Thinking about buying a boxster...

dimeified · 02:45 PM

Im 24 years old... Right now I own a 1984 Carrera and I love it. I need a daily driver though, but something as fun as the carrera. The early carrera to me is more of a hobbyist vehicle for me, and i'm constantly changing this, changing that. But it consists of downtime now and then, waiting for parts and such. I hope it is with me until the day I die, and then i want it to be burried with me. I've put much blood and sweat into that car, as it is my first car that i've ever truly worked on. If someone offered me to trade it for a 2007 Carrera Turbo, i'd turn them down. With that being said, i want to know if i pick up a 1998 or 99 boxster, if it will be reliable as a daily driver. And for 15 grand, i dont think i could go wrong. Are there any considerations i need to be aware of as far as maintenance besides oil for these peticular years? How much yearly does everyone spend on their Daily Driver boxsters?

The idea of owning and LOVING 2 porsches that are 20 some odd years apart in design, at 24 years of age, is very appealing.

drew9146 · 10-16-2007, 03:31 PM

I've have your scenario but a little more extreme. I've had a 1970 914-6 for the past 5 years. I just bought a '99 Boxster with 82k miles for $12,800. My plan is to turn it into a Spec Race car. But it's been my daily driver for the past week and I'm having so much fun running around in it that I'm in no hurry to start the trasformation. I think for under $15k this is the most fun and comfortable car you can buy. There is a Used Boxster Buyers Guide in this months Road and Track that's on the stands now. There's a lot of good info on each year of car, you should grab it while you can. There were a couple of engine problems, but a car with say 60k to 90k miles would either not had the problem or already had a replacement engine put in.

Rick V · 10-16-2007, 04:49 PM

I bought my wife a 97 Boxster last month, we split the driving. ( I get it when she allows me to drive it) and I love it.
As long as you allow the car to stand on it's own merrits, and don't make comparisons to your 911, you will enjoy driving it. We use ours as a daily driver, and the only problem is going to the grocery store. That is what the MB is for.
I wouldn't get rid of my 911 for a Boxster, but I like having one parked next to it.

Doug&Julie · 10-16-2007, 05:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rick V

...the only problem is going to the grocery store. That is what the MB is for.

Nonesense! With two trunks, there's plenty of room for groceries!

Seriously....it's hard to beat a Boxster for a daily commute. It does the boring stuff so well....then when you want to turn up the fun, it's tough to beat!

And you can use them for winter!

But the best advice is to take your time and get a good example. Buying "cheap" Porsches can be an expensive affair if you rush into it. Do the research and have potential cars looked at by pros and you should be in good shape!

Cheers

dimeified · 10-17-2007, 07:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by drew9146

I've have your scenario but a little more extreme. I've had a 1970 914-6 for the past 5 years. I just bought a '99 Boxster with 82k miles for $12,800. My plan is to turn it into a Spec Race car. But it's been my daily driver for the past week and I'm having so much fun running around in it that I'm in no hurry to start the trasformation. I think for under $15k this is the most fun and comfortable car you can buy. There is a Used Boxster Buyers Guide in this months Road and Track that's on the stands now. There's a lot of good info on each year of car, you should grab it while you can. There were a couple of engine problems, but a car with say 60k to 90k miles would either not had the problem or already had a replacement engine put in.

Hey thanks for the tip. I picked up a copy this morning in NY Penn on my way to work. Lots of valuable information in there!

hytem · 07:51 PM

The Boxster is one of the best car values in the world. A combination of luxury and performance that is hard to match.

dimeified · 10-19-2007, 05:46 AM

Well I would of course be keeping the 911.

JMatta · 10-19-2007, 03:51 PM

I'm a tried and true 911 guy, but I love my '02 S. I don't use it as a daily driver (grand cherokee gets that distinction), but it always gets the nod when I go to and from my second home in Wisconsin (Elkhart Lake).

Grant Lenahan · 10-21-2007, 06:26 AM

986s are very practical and very reliable.

That said, any poorly maintained porsche will cost you more in the long run than a solid one. Buy the best you can afford - you cant afford the cheaper one!

Be aware of some motor problems. Most are very durable, 150-200k motors. But a significant minority have had collossal failures. Read up on them.

Look at a few resources, including:

www.986faq.com

and
http://mike.focke.googlepages.com/mikesporscheboxsterwebpages

Enjoy. Its a great daily driver. You'll be impressed by its comfort and utility. And you might even suspect it outperforms your 911. It will.

Grant