Boxster Base or S?

Cook&Dunning · 02:51 PM

Looking for opinions on Boxsters. I recently sold my 89 911, and am currently Porscheless. I have always liked the Boxster and am focusing on a 2013-2016 car. I owned a 2009 Cayman S PDK, which for was to me overkill in the speed / performance department for street car. Which is making me look at the base Boxster. I like the 20" S wheels, and that makes the brakes on a base look positively tiny. Also ride height? Base cars don't seem to sit right compared to S. (I know these are just looks) Price of entry / resale - anyone have an opinion?

Go for the S for no regrets? Or is the Base the value sweet spot?

racer · 09-08-2017, 05:30 PM

If buying used and an S fits your budget, go for it. Although you already mention that a '09 Cayman S was overkill... so a newer, more powerful Boxster S will just be more overkill.

A base boxster still has what, 275hp? from a 2.7l engine? thats pretty sweet imho.

As a previous boxster owner who chose a Non-S over an S, there really is nothing wrong with the base car, as long as you don't let your ego get in the way. I hold no grudges on a base car, in part because that is where the true character of the car lies. Anyone can "tart up" a car with performance this and that.. but driving and enjoying the base model lets you know if the engineers did it right or not to begin with.

Judging by the cars in your sig, you seem to be bouncing around between old and new.. anything in the cars previously owned that you are trying to capture again? feel? sound? speed?

Cook&Dunning · 09-09-2017, 05:26 AM

Thanks Racer - I agree with your comments about the character of the Boxster. As I get older it is less about hp and more about ride / sound and comfort. Probably a manual over a pdk this time. I love the old cars - but I need a/c that works, and not really interested in doing more than oil changes now.

mikefocke · 01:09 PM

means it is more about the driver. Put your foot down harder/longer before getting into trouble.

Owned a 2.5 and a 3.2. Just as much fun daily driving. But then a 85HP 914 was more fun than both (or maybe I was younger and more foolish then).

Also owned a 1.3 and 1.6L Alfa and the 1.3 was as much fun. Roads were also less crowded then.

I'm not one to race on the streets though I don't exactly dawdle at the stop light.

Cook&Dunning · 09-09-2017, 01:19 PM

Thanks Mike - nice to have a guru weigh in. Just when I have myself set on a base car - today I saw a Boxster GTS. That thing was very cool looking with the planted stance. I don't need the extra power, but as Racer said I need to prevent ego from getting in the way. Probably can't go wrong with any Boxster from this vintage.

WPOZZZ · 04:24 AM

I love my base Boxster! I drive it way more than my turbos because it is way more enjoyable to drive on a daily basis. All that has been said about the lower hp is true.

Quote:

Originally Posted by mikefocke

means it is more about the driver. Put your foot down harder/longer before getting into trouble.

Quote:

Originally Posted by racer

I hold no grudges on a base car, in part because that is where the true character of the car lies. Anyone can "tart up" a car with performance this and that.. but driving and enjoying the base model lets you know if the engineers did it right or not to begin with.

My sentiments exactly!