What do you think of Boxsters?

Doug&Julie · 08-27-2006, 09:41 AM

When I bought my first '99, "Boxster bashing" was quite in fashion (which I never underdstood). A lot has changed since then, and a lot of "911 guys" are beginning to see the light, or at least giving due respect to this great car. Of course, there are still those "anti-anything-that-isn't-air-cooled" opinions, etc. So I thought I'd do a little pole and just get a non-scientific scientific study of the current climate of Boxster opinions.

masraum · 08-27-2006, 09:46 AM

THey perform too well to bash. Bashing boxsters is senseless.

youngkang · youngkang's Garage

My only complaint was it's design... Couldn't figure out which end was which.

Chuck Moreland · 08-27-2006, 10:13 AM

I'm shopping for one now. Not a replacement, but an addition.

Anyone that thinks it's not a real Porsche hasn't driven one. The suspension feels great along with the feeback through the seat. The car feels rock solid and confidence inspiring.

The downside, driver is less connected through the steering and especially the throttle. Throttle response is detached. Exhaust note is too quite, I have to look at the tach to tell if I'm turning 5000k or 2000k.

Good and bad, the torque curve is relatively flat. Great for the street and easy to drive fast, but it lacks the sensation of power of an early car coming on cam.

Noah930 · Noah930's Garage

My biggest design complaint was the fact that they didn't keep all the neato styling cues from the original showcar. Now THAT was a thing to drool over.

Aircooled--watercooled. Who cares, if it works? It's still a flat-6, with that gorgeous sound.

Perhaps could use a bit more power, but hey, isn't that what Wayne's trying to remedy for us right now?

On one hand, it's too bad performance cars like Porsches get purchased by so many as styling affectations. No more special to them than their strappy Manolo Blahniks, Patek Philippes, or trendy restaurant of the year. At the same time, that means there are lots of them for cheap (relatively) on the used car market. Now, if I could just convince the wife we need a second P-car...

zuffen · 08-27-2006, 10:18 AM

I guess I am coming out and saying I Love My Boxster!

I use it as a Daily driver and nothing beats putting the top down after a long day and beating the snot out of it on the twisties.

dogtrainer · 08-27-2006, 10:32 AM

I did not like the looks when they first came out but the more I looked at them the more I liked them, then I drove one and loved it. I would like to get one for a daily driver but I am having a hard time convincing my wife its ok to own 2 p-cars.

nostatic · nostatic's Garage

I don't really care for convertibles. I am considering (somewhat) finding an early one to setup as a spec racer though. Evidently a crate engine is about $7500.

livi · 08-27-2006, 11:03 AM

I wouldn´t mind one myself. Ironically the Boxster is too cute for its own good. There is something feminine in the design. In my book thats not a bad thing but thats possibly the reason its got a bit of a handbag reputation. That, and the original 205 bhp. Personally I would love one of the first year models as a daily driver.

lfot · lfot's Garage

Considering I live in Los Angeles, I can't say I really even notice Boxters because they're as common as BMW 3-series and almost as common as Toyota Corolla's.

Kind of like AC'd 911's used to be until they started to get more rare (or just completely trashed).

Of course, this does not make Boxsters bad cars in any way. I must admit that one great aspect of owning a 911 is the nostalgia factor. That classic 911 shape that everyone knows seemingly since birth. Maybe the Boxster will have it one day in the future, but right now it's just another jelly-bean convertible (z3, miata, etc...) blending into the automotive landscape.

tsuter · 08-27-2006, 11:29 AM

My favorite was Joe Foreman but I think Mike Tyson ruined the whole industry.......

rfn026 · 08-27-2006, 11:30 AM

The Boxster is the 914 of the future.

Richard

lfot · lfot's Garage

Quote:

Originally posted by rfn026
The Boxster is the 914 of the future.

Richard

Yeah! That's what I was getting at. Well said.

lfot · lfot's Garage

Maybe if Porsche had actually put out this car...

techweenie · techweenie's Garage

Quote:

Originally posted by youngkang
My only complaint was it's design... Couldn't figure out which end was which.

But the same could be said of the 550 Spyder.

:-)

I owned two, and setting aside everything else, the chassis rigidity is better than an early 911 coupe... it's pretty impressive engineering.

Moses · 08-27-2006, 11:59 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Doug&Julie
I thought I'd do a little pole ...

Doesn't that belong in OT? (Not that there's anything wrong with that.)

austin552 · austin552's Garage

speedkillz · 08-27-2006, 12:03 PM

Wrong....next 914 LOL .....never was.... never will be.

IMHO Boxsters are the next 911SC/Carrera.

Easy mods, lots of engine choices, lower costs to repair, and cold A/C.

I have both and enjoy the 986 alot more these days. Took a trip to S. L. O. town 2 weeks ago, 75 to 80 cold A/C and about 26-27mpg.

Doug&Julie · 08-27-2006, 12:36 PM

Interesting results so far. I expected more "I give it props". Good to see the love.

hytem · 08-27-2006, 12:45 PM

The Boxster is in a lower price range than the 911, hence is aimed at a different market--probably as competitor to the Z4 and maybe the Audi TT. The lower price plus its's a Porsche is what probably attracts many buyers.

One thing I wish Porsche would do is get the Porsche logo back prominently on their cars. I love the earlier 911s with the Porsche logo as part of the taillight above the rear bumper. No question it's a Porsche.