Article request/idea

David S. Wallens wrote: Wow, such controversy from a simple question. First, no, we're not taking the magazine upmarket. I personally don't think that a $12,500 Porsche sports car is exotic or unrealistic--especially considering that its value has only gone up. Also, realize that we do have a wide range of readers.

As far as I can tell from being a reader over the last 12-14 years is that the magazine has already gone upscale to some degree. To be clear, that is not a complaint, but an acknowledgement that as the magazine has flourished and grown, it's editorial content and intent has escalated as well, mostly to the benefit of the readership, but with some pitfalls as well. Clearly you guys are very conscious of that, which is evident in your continued efforts to champion the "little guy on a budget" projects and events.

Whether it costs $12.5k or $100k, I think most still find 911s to be "exotic" comparatively, even if they're not completely unrealistic. You are totally correct about a $12.5k Porsche having good investment value, but to be honest, GRM is the last magazine I would read if I was interested in the relative investment value of a car. The thing I really like about GRM is it's as much about driving as building and/or owning, and investment seems to have minimal presence in the magazine. Please keep it that way.

I am a bit stunned to find 44% of readership has an income in excess of $100k/year. That would explain the rising interest, feedback, and content about higher level cars, events, and racing series. That stuff is totally legit, even if I often can't identify with it. But as long as the "DIY Porsche-killer for 1/2 the cost" articles don't disappear, I can live with the "DIY Ferrari-killer Porsche for 1/2 the cost" articles too.

By the way, for what it's worth my household brought in around 85k last year, but our three kids eat and wear and are educated by much of that.

JThw8 wrote: I'm not a cover to cover reader of the mag anymore as I find only about 50% of the content appeals to my interests these days, but that doesn't mean I don't like the magazine.

Same here....although I may read even less of it. As I have stated before, I subscribed just to do my part to support the forum. The low buck vibe of the forum IS my life.....

Joshua wrote: One thing I would like to see is a race car build from a (newer) wrecked car. Since wrecked cars are so much cheaper than buying brand new, it seems pretty "Grassroots" to build a race car from a cheap wrecked car.

even I would find that interesting....

The topic has veered a bit but I'll also say that I'm no longer a cover to cover reader and about 50% is my ratio also. The mag is more diverse and caters to broader groups. That's ok, it's still my favorite mag by far.

The topic has veered a bit but I'll also say that I'm no longer a cover to cover reader and about 50% is my ratio also. The mag is more diverse and caters to broader groups. That's ok, it's still my favorite mag. Don't forget, the mag is twice as large as it used to be so the amount we "50 percenters" read is still the same.

Joshua wrote: Similarly, since the P cars in question are at the bottom of their price curve, wouldn't now be the perfect time to run a buyers guide on them?

Check the June 2011 issue. It covers the 1974-'94 Porsche 911. That's basically the $7500-$20,000 cars. We didn't cover the cars north of $20,000, like the 993, because we knew that people would complain.

Also, we discussed the 993 some more at lunch today. My friend says the best time to buy one was seven years ago. Sadly, those are probably not going to get any less expensive.

darkbuddha and i are of one mind. i have nothing to add.

Can't we just like cars?

I own a 911, but every day I search Craigslist for sub-$1000 cars.

Woody wrote: Can't we just like cars?

One would think that's why we're all here.

That's a given! I spent this morning admiring new GT2s and GT3s, and a bunch of older 911s... and NSXs, 'vettes, Mustangs, etc. at our local cars & coffee this morning. That said, I spent more time admiring and talking to the owners of turbo Miatas.

By the way, this is what we were assembling today. And yes, our clean room is my friend's office. It's like a giant watch mechanism.

I wish I was there.

I thought it was established a long time ago that the web forum is not representative of the magazine readership as a whole. People on here tend to be much...cheaper. I'd consider a 993 for $25k far more grassroots than a new $25k Miata, if you can even get a new Miata for $25k. I'd take one over a 335i or Mazdaspeed 3.

Edit: I guess I like interesting cars. Any Porsche 911 has more charisma and character in it's ass than a turdbo Miata could ever hope for.

In reply to David S. Wallens:

What motor is that?

Joshua wrote: In reply to David S. Wallens: What motor is that?

3.2 Carrera IIRC.

Maroon92 wrote:

Joshua wrote: In reply to David S. Wallens: What motor is that?

3.2 Carrera IIRC.

Yep. And it's starting to look like an engine vs. boxes of parts and pieces.