The Porsche Tax

[Throttlesteer]

We've all heard of it. We've all paid it. But will it ever stop? In a very peculiar way, our acceptance of it is similar to us witnessing the recent "Tip Culture" sweeping through the country. What was once a reward for quality service is now an expectation. In many cases, even before you've received anything in return. So back to the Porsche tax. I'm currently looking to upgrade my exhaust system. I've noticed, the prices keep climbing higher and higher. Sure, you can get titanium and inconel now. But when did a $10,000 exhaust system seem reasonable? The number of bends and welds is not far off from every other aftermarket exhaust for other marques. Yet, anything for a Porsche comes in at 3-5x or more. Heck, even buying a t-shirt or umbrella is likely to empty your wallet. "Entrepreneurs" have figured this out and started making their own "Porsche" merchandise, hoping to capitalize on the willingness to pay said tax.

I know most of us are in a position to afford these goodies. But I ask, why do we keep accepting the fact that we're getting taken advantage of? Why do we just shrug it off and get in line? I'm about ready to start spinning up inconel Porsche key chains for $300 a piece, if there are any takers?

[Maruscmn]

And I thought the BMW tax was high! It began for me when doing the valve adjustment on the E46 and found out BMW wanted $400 for a shim set. Long story short we figured out the shims were nothing but re-branded Wiseco shims. Took the BMW and Wiseco shims to the local university metallurgical department and had them tested. Came back with 99.9% match. Wiseco shim set was $21. Put that info out on the forums and may have crashed the shim market prices.

I am constantly looking for ways to afford these cars!

[rbpeirce]

Years ago I needed an A/C compressor for a 6.9 MB. I forget the exact details but the MB unit was really expensive, $2000+ as I recall. We eventually found the identical unit from a US manufacturer for about $350. We think MB must have bought these things, shipped them to Germany, put them in a blue box and shipped them back!

[jack911s]

Worth also to consider that some Audi / WV / Porsche parts are interchangeable
Ended up paying just $15 for a VW Golf fuel cap 100% identical to the OEM of my 1976-911.

[911-Purist]

I'm currently looking to upgrade my exhaust system. But when did a $10,000 exhaust system seem reasonable?

I can understand a replacement if it is worn and rusty.

Why upgrade it and what do you expect from that upgrade? I just leave my cars and motorcycles stock and not worry about the Porsche and BMW tax.

I am sure it is the same in the car world but in the motorcycle world, owners buy all this bling and when there is nothing left to buy, they sell it and start all over again. Sometime I wonder if they are really into motorcycling.