[Semitone]

As many of you know, there is a thread on here asking whether LCA is “worth it”. Before that poll I didn’t really give LCA a lot of thought but I know I didn’t pay for it on my ordered 718 C GTS but I definitely preferred it when I was looking for my CPO Macan GTS.

It wasn’t until I read the thread that it sunk in that LCA is actually a $700 option. That’s almost $200 more than I pay for my annual insurance on my 718. I calculated a number for what I thought was a reasonable “value” for me and, well, it wasn’t $700. Alternatively there are quite a few people who think it is a “must have” feature and willingly would shell out $700.

That piqued my curiosity...plus I had some spare time and haven’t done a poll around here...

So, I thought we could use a poll regarding:

How Much Would You Pay For LCA?

We know Porsche charges $700 now and some people don’t flinch. I’m just sort of curious what other people would really pay for it, even if Porsche charged more.

 

[Baka1969]

Although there are manufacturers that offer LCA for much less than Porsche does, most luxury manufacturers charge exorbitant rates for all their options. Porsche charges high profit margins for each and every item.

Heck, have you seen the obscene prices Rolls Royce and Ferrari charge for theirs?

Yes, my RAV4 is half the price of a Cayman and includes many options that are vastly more expensive on a Porsche. Oh well, that's the price one pays for luxury.

There are many that will balk at the price of the LCA yet will pay outrageous prices for piano black or carbon fiber trim for the sake of aesthetics. At least the LCA is functional. Correct?

What am I willing to pay for a luxury Porsche? My choice is to pay what they ask (or what the market will bare) or purchase something else. If you want a Porsche (Or Ferrari, Mercedes, BMW, Bentley, Aston) then you have to pay the Porsche prices. A fair profit margin is what someone who wants it is willing to spend. If someone wants LCA on a Porsche Cayman, then $700 is the going rate.

*all of the above is MSRP and does not reflect any dealer discounts.

 

[RGM718]

+1 Baka1969. And, it is why I opted for LCA and paid the $700. I have driven 4 other Caymans since 2009 (2-987s and 2-981s) and had no accidents. However, I was always very aware of the blindspot (as was my wife-even though we both adjust our mirrors properly) and its vulnerability (my opinion). When Porsche offered LCA, I jumped at the chance to get it. I still am just as aware of the blindspot but like having the 'extra set of eyes' assisting me as I motor around. I put close to $20,000 in options on my new Cayman, navigating the options list to get the car exactly the way I want it. So far, pretty happy with the choices (even if it took me 5 times to get it right... ).

 

[R Doug]

I voted $0-50. I ordered my 718 and specifically did not select the option for several reasons.


First and foremost was the fact that the other cars I own or have owned with LCA, I never use it. I've owned a 2014 Merc ML with the feature and currently have an Audi S6 with the feature. I never notice it. The Audi only provides lights on the mirrors where the Merc had the optional audible chime that I disabled as it appeared to be more of a nescience. There would be plenty of times I was visually clear before making a lane change but still received a warning. I believe the systems tend to be conservative and found the warning alarming as I thought I'd miss something with my good old fashioned blind spot look (accompanied by proper side mirror placement). Can you see the side of your car with your side mirrors? If so, you likely have them incorrectly set.


https://www.caranddriver.com/features/how-to-adjust-your-mirrors-to-avoid-blind-spots



Second, when I test drove the 718, I specifically put myself in traffic to see how I could get along with the visibility of it and it was perfectly fine for me.


And finally, the cost was absurd. Given the fact many cars that sell new for $20,000 come with LCA as standard feature, there was no way I'd tack on $700 for it. I put my options towards PTV, Chrono, PASM Sport, etc...

I say save the money and set up your side mirrors correctly and you'll be fine.

 

[RGM718]

I do have my mirrors set correctly, did in the other 4 Caymans I owned, too, but find the LCA, for me, a worthwhile spend. If others in this thread and a similar one think the cost is 'absurd' no problem, I respect and appreciate the POV...….by the way, I did order Chrono and PASM as well. I, personally, did not order PTV. I do not track the car and, for me, that is about the only point where I might stretch the Chrono/PASM capabilities of the car. Net net...……..we each spend our money the way we think it best fits our personal specification.

 

[R Doug]

I do have my mirrors set correctly, did in the other 4 Caymans I owned, too, but find the LCA, for me, a worthwhile spend. If others in this thread and a similar one think the cost is 'absurd' no problem, I respect and appreciate the POV...….by the way, I did order Chrono and PASM as well. I, personally, did not order PTV. I do not track the car and, for me, that is about the only point where I might stretch the Chrono/PASM capabilities of the car. Net net...……..we each spend our money the way we think it best fits our personal specification.

Sorry, my reply wasn't to you, specifically.


I do understand why someone would want it. My primary reason isn't due to mirror set up, it's more based on previous experience with LCA in other cars. I either didn't (don't) use it or it annoyed me.

 

[Third]

Very interesting results, even if only a small study. I suspect Porsche has done the same sort of analysis and these results are similar to theirs. That is, to maximize profit, they should charge something over $600, which the do. Fully 1/3 of all responders say they would pay that price, and dropping to $200 only brings in another 10% of buyers. In fact, the price would have to drop to under $200 just to get half of everyone to buy it. Also interesting, only 1/3, would pay little to nothing for it.

 

[sevencyclist]

I would not get a modern car without LCA since I found it helpful to be an initial check. I ordered it on my 2019 Base Cayman which has 2 way base seats and basic air conditioning without 2 zone.

It is one of my must haves for the car. The only other luxuries I ordered were the larger gas tank, automatic entry, and Apple CarPlay. I did "splurge" on style of the car with tinted tail lights, racing yellow seatbelts, and chose Agate Grey which is upgrade from base paint. So as you can see, LCA is a fairly significant portion of my options expenditure.

 

[Semitone]

Looks like Porsche has jacked up the price of LCA on the 992 from around $850 to over $1000. Personally, I would have guessed perhaps it would have gone down in price with time but, then again, I don’t work at Porsche.