Re: Press Release: 2010 Porsche 911 Turbo...
I didn't go for the aerokit because the front of the car is then very vulnerable to damage from road humps (used extensively here in the UK to tame speed in residential areas) and other problems with the roads - it compromises the everyday practicality of the car. If I was tracking the car extensively, I might have added the aerokit but I might then have gone for a GT3 instead. For the same reason, I didn't go for the painted front spoiler lip, the black one is inexpensive and simple to replace if it gets caught on something. Keeping that one black rules out painted side skirts and rear-undertray because the car looks unbalanced.
Key to realise about options is the profit margin is high, so the salesman is keen to encourage you to indulge and when it comes to re-sale will express regret that these options add nothing to the residual value of the car.
Grouping my options into different categories with UK pricing (multiply by about 1.6 to USD, prices include sales tax)...
Basic Car: Aqua Blue, Dark Grey natural Leather, Adaptive Sports Seats, RS Spyder Wheels (£103452)
Standard, Non-delete on UK cars: VTS, Rear parking sensors, top tint windscreen, phone module, iPod adapter (£1759)
"Performance Options": PDK, Sport Chrono, PTV, Paddles (£6779)
"Comfort Options": Sunroof, Cruise, Mats (!), CD Changer, Heated Seats, Rear Wiper (NCO), Headlights (£2431)
"Cosmetic Options": Painted Centre Console, Painted Door Trims, Embossed headrests, illuminated door sills, silver belts, leather PDK surround (£1680)
The most obvious omission is PCCB and there is a case to include them but I was out of budget.
It's the cosmetic options list which is the longest and most ready to trap you. Some options add cost with (IMHO) little value: Leather seat backs, leather loudspeaker grilles, painted PCM surround? - all more than $1500 each and worthless at re-sale time. The same again for a TV Tuner which costs more than a 42" plasma.
I didn't feel the need to add anything further to the outside of the car and included a sprinkle of interior options to add visual interest. Others will choose differently - coloured dials, more leather, carbon, aluminium, wood (if you must!) - but it's throw-away money and it's easy to make the car feel "yours" without going mad.
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