Boxster!

thomasalva · 03-14-2005, 09:08 AM

I finally made the leap! I found a 2000 Arena Red Boxster this weekend that was too good to pass up. I've been a 911 owner for a while (1989 Carrera Coupe), but I've always liked the look of the Boxster.

I was surprised by the driving difference between the cars. The 911 is loud and snarly, but the Boxster is faster and handles like a go cart. I've driven German and British sports cars forever, and I appreciate them all for what they are, but there is really no contest between the Boxster and the 911 (granted, the 911 is 11 years older). I've always liked 911 sounds and smells, but it's becoming more of a garage queen than I would like.

I know pics are mandatory, so I will try to get some posted over the next few days. This car is somewhat higher mileage than I really wanted (77K), but everything else is just right. The top looks brand new, no dings to speak of, Arena Red with black interior, and several nice options including the behind-seat storage bin and 18" Sport Design Rad wheels and new tires.

In the meantime, there are a couple of minor issues I would like some help with.

First, it only came with one key, and the remote doesn't work. I opened it up last night to discover the fob is just an empty shell. Does this mean buying a new set of keys?

Second, the stereo (CDR 220) works fine except the volume control doesn't do anything. Maybe just dirty contacts or something, but the knob doesn't change the volume (although it mutes if you push it in).

Also, can anyone suggest a decent cheap shop manual? Has anyone tried this:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=7961171610

Thanks,
Shawn

red911 · red911's Garage

I just purchased a '98 Boxster with 50,800 miles and found the remote did not work. It needed a new battery but unfortunately this did not help because other thing fell out. I checked with the dealer and was quoted $150 for the new remote.

Bill

Ferrara_racing · 03-14-2005, 07:09 PM

Thom,

Ask Eli here at pelican, he can save you about $50 off the dealer price of a key, you will need to provide your registration as proof of ownership.

As for the radio, removable front may be the culprit. Make sure the contacts between the face and unit are clean and touching.

Finally, I went from a 944 to a Boxster. When I did, many on the 944 forum were berading me about how the 944 would pass me in my new car. How slow the 2.5 is, guys with S-2's quoting printed stats. All I can tell them is I'd run any of the 944's except the turbo and like my odds in the Boxster. Articles about the 2.5 being a dog seem crazy once you drive one, simply put a ROCKET.

AFJuvat · 03-15-2005, 05:43 AM

Hey, not all of the 944 members were giving you a hard time....

AFJuvat
85 944
88 911

Ferrara_racing · 03-15-2005, 05:50 AM

Hey I used the word MANY...I'll stand by that statement...

thomasalva · 03-15-2005, 08:13 AM

Tony,

Thanks for the suggestions. I was hoping that since the key I have works to start the car, I might be able to fix just the remote.

No luck so far with the stereo. I cleaned the contacts, but it didn't help. I may have to either open it up or take it in to a stereo shop, but it's not too big of a deal.

Thanks again.