily driver)

Bud Osbourne
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Location: PA

do we have a "guide" for prospective new 356 owner

#4 Post by Bud Osbourne »

Barry,
I couldn't agree with you more. However, compared to the typical
full-sized SUV, the 356 gets phenomenal mileage, in the eyes of some SUV
owners. Hence my concern.
Bud Osbourne

-----Original Message-----
From: Barry Brisco [mailto:t2coupe@totheweb.com]
Sent: Monday, June 16, 2008 8:34 AM
To: 356talk@356registry.com
Subject: [356Talk] do we have a "guide" for prospective new 356 owner


Bud Osbourne wrote:
While I'm happy to answer questions from potential new 356 owners, I
have to say that I have some concerns about the effect of the current
gasoline prices motivating people to look for more fuel efficient cars,
with "character". While the 356 is certainly fuel efficient, and has
character, it is NOT a sensible, practical replacement for an SUV.


Bud, in my opinon, by modern standards the 356 is not particularly fuel
efficient. There are many modern compact cars that get over 40mpg
average (combined city/highway). In my experience a 356 gets something
in the high 20's for combined city/highway driving. Advances in battery
technology in the next few years are likely to make mpg figures of 60 to
over 100mpg commonplace in hybrids or all electric cars, at which point
the 356 will look like a gas hog. :-) Anyone buying a 356 now just for
fuel efficiency is not thinking long term.


Bud Osbourne wrote:
I think that the Registry should develop a Guide for Wanna-Be 356
owners, both to encourage ownership and to discourage mis-matches of
ownership... Let's face it; the 356 is, for many people, still an
inexpensive little car to purchase, and, with many people looking for
more fuel efficient cars to drive, it is quite probable that many 356s
will fall into the "wrong" hands.
Whadayathink, guys?
Okay, you asked, and I don't see how it is the purpose of the Registry
to make sure that 356s are kept away from the "wrong" people. There is
plenty of information available right now regarding the cars, and it's
easy to find online, or at least find where to buy books like Jim
Schrager's. Owning and driving a 50 year old car is certainly not for
everyone. And given how much prices have risen in the past several
years, and how inexpensive modern, fuel-efficient compact cars are, I
think that very few people are going to seriously consider buying a 356
principally because they want to save money on gas, though naturally I
agree that many people are attracted to the cars because of their
appearance and character!

If I am mis-characterizing your post, I apologize. Certainly I want the
general public to recognize and appreciate the 356 automobile, and I'm
happy that my A coupe can get up to 35 mpg on the highway.

Best regards,

------------------------
Barry Brisco
San Mateo, CA
1959 356A 105553 (http://www.356registry.org/Members/Brisco/)
1974 914 2 liter race car
(http://totheweb.com/porsche/914_501/index.html)
Registry Member #16465




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Bud Osbourne
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Re: do we have a "guide" for prospective new 356 o

#5 Post by Bud Osbourne »

-----Original Message-----
From: Barry Brisco [mailto:t2coupe@totheweb.com]
Sent: Monday, June 16, 2008 8:34 AM
To: 356talk@356registry.com
Subject: [356Talk] do we have a "guide" for prospective new 356 owner


Bud Osbourne wrote:
While I'm happy to answer questions from potential new 356 owners, I
have to say that I have some concerns about the effect of the current
gasoline prices motivating people to look for more fuel efficient cars,
with "character". While the 356 is certainly fuel efficient, and has
character, it is NOT a sensible, practical replacement for an SUV.



Bud Osbourne wrote:
I think that the Registry should develop a Guide for Wanna-Be 356
owners, both to encourage ownership and to discourage mis-matches of
ownership... Let's face it; the 356 is, for many people, still an
inexpensive little car to purchase, and, with many people looking for
more fuel efficient cars to drive, it is quite probable that many 356s
will fall into the "wrong" hands.
Whadayathink, guys?
Okay, you asked, and I don't see how it is the purpose of the Registry
to make sure that 356s are kept away from the "wrong" people. There is
plenty of information available right now regarding the cars, and it's
easy to find online, or at least find where to buy books like Jim
Schrager's. Owning and driving a 50 year old car is certainly not for
everyone. And given how much prices have risen in the past several
years, and how inexpensive modern, fuel-efficient compact cars are, I
think that very few people are going to seriously consider buying a 356
principally because they want to save money on gas, though naturally I
agree that many people are attracted to the cars because of their
appearance and character!

If I am mis-characterizing your post, I apologize. Certainly I want the
general public to recognize and appreciate the 356 automobile, and I'm
happy that my A coupe can get up to 35 mpg on the highway.

Best regards,

------------------------
Barry Brisco
San Mateo, CA
1959 356A 105553 (http://www.356registry.org/Members/Brisco/)
1974 914 2 liter race car
(http://totheweb.com/porsche/914_501/index.html)
Registry Member #16465


Barry,
Apology accepted, as you certainly have misunderstood my intent.
Only the buyer of a 356 can determine whether or not it's the right car for them to own. Whether or not they are the "wrong" people for a 356 is not for you or I to determine. The main thrust of my post was that there should be something the Registry could do to help that person make the discision that is correct for THEM, by putting all of the pertainent information in one place, thereby simplifying their research, while at the same time giving them as much information as possible. In other words, I'd like to do something to help the potential buyer to determine if the 356 is the wrong car for them.
When someone buys a 356 based on misinformation and unrealistic expectations, and has an unhappy experience as the result; who does that serve? This would be an example of a 356 falling into the "wrong" hands.
People with an interest in acquiring a 356 are going to seek out the Registry for information. Why not put enough information for them to determine if the 356 may or may not be the car of their dreams in ONE convenient location? If, after reading the information supplied by the Registry, they conclude that a 356 IS the kind of car they are looking for; they can move on to some of the books about 356s to learn how to pick a good one.

Bud Osbourne

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Jules Dielen
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do we have a "guide" for prospective new 356 owner

#6 Post by Jules Dielen »

I'd persnoally advise them to get a Civic or equivalent with modern commodities (like A/C).

Greetz from 112°F


Jules
Chandler, AZ
'57 A coupe #101205 (on its summer break in the garage)






-----Original Message-----
From: Bud Osbourne [mailto:abcoz@hky.com]
Sent: Monday, June 16, 2008 8:42 PM
To: 356talk@356registry.com
Subject: [356Talk] do we have a "guide" for prospective new 356 owner

-----Original Message-----
From: Barry Brisco [mailto:t2coupe@totheweb.com]
Sent: Monday, June 16, 2008 8:34 AM
To: 356talk@356registry.com
Subject: [356Talk] do we have a "guide" for prospective new 356 owner


Bud Osbourne wrote:
While I'm happy to answer questions from potential new 356 owners, I
have to say that I have some concerns about the effect of the current
gasoline prices motivating people to look for more fuel efficient cars,
with "character". While the 356 is certainly fuel efficient, and has
character, it is NOT a sensible, practical replacement for an SUV.



Bud Osbourne wrote:
I think that the Registry should develop a Guide for Wanna-Be 356
owners, both to encourage ownership and to discourage mis-matches of
ownership... Let's face it; the 356 is, for many people, still an
inexpensive little car to purchase, and, with many people looking for
more fuel efficient cars to drive, it is quite probable that many 356s
will fall into the "wrong" hands.
Whadayathink, guys?
Okay, you asked, and I don't see how it is the purpose of the Registry
to make sure that 356s are kept away from the "wrong" people. There is
plenty of information available right now regarding the cars, and it's
easy to find online, or at least find where to buy books like Jim
Schrager's. Owning and driving a 50 year old car is certainly not for
everyone. And given how much prices have risen in the past several
years, and how inexpensive modern, fuel-efficient compact cars are, I
think that very few people are going to seriously consider buying a 356
principally because they want to save money on gas, though naturally I
agree that many people are attracted to the cars because of their
appearance and character!

If I am mis-characterizing your post, I apologize. Certainly I want the
general public to recognize and appreciate the 356 automobile, and I'm
happy that my A coupe can get up to 35 mpg on the highway.

Best regards,

------------------------
Barry Brisco
San Mateo, CA
1959 356A 105553 (http://www.356registry.org/Members/Brisco/)
1974 914 2 liter race car
(http://totheweb.com/porsche/914_501/index.html)
Registry Member #16465


Barry,
Apology accepted, as you certainly have misunderstood my intent.
Only the buyer of a 356 can determine whether or not it's the right car for them to own. Whether or not they are the "wrong" people for a 356 is not for you or I to determine. The main thrust of my post was that there should be something the Registry could do to help that person make the discision that is correct for THEM, by putting all of the pertainent information in one place, thereby simplifying their research, while at the same time giving them as much information as possible. In other words, I'd like to do something to help the potential buyer to determine if the 356 is the wrong car for them.
When someone buys a 356 based on misinformation and unrealistic expectations, and has an unhappy experience as the result; who does that serve? This would be an example of a 356 falling into the "wrong" hands.
People with an interest in acquiring a 356 are going to seek out the Registry for information. Why not put enough information for them to determine if the 356 may or may not be the car of their dreams in ONE convenient location? If, after reading the information supplied by the Registry, they conclude that a 356 IS the kind of car they are looking for; they can move on to some of the books about 356s to learn how to pick a good one.

Bud Osbourne
[/quote]




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Water pumps are for windshield washers only.

Bud Osbourne
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Location: PA

do we have a "guide" for prospective new 356 owner

#7 Post by Bud Osbourne »

Jules,
That's not for us to say. If a person thinks he may be interested in a
356, the best thing we can do is provide him with plenty of correct
information about just what a 356 is, what it can/can't do, and what it
needs in order to maintain it in proper condition. Such information
will go a long way toward discouraging ownership driven by false or
unrealistic expectations.
Typically, when someone unfamiliar with 40 year old cars finds out that
they require plenty of maintenance, that parts are seldom available at
Pep Boys, that very few mechanics have a clue about working on them,
that they will dissolve into a pile of iron oxide after a couple of
seasons exposure to today's aggressively corrosive road de-icing
solutions, and that they are frightfully expensive to rebuild; they'll
usually head for their nearest HonDaToy dealership. Those who are still
interested, after hearing all of the pros & cons of 356 ownership, have
good potential for becoming part of the next generation of 356ers. We
need 'em!
Bud Osbourne

-----Original Message-----
From: Dielen, Jules [mailto:Jules.Dielen@vw.com]
Sent: Monday, June 16, 2008 1:49 PM
To: Bud Osbourne; 356talk@356registry.com
Subject: RE: [356Talk] do we have a "guide" for prospective new 356
owner

I'd persnoally advise them to get a Civic or equivalent with modern
commodities (like A/C).

Greetz from 112°F


Jules
Chandler, AZ
'57 A coupe #101205 (on its summer break in the garage)


I think that the Registry should develop a Guide for Wanna-Be 356
owners, both to encourage ownership and to discourage mis-matches of
ownership... Let's face it; the 356 is, for many people, still an
inexpensive little car to purchase, and, with many people looking for
more fuel efficient cars to drive, it is quite probable that many 356s
will fall into the "wrong" hands.
Whadayathink, guys?
Only the buyer of a 356 can determine whether or not it's the right car
for them to own. Whether or not they are the "wrong" people for a 356
is not for you or I to determine. The main thrust of my post was that
there should be something the Registry could do to help that person make
the discision that is correct for THEM, by putting all of the pertainent
information in one place, thereby simplifying their research, while at
the same time giving them as much information as possible. In other
words, I'd like to do something to help the potential buyer to determine
if the 356 is the wrong car for them.
When someone buys a 356 based on misinformation and unrealistic
expectations, and has an unhappy experience as the result; who does that
serve? This would be an example of a 356 falling into the "wrong"
hands.
People with an interest in acquiring a 356 are going to seek out the
Registry for information. Why not put enough information for them to
determine if the 356 may or may not be the car of their dreams in ONE
convenient location? If, after reading the information supplied by the
Registry, they conclude that a 356 IS the kind of car they are looking
for; they can move on to some of the books about 356s to learn how to
pick a good one.

Bud Osbourne

Post generated using Mail2Forum via email.
Bud Osbourne

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Barry Brisco
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Re: do we have a "guide" for prospective new 356 o

#8 Post by Barry Brisco »

Hi Bud,

Sorry I misunderstood. What you say makes a lot of sense. "Someone" should write an article titled "So You Think You Want to Buy a 356?" targeted at first time owners. I could put it up on the Registry website. Any volunteers? <G>

My wife Rosemary and I just arrived at Squaw Creek Resort at Lake Tahoe, CA (for the West Coast Holiday), we came up early to do some hiking. It's a beautiful area and a very nice hotel, should be a great event!

Best regards,

Barry
Barry,
Apology accepted, as you certainly have misunderstood my intent.
Only the buyer of a 356 can determine whether or not it's the right car for them to own. Whether or not they are the "wrong" people for a 356 is not for you or I to determine. The main thrust of my post was that there should be something the Registry could do to help that person make the discision that is correct for THEM, by putting all of the pertainent information in one place, thereby simplifying their research, while at the same time giving them as much information as possible. In other words, I'd like to do something to help the potential buyer to determine if the 356 is the wrong car for them.
When someone buys a 356 based on misinformation and unrealistic expectations, and has an unhappy experience as the result; who does that serve? This would be an example of a 356 falling into the "wrong" hands.
People with an interest in acquiring a 356 are going to seek out the Registry for information. Why not put enough information for them to determine if the 356 may or may not be the car of their dreams in ONE convenient location? If, after reading the information supplied by the Registry, they conclude that a 356 IS the kind of car they are looking for; they can move on to some of the books about 356s to learn how to pick a good one.

Bud Osbourne
[/quote]

Ginger Nelson
356 Fan
Posts: 33
Joined: Mon Apr 14, 2008 12:34 pm

do we have a "guide" for prospective new 356 owner

#9 Post by Ginger Nelson »

In a message dated 6/16/2008 3:47:27 PM Eastern Daylight Time, abcoz@hky.com writes:
Those who are still
interested, after hearing all of the pros &cons of 356 ownership, have
good potential for becoming part of the next generation of 356ers. We
need 'em!
Bud Osbourne
Thank you Bud!
Blessings,
Gabrielle "Ginger" Nelson
1963 356B T6S
1964 356C
1965 356SC (912 motor)
plus other Porsches and fun cars



**************
Gas prices getting you down? Search AOL Autos for fuel-efficient used cars.
(http://autos.aol.com/used?ncid=aolaut00050000000007)

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Jim Alton
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Re: do we have a "guide" for prospective new 356 o

#10 Post by Jim Alton »

Bud Osbourne wrote:...However, without spend a considerable amount of time discussing the characteristics, needs and limitations of a 356 vs. the lady's expectations and capabilities, it is really impossible to really help prevent her making a big mistake....

Whadayathink, guys?
You could start by showing her that 3/4 of the owner's manual is devoted to telling the owner how to tune up and maintan the 356.
 
Jim Alton
Los Angeles County, CA
1958 Porsche 356A Cabriolet
1965 Porsche 911 Coupé
1966 Volkswagen Type 2
2003 Porsche 986 Boxster

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