to box, or not to box?

flipper · flipper's Garage

All opinions needed and accepted

I have 20,000 to spend on a new car, and I am considering a used Boxster S. I will keep my 911, but I though a slightly more docile car with heat and ac would be fun. I am also looking for reliability. That said, does the boxster fit these catagories? I would like to stay in the Porsche family so cool Audis are out, I have one already

randywebb · 12-13-2005, 04:26 PM

yes - and a very fun car

Yellowbird RS · 12-13-2005, 04:37 PM

The Boxter is a great city car

my 2004 Boxster S

edward993 · 12-13-2005, 05:53 PM

If I already had a 911, I wouldn't think twice about a Boxter S as a daily driver. Good combo of comfort/sport/amenities for commuter use, IMHO. Reliability, however, is best left answered by long-term owners. IIRC, there were a slate of '99 986/996s that suffered from engine problems, a number of which resulted in replacements; then there is the rear main seal issue. I admittedly know nothing of these specific issues, or even if they are valid issues, but it's probably worth your time to look into it. Good luck

Edward

flipper · flipper's Garage

what is the main difference between the boxster and the boxster S?
is it suspension and motor? or just motor?

Super78 · 12-13-2005, 08:17 PM

I believe an "S" is going to give you more displacement, larger brakes, sportier suspension, and bigger OEM wheels and tires. I may be wrong, but the interior might be slightly upgraded as well.

(Have been looking at Boxsters on and off as a daily driver as well.)

Rennlisters have a fairly active 986 forum. I'm sure most of your asnwers could be found there.

Super78 · 12-13-2005, 08:20 PM

Oh yeah,
Six speed gearbox in stead of the five for the non-S

randywebb · 12-13-2005, 09:48 PM

all true -- and its a Porsche 6 speed, not an Audi or whatever the 5 speed is. also, the brakes are painted red, same as 996 brakes.

besides Rennlist there is Porsche Pete's Boxster Board

Doug&Julie · 12-14-2005, 04:49 AM

I don't think you'll get an S for $20k...but I've seen some Ss around $25k. For $20k and under, you can easily get a base model Boxster. Base Boxsters from '97-'99 had 2.5l and 200hp. In 2000, they bumped the base model to 2.7l and around 217hp. Interior improved in 2000 and later. The Boxster S came in 2000 with a 3.2l and 250hp (along with the above mentioned upgrades). The first significant change came in '03 when all the cars got a new top with a glass rear window and updated body styling. Some of those cars (base models) can be found now for around $30k.

Boxsters are brilliant cars, you won't be sorry if you purchase (especially if you already have the 911). They make much better daily/all around drivers. Don't be surprised if you find yourself driving the Boxster S more than the 911.

You can even drive them in winter time.

flipper · flipper's Garage

PORSCHE IN THRE SNOW!!!!!!!!!!! Now thats what im talkin about!!! You guys are sellin me!

Doug&Julie · 12-14-2005, 04:55 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by flipper
PORSCHE IN THRE SNOW!!!!!!!!!!! Now thats what im talkin about!!! You guys are sellin me!

You'll need a good set of winter tires. A hard top is nice, but not necessary. The Boxster S has a three layered top (where my base model had only a one layer). I think the base model went to three layers in '03...maybe a year or two earlier.

I ran Dunlop Wintersport 03s on the same size 17" wheels (bought used from a Rennliste for about $650). My car had Traction Control, but really didn't need it with the winter tires. I wouldn't dare drive the car on it's summer tires...they turn into hockey pucks!

Oh, and I had heated seats, too.

89911 · 05:18 AM

With that midengine layout, you can drift completely neutral into the snow bank

"Hey, Wha Happaned" Mike LaFontaine

"Thaaaat's Right"

Doug&Julie · 12-14-2005, 05:17 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by 89911
With that midengine layout, you can drift completely neutral into the snow bank

Actually, I hate to say this, but so far this winter I'm thinking I liked the way the Boxster handled better than my Subie. The Subie pushes like a front wheel drive car in the snow, where the Boxster rotated so nicely. I never had traction problems with the winter tires on the Boxster...never worried about putting it in a ditch. With the engine (almost) over the drive wheels, the thing just stuck to the road. Brilliant.

I probably need to put winter tires on the Subie to give a true comparison...I bet the fronts would bite a little (a lot?) better with proper winter tires.

But still....*sigh*....I miss my Boxster.

Doug&Julie · 12-14-2005, 05:19 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by 89911
"Hey, Wha Happaned" Mike LaFontaine

"Thaaaat's Right"

89911 · 12-14-2005, 05:26 AM

Sorry to get off on a Fred Williard tangent, but my favorite bit is in "Waiting for Guffman" and his wife complaining to all his friends about his "........ reduction surgery". I usually use this line when I haven't seen a friend for a while and they ask me where I've been.

As far as winter driving, here in Pittsburgh, they problem is the hills and the snow. Presently I drive an X5 with dedicated snow tires and 18" wheels. Without them, the car would be useless. I use to drive Subaru Legacy's and really liked they way the handled compared to big SUV's It's not the snow that bothers me, its the 6 months of salt covered roads!

smdubovsky · 12-14-2005, 05:30 AM

The 01 base model got the three layer top (we have one). For snow I would suggest 1) snow tires and 2) PSM if you can find it (MUCH better then the prior traction control only - TSC?) The car is a fantastic daily and is 'da bomb' in the snow. I took it out the first good snow we had (4-5") to get pizza and its a dream. The pizza delivery guys in SUVs looked at me like I was crazy - w/ PSM it goes better than their trucks (untill the snow gets deep). I won't put the wife in a car w/o it again (she has, uhhh, "poor" car control abilities). Its not obtrusive at the track (and can be mostly turned off), which can't be said for the '99 996 w/ TSC we ran @ 1 Lap - that system is downright worthless in the dry or wet.

FWIW, If 2 didn't look goofy in the driveway, I'd buy another - Its that much fun. I'll be one of the first in line to pick up a used cayman once they start coming off lease. Same car - different top.

SMD

herman maire · 12-14-2005, 05:30 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Doug&Julie

You can even drive them in winter time.

Cool pic doug. Any pics of it drifting?

For what its worth the 5speed trannys used VW passat ring and pinions VS the
6 speed that used all porsche parts. I dont think there were any issuis with any of them though.

Doug&Julie · 12-14-2005, 05:30 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by 89911
...It's not the snow that bothers me, its the 6 months of salt covered roads!

Ah, yeah, there is that. Not to mention all the other idiots on the road! Now I'm remembering why I went back to the two car approach...

Cinci can be pretty hilly in spots, but to be fair I always found the flattest route home.

But please don't think I'm saying for a minute that a Boxster is a better winter car than a Subaru! But they can be more than passable for those who want to drive a Porsche all year 'round.

Doug&Julie · 12-14-2005, 05:35 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by herman maire
...Any pics of it drifting?

No, sorry! Rest assured, when the opportunity arose, I did have some fun with her!

..couple more winter pics...

This one was my wallpaper for a while...

smdubovsky · 12-14-2005, 06:29 AM

Doug, don't be so quick to dis-the box over the scooby in the snow. the BASE subarus only have a center viscous diff (higher end models also get a rear viscous or in the case of the STI and front and rear LSD). In reality, that means they can get traction to two wheels - no more than a 2wd car w/ an active brake type traction control. The subie won't go anywhere w/ one side of the car on ice, the boxster wont go anywhere w/ both rear wheels on ice.

W/ full yaw control systems like PSM its even better (and easier and safer). W/ our box you can just put your right foot to the floor (on the gas) and steer. I have first hand exp that the same can't be done even w/ a WRX - even though it has more ultimate traction.

SMD