Boxster Investigation - Potential owner

[DonB]

Hello!

New Porsche forum guy here and I need some input/help.

I am interested in potentially acquiring a Boxster. Either the base or the S.

However I know little about them.

I have read up a bit but am quite honestly confused by the year and engine options.

I am currently interested in 07-09 (yes the redesign in 09 is noted).

Is there anything specifically I need to stay away from?

I am primarily interested in a 6sp manual but read that the PDK is a good trans for these as well.

My background is C5 corvette Z06 ( I have 2). Looking to add a vert I can tour in and also autocross as one of my Vettes is a dedicated autocross machine.

Any and all input is desired.

Thank You!
Don

[WhipE350]

I see no one replied. I'll take a shot. Did you try rennlist or planet-9. My view is always get the newest you can afford. The 2009 'S' had direct fuel injection and a nice body redesign. Very nice sports car, you'll be pleased. Otherwise the years prior were generally pretty good, each year I believe became progressively better.

As for coming from a Vett you should look a the Boxster 'S'. And as far as manual and PDK...go drive both! The newest PDKs are amazing. 2009 was pretty good.

[mikefocke]

Drive a lot before deciding. Very different cubic inches from the machines you are used to.

I drove both the vette and the Boxster before buying two Boxsters. But that was my personal preference. I was after handling and a lighter car just fit my wants better. But I wasn't coming from a powerful car like you are which is why I suggest making darn sure you'll be satisfied.

As to the base or S, what class is most active at your local Autocross? What are you trying to achieve there and which is the better tool to achieving that goal? Best time or faster than your previous run or beat a particular other driver? Makes a difference..

[racer]

Budget?

09+ in S would be the quickest and most reliable.

There are a myriad of options these cars could be spec'd with, what options are you deeming mandatory?

ie, Stick shift or PDF? heated seats? PASM? Sport Chrono? 19" wheels? 20" wheels? Lauch Control?

Read up on the engine issues of the pre 09 cars as that may turn you off.. or at least warn you to potential pitfalls.

I've driven both. The PDK reminds me of playing a video game.. just mash and go and let the computers figure it out.. upshift or downshift without issue. At AX this makes things much easier as you don't need to figure it out on your own. As for fun runs through the twisties in fall folioge, this might seem a bit less fun..

[Cairo94507]

You have already heard it, buy the newest one you can fit to your budget. The '09 is the sweet spot as you get the DFI engine. I just purchased one, an S, for my b-in-law 2 months ago but it had a PDK. I drove it back to CA from CO and loved the car. Well maintained with only 15K miles on it. Car drove and rode beautifully. These cars are handling dreams with their mid-engines. Good luck. BTW the Z06 is a beast.

[lsenno]

The 987.2 models were produced in much lower numbers so they may be harder to find and usually carry a price premium. This is due to improved reliability and of course lower production numbers. The m97 is a risky proposition but prices are much lower as a result. They have numerous failure points though that you can't necessarily address so you just risk it. Engine replacement costs vary between $12-15k for used so you better hope the engine doesn't let go.

The base 2.9L in the 987.2 isn't too far off in performance to the 3.2 and 3.4L m97 IMO. It's close enough that I would choose the 2.9L which is what I did. The 987.2 S is faster of course and so you need to compare to see which suit you. I chose the base as it was good enough for me and was much cheaper.

[Cajundaddy]

2009-2012 is a great place to look. They are certainly different animals than a C5 Corvette but very satisfying to drive and own.