'03 Boxster or '01 996 C4?

[hytem]

Originally posted by hkiang1
I think the Boxster will provide you with a greater sense of occasion and just be more enjoyable to drive - the 996 being a fast car with a bit less character, better suited to being a daily driver, which you are probably not looking for.

Actually, I'm looking for a daily driver, but I don't drive much more than 5K miles per year. No big families at this point. I did drive a BMW Z3 for a couple of years, and found that to be a bit small. The Boxster has more size around you--at least it looks that way.

[hytem]

Originally posted by gduke
If it's between a Boxter and a C4 996 get the boxter. Avoid the C4's, they could become a problems down the road.

You know, somone sent me a British article on this subject, and the 3.4 does have some issues--if only for 5-10% of the cars, if you believe the article. The major problems were 99 and 00. Improvements in 01, big changes in 02 (3.6, I think). The authors of the article said they wouldn't buy a 3.4 if they had a choice, but didn't see a problem with others buying them(!)

Aside from the RMS, there are other issues on cracked liners, heads, startup rattle, etc. Engines had to be replaced by Porsche. But what about the longevity of these engines? I don't know if there's enough data at this point to assess that.

The C4 I'm looking at is Porsche certified, so I think it's probably warranty protected from these issues.

[89911]

Wow, with this much of a lovefest for the 996, one wouldn't think they would be piling up on the used car lots. I was down at the local Porsche preowned shops the other day and counted at least a half dozen 996's. Number of Boxster S's, zero. Seems if you really want one, you can name your price.

[03TARGA]

Originally posted by 89911
Wow, with this much of a lovefest for the 996, one wouldn't think they would be piling up on the used car lots. I was down at the local Porsche preowned shops the other day and counted at least a half dozen 996's. Number of Boxster S's, zero. Seems if you really want one, you can name your price.

Umm , yeah. Those BoxsterS's are so rare and cherished you just can't find a deal on em. What a joke.

[450knotOffice]

Love it or hate it - it doesn't matter. The 996 is still a helluva a sports car.

So is the Boxster.

[hytem]

Well, I bought the 03 Boxster today. Drove both the Boxster and the 01 996 C4--maybe 10-15 minutes each on mainly country roads near the dealership. My impression? The 996 feels a bit bigger inside because of the rear seats (though it's about 1" more narrow), and is a tad quieter (the Boxster has the sound package plus option and is very quiet). Performance? Well, on country roads, there isn't much difference you can detect up to 5000 rpm. On the track, I'm sure that would be different. Both cars are very quick, and both 5sp Boxster and 6sp 996 gearboxes are excellent and easy to shift. The rides are not noticeably different--not as stiff as the SC. A tad more splushy--but only a tad.

So why did I choose the Boxster? First it was $16K cheaper. Second, in regular driving it's not much different from the 996. Third, there are legiimate, though small, longevity concerns about the 3.4 engine in the 996. Both these cars come Porsche-certified, which means the new car warranty extends for another 2 years (2.2 years for the Boxster). Chances are that 3.4 engine is OK, but after 2 years you are on your own. They replaced the RMS--which needed replacement after just 27K miles.

I got a much better deal on the Boxster which was a one owner car--bought new and traded at the dealership. It has about $8K worth of factory options, including 18" turbo-type wheels ($3K), sound package, alarm, windstop reflector, etc. It even has a glove compartment--and 2 trunks. Black with tan interior. 32K miles. I traded my SC and got what I paid for it. I will not miss the 915 gearbox, the CIS or a lot of the noise, but I will miss the classic look and those black Fuchs wheels. Thanks for the memories, and thanks for the posts.

[89911]

You, Sir, have made the right move!

[lateapex911]

I think the Boxster is more the drivers car...the AWD isn't my thing though. And the option of open air, is cool. Down the road, I wonder whcih will net the least loss at sale time? I'm thinking the Boxster was a good move, esp with summer here. It's one of the only topless sports cars I wouldn't feel a bit gay in.. Not that theres anything wrong with that, I guess....

[450knotOffice]

Congratulations!! You'll love it! My wife and I own a Boxster Coupe' (the Cayman) and it's just an awesome car. Great driving dynamics. As for the 996, had you chosen that, you would have made an excellent choice too (regardless of 89911's opinion). Both are great cars!