Boxster S vs. Base

[raddoc]

I had a 2005 slk 350 which went away due to early engine failure and MB being total a-h's, but that's a whole 'nother story. After driving the base Boxster, the S , C4 and C4S , I felt that the 2007 BoxS had the best fun/$ ratio. It's easy to spend much more, yet end up without a lot more car or significantly better performance. I'd only consider the base if most driving is in the city or $$$ is a constraint.

[YellowJacket]

Agree with those who have said that this is 100% about budget.

There is no denying that the S is better, and there is no denying that the S is more expensive, all else equal. And the fact that you're buying a Boxster as opposed to a Civic implies that there is part of you who cares about either performance or status (I hope it's the former in most cases!). In both cases, the S holds the edge. So the question is whether it's worth the extra money. And I imagine that's as much or more about personal budget than it is about anything else.

I bought my non-S in college when $25k was a lot of money to me. Had I instead bought today, I probably would buy an '03 S. Had I instead bought it today AND had I not gotten married last year, I'd probably buy a new S. So it's budget/priorities that kept me out of the S, not some bizarre preference for exactly 201hp.

[SD987]

Anyone know if the insurance of the "S" is more or the same as the base model?? Seem like it would be more.

When I switched from an 05 base to an 06 S, the difference was marginal. Less than $100/6 months.

In my experience, a new Box is a surprisingly cheap car to insure.

[YellowJacket]

Originally Posted by SD987

In my experience, a new Box is a surprisingly cheap car to insure.

I had the same experience when I insured mine. Coming from BMWs, my insurance went WAY down, even though the car was more expensive. I was told that since the rates are based on claims history, the demographic and disposition of the average driver plays a more significant role even than does simply power, cost to repair, etc., and that Porsche drivers are among the better drivers (definitely moreso than BMW drivers).

Originally Posted by YellowJacket

I had the same experience when I insured mine. Coming from BMWs, my insurance went WAY down, even though the car was more expensive. I was told that since the rates are based on claims history, the demographic and disposition of the average driver plays a more significant role even than does simply power, cost to repair, etc., and that Porsche drivers are among the better drivers (definitely moreso than BMW drivers).

I agree with SD987 and YellowJacket regarding insurance. My Boxster is cheaper to insure than my wife's 2001 Mercedes...not by much...but surprising still.