2001 boxster s v. '05 s2000? - 986 Forum - The Community for Porsche Boxster & Cayman Owners

nola mike · 06-01-2007, 10:03 AM

thanks for the thoughtful replies. head v. heart argument has some merit, except that the s2000 is an absolute blast to drive--it was comparable to the '06 s in terms of fun, so i don't know what i'll think compared to an '01. comparing it to a civic just means you haven't driven it. i REALLY like both cars, and am excited that i have have a chance to have a "problem" like this. since this is to be my daily driver, i am concerned about highway wind/engine noise. city driving doesn't concern me--low torque is relative, and there's still plenty to get from a to b. both the s2k and boxster have very good crash test ratings, though i wouldn't want to meet a suburban at highway speeds in either one. so now, of course, there's the issue of finding what i want. an '01 s in silver/black, for a reasonable price, in reasonable driving distance from me, is not easy to find (anyone in the birmingham or new orleans area want to take me for a spin?).

FrayAdjacent · 06-01-2007, 10:08 AM

If you're really considering one for a daily driver, I'd probably go with the Porsche. From the comments here, the S2000, although fun, is noisier.

With my top up, I really feel like I'm in a hard top car. The headliner gives it a plush feeling, and helps reduce noise.

Only occasionally do I ever notice more noise outside the vehicle than I would in a hard top car.

I'd suggest finding a good 01-02 in your price range, with low miles in good shape. Get it checked out (PPI) and look into getting an extended warranty on it.

nola mike · 06-01-2007, 11:45 AM

also, 2 other questions:

what's a good source for finding used boxsters?

and how many folks here work on their cars themselves? how hard is it to do your own repairs to the boxster?

FrayAdjacent · 06-01-2007, 02:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nola mike

also, 2 other questions:

what's a good source for finding used boxsters?

and how many folks here work on their cars themselves? how hard is it to do your own repairs to the boxster?

I looked on Autotrader. Found tons in my price range. You get lots of information there... age, mileage, pictures, the VIN if you want to do a Carfax (Don't TRUST carfax for everything, but you can at least tell how many owners there were, where it lived, and a few useful things).

Boxsters are not that hard to to work on. Routine maintenance is very easy. Things like replacing O2 sensors, the main belt and spark plugs are also relatively easy. It's just a little quirky getting at the stuff, that's all!

nola mike · 06-01-2007, 03:39 PM

yeah, i've been checking autotrader. didn't know if there was a super secret porsche classified site or something that i don't know about. not too much of what i'm looking for in either new orleans or birmingham.

funster · 06-01-2007, 04:49 PM

follow your heart!

Where's my car? · 06-01-2007, 05:12 PM

First you want to think about it. A s2k is a nice car, well balanced, non pricey, fun car. You can also do alot with that car that would make it easily faster than the boxster, But a Boxster is still a Porsche. Those who make the porsches make it with somewhat of a soul. A s2k is made with the idea of money making behind it. THe boxster as proved by TOp gear is faster around the track because of its low end torque. The boxster is prettier, and it has CLASS. So its up to you! I live in an area where s2k's are commonly known as rice rockets so yea.

Don't get me wrong though, I love the s2k but i just wouldn't get one.