Next Car Move
 

I'm playing with some ideas on what to do for my next car. Here's what I've been thinking:

1) Sell 951, buy a 2000-2002 Boxster S.

Boxster S prices have been falling and I think 951 prices have been holding steady. It might be possible to move over into one for just 50% more than what I can sell my 951 for.

2) Sell 951, buy a base model 944, turn it into a dedicated race car.

I've always wanted to do a hardcore project like this. I could sell my 951 for 3 times what a decent, running 944 goes for. I could even buy one with a blown engine for around $500. I'd be flush with cash to start this project.

3) Sell 951, buy a 928.

Always liked the "ultimate" water-pumper. I think one I'd actually want (non-dog-leg five speed) is a little out of my price range. Maintenance costs are similar to a 951, so that doesn't scare me.

4) Keep 951, strip it down to the bare essentials.

I've already pulled the AC and sunroof motor...why not go all the way? It has a 14-speaker stereo that I never listen to...

5) Keep 951, don't change anything.

Yawn...that's boring.

Sell the 951 and buy the Boxster - its the newest and most reliable. BUT also but a cheap 944 and slowly turn it into your track car you always wanted - you just wont have a ton of cash to dump into it right away.

If you want a 'better' daily driver, buy the Boxster and be done with it. Forget the 928 - I'm pretty sure the upkeep is more expensive than a 951 for a slower, less nimble car. If you want a stripped-out track car then stick with your 951 - you already know what you have there. Unless you wanted to drop a LS-V8 into that blown-motor 944.....hmmm

86 951: $8000

2002 Boxster S: $24,000


the Boxster S is the car to get.

I keep toying with the idea of selling my 951, but I'm sort of afraid of having "seller's remorse". Bang-for-the-buck, they're still among the best cars out there for thrills and pure fun.

928s? Meeh. I like 'em and all, but they're not much as far as "tuner" cars. A few guys I know have done superchargers on them and so-forth, but if you think a 951 is expensive, a 928 will shock you. They are most definitely NOT in the same range as far as costs/upgrades/etc. A GOOD 928 (an "S" model for example) will easily run as much as a used Boxster S. I recently saw a GTS sell for over $50k. They ain't cheap. Granted you can pick up a "beater" one for <$10k, but honestly I'd go the Boxster route.

I've said for years that the Boxster is going to be the next 944 and appeal to the same sorts of people. It has great handling without buying into the prevailing school of thought out there that all other manufacturers/models seem to (which is "might is right" - 300+ horsepower is a must). They're clean, well-balanced, elegant and just all-around fun cars. There's already a lot of tuner stuff starting to come on the market for them - still a bit expensive, but it's coming down. In another 5-10 years, there will be TONS of mods available for these and they'll cost around $5k-$10k. Easily in the "track toy" range for a lot of people in the same way that a 944/951 is today.

I say keep the 951, but that's just me. If you want "cheap" transportation, get an n/a 944. You'll already have most of the same tools, knowledge to work on, etc. and the n/a cars are VASTLY simpler and easier to maintain. The 928 is a beyatch in that regard. Also, if you think the 951 has vacuum leak problems, check out the mess of hoses in the front of a 928 engine bay sometime. If I ever did get one, I'd immediately delete that entire mess - nothing but potential problems.

If you like "GT" cars, I'd say the 928 might be a good option, but if you want more bare-bones, seat-of-the-pants driving fun, keep the 951. If you simply want a bit newer, go with the Boxster.

Have you considered a 968 cab?

I'd hope to get $10,000 for my car, but that may not happen.

Also, I have seen a few 2000 Boxster S's go for around $16,000.

Of course, this assumes I can get my price for my car, and that a Boxster S at that price is desirable to own.

My car has a few goodies, like straight-cut gears and an LSD, Lindsey Racing BOV and AC delete bracket. It also has full maintenance records and has been meticulously maintained. It looks good, but it does have some rock chips and minor scratches.

Boxster S would save you about 300 lbs (from the 951) and give you better handling...

Or what about a 914 (2400 lbs, 800 lbs lighter than the 951) with a Chevy motor conversion, pull out 1st gear from the 901, add ultimate914.com wide body kit, etc.

The only $16K S I have seen are high milage, worn out not 'taken care of' cars. I would like to see an S for $16K thats in real nice shape with even 50K miles.

That's what I figured.

I've been playing with these ideas for a year or two and I decided it was time for a reality check.

When I go the Boxster route, it will be an abused early car for peanuts, like $10K next summer, gut it for weight savings and then modify to high heaven.

Hoping Wayne comes out with a 101 Boxster for Street/Track Projects book. that would pull me over the edge.

I am looking at the Boxster S really hard but have to sell my POS 911 and Jeep first.

I'd get the Boxster. Like your 951 you will have a fun car that can also do some track time AND can also be a daily driver. I love my 911, but with no AC these 95 degree days with 60% humidity takes it out of the daily driver routine. I find it interesting that when you had to pay $40+K for a new Boxster everyone criticized them. Now that you can get a good one for less than $20K they are becoming quite popular.

$10k 951 = nearly perfect, inside and out. Full records, no issues. A/C delete and inop sunroof will hurt you, that's the kind of stuff people want in a driver.

$16k Boxster = ragged out POS.

I don't think you'll be happy with that trade, unless you want a Boxster project. Have you ever driven a 928? I drove a euro 928S and was very underwhelmed, compared to my 951. Something else to consider, is this your DD? That makes a huge difference in your decision.

A 16k Boxster will be a POS that is a ticking time bomb for matience. The AC delete on the 951 will not be selling point and will turn a lot of people off, most people are willing to deal with the extra weight unless its a dedicated (or damn close to) track car.

Have you considered buying a 944NA with a blown motor and slowly building it up into a track car. Or maybe a 924s and transplant a 968 engine? a 914 with a 3.6 could also be an option to consider in this same catagory.

I haven't driven a 928 so I will not comment on that.

No, this is a third vehicle.

For the record, 951 prices have been more than holding steady, they have been steadily increasing. If you want a Boxster S, I say hold out for one more year. You should be able to get an extra $1000-1500 for your 951, and the Boxster S surely would have dropped another couple thou in depreciation by then too...

I'm a year off at the absolute soonest.

Personally, I'm not sure you gain anything going to a 928, unless you just want a cushier vehicle. Boxster S would give you similar/superior performance compared to the 951, but I would plan on sinking in at least another $10k. You would also get that performance in a much more reliable vehicle, with modern creature comforts.

I know it's a tangent from your original idea, but why not an SC or Carrera? You loose a bit of the straight line speed, but short of a racetrack, I doubt you'll notice. Plus, you won't have any of the 951's pronounced turbo lag. Even better, you can pick up nice SCs for $12k or so, nice Carreras for $15k.

I'd have to drive a 911 to see if I like it.

Having owned both, it's night and day.

951 is fast as hell, but that almost becomes it's personality. It goes very fast, while often feeling like it is not. The turbo is a blast on empty freeway ramps or passing on the highway, but the lag is a PITA in town.

The 911 has more character, a special magic to it. I think it's partially the heritage, walking up to that classic shape each time you go for a drive. It just feels special. It also is one of those cars that can go fast, but can also be enjoyed at normal speeds. Compared to the 911, the 951 is somewhat sterile. Don't get me wrong, it's a great car, but just not as "alive" as the 911. The 911 talks to you, you always know what it's doing. Very hard to describe, you just need to drive one.

Don't get me wrong, I'm not at all bashing the 951. I thoroughly enjoyed mine. But if faced with choosing between the two, I'd take the 911 every time. It's just fun, pure and simple. Probably the best for your situation, you can get a great SC or Carrera for far less than a decent Boxster S.