Car/watch guy dilemma (car content)

[rmlovett1]

This is a dilemma that has come up here in the past pertaining to watches. Just presenting it here as most can relate the two subjects, but this is talking about a car.
My father passed away in Dec of 21, leaving behind some vehicles for me to keep, sort out, sell etc..
He was a car guy, loved watches a bit (had a couple Rolex), but more of a automobile enthusiast. He’s always had Porsche 911’s amongst many others, but Porsche was always his favorite. One car he left was a 08 911 Carrera S that is in great condition, 43k miles. I’m the type that typically loves the latest models, or the vintage models, (I’ve had a few 911’s in both genres) I love Porsche as well!
I do like the 997 platform, but the 991 & 992 platform, or go back to the air cooled versions is what I really love.
My dilemma is, do I sell/trade to one of the models I personally really love, knowing he’d basically love any 911 variant….or….keep for the sentimental value alone?
Not heartbroken either way, just getting other enthusiasts thoughts on this. (Keep in mind, none of this has to do with $$)
Thanks all

[Goin2drt]

"not heart broken either way" answers the question for me. Sell and buy what you like. Period. If you had some fond memories growing up detailing the car with him or going to shows etc etc then maybe my answer would be different.

[brandrea]

Richard, I’m not a car guy but ….

If your dads Porsche doesn’t really have any sentimental value, I’d sell it and buy something that really speaks to you.

I can see you in a nice vintage air cooled 911. This might be a nice nostalgic model to commemorate your dad

[m j b]

My condolences for your loss.

I am a car guy. Full disclosure. I've owned several 911s, from 964 through 991.

My wife is going through a similar situation as she settles both parents' estates. She is much more sentimental than I am. I'd toss it all, LOL.

My father passed when I was 17, so I didn't have the options that the OP now does, and I was very angry back then so I didn't keep much of his stuff. Even now, I have no regrets about that. I have my memories, and that's really all I need.

My long-winded way of saying: you gotta do what you need to do. Don't worry about what other people think.

To answer the question though: keep something that makes you think of him, be it a hand tool, poster, gear shift handle, whatever. Take the money and buy what makes you happy, be it a 964, 997, whatever. He'll appreciate that, and if you believe that spirits watch over us, he'll enjoy watching you enjoy it.

[superdog]

sorry for your loss.

as much as people like to attach feelings to "stuff", its really just stuff.

sell it and move on brother...from the object. you will always have great memories of your dad. do your thing.

[travisb]

Originally Posted by brandrea

Richard, I’m not a car guy but ….

If your dads Porsche doesn’t really have any sentimental value, I’d sell it and buy something that really speaks to you.

I can see you in a nice vintage air cooled 911. This might be a nice nostalgic model to commemorate your dad

I agree with this. Good luck Rich!

[rolexpatek363]

Originally Posted by Richris1

One car he left was a 08 911 Carrera S that is in great condition, 43k miles.

I ran a 2008 997 C2S 3.8L manual transmission for four years, and it's a peach IMO. Plenty fast enough for the road, sounds awesome, great handling, brakes etc., and because it's a bit older, it doesn't attract too much attention.

Look out for bore scoring, my car didn't and most don't, but it can be a problem with that engine.

I would drive it for a while, see how you like it, then decide.

[rmlovett1]

Thank you gentlemen for the input! I really appreciate it! I do have a couple other vehicles of his that I would never sell, along with a 36 mm DJ (not a watch I would wear very often) that I would also never sell.

[rmlovett1]

⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️ Thanks men!

Originally Posted by Goin2drt

"not heart broken either way" answers the question for me. Sell and buy what you like. Period. If you had some fond memories growing up detailing the car with him or going to shows etc etc then maybe my answer would be different.

Originally Posted by brandrea

Richard, I’m not a car guy but ….

If your dads Porsche doesn’t really have any sentimental value, I’d sell it and buy something that really speaks to you.

I can see you in a nice vintage air cooled 911. This might be a nice nostalgic model to commemorate your dad

Originally Posted by m j b

My condolences for your loss.

I am a car guy. Full disclosure. I've owned several 911s, from 964 through 991.

My wife is going through a similar situation as she settles both parents' estates. She is much more sentimental than I am. I'd toss it all, LOL.

My father passed when I was 17, so I didn't have the options that the OP now does, and I was very angry back then so I didn't keep much of his stuff. Even now, I have no regrets about that. I have my memories, and that's really all I need.

My long-winded way of saying: you gotta do what you need to do. Don't worry about what other people think.

To answer the question though: keep something that makes you think of him, be it a hand tool, poster, gear shift handle, whatever. Take the money and buy what makes you happy, be it a 964, 997, whatever. He'll appreciate that, and if you believe that spirits watch over us, he'll enjoy watching you enjoy it.

Originally Posted by superdog

sorry for your loss.

as much as people like to attach feelings to "stuff", its really just stuff.

sell it and move on brother...from the object. you will always have great memories of your dad. do your thing.

Originally Posted by travisb

I agree with this. Good luck Rich!

Originally Posted by rolexpatek363

I ran a 2008 997 C2S 3.8L manual transmission for four years, and it's a peach IMO. Plenty fast enough for the road, sounds awesome, great handling, brakes etc., and because it's a bit older, it doesn't attract too much attention.

Look out for bore scoring, my car didn't and most don't, but it can be a problem with that engine.

I would drive it for a while, see how you like it, then decide.

[beshannon]

Sorry to hear about your Dad.

If this were me and I was not going to get enjoyment out of anything he left me I would part ways and get or do something that I would enjoy.

[dowheelies]

First off my condolences on the loss of your father.
Being a car guy and father of 2 I’ve pondered what I would want my son’s to do with some of my cars. There is one, 2000 Lightning, that would somewhat “brake my heart” if sold in my thinking (I’d be dead though so really WTF). I’ve had it since my first son was born and we both have a ton of great memories in it but I would understand if he sold it. I’d just pray he did something worthwhile with the money, that retained or grew in value, that made him happy ultimately. You know better than most anyone but I’d be willing to think your father would be happy if you purchased another Porsche of your liking.


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[Booth9999]

Originally Posted by superdog

sorry for your loss.

as much as people like to attach feelings to "stuff", its really just stuff.

sell it and move on brother...from the object. you will always have great memories of your dad. do your thing.

Wise advice.

[kieselguhr]

I am sorry to hear of your loss Rich.

I am a car guy myself and actually owned an 07. I am also a very sentimental guy and value heirlooms dearly.

That being said, to me personally a car isn’t nearly as sentimental as a watch that is worn daily. Especially a car that is typically a weekend warrior. However this is just my perspective and I’m the kid that crashed my dad’s car the same week I got my learners permit driving like a knuckle head

Personally, unless it was a car I saw him drove daily, wash every weekend, talk to the car, name it, I would rather drive something we would both appreciate. Instead of keeping a car that I wouldn’t drive in the garage where it will slowly wither away, I would rather sell it to someone who would enjoy it the way it was meant and attain car Valhalla.

By the way, I never liked my 07.

[Danny83]

I would keep it 100% thats me though. Anything dad use to drive stays.

[GB-man]

One question that will answer this for me. Are there other 911s from his collection being kept?

That would likely be the determinant for me.

[rmlovett1]

Originally Posted by beshannon

Sorry to hear about your Dad.

If this were me and I was not going to get enjoyment out of anything he left me I would part ways and get or do something that I would enjoy.

Originally Posted by dowheelies

First off my condolences on the loss of your father.
Being a car guy and father of 2 I’ve pondered what I would want my son’s to do with some of my cars. There is one, 2000 Lightning, that would somewhat “brake my heart” if sold in my thinking (I’d be dead though so really WTF). I’ve had it since my first son was born and we both have a ton of great memories in it but I would understand if he sold it. I’d just pray he did something worthwhile with the money, that retained or grew in value, that made him happy ultimately. You know better than most anyone but I’d be willing to think your father would be happy if you purchased another Porsche of your liking.


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I didn’t think of it from that perspective, me being a father of three…I tend to agree. Thank you

Originally Posted by Booth9999

Wise advice.

Originally Posted by kieselguhr

I am sorry to hear of your loss Rich.

I am a car guy myself and actually owned an 07. I am also a very sentimental guy and value heirlooms dearly.

That being said, to me personally a car isn’t nearly as sentimental as a watch that is worn daily. Especially a car that is typically a weekend warrior. However this is just my perspective and I’m the kid that crashed my dad’s car the same week I got my learners permit driving like a knuckle head

Personally, unless it was a car I saw him drove daily, wash every weekend, talk to the car, name it, I would rather drive something we would both appreciate. Instead of keeping a car that I wouldn’t drive in the garage where it will slowly wither away, I would rather sell it to someone who would enjoy it the way it was meant and attain car Valhalla.

By the way, I never liked my 07.

Great points! I have his TT DJ that he wore daily, and although I’d wear it maybe 1/2 times a year (just not my style & size) I wouldn’t sell it.

Originally Posted by Danny83

I would keep it 100% thats me though. Anything dad use to drive stays.

Thank you Danny.

Originally Posted by GB-man

One question that will answer this for me. Are there other 911s from his collection being kept?

That would likely be the determinant for me.

No other 911’s… he actually sold a ‘92 964 911, about a year before he passed, a bit of dementia had set in and he didn’t ask me about it before he did it. Got ripped by about $10k I could’ve rung his neck and the buyer as well, but I didn’t find out until a couple weeks after
I still have his C7 Stingray, Shelby gt500, Jeep TJ Wrangler as well. Those were his “fun cars” Had a couple other daily drivers that went to family already, but I have the fun ones.

Thank you for all the thoughts !

[GoingPlaces]

Sounds like you're conflicted, pretty normal. I'd shelf the decision and revisit when you know.

[GB-man]

I’d be tempted to keep since money isn’t an issue but I also align with Seth in that objects are just things and generally I don’t get tied to them.

When in doubt. Hold until sure!

[VogelPhoenix]

There are many different ways to look at it, but I prefer the 991 to the 997, which always felt a bit agricultural to me. 991.1 are the last NA versions, and as S or 4S fast enough on the right kind of road. Although if I were to get another one, I'd go for whatever the latest generation is; I got a bit tired of wondering what would fail next on my 991.1 4S, once it was out of warranty.

[East Bay Rider]

You have the other cars from his collection that you'll keep so I wouldn't feel bad about selling that Porsche. If you want to you could keep the shift knob that he used and replace it with new.

[rmlovett1]

Originally Posted by GoingPlaces

Sounds like you're conflicted, pretty normal. I'd shelf the decision and revisit when you know.

Originally Posted by GB-man

I’d be tempted to keep since money isn’t an issue but I also align with Seth in that objects are just things and generally I don’t get tied to them.

When in doubt. Hold until sure!

Originally Posted by VogelPhoenix

There are many different ways to look at it, but I prefer the 991 to the 997, which always felt a bit agricultural to me. 991.1 are the last NA versions, and as S or 4S fast enough on the right kind of road. Although if I were to get another one, I'd go for whatever the latest generation is; I got a bit tired of wondering what would fail next on my 991.1 4S, once it was out of warranty.

Originally Posted by East Bay Rider

You have the other cars from his collection that you'll keep so I wouldn't feel bad about selling that Porsche. If you want to you could keep the shift knob that he used and replace it with new.

Thanks gentlemen

[Chiboy]

Like others, I am sorry to hear it Richard. Personally, I don't really "get" the car/watch sentimental value. One day I'll get off my butt and sell my 36mm TT DJ, like you have but don't wear. I got married in it. It's my first Rolex, etc. But so what? I don't have the shirt I wore to my wedding either!

Anyway, I think I'd feel the same about cars, although you and your dad both being car guys does complicate things. Seems like you have a lot of cars already, so if one of the vehicles was a keeper, I think that would be great. If not, and it doesn't have more sentimental value to you than my "stuff" does to me, cash it out.

[Boopie]

So sorry for your loss. My husband lost his father, with whom he was very close, 7 years ago, and it’s still tough.

The first thing is, is it sentimental enough to you to keep it? That is, you want it and cherish it. I suspect the answer is no, which is why you’re asking. If it’s yes, then keep it.

If you’re conflicted over selling it just because “it was Dad’s car,” as others have said, sell it and get something you enjoy. That’s how you honor your father’s memory. There will be a Porsche enthusiast out there who will love the heck out of it. An object that your father loved will continue to be loved.

My husband kept his dad’s car, as it was a nice car that we actually wanted and drove, and its utilitarian value exceeded its book value. He did have to sell the house, which was tough (his brother wanted to sell). He and his brother ended up buying something that worked for them and their families way, way better than just keeping their dad’s house and renting it (neither of our families actually wanted to live in it). Although it was very tough from a sentimental perspective, I told my husband that the only reason he was able to grow up in that house was because its previous owners had sold it to his parents (once their children had grown up). So, now a new family can make their own memories in the house. Now, in hindsight, selling it was the best thing to do, because the proceeds were used for a good purpose that couldn’t have been accomplished but for the sale.

My mom passed away 2 years ago, and we went through something similar on a much smaller scale (no Rolex or Porsche). I kept a couple of little trinkets that had meaning to me, sold her car and house, and either junked or donated everything else. She was a teacher who absolutely loved books, and although I took a good number of them, I just couldn’t keep hundreds of books just because they were precious to her. I donated them, and I imagine someone else is enjoying and reading them.

If it’s too difficult to make the decision now, it’s fine waiting.

Good luck!

[Cru Jones]

Nothing that I can add that hasn’t already been said.

Sorry for your loss.

[rmlovett1]

Originally Posted by Chiboy

Like others, I am sorry to hear it Richard. Personally, I don't really "get" the car/watch sentimental value. One day I'll get off my butt and sell my 36mm TT DJ, like you have but don't wear. I got married in it. It's my first Rolex, etc. But so what? I don't have the shirt I wore to my wedding either!

Anyway, I think I'd feel the same about cars, although you and your dad both being car guys does complicate things. Seems like you have a lot of cars already, so if one of the vehicles was a keeper, I think that would be great. If not, and it doesn't have more sentimental value to you than my "stuff" does to me, cash it out.

Originally Posted by Boopie

So sorry for your loss. My husband lost his father, with whom he was very close, 7 years ago, and it’s still tough.

The first thing is, is it sentimental enough to you to keep it? That is, you want it and cherish it. I suspect the answer is no, which is why you’re asking. If it’s yes, then keep it.

If you’re conflicted over selling it just because “it was Dad’s car,” as others have said, sell it and get something you enjoy. That’s how you honor your father’s memory. There will be a Porsche enthusiast out there who will love the heck out of it. An object that your father loved will continue to be loved.

My husband kept his dad’s car, as it was a nice car that we actually wanted and drove, and its utilitarian value exceeded its book value. He did have to sell the house, which was tough (his brother wanted to sell). He and his brother ended up buying something that worked for them and their families way, way better than just keeping their dad’s house and renting it (neither of our families actually wanted to live in it). Although it was very tough from a sentimental perspective, I told my husband that the only reason he was able to grow up in that house was because its previous owners had sold it to his parents (once their children had grown up). So, now a new family can make their own memories in the house. Now, in hindsight, selling it was the best thing to do, because the proceeds were used for a good purpose that couldn’t have been accomplished but for the sale.

My mom passed away 2 years ago, and we went through something similar on a much smaller scale (no Rolex or Porsche). I kept a couple of little trinkets that had meaning to me, sold her car and house, and either junked or donated everything else. She was a teacher who absolutely loved books, and although I took a good number of them, I just couldn’t keep hundreds of books just because they were precious to her. I donated them, and I imagine someone else is enjoying and reading them.

If it’s too difficult to make the decision now, it’s fine waiting.

Good luck!

Originally Posted by Cru Jones

Nothing that I can add that hasn’t already been said.

Sorry for your loss.

Really appreciate it, thank you!

[fskywalker]

Originally Posted by Richris1

This is a dilemma that has come up here in the past pertaining to watches. Just presenting it here as most can relate the two subjects, but this is talking about a car.
My father passed away in Dec of 21, leaving behind some vehicles for me to keep, sort out, sell etc..
He was a car guy, loved watches a bit (had a couple Rolex), but more of a automobile enthusiast. He’s always had Porsche 911’s amongst many others, but Porsche was always his favorite. One car he left was a 08 911 Carrera S that is in great condition, 43k miles. I’m the type that typically loves the latest models, or the vintage models, (I’ve had a few 911’s in both genres) I love Porsche as well!
I do like the 997 platform, but the 991 & 992 platform, or go back to the air cooled versions is what I really love.
My dilemma is, do I sell/trade to one of the models I personally really love, knowing he’d basically love any 911 variant….or….keep for the sentimental value alone?
Not heartbroken either way, just getting other enthusiasts thoughts on this. (Keep in mind, none of this has to do with $$)
Thanks all

Well Richard think he will be happy looking at you from Heaven as you drive what you like, regardless if it’s one of the cars he left you or a different one!


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[NYC6]

Sorry about your dad. Didn’t read all responses but you should factor in the very high prices of used cars in the current bad economic climate in this country. Buy low, sell high applies for you now I believe.

[rlj676]

Condolences.

Only because you have so many other sentimental cars of his I’d be fine selling. 997s are collecting pretty strong dollar now so you could sell and wait a bit to buy a 911 you prefer as pricing relaxes.

[rmlovett1]

Thank you for the thoughts gentlemen, really value the input.

[rmlovett1]

Originally Posted by fskywalker

Well Richard think he will be happy looking at you from Heaven as you drive what you like, regardless if it’s one of the cars he left you or a different one!


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Thanks Francisco!

Originally Posted by NYC6

Sorry about your dad. Didn’t read all responses but you should factor in the very high prices of used cars in the current bad economic climate in this country. Buy low, sell high applies for you now I believe.

It does, thank you.

Originally Posted by rlj676

Condolences.

Only because you have so many other sentimental cars of his I’d be fine selling. 997s are collecting pretty strong dollar now so you could sell and wait a bit to buy a 911 you prefer as pricing relaxes.

Good thought! I’ve been watching the auctions on these on Bring a Trailer