Tip or manual?

[OldTee]

Been thinking Boxsters lately. May be some late night indigestion or actual activity in the making. Thinking 03-04S.

In the past I am not an Automatic kind of guy. But with the new technology (I don't use blackberry nor preprogram my cell phone yet) maybe I am missing a bet. Tipsters look cheaper than manuals, but that is not a reason to jump into that pond. We have an 08 Camry with an automatic that must be a lot like a tiptronics and I kind of like it but I don't use the manual shifting mode much. Just too lazy, but with a sport seat under me I might think differently.

Would be interested in your thoughts, opinions, advice, criticism or just plain BS. Don't ask if I intend to track it. I have no idea yet and with the 79SC breaking in from a new engine OH, won't have plans soon.

Gonna crawl thru a few dealers in the comming weeks for some on hands education.

[Doug&Julie]

Nothing wrong with a Tip, but unless you have a "need" for a Tip, I'd stick with the smooth shifting five / six speed manual. The one Tip Boxster I drove was far better than any "manumatic" I've driven, but nothing beets a smooth heel-n-toe downshift, which you can do in a Boxster far more easily than any of the earlier 911s you've owned.

Having said all of that, the best part of a Boxster is its handling, which has nothing to do with its transmission, so if you think you'll be in traffic a lot or want a "manual shift challenged" friend or family member to drive it more often, a Tip Boxster is still a really good car.

I won't ask if you're going to track it, but ask yourself (honestly) how you will use this car. I would think that would play the biggest part in your decision.

If you get to drive one (or two or three), be sure to share you're opinion!

[mikefocke]

And can only suggest that the later 986s like you are looking at were better than the early models as the button shift could be done in auto mode on the later models. I bought my first TIP because I lived in a very traffic busy area. I bought my second because I totaled the first. But the fact that I bought another tells you I liked it enough to not make a change. Now I live in a semi-rural area and don't miss the stick at all.

For background, I drove almost nothing but stick cars for perhaps 25 years including 2 Alfa roadsters and a 914.

Tips are pretty durable and take little maintenance. I almost never hear of problems with them...though having said that this last week I've seen several complaints. But proportionately, there aren't many problems.