Just picked up a '00 boxster. Ride/handling question.
 

I have to admit i was pretty rash in purchasing my 2000 2.7 boxster yesterday. I did not do a full inspection. Can you guys tell me how the suspension/handling is supposed to be? It seems that on smooth roads, I am fine. However, on some freeways, with the dips and uneven grooves, I really feel jarring and a rough ride that requires a good hand or 2 on the steering wheel.

For example, running over the raised reflective markers between lanes, seem to be very noticeable.

Also, the right rear side seems to "crash" going over bumps. Is this a shock? How do I tell?

Finally, what can I do to make the ride feel smoother and how much?

Thanks a bunch.

This might sound WAY stupid, but you better check tire pressures all around, and make sure they're up-to-spec. Also, what are these? 16"/17"/18" rims/tires?

Some owners seem to think that when it says "Maximum tire pressure: 35 PSI" on the sidewall, that THAT'S what the pressure is suppose to be set to. Maybe the seller pumped them up after spraying the tire sheen, and you're just dealing with a skitish 986.

It's a '00; let's look at the simple before writing off the suspension.

I don't know what your point of reference was before (Miata, Caddy, etc...), but the Boxster does let you know more about what is going on under you in the road than many other cars... but you shouldn't get the feeling that anything is coming loose, for example. I do feel significant steering wheel movement on my ~11K miles 2001 when traveling over "grooved" areas of highway (mid-repaving) in my area, but the funny thing is if you let the wheel go loose, the car does not go out of control - the wheel is just telegraphing the feel of the road.

Larger diameter wheels will cause more road feel as already mentioned. Standard tire pressures for most wheel combos on the Boxster are 29 PSI F/36 PSI R.

Thanks for everyone's input!

I will definitely check out the tire pressure.

"19 PSI F/36 PSI R" Why is there such a discrepancy in tire pressures for front and rear?

Rims are 17"

It's hard for me to tell how the ride is supposed to be. I have a 1992 Honda Accord. I've also driven an 99 Acura CL.

What does everyone use for tire pressures?

See this prior thread

19F was a typo.
A good range is 28-32F/32-36R - check tires when cold.

I feel most comfortable around 33F/35R.

Yes, I goofed and typed a '1' instead of a '2', I've corrected my post above. The front is intended to be at 29 psi, not 19.

thanks for everyone's help!
 

thanks for everyone's help!