Guys, help me decide - 2004 Z4 or 2002 Boxster S

[cantdrv55]

1. The Z4 is cheaper by $2k, has less miles but it's an automatic steptronic tranny (any reliability issues?).

2. The Boxster S has 30k more miles on it and is a 6 speed manual.

I'm leaning towards the Boxster because I think Porsches are better built but there is the IMS/RMS issue that plagues water cooled P-cars. I do think it'll outperform the Z4 but probably won't matter because I'm not going to the track or autox.

I like the looks of the Z4 more but I'm concerned about all the maintenance BMWs require. They don't seem to age as gracefully as P-cars.

WWYD? This is my gift for myself for turning 50 this year. I plan to keep my SC as well.

[onewhippedpuppy]

Boxster all day long. Better built, more reliable, better looking, more practical, and better driving. If the IMS worries you, but the LN ceramic bearing for $600 and have it done with your clutch.

[scottmandue]

It is a Porsche board so know how this is going to go...

I'm with you though... super tough choice... IIWY I would drive both and see which puts a bigger smile on your face.

Lucky dog, for my 50th I bought myself a gold Hamiton watch and a 944.

[SteamWolf]

drive both.
Personally I'd go the boxster S. Better brakes and the IMS isn't as frequently reported compared to the 2.5/2.7.
I don't fit in the boxster as the seat doesn't go back far enough for me so that sort of thing may be a factor.

BMW shreds rear suspension bushes from memory but they are cheap and easy to replace.

Boxster handles better but again it depends on how you drive and where you drive. Prob not a consideration for someone in a major US city.

[Seahawk]

BMW.

Only because you have the SC. No other reason or logic. That and the Zed looks like JoeB's ex.

[nostatic]

Z4 coupe? In a heartbeat...

[patssle]

A friend was looking at a Z4 a few years ago - I went along for a test drive. The interior is terrible for a "luxury sports car" on the E85 model. IMHO. I would get an SLK or a Boxster way before a Z4. And I did!

[911boost]

Is there a way to lower the seats in the early Boxsters?

Bill

[Henry Schmidt]

Anders Warming, the designer of the 1st generation Z4 BMW had us build a 2.7 RS spec engine for his 71 T Porsche coupe that he uses as a daily driver in the mountains of Switzerland.

I guess his vote is a Porsche, all be it an little older than a Boxster.

[RWebb]

Originally Posted by onewhippedpuppy

Boxster all day long. Better built, more reliable, better looking, more practical, and better driving. If the IMS worries you, but the LN ceramic bearing for $600 and have it done with your clutch.

I will ad that I have drive both back to back on the same sporting road.

The BMW felt great, like a modernized TR-x.

Then I drove the Boxster S - it felt like a sports car made by advanced aliens who had gotten off their spaceship to nudge humans in the right direction.

Drive both and see if you don't agree.

[fastfredracing]

Originally Posted by Seahawk

BMW.

Only because you have the SC. No other reason or logic. That and the Zed looks like JoeB's ex.

Now that there is funny, I don't care who you are.

[epbrown]

Originally Posted by cantdrv55

WWYD? This is my gift for myself for turning 50 this year. I plan to keep my SC as well.

Me, I'd look for a 2005+ Z4 with a manual trans and the sport package, and an M Roadster if you can swing it. I say that as someone that's owned two Z4s (2003 Z4 roadster, 2007 Z4 M Coupe) and currently owns a Boxster S. But as always, best to test drive them and see which you prefer.

[cantdrv55]

Will have to click on JoeB's ex wife thread now.

That Z4 coupe is sexxxy!

I wish I could drive both cars on the same road but I won't have that opportunity.

[javadog]

I test drove a Z4 and hated the seats. Didn't like the way it handled... Couldn't really say I liked anything about it.

Drove a Boxster S and bought it. No regrets.

JR

[Shaun @ Tru6]

Neither are really lookback cars but if it's daily driver fun car, all things being equal (or close), I'd go with the one that creates a James May fizzy feeling as you walk toward it, and certainly when you drive it.

Definitely drive both and note the fizz.

[Cajundaddy]

Funny, a few years back I was shopping for my 50th b-day gift to me. I drove an SC, Z4, 996TT, Box S, Base Box. The SC was my first Porsche love but I wanted modern creature comforts as well as fun. Z4 was fun but just not my car. The TT was simply too much car... A fully optioned 200mph GT car and not really a simple weekend toy. I drove several Box S but none were well cared for at the time. The Base 2.5 Box was a best fit for my Porsche itch and I have been enjoying her ever since.

In your shoes I would get the Box S, have the IMS upgrade done for peace of mind, and drive the wheels off it.

[Macroni]

Boxster not even close.

[BeyGon]

I have a Z3 Coup, if you aren't getting a Z3 Coup get the Boxter.

[72doug2,2S]

I can't decide.

[livi]

For the driving pleasure no contest, the Boxster.
Boulevard cruising and looks, Beamer.