Apart from the heat, what did you notice when you came to the UAE from Austria?
It became evident that the spectrumof cars on the roads leaves a newcomer stunned. Therefore, my desire to make that ‘little boy's dream' come true grew exponentially.
And what was your dream?
I've always wanted a Porsche 911. In Europe, you are spoilt for choice when it comes to cars, especially German cars, which seem to be everywhere.
My first car was an Opel Kadett and it had the John Player Special logo on the bonnet! I had driven most German cars, bar one — the 911. You need to be seriously rich to own one in Europe and most parts of the world because fuel is expensive, but not here in the UAE.
What do you like so much about the 911?
The fascination is hard to grasp. Many say that the back of it does the trick for us guys, and I tend to agree with that.
The shape of the car has not changed much over the years. The engineers have spent time on improving the inner workings of the car rather than changing its looks, because it was almost perfect from the beginning. And that is something thatI really appreciate.
What have you learnt from beinga Porsche owner?
Owners can rest assured that whatever model year 911 they drive, it'll never be considered just another car. A Porsche is special — whatever model or condition, it still brings a smile to your face. The car industry makes us believe that we have to have the latest model in their line-up. However, owners still drive their 964, 993, 996 or 997 with joy. When I finally got my first 911 last year, I was ecstatic. It wasa 2006 meteor-grey 997 Convertiblewhich I registered on my birthday.
How did it feel to own one, finally?
Every time I turned the key in the ignitionI would smile. And that hasn't changed. The enormous power of a 911 in combination with its incredible soundgives you a real buzz.
This was the car I had been dreaming about for 30 years and now it's mine. I was the second owner and the guy who I bought it from is now one of my best friends.
And you also got some peace of mind...
Yes, Porsche offers incredible service support for its customers. You can extend the warranty up to 11 years after purchase so you certainly sleep better! The regular maintenance surprised me as it was cheaper than my other car, an Audi A6, which I happily gave to my wife.
The problem with owning a 911 is, since there are so many different types, you want to drive them all. This desire led me to my current 2009 911 Carrera S Convertible 997 second generation which I have owned since early this year.
It's painted in Guards Red with a black leather interior and it has the Sports Chrono package and produces 385bhp. It hasa PDK, a USB port and iPod sockets, but best of all, ventilated seats.
Do you drive the wheels off it?
I only drive this car on weekends and prefer rather to cruise than abuse it. It's a real eye-catcher. I was sceptical of the colour in the beginning, but now I would always go for a flashy colour rather than the commonly seen grey, black or white types.
Any favourite roads to cruise on?
An advisable trip for every 911 owner is to Al Ain and up Jebel Hafeet. The great thing with a 911 is that you can drive it daily. There's nothing better than cruising with the roof down on a Friday morning to Spinneys for some fresh croissants.
Dare I ask if you have any other dream car?
Maybe a Carrera 4S Convertible or, ifI ever strike oil, a GT2. My favourite is simply the 911. Drivers of these cars are committed to them. They might have an ‘affair' with another car but they return to their true love. As the slogan says, ‘There is no substitute.'
I'd like to pass my love of the 911 on to my new baby boy, Alexander. The first step has been taken — a friend got him a toy Carrera which he'll be able to drive in a year or so. It's painted in a flashy orange, almost like his father's!
Bio
- Name Mario Steglegger
- Job Government employee
- From Austria
- Wheels 2009 911 Carrera S Convertible
- In The UAE Two years