Porsche Pricing & Availability

[jgw]

People take one look at this car and assume it's medium-sized at best, and pretty simple, something like the 8070. Appreciating how large and complex it is takes some thinking and a moment of actual reflection. Few people bother with either one of these. It's so much easier to jump on the PORSCHE WANTS OUR MONIES, HURR DURR bandwagon.

Everybody on this forum must recieve a letter with this easy and logical message. People please realise this is probably the most advanced set up to date!/

[sergiuparaschiv]

For me it's simple.

1) I don't like panels. I have two boxes full of them that I never use.

2) Except for the panels I already have more than enough parts to build this when the instructions come out.

3) I'm not a collector.

Price is just an afterthought.

The only reason I still buy new sets is to get the new parts that I can't MOC myself.

I'd preorder it at my local dealer right now if it had better rims or some sort of redesigned steering system with smaller turning radius.

[Jurss]

Don't have money, don't buy it, or find possibility to earn more.

I'm not complainning, that I can't by yet some real Porsche 911, I'm trying to earn more.

When there will be instructions, I'll try to build it with my existing parts, and then buy something, that's missing. I won't by those specific rims, I'll use what i have. I'll just buy some panels, which i don't have, when they will be available separately.

[Dafgek81]

I won't be buying this set, because I just don't care about supercars.

I do see the technical advancement in this car, it's big and packed with technical details, but it is still just a car.

If I were to buy this, it would be for parts to use in trucks or construction equipment MOC's I want to reproduce by instructions from other builders.

Money wise I can not say I do not want to spend so much money on one set.

I hope to finish my Actros and trailer soon, I has cost me at least twice as much as the Porsche.

But this set lacks functionally for me, that is my main reason for not buying it.

[SevenStuds]

Looking outside of the Technic range the price is similar to other large sets. The Sydney Opera House has 2989 parts, costs 299€ and has no functions either. The SHIELD Helicarrier is 349€ and has less than 3000 parts too. I wonder if they have similar price rants in their respective forums on EB.

On the other hand, the 42009 mobile crane MKII had 2600 parts for under 200€ and included functions. Clearly better value per part.

Personally my decision regarding the Porsche will be when I see the tally of missing part prices on Bricklink. I'm mainly interested in the new wheels and parts, not the display set.

[LucyCol]

Price wise it is what it is.

If you like the set and want to buy it you have to pay the price TLG sets, yes that may make it difficult for some people as its not cheap, but if (like me) you save a few Pounds, Euros, or dollars every week then they become affordable.

If you don't think it's value for money then don't buy it, simple really.

And if I can make a prediction in 5 or 6 years time when you're thinking perhaps I will buy it after all, it will have quadrupled in value, because a lot of those who are buying on day one will be hiding them away in the hope that they can make a big profit at some later date.

[allanp]

What puts me off about the price is not the price per piece, it's that it's the same old pieces. Same old wobbly wheel bearings. New steering arms but same old geometry meaning no ackermann and too short for this scale, same old differential with very low gear reduction that can't handle any torque, same old cv joints which are too small to have a decent range of angle and feel weak, same old single size of clutch gear in a two pair side by side configuration. This is not a recipe for "ultimate". I do like the wheels and arches though. And it is gorgeous even if it is the wrong colour! But whilst Ide happily pay 300€ for a non pf set of this piece count, I cant justify doing so for its looks and pretty packaging alone. Technic, it's the dynamics of mechanics, it's technofunctionomical. It's not a porsche hand bag!

[aol000xw]

I see a lot of rationalization of people trying to justify the price tag, but little real arguments and even less backed up by numbers.

I think a good starting point to analyze its price is the Arocs.

• From a price perspective both models are quite close in number of parts and panels.
  
• The Arocs even have pricer parts than average like PF and pneumatic elements.
  
• Both models include new parts
  
• Difference in price is 100€, almost a 42039, on average 1000 parts.
  

You get a thick nice instruction book and some better packaging. for 100€

I can buy a really good Lego book, a Porsche one and some very nice plastic boxes for all the parts with 100€

Every now and then I accept to pay an unjustified premium as a reward for a company or product, just because I want them to succeed, but always within constrains that make sense. Overpricing just because you have a monopoly isn't something I celebrate.

[DrJB]

What puts me off about the price is not the price per piece, it's that it's the same old pieces. Same old wobbly wheel bearings. New steering arms but same old geometry meaning no ackermann and too short for this scale, same old differential with very low gear reduction that can't handle any torque, same old cv joints which are too small to have a decent range of angle and feel weak, same old single size of clutch gear in a two pair side by side configuration. This is not a recipe for "ultimate". I do like the wheels and arches though. And it is gorgeous even if it is the wrong colour! But whilst Ide happily pay 300€ for a non pf set of this piece count, I cant justify doing so for its looks and pretty packaging alone. Technic, it's the dynamics of mechanics, it's technofunctionomical. It's not a porsche hand bag!

Right On!

I think many of us 'technic guys' i.e., those with engineering/STEM training, get more excited about the technical functions and components such as gears, suspension geometry, wheel offset, LAs, and on and on. While past sets have offered a certain sense of waow/new factor, I tend to agree that this set offers very little except maybe the build technique aka paddle shift. But, then again, that shifting mechanism was 'pioneered' by many in the MOC/AFOL community and as such (unless you've been living in a rock somewhere), is not totally new. Over the past few years, it seems Technic has evolved to focus more on looks than on function. Example: the 42009 Mobile Crane had many functions, but most were repeats and there was no suspension present. My definition of 'Ultimate' implies a certain amount of authenticity with regards to not only looks/geometry, but also function. Some of the features I was 'expecting' were a multi-link suspension, realistic wheel offset, boxster engine, ... Not bashing TLG, but if the set is destined for 16+, then it should mimic closely the 'real' vehicle. This is a Technic set, not Creator, and as such, more emphasis should be put on function, imho, naturally.

In the end, rant as we may, many of us will end up buying this set, even though some are 'disappointed' ... it's just another toy.

Edited April 27, 2016 by DrJB

[lee82gx]

The moment the price came out I knew it'd be mayhem and for me personally, dismay. I can't justify it.

What you get is size, book and box. To those with money to spare, I'd say go ahead with a hint of envy but it's not as compelling for me, as none of the ucs sets have ever compelled me. That being said there are plenty who don't think like me and will spend anyway.

[M_longer]

People please realise this is probably the most advanced set up to date!/

It has four wheels, suspension and a gearbox. Sounds like 8880/8448/8466.

For me most advanced set(s) were Arocs and Volvo loader.

[Meatman]

I think the price should have been around $250, but I'll gladly pay $300 for it. Luckily I have a ton of VIP points built up.

- A lot of people don't get Technic. Read the comments below this Gizmodo article to see what I mean.

You would think on a website like Gizmodo that the people that follow it would appreciate Technic. Definitely doesn't seem to be very popular there.

Everybody on this forum must recieve a letter with this easy and logical message. People please realise this is probably the most advanced set up to date!/

You really think this is more advanced than a set like the 42043? I've built that set and it is packed with functions that amaze me more than anything this Porsche has shown.

Edited April 26, 2016 by Meatman

[aol000xw]

The most advanced part of this Porsche (the gearbox) is something than many MOCers have made before so it is not innovative; until I see the new parts they designed for it a how the double clutch works my opinion is that they are just playing catch up.

[SevenStuds]

Definitely doesn't seem to be very popular there.

I was also surprised to see that so many people hated the look of it, comparing it to a crashed car:

Edited April 26, 2016 by SevenStuds

[DrJB]

That's the wrong car ... lol ... the wheels are not the same.

[zux]

I'm with allanp. While set is said to be ULTIMATE I find lack of "ultimacy" for the asked price. Simply not enough new parts we hoped for to justify the money.

Packaging and book doesn't cost the money asked also.

Another thing is that there are 3 other great models coming up in 2nd half of the year opposed to 1st half this year. Some people just want all 4 and Porsche is pushing the budget limit.

Edited April 26, 2016 by zux

[JJ2]

I was also surprised to see that so many people hated the look of it, comparing it to a crashed car:

Yea I was reading that, but the funny thing is on yours truly Eurobricks, the Technic forum is the 2nd most popular with topics and post count which is weird since so many people hate it...

Sorry for this off-topic post.

[Rijkvv]

It might be relatively cheap, but €300,- is a lot of money (in the Netherlands maybe even more expensive) for a model which only complicated Technic function is the gearbox.

I'm with allanp. While set is said to be ULTIMATE I find lack of "ultimacy" for the asked price.

This.

This model is premium-marketed, considering the things you get beside the model itself. But I'd expect fewer stickers on a model with such a price tag. I'm not sure yet whether to skip this or not, but I really wouldn't like to pay a premium price for a model where the decorations come loose after some years, considering the quality of stickers.

[Gnac]

It's unlikely that I'll ever end up owning one, but I appreciate the efforts of those who will for the sake of bringing the prices of common orange parts down via economies of scale.

[Paul Boratko]

LOL.. (Eric)Blakbird and I dropped more than twice that amount on Pocher sets..

I think without all of the bells and whistles in the packaging, this set probably would have been around $249.99 USD, which I think would have been reasonable.. I am sure we'll get several of these.. Can't wait to watch the wife build it.. :thumbup:

[DrJB]

Can't wait to watch the wife build it.. :thumbup:

I thought a collector's item is meant to be kept in its box, and only opened 20 years down the road ... a time capsule of sorts

[Andy D]

@nerdsforprez. Since the thread is all about the cost of the set... Why not add a poll to see how many people are going to buy the set anyway and how many will not and how many are waiting for the reviews.

Might get more answers than we see now.

Andy D

[Saberwing40k]

What puts me off about the price is not the price per piece, it's that it's the same old pieces. Same old wobbly wheel bearings. New steering arms but same old geometry meaning no ackermann and too short for this scale, same old differential with very low gear reduction that can't handle any torque, same old cv joints which are too small to have a decent range of angle and feel weak, same old single size of clutch gear in a two pair side by side configuration. This is not a recipe for "ultimate". I do like the wheels and arches though. And it is gorgeous even if it is the wrong colour! But whilst Ide happily pay 300€ for a non pf set of this piece count, I cant justify doing so for its looks and pretty packaging alone. Technic, it's the dynamics of mechanics, it's technofunctionomical. It's not a porsche hand bag!

You're right. in terms of new parts, we've got a grand total of 3, all minor, except the wheel hub, which is how it should have been from the get go. And, we still have color barf, in a set where you'd think the demographic would know better.

I see a lot of rationalization of people trying to justify the price tag, but little real arguments and even less backed up by numbers.

I think a good starting point to analyze its price is the Arocs.

• From a price perspective both models are quite close in number of parts and panels.
  
• The Arocs even have pricer parts than average like PF and pneumatic elements.
  
• Both models include new parts
  
• Difference in price is 100€, almost a 42039, on average 1000 parts.
  

You get a thick nice instruction book and some better packaging. for 100€

I can buy a really good Lego book, a Porsche one and some very nice plastic boxes for all the parts with 100€

Every now and then I accept to pay an unjustified premium as a reward for a company or product, just because I want them to succeed, but always within constrains that make sense. Overpricing just because you have a monopoly isn't something I celebrate.

You have good points, except the difference is $70, which is not almost 100 GBP, or whatever. Now that you point it out, the 42043 has almost the same number of pieces, and more functions, yet costs a full $70 less. I was thinking something different, until i actually did some research. Now I understand better what everybody's complaints are.

I thought a collector's item is meant to be kept in its box, and only opened 20 years down the road ... a time capsule of sorts

Let's hope not. Lego is meant to be played with, after all.

I feel like everybody had really high expectations of this set, as in a true successor to 8880, which in spite of being 22 years old still has more functions, and is all around a better Technic model, even if it does not look as good. I can not even equal last year's flagship, in terms of new parts and functions. In short, this model isn't groundbreaking, and that's why people don't see it as being worth the $300. Objectively, in terms of parts, and price per part, it is not overpriced. But, for a flagship set, it feels light on functions, and that's the problem for most people. I've got to say, it's cool, but there is nothing about the set that makes me want to spend the $300. As a builder, I am interested in a set for the parts, and the building experience, to add techniques to my knowledge base. But, in the end, it is not overpriced. It might be expensive, it might not be what everyone was hoping for, but on a pure price basis, it is not overpriced. I've said it before, and I'll say it again, it's as if people are looking for an excuse not to buy it.

Also, we have another problem. The collectors who this set is aimed at, on the Gizmodo article, a lot of comments are saying that they'd like it better if it were a set like the Mini Cooper, and are off put by the Technic building style. Also, I was sort of disappointed by the fact that the designers were talking more about parts recolors and the box than the functions, so there is that. Might Lego have misaimed this set? It's too early to tell, and I obviously can't speak for everyone, but I don't know if I'll actually purchase it.

[nerdsforprez]

@nerdsforprez. Since the thread is all about the cost of the set... Why not add a poll to see how many people are going to buy the set anyway and how many will not and how many are waiting for the reviews.

Might get more answers than we see now.

Andy D

*sigh* I have given up on my own thread. Some great responses here... really are, and I appreciate everyone's opinion, but last i checked (forgive me if I have missed anyone) no one, not a single response, has really targeted my question. Perhaps I am not very good at defining it.

This post was not intended to get everyone's opinion on pricing.... or whether or not they will be buying the set. I think we have enough of that on the regular Porsche thread. There simply are some inconsistencies between the outrage of the price of the set and, historically, what sets have cost. I pointed out one salient fact that no one is addressing. Understanding that PPP certainly has its flaws (believe me, I know it does) it still is a metric of cost of a set. The heavy lift crane doesn't have anything special in terms of pieces, so I can make the argument that it is comparable (I already pointed out that even w/o the PF functions.... the set is still higher PPP-wise, than the Porsche..... and the rotors are nothing special.... the cost of those can easily be subsumed by the rims and tires of the Porsche) to the Porsche... and it is MORE than the Porsche. So is 9396..... so is.... the Grand Prix Racer. Others, which..... true, have tons of PF functions, but if you get rid of 25, even 35% of the cost they are still more (according to PPP). The list goes on and on (which I already delineated). Just doesnt seem to be a lot of critical thinking going on here. Why aren't people using this in their decision making processes? People keep bringing up the comparison between the Porsche and the AROCS b/c it is similar in piece count. This is insufficient. Most on here have at least some statistical training.... and we all know that it is much better to look at a range of scores, rather than one, to make decisions about sets of numbers. Yes... I have only also provided a few examples.... but look at the whole set of numbers I gave..... the Porsche really is not the outlier that everyone says it is. An outlier from a range of scores, not the single numerical difference between two isolated scores, is the salient factor here.

But all is good. Again I love everyone's opinion.. ... good to hear from everyone. Honestly, I guess I have a little of an ulterior motive. My occupation involves researching people, their decisions, cognitive psychology, etc. and I see a pattern here that concerns me. I see potential (nothing definitive.... I could certainly be wrong ) of people making an emotional decision here based on a price tag.... which is fine. Some people simply can't afford the set. No problem. But some can but won't because of an emotional reaction to a certain number when, if they sit down and really look at some other information they will see past emotion and realize that perhaps the set is not that bad a value after all (maybe..... maybe it is )

Thanks again for all the responses... --- I may not respond much more to this post...... I think it has more or less ran its course. One wise poster has already pointed out that all the nay-sayers may be eating their words anyways when the reviews come out. How many responses do we get like that.... after a review from Jim or something..... perhaps that is the real thing to focus on here....

Edited April 27, 2016 by nerdsforprez

[BrickMonkeyMOCs]

I don't think it is fair to say that people are lacking in critical thinking just because they disagree with you on the importance of PPP as a comparison metric.