Boxster vs 993??

[Nathans_Dad]

Ok, the itch to get rid of the Honda Accord commuter appliance has hit me again.

I am currently debating between getting a 4-5 year old Boxster S with low miles or getting a 993 with 50-70k miles.

Boxster:
Pros: Cheaper, less miles for the money, less pain if it gets dinged or chipped while commuting, bigger trunk (gotta fit golf clubs in there), possibly still under warranty.
Cons: Less power than 993, still a depreciating vehicle, 2 seats.

993:
Pros: Looks a bit better to me, less future depreciation than Boxster, more power, backseats (even if small, my kids are still little).
Cons: More miles, more expensive to maintain (??), likely more expensive to buy.

Thoughts? Use would be as a primary commuter vehicle to get back and forth to work.

How tough are Boxsters to work on?? How reliable is the engine? Can I expect 150k miles out of the engine before rebuild??

[Racerbvd]

993,

[HardDrive]

I'm driving a standard 2002 boxster to work everyday. VERY happy with it. I have never had a convertable, and never envisioned that I would enjoy having the top down. But after a hard days work.....top down, radio playing some good tunes....its a blast.

I guess here is my short list of boxster observations:

1) Unless you buy a high mileage 2.5, you will be depreciating rapidly. Seems you already know this.

2) Think twice before getting the 'sport' suspension for a daily driver. Its quite stiff (I have it).

3) Gets good mileage! Pleasant suprise.

4) Explore the whole RMS (rear main seal) issue carefully. Make sure this gets inspected. It can lead to engine replacement.

5) Don't count out CPO cars from the dealers. I have one and its nice having the warranty there.

And now for the darkside.....mu ha ha HA HA HA!!!!!!!

Buy yourself a high mileage 2.5, perhaps with some fixable cosmetic issues. Pull the engine and put in a 3.4 (911) reman engine from porsche. Comes with a warranty, and will include any updates that were done after the fact. You could probably pull the whole thing off for less than 30k, and you will have a sleeper that will FLY.

I love my 993, but for a daily commuter, I'd go Boxster S tip. There are plenty to choose from, so you could find a good deal. The 993 will work just as well, but they are quickly becoming classics. You'll get caught in the "drive it or save it" predicament.

[s_wilwerding]

Boxsters are very easy to work on; in fact, the Boxster is one of the easiest cars I've ever had to work on. I cannot think of one maintenance task that can be performed more easily on a 993 than on a Boxster.

[masraum]

no first hand with either, but I'd go 993. I used my old '88 911 as a daily driver for almost 4 years. If it can do it then a 993 should be as good or better.

[Bryan Beaumont]

993

[Yellowbird RS]

993 is a great car but maybe not for a daily driver VS a Boxster just be sure you get the S model.

[Yellowbird RS]

my daily drive 2004 Boxster S

sold my 993 Targa last year great car but remember is a air cooled Porsche= $$$$

[Nathans_Dad]

Thanks for all the help guys!

At this point I am leaning towards a Boxster S. I have been surfing through Autotrader it looks like I can get a nice 00-02 Boxster S with low miles for <$30k. In fact, there is a beautiful 2001 black S with only 18k miles on it in Houston for $29k asking price. Others with around 50k miles are in the mid 20s. Compare that to the 993 listing which are high 20s and low 30s for a 993 with 90-100k miles on it.

One question about the sport suspension mentioned earlier, does that come standard with the S or is it an option to look out for? Someone mentioned it being very stiff which probably is not what I want in a daily driver...

[LeRoux Strydom]

There is a good reason why high-miles 993's are more expensive to buy than low-miles Boxters. Ask yourself why. Perhaps because it is a far better car?

Are you planning to sell the car again some time in the future?

[Porsche virgin]

Other than the more powerful engine, why the "S"?

[deanp]

We have a base model 2000 Boxster that my wife uses for a three season daily driver. Commuter friendly in traffic, 26-28mpg, good A/C, decent trunk space and easy to care for. Typical maintenance is very easy for DIY. Docile below 3500rpm, sounds great and responsive when run from 4000 to redline.

[cantdrv55]

Originally posted by Porsche virgin
Other than the more powerful engine, why the "S"?

That's my question as well. It's for his daily driver after all.

[thamlin000]

27 mpg hwy on my 993 with 82k mi.

Buy one with some scratches and dings. I did. Now I can drive it anywhere and not worry about it. Life is too short to stress about insignificant things like a door ding.

[Brillo]

I have a 2.7 base Box, plenty of pep for me. Ditto the good mpg. Excellent A/C.

[kach22i]

Originally posted by thamlin000
27 mpg hwy on my 993 with 82k mi.

Buy one with some scratches and dings. I did. Now I can drive it anywhere and not worry about it. Life is too short to stress about insignificant things like a door ding.

My dinged up 1977 911s loves to wag it's tail on dirt roads, another dimension of driving enjoyment others can only dream of.

Never worry about parking downtown on the street either.

[Nathans_Dad]

I enjoy driving my 84 Targa too, but I don't think I would push it into daily driver status. Call me a wuss if you want, but I like a little nicer transmission and good A/C for a daily driver...

[Yellowbird RS]

Originally posted by Porsche virgin
Other than the more powerful engine, why the "S"?

engine, suspension, brakes, headers, HID headlights, Bose sub-woofer and 17" wheels

[Brillo]

My base has from factory: sport suspension, sport seats, sport package (interior), 18'' wheels, Litronic headlights. Other than the HP, I don't see why an S. Brakes can be upgraded if there is an actual need.