2000 Boxster or 1986 911? $20k

[JeffreyNMemphis]

I hope this topic gets lots of discussion!

Excellence magazine recently did an article comparing a 968, 911 and 987. The guys on the 968 board were not pleased at all...

I have a 924s that is mechanically perfect and tastefully modified with K&N air cleaner, BB stainless exhaust, test pipe, fuel pressure regulator, tower strut brace, konis... and more. So I think a 968 would be the same, only newer/better.

I drove a 1986 911 Carrera garage queen with 47k miles. No mods at all. The owner wants 21k.

For the same price, I could buy a 2000 Boxster with 47k miles in similar condition for 20k. I could take my pick of a dozen on eBay for $15k.

Do you own or drive one of each? What do you think about the differences? What do you think about future values? Has the 986 stopped depreciated? Will Boxters be selling for 10k in two years?

As a second vehicle, not a daily driver, my car will not see more than 5,000 miles a year. Do you think maintenance and repair will be equivalent on a Boxster or 911?

Thank you for your thoughts,

Jeffrey

[Rich76_911s]

I think comparing them is kinda an apples to oranges comparison. If you want a car with good A/C, good heat, and is very comfortable the boxster is your choice. If you want something a little more raw, the carrera is a better choice.

I think a stock boxster with the 2.7 feels faster than an 86 Carrera from the seat of the pants. I'm not sure, but the boxster feels like it has more low end torque than an '86.

Comparing repairing them really depends on which particular car you end up getting. If you found a 86 carrera that has had the top end re-done with new head-studs and valve guides, and the bushings replaced in the suspension, etc etc it will be cheaper to maintain than a boxster that is approaching the time frame where things start breaking. But if you found a good low mileage boxster that has been taken care of it is probably cheaper to maintain. The 911, in my opinion, is easier to work on. At least I can look at my engine without using a lift!

If you want to be part of the "clan" certainly 911's put you into a different category of Porsche owners. Showing up to a drivers ed event in a boxster might be a totally different experience than showing up in a 911. (I don't know the truth about this as I have never been part of any Porsche group, but it is the feeling I get). Although I would venture to guess that a rookie driver in a boxster will be faster around a track than a rookie driver in a 911.

If someone handed me 20K and said go buy a porsche. I'd buy a Carrera before a Boxster 11 times out of 10. But I have this absolute fetish with 911's. I love the cabin smell of burnt oil, the sound of the 911 engine, non power steering, windows down driving, and big old 5 gauge dashes. Boxsters have a lot to offer, but it isn't what makes my heart go pitty patter. Choose what fits your desire and makes you happy.

[racer]

If you want resale value to climb, the 911 will do that sooner (assuming you don't overpay to begin with).

However, cars like these make lousy investments, so I wouldn't stress that point in your search.

For a number of years I had a 911SC. I sold it last fall and began looking for a replacement.

I test drove a 924s, then a 944S, then an S2 then a 968. They all got progressively "better". I was close to pulling the trigger on a 968, only to have it bought out from under me.

Then I drove a Boxster. A 2.7l. Done deal. Fantastic car. For me, a car more modern than my SC was important. I wanted a Porsche that would keep me warm (without smelling), cool in the summer, have a top I could put down/remove and one that the wife could use without all the trappings of my Track prepped SC.

For the large part, a 911 is THE porsche to own. People won't run from you for driving another model, but to many, a 911=porsche and all others are not desired. Sad thing is, even the most revered "aircooled" 911 is now 9-10 years old and getting older. They are robust. They drive and feel like no other car.

Having a 924S currently, a 968 might be a great progession. You will be very familiar with the car and its vices and plusses. A Boxster or 911 will require a learning curve (which can also be fun).

The 986 has not stopped depreciating. Porsche has built 200,000 boxsters. That makes them not so rare

My 911 ran fine. The money put into it was oil changes (10-12 qts of mobil 1) brake pads and fluid and tires. Prices for these items are similar for boxster and 911.

Spend some time test driving samples of all 3 models. Only you know how the car will be used by you.

[the]

Originally posted by JeffreyNMemphis

Do you own or drive one of each? What do you think about the differences? What do you think about future values? Has the 986 stopped depreciated? Will Boxters be selling for 10k in two years?
Do you think maintenance and repair will be equivalent on a Boxster or 911?

Yes. Big differences, a 911 is an icon and a very unique driving experience, a Boxster is a nice car drives great but you could put a HondaMitsuToyo badge on it - there is nothing really unique about it it is just a nice modern car. 911 will hold value more. No. Yes. For a DIYer, I think a 911 would be a bit less.

[monoflo]

Both are interesting cars --21K for the 86 sounds good given mileage and quality. Boxsters will take a long time to hold value.

Driving experience will be different --as already said the Boxster will be easier to drive well --the 911 more rewarding once mastered. The 86 shifter is not a modern device --the boxsters is.
I have an 85 so I know of which I speak.

I motocrossed the boxster and mid engine is one way to get fine handling. Much better ergonomics if that matters to you. Again an easy car to drive fast.

911s are iconic --never will be the "low end Porsche" and many consider the 84 -89s the last of the old 911s. This does not make the Boxster a bad car just it does not have the history. Heck I love 928s.

So I guess I lean to the older car given your low mileage projection --- you can probably get your money out at the end and get that Boxster S at that point --No real bad choice either way --Have fun

[umfan866]

I've been looking at 911s for a while. When one owner who also had a Boxster let me drive it, I was stunned at the handling and modernity of the car. I wanted (and still do) the internal cabin and modernity of the Boxster, but on the outside, the looks and shape of the 911. I don't know what other model comes close to combining these traits- maybe the 993s, which are about 30k+ instead of 20k. I think the Boxsters will continue to depreciate down to 10-12k but as 993's become cheaper, the 3.2's may have some but perhaps not as much downward pressure.

[hytem]

I believe I would take the Boxster, simply because it's a much younger car and can probably be driven every day. The 911 is 20 years old, and I don't see a car that old as an everyday driver.

I have an 82SC which is a Sunday driver. It runs well, but it's strictly a toy--not for everyday or long trips. A 2nd car.