Thoughts on a Boxster.......Do you have any?

RJPKRP

RJPKRP

Experienced Member
Joined
12 August 2009
Messages
646
Location
Elkhart, IN
Okay,

So, I am considering getting my wife an older 986 Boxster. Aside from the cylinder liner problems.....what are you thoughts on these cars? Thing is, she enjoys driving the NSX a lot, but doesn't very often because of how anal I am about parking, etc. With a Porsche (or Z3, etc) she wouldn't have these problems, and since she never drives the NSX WOT the difference in performance wouldn't be noticed as much by her.

So what are you thoughts on say a '98 Boxster? I'm not really interested in spending a ton of cash, nor am I worried about a car that might have 70 or 80K miles on it. This would be a 5th car (for 2 drivers) and she would probably only put 2 or 3K miles a year on it (she only averages 9K miles a year as it is).

We have three young children so her having a 2-seater for full-time use doesn't make sense right now. She really, really likes driving the NSX and part of that is the size, number of seats, nimbleness, sportiness of the car. I told her that she has atleast one more sedan in her future before she can get a sportscar or roadster. However, I got to thinking, I have a sportscar and she works much much harder than I do, so why shouldn't she be able to get a toy too (other than storage of said toy)? I figure she likes that looks of the Boxster and the older ones are really fairly cheap...so why not?

So those who have owned a Boxster (or other P-Car), convince me why or why not.
 
So...no Boxster opinions?
 
My GF has one - '98 with 60,000 miles on it. We've already put $2,500 into repairing the ignition circuit. I do all of my own work - just did the TB/WP on my NSX, but because of the programming in the Boxster keys, computer, etc. - it's impossible to DIY.

Other than that - nice car to drive.
 
I had a 91 NSX for about 3 years and right now I have an 02 911 - I also drove my friend's 02 boxter S

The boxter S was pretty much the same as the 91 NSX in the speed category. Handling felt better than the NSX as it is more nimble. The regular boxter will feel a lot slower due to the lower torque numbers. My friend had to replace the the boxter's engine under warranty. If you can't afford a new engine on a boxter, I would buy a later model one with warranty. Not all engines explode but it is a chance you are taking.

So it is a fun car to drive but expensive if you have to replace major components on it such as an engine/transmission, etc...

Hope that helps
 
My $.02...

As this is a car that won't likely be used much, it seems like you are running the risk of asking for a continous headache. You'll have higher than average repair costs on a car that isn't being used very often, so you may come to resent the vehicle because it's cost of ownership vis a vis the mileage is out of whack. I'd look at the S2000 instead. Just as fun, much more reliable and far less expensive to own/operate.
 
GOTTSPD said:
My $.02...

As this is a car that won't likely be used much, it seems like you are running the risk of asking for a continous headache. You'll have higher than average repair costs on a car that isn't being used very often, so you may come to resent the vehicle because it's cost of ownership vis a vis the mileage is out of whack. I'd look at the S2000 instead. Just as fun, much more reliable and far less expensive to own/operate.
Click to expand...

EXACTLY what I told my GF before she took the Boxster plunge. And, JUST like you said, she is starting to resent the car.
 
I rented an 02 in Fl some years back..tiptronic of course..seats were kinda flat but the car performed well enough,the biggest plus was how much stuff you can stuff in both trunks...good for a vacation.
 
Get a used S2000. Way better in all ways, incl cost to run and reliability.
 
RJPKRP said:
So...no Boxster opinions?
Click to expand...

Not as an owner. But a good friend of mine has a Boxster S. He has no issues and has had the car for 4 years now. If anything he did have an issue with the OEM tires that was covered under warranty. I could ask him for details but his view will be skewed as he is a Porschephile. :biggrin:
 
Another vote for the S2K.

You can get an 05 in the teens.

Faster, more reliable and just more fun.
 
My Opinion: I vote for the Boxster over the S2k. I drive a Boxster, have owned an s2k, an NSX, as well as two 911's. Loved'em all.

The S2k is a rougher experience, the wife may not enjoy it as much as the Boxster.

Top down motoring in a Boxster is way quieter, thus it's superior to the S2k in that respect (the s2k is downright loud which can be annoying).

The Boxster is a reliable car. Some have had bad luck but that doesn't change the fact that Porsche's in general are reliable.

The Boxster, although not real torquey has more low end torque.. how often is your wife going to rev the s2k up to 5-8k rpm's. Don't mean to sound sexist, your wife may be a racer, but all-in-all that wouldn't change my opinion.

Have her drive both. Good luck.
 
Bear said:
My Opinion: I vote for the Boxster over the S2k. I drive a Boxster, have owned an s2k, an NSX, as well as two 911's. Loved'em all.

The S2k is a rougher experience, the wife may not enjoy it as much as the Boxster.

Top down motoring in a Boxster is way quieter, thus it's superior to the S2k in that respect (the s2k is downright loud which can be annoying).

The Boxster is a reliable car. Some have had bad luck but that doesn't change the fact that Porsche's in general are reliable.

The Boxster, although not real torquey has more low end torque.. how often is your wife going to rev the s2k up to 5-8k rpm's. Don't mean to sound sexist, your wife may be a racer, but all-in-all that wouldn't change my opinion.

Have her drive both. Good luck.
Click to expand...

Totally agree with the noise and torque statements. One more thing...you mentioned you are looking at an older Boxster. Don't forget the older ones had the sewn in plastic rear windows prone to hazing, cracking and the threads failing vs. glass in the newer ones.

To replace the window, you just about have to replace the top - roughly another couple thousand. Ask me how I know :eek:
 
Gotta admit, prior to my purchase of my S2000, (and my NSX) I was searching for a Boxster (and preferably a "S"). Have a couple of friends who have them, and when I drove them I thought they were great. One of them has had some issues (never cheap to repair), but the other guy says its been a great and low-maintenance ride.

I came across my current S2000 (had one before) and purchased it, for less $$ than I was willing to spend for the Boxster. Now, I will say that I think the Boxster is a much more refined roadster, and I loved how it rode. But, I've had some other German rides in the past (mostly BMW's), and when they work they are great. But when a problem surfaces, its expensive.

Bottom line for me; I work too hard, time is precious, I no longer do much of the mechanical work on my cars, and the Honda is just such a reliable car. The S2000 is not as comfortable or refined as the Boxster, but for me, I love the raw feeling of the ride, and especially LOVE the reliability.

Good luck with the search, and keep us posted. Jay
 
I've never driven either a Boxster or an S2000, but here's a point nobody has made yet. Also, a point I suspect does not matter in this particular discussion.

If you drive a Boxster, you will forever be explaining to people why you didn't get the 911. I don't know this for a fact, but I think women don't care about this. However, I know it would become important for me if it were my car.

I think she'd enjoy it, as long as you find a good and honest mechanic.
 
I did think about the S2000, but I'm thinking that she will be more interested in the refinement of the German cars (Porsche, BMW, MB, Audi) over the "rawness" of the Honda. The Honda seems geared more towards performance than comfort in the roadster category. Remember, she doesn't drive the NSX at WOT and I'll bet she's never had it over 5K RPM....I know she hasn't when I've been in the car with her.....even after I just hopped out of the driver seat and given her control of the car. I will very often wind it out to 7500/8000, but she doesn't.

I think she'd be happy with a "sporty" 2-seater that focuses on more on the comfort and appointments for the driver rather than performance (which is where the S2000 seems to be centered). I've only had about 3 or 4 hours behind the wheel of a S2000 (I've had about the same in a Z4 and maybe 45 minutes behind the wheel of a Boxster, none in a SLK), but that was my take on the S2000 (more performance oriented roadster than the German counterparts). As far as reliability and cost of maintenance, I think it would be ahead of the German cars.

Just my take, plus she has a thing for German cars. However, make your case for any other car, even continue with the S2000. I brought the Boxster up because there is a 98 for sale locally that I can grab for around $9000. I figure the Boxster, Z3, SLK and TT can all be had for 10 or under if I look hard enough and past the mileage. I'm not too worried maintenance because no matter the make it will be meticulously maintained once I get it. I've thrown the TT in the mix, however I like the looks of the Audi the least of the German cars, BUT there is a Quatrro which would make it a year-round toy for her rather than a three season toy like the others. Thoughts?

So far it is down to....

2006_porsche_boxster-pic-22652.png
2515236330101719085S500x500Q85.jpg

DSC00335-476x353.jpg
TT%281%29.jpg



But as I said.....I'm open to hearing cases made for other makes or against these. I had brought the Boxster up because of the availability of a local '98 with 80K miles that I can get for 9 or a tad over.
 
RJPKRP said:
I did think about the S2000, but I'm thinking that she will be more interested in the refinement of the German cars (Porsche, BMW, MB, Audi) over the "rawness" of the Honda. The Honda seems geared more towards performance than comfort in the roadster category. Remember, she doesn't drive the NSX at WOT and I'll bet she's never had it over 5K RPM....I know she hasn't when I've been in the car with her.....even after I just hopped out of the driver seat and given her control of the car. I will very often wind it out to 7500/8000, but she doesn't.

I think she'd be happy with a "sporty" 2-seater that focuses on more on the comfort and appointments for the driver rather than performance (which is where the S2000 seems to be centered). I've only had about 3 or 4 hours behind the wheel of a S2000 (I've had about the same in a Z4 and maybe 45 minutes behind the wheel of a Boxster, none in a SLK), but that was my take on the S2000 (more performance oriented roadster than the German counterparts). As far as reliability and cost of maintenance, I think it would be ahead of the German cars.

Just my take, plus she has a thing for German cars. However, make your case for any other car, even continue with the S2000. I brought the Boxster up because there is a 98 for sale locally that I can grab for around $9000. I figure the Boxster, Z3, SLK and TT can all be had for 10 or under if I look hard enough and past the mileage. I'm not too worried maintenance because no matter the make it will be meticulously maintained once I get it. I've thrown the TT in the mix, however I like the looks of the Audi the least of the German cars, BUT there is a Quatrro which would make it a year-round toy for her rather than a three season toy like the others. Thoughts?

So far it is down to....

2006_porsche_boxster-pic-22652.png
2515236330101719085S500x500Q85.jpg

DSC00335-476x353.jpg
TT%281%29.jpg



But as I said.....I'm open to hearing cases made for other makes or against these. I had brought the Boxster up because of the availability of a local '98 with 80K miles that I can get for 9 or a tad over.
Click to expand...

A friend of my brother-in-law in Lafayette has a 2000 with 25k miles for 9 grand. Still available.
 
flaminio said:
This may be a dumb question, but since the car's for your wife -- what's her preference?
Click to expand...

Not a dumb question at all.....she isn't in on this. She likes the looks of all of them...not sure which one she likes the looks of better (61 Corvette), but she will get a thrill out of driving any of them. However, she is more into driver comfort than say.....cornering ability. Any of these type cars are going to give her a much more exhilarating driving experience than her diesel Passat, which in the end, is what a toy is for.
 
The Boxster is a great platform. Best in the Pcar lineup.

An S2000 may be a better option?
 
Coming from a 20+ year Porsche owner, researching the overall experience and possible downside exposure with the Boxster is what pushed us to the S2000 as our first convertible.
It's a pure driver's car!

Several years later = zero regrets,
Brian
 
My wife loves her S2000! She calls it her dream car. But she loves to drive the NSX as well.
We took the Boxter, TT, 350Z, Z4 and Cayman out for test drives before we bought the S2000. If you buy the Boxer or Cayman, get the 'S' model. The rest are not as good as the S2000.
oh, and the S2000 is cheap to maintain and operate. The rest are not.

as well, after the test drive of the BMW, the salesman was white as a ghost and didn't start blinking his eys until for a bout 10 min after they returned. She then called the Z4 a girls car! It did however have the greatest option available of all of them. You can drop the roof using the key fob remote.

Like I said, after 8 years, she still calls it her dream car.
 
Last edited:


Write your reply...

Similar threads

smoore
  • Sticky
***STICKY*** NC1 Oil Pump Failures
4 5 6
Replies
132
Views
5K
docjohn
docjohn
MJK
Need a little help / advice regarding hit and run (sort of)
Replies
7
Views
1K
Superhatch
Superhatch
centerpunch
Read this before you buy any NSX
Replies
15
Views
955
nis350
N
Cairo94507
Hello Everyone - Back again
Replies
17
Views
548
Cairo94507
Cairo94507
Prawnlol
Dream car became real this week. Totally starstruck
Replies
18
Views
884
drew
drew
Back
Top