how's the ride?

[jmitro]

I've test ridden a couple of first gen Boxsters and going to get one because they are such a good deal, but the ride over rough roads seems pretty bad. I'm just wondering if that was my experience with cars that had old suspension parts, or is it inherent in an open-top convertible car to judder over rough roads?

[BYprodriver]

When new the Boxster rides & handles as good or better as any sport car of that era or before even if it has the M030 handling option. With time & miles the ride should soften further with the standard suspension. Tires probably affect the ride more than the suspension. If the tires are 4 or more years old that is a problem as the rubber hardens. Large diameter wheels (18"+) reduce tire sidewall height which is the only cushion between you & the road & Boxster ride is very sensitive to air pressure also. So start there & see what you can find.

[mikefocke]

Owned a '99 which was pretty first gen except for 17" wheels. Found it very comfortable in local use on roads that were subject to freeze/thaw cycles. Nothing done to the suspension. But that was 12 years ago and parts do age.

Ditto prodriver's comments.