Should I or Shouldn't I?
 

I'm considering trading my '85 911 cab w/ factory turbolook for an 01 Boxster S. Main reason for doing so is to have more comfort and modern features so my wife will drive the car more than she does the Carrera. Of course, I really enjoyed the performance (speed and handling) of the S, so it's not a completely selfless gesture.

I'm interested in comments - logical, emotional, whatever - from those of you who've had both. Thanks.

I have never had the pleasure of owning both. I think you would enjoy the Boxster, especially the handling Vs the 911. I did own an 85 944. Although meticulously maintained, I like the fact that everything on my Boxster is newer and needs less looking after. Either way, you will have an awesome ride.

I've said this before in this board....when I've had Boxsters I've wanted 911s, and when I've had 911s I've wanted Boxsters. I'm currently in an early 911 right now, but I can't wait for the day I can get back into a Boxster again (...hopefully newer). Obviously, the best solution is to have both. I hope to keep the old 911 for a long time and "add" to the collection instead of having to trade one for another.

If you've never experienced Boxster ownership, go for it. Your cab is pretty special, but there's time to get back into a good 911 if you decide the Boxster S is not for you.

Just understand that you're selling/trading a car that is appreciating and getting a car that is still depreciating...albeit not as much as a brand new car.

Oh, and of course, I'd recommend selling your 911 outright rather than actually trading it. (..unless it's a person-to-person trade..)

Good luck!

Thanks for comments. Solid point about the TL cab appreciating andthe Boxster S depreciating. For this reason, I'd only do the trade if it was straight across (or as much as $1k cash). The S is an '01 w/ 46k, orig sticker about $55k. My car is euro spec '85 w/ 46k miles in very good to exc condition.

Have you driven the Boxster S yet? ...just curious as to your thoughts.

Drove the S and really really liked it. Also drove the 2.7 which was nice, but not as sporting as the S. I live at 8000 altitude and drive up and down canyons (between Park City and SLC), so I think that factors into the hp issue a bit. I was surprised that I liked the S as much as I did. I can only imagine how the Cayman will drive...I'm guessing amazing.

That's the answer I usually hear, especially from "911 people". The Boxster is truly an amazing car, but for some reason some of the old 911 people still don't respect it. ...until they really drive it.

I'd go for the more HP as well. I loved my "lowly" 2.5 Boxster, but the extra 50 ponies really did make a hell of a difference. Plus, it'll help with that resale thing.

...IF you ever sell it. :p

Good luck with the deal, hope you can get it done!

Hi Doug&Julie,

Do you feel that the 2.5 was underpowered?

Well the Boxster chassis can handle a lot more power, so in that sense I would call the 2.5 cars underpowered. Having said that, I was fine with the 2.5, but I'm not a "power monger". My first Porsche was a 944 n/a, so I'm used to a car that is more chassis than motor, if you know what I mean. The 201hp in the early cars was very entertaining, and I would never call the car slow. However, there were times when I would have liked to have had that extra 50 that came in the S. (..which I've driven, and there IS a significant difference.)

Thanks for the info Doug!

Happy to help whenever I can! (..since it happens so infrequently! :p )

Bez,

I now own Doug's old "lowly" 2.5 :) (we just recently traded vehicles). I'm no power monger either, so it's got plenty o' juice for me and I just love it. Obviously the Boxster has much more pop than my old 70T, but the 80SC I had prior to the T was comparable to the Boxster in terms of performance. I'm not sure if it's the differences in gearing or tuning or what, but the Boxster's acceleration feels (to me) much smoother than either of my 911's, and you get into the high RPM's quicker than you think.....maybe since that motor is soooo silky smooth.

Anyway - it's a blast to drive and yet comfortable at the same time. It can be as well-mannered as a Honda when you need it to be, but frisky as hell the next moment. I don't think you can go wrong with a Boxster and like Doug said, you can still get back into a 911 reasonably later on....Good Luck!!

Appreciate all the comments. I hate to admit this - as might most Pcar owners - but the decision is a very emotional one for me. The look, feel and look (yes, that's 2 'looks') of my Carerra TL cab vs the smoothness and modernity of the Boxster S. I know which one is faster around the track, but those curves and big butt of a classic...I know, it's unnatural.