Replacing the 911

[msk1986911]

After 5 years of trouble-free ownership of my '86 911, I've decided to sell the car and buy something newer (if at all). This is really a bittersweet decision for me, but the 911 doesn't move me like it used to. Anyway, on to a new chapter of fun car ownership. I have driven a Honda S2000 (2006) and thought the car felt really good, although on the low-end there isn't much torque. I also tried a Miata (2006 I think), which is actually pretty impressive, although the cockpit is bit too plastic for me. I haven't considered Boxsters since I have the impression they can be quite pricey to maintain. Does anyone have experience with either car or have any other suggestions, years to avoid, etc)? I am looking to stay below $20K for whatever I end up with.

Thanks as always.

Mike

[Zeke]

I have a Boxster and it has been a rather inexpensive car to maintain. I will be doing most if not all of the work as it comes up, so I plan on keeping it that way. I've had to replace an e-brake switch and 2-3 things like that. Minor.

The Box is not a car for a big person. I hear of 6 foot plus guys that say that isn't true. I'm 6' and say it is. Drive one and see if it's for you. For 20K, you can buy a lot of Boxsters. An S with the 6 speed is more than you need.

Tests against S2000's have given the Box a slight advantage.

[ramonesfreak]

im convinced there isnt a more fun or better car than a 911 under 20K. certainly nothing new under 20K comes anywhere close that doesnt feel like junk plastic except motorcycles

sorry

:-)

for under 20K and newish, i would get an older jeep wrangler thats about it

[sc_rufctr]

What about a current model Alfa Romeo GTV?

They're great to drive and look good. Sure Alfa's have a reputation for being troublesome but...

[ramonesfreak]

oh, i amend my opinion. my brother has a 2000 BMW Z roadster that i think is alot of fun to drive. can be found under 20K easily

[Christien]

I've spent a fair amount of time with an 01 boxster S lately, including a track day at Mosport. It's a pretty sweet package. 6 speed, shifts with ease, great a/c, excellent sound system even with the top down at 90mph (this one has the premium sound package), very comfortable, good on gas. Really everything you could ask for. And under $20k. I also spent about an hour on country roads with a 99 996 cabrio 3.4. Way underpowered and more $$ - I'd take the boxster s in a heartbeat, even if they were the same price.

But after driving both of them, I really found something lacking compared to my 72. They just didn't seem as much fun.

[Z-man]

I've heard that the Porsche 928 is an exotic car which everyone should own....

On a serious note.... it seems to me that you are interested in a roadster or convertable. Beyond that, what are you seeking?

The S2K, MX-5, and Boxsters are all two-seaters. Is that a requirement for you?

Is RWD and good handling something you are seeking?

Hardtop 'vert or soft-top?

Manual transmission or automatic?

What will be the purpose of the car? Daily driver? Weekend toy car? Occasional autocross? Track rat?

There are many fantastic cars out there for around $20k. If we know more of your requirements, we can narrow it down a bit...

-Z-man.

[onewhippedpuppy]

It's getting fairly easy to find a 996 for under $20k. Mine is a spectacular car, and easy to live with as a DD. Also surprisingly easy to DIY the maintenance, I did the 60k service in a few hours taking my time. The same money will also buy a pretty nice E46 M3, E39 M5, 330i ZHP, 540i, M coupe or roadster, you get the idea. That price range gives you a lot of very nice options. As Z-man said, give us your preferences and maybe we'll suggest something you hadn't thought of.

[Schumi]

I have an 00 986S now... I'm 6' tall and fit the car very nicely, I have plenty of headroom- I could fit with my helmet under the top up no problem. I think the boxster is tight on people who are 6'+ and heavy- I'm a skinny MFer, and I love the seating position. I have the seat a few clicks forward even.

The 6 speed's shifting really is great compared to older 911's. The balance and handling is as expected. And as milt stated, the minor maintenance stuff can be done easily by the mechanically inclined.

I was always on the fence with the 986/996 cars. After spending time with one as a daily drive now though, I'm sold. I even recommended my mother pick up a tiptronic 986 as her next car as a daily driver.

[msk1986911]

Since I have focused n the S2K and the Miata, I guess I am looking for a 2 seat roadster, definitely with a manual transmission. A back seat is not really needed since my kids are a bit older (15 & 17). The car will be used as a weekend fun car and occasional driver for work (similar to the use I have made of the 911). If I do consider the Boxster, what years are problematic? Are the engines as rock solid as the 3.2?

[look 171]

I have an 00 S2000. This is my daily driver when I am not driving SUVs and stupid trucks. Before that, I had a Miata. The Miata might feel faster at low rpm, but it really isn't that much faster. In a split second, when the RPM is up, then the Honda is gone. This is a street car I can only assume? I am able to get around most cars even if they are trying to hold me off in the S2000. You just have let it rev for a split second more. I normally do not shift until 5000rpm. My only complain is the lack of a clock, but then the early ones were simple sports cars. I think it will out handle your 3.2L. I have a very aggressive neg camber on my set up. It corners ever better but it eats tires. I go through a set of rears in less then seven thousand miles. But then again, I drive it pretty hard around corners all the time. I have 32000 miles on it now, and I have not replace anything yet. Dead Honda reailable. The Miata is my third favorite. It really need a little bit more horse power. The other is my trusty early MR2. You don't buy these cars to drag race them. It's about not using your middle pedal before the turns. The S2000 has so far satify my fix for driving fast around corners. I have not driven my 930 in a six months now.

You will be happy with the S. The newer ones has a little more at the low end, but only revs up to 8000 rpm.

[msk1986911]

Thanks for the comments regarding the S2000; I think I am about as interested in that now as I was the 911 5 years ago. The car will be driven strictly on the street...I am really looking for something a bit more livable than the 911 (working AC will be nice on really hot days) that I won't be as concerned about getting caught in the rain or making a quick trip to the store. Do you know of any S2000 horror stories, i.e. chronic problems with certain years or anything in particular to be wary of? Are these high mileage cars in typical Honda fashion or are they so sophisticated that they need extra care? Is regular maintenance (oil & filter, gear oil) easily a DIY deal? Thanks for any insight, as always.


Mike

[kaisen]

As look171 said, the older 2.0L S2000 is the sweeter set up. I'm not a fan of the S2000, so I'll leave my comments at that. Esp since you've pledged your desire.

But have you really considered the Boxster S? Way, way, way better car than the S2000.

Also, how about a Miataspeed? Great car.

How about a Z4? Go 'M' if you need power.

How about a Sky Redline /Solstice GXP? 260hp = Power to spare (even down low), outhandles the S2000

Porsche forum not a factor, I'd pick a Boxster S in a heartbeat. It's a well-rounded package that will age well, hold its value (from here), and 'feel' good for years to come. And you won't have every little d'bag in a Civic rasp its fart can to egg you on at every stoplight.

I have a good friend that had two early S2000s and he had little troubles (electrical) but nothing in the drivetrain. He liked his Boxster better. Now he loves his Sky Redline (he's owned it over three years which is a record), and mops up at autocross events.

The S2000 would be absolute last on my list, but then again I actually like torque.

[Z-man]

Mike: here's my $0.42:

As mentioned above, the S2K needs to be rung out to high revs in order to maximize the VTEC motor. As such, be leary of cars that may have been "ridden hard, and put away wet." (IE: stay clear of younger kids who are quick to tell you how fast the car can go, and the like...) From what I've heard and read, the S2K really lacks low end grunt - if you like to squirt away from stoplights, or just in general like the feeling of low end torque, then this car isn't for you. That said, the S2K is a very nice modern car -- and in my area, it is far less common than the other 2 seat roadsters.

The Boxster/Boxster S is a competent car -- if you are concerned about durability, opt for the Boxster S -- I think the regular (2.5l and 2.7l 986's) had more RMS issues than the 986S did. Plus you get better brakes and suspension with the S. If I were in your shoes, I'd get the Boxster over the Honda -- I believe that German engineering really produces the best cars these days...

As for the Miata -- for $20k, you may be able to pick up a nice Mazdaspeed Miata -- these are the turbocharged cars. (Just verify that it is a factory turbo, and not a home-made 'fake Mazdaspeed Miata.') My neighbor has one - and it is a fun little car. However, if you are on the tall side, you may be a little cramped inside that car. Plus it is a bit more primitive than the S2K and 986's.

You can find a first-gen Mercedes SLK for around 20k. I've seen SLK32 AMG's going for under $20k. Very comfortable car - and the retractable hardtop keeps the bad weather out. And the AMG version is quite a little sleeper with over 300hp!

Another car worth looking into is the Audi TT 'vert. The Quattro version will give you sure-footedness you can't get in a 2WD car. (And there's that German engineering again!)

Personally, I'm not a big fan of the BMW Z3 / Z4 roadster's looks, but they can also be worth a look.

The Pontiac Solstice / Saturn Sky are fun little cars, but in a few year, I suspect parts may be hard to come by.

It sounds like you aren't into the boulevard cruisers like the Mercedes SL500, Lexus SC, or BMW 6-series 'vert. Plus they are a little beyond your price range. A Vette 'Vert is also doesn't sound like your style.

I think that just about covers most (if not all) of the modern two-seat roadsters out there within your price range.

My top two choices would be a Boxster or SLK AMG. But I am a bit biased!
-Z-man.

[M.D. Holloway]

I hear Volvo V70t's are the cat's purr! Supposedly 2002 was the best year...just saying. Fast, safe, reliable, plenty of room while still looking nimble - heck, I got an extra one if you like!

[Scuba Steve]

Originally Posted by sc_rufctr

What about a current model Alfa Romeo GTV?

They're great to drive and look good. Sure Alfa's have a reputation for being troublesome but...

It'd have to be over 25 years old since they weren't sold here, or spend a lot of time and $$$ jumping through the government's hoops to get it certified unfortunately.

[TechnoViking]

I just bought a 2003 BMW M3 for $21.5K. 333 HP, very tight feeling, sporty car. Lots of torque, lots of fun.

[onewhippedpuppy]

Also worth noting is that the M3 convertibles seem to be cheaper than the coupes, at least around here. Not sure if they're $20k yet, but didn't they make a 1-series cabrio?

[sc_rufctr]

Originally Posted by Scuba Steve

It'd have to be over 25 years old since they weren't sold here, or spend a lot of time and $$$ jumping through the government's hoops to get it certified unfortunately.

Really... I didn't know that.

[DanielDudley]

Originally Posted by onewhippedpuppy

Also worth noting is that the M3 convertibles seem to be cheaper than the coupes, at least around here. Not sure if they're $20k yet, but didn't they make a 1-series cabrio?

Yes, but the coupes are better balanced, and handle well.