Test driving an 09 on Monday!

[CRCGuy]

New here. Currently have a MY08 S2000. It's a fun car, but a bit too raw for me. At first it was fun having to wind it up to get power out, but the novelty has worn out. But I'll certainly miss the sweet shifter and light, forgiving clutch.

Looking for a Boxster S (my first P-car). I have back problems so a heavy clutch is a deal breaker. Will see Monday--may have to go with PDK. Can't WAIT!

I'm a believer in "keep it simple". I'm currently targeting as options:
PDK (if clutch too heavy)
Sports Chrono Plus
PCM with Nav
Sports Exhaust (on the fence--it's quite pricey just for the sound)
Oh yeah and I like the Boxster S logo on the armrest/storage tray! may do that.

will keep standard seats (non-power) and 18" for ride comfort (will be my DD)

Will lease (3yr test drive) and buy it at lease end if is proves reliable.
Any advice/comments greatly appreciated!!

crcguy

[dmcutter]

I've had a ruptured disk (L-5/S-1) for about 7 years and I've never noticed any kind of issue with a clutch because of it...but then I'm a weightlifter/cyclist so my left calf is pretty stout. Not to mention that it seems like the clutch engages in about the last half inch of pedal travel. But whatever, straight drive or PDK, I'm sure you will enjoy it. Whereabouts in GSO are you?

[cfos]

I've had a pdk for about a month+. I like it. Better mpg, too (than Tip). There are a lot more creature comforts in the 2k9s. The PCM is very easy to use. Bluetooth needed an update for me (Nokia phone kept getting dropped). XM RADIO! integrated ipod...

[edevlin]

I would hate to pay for the NAV unit in a new car, but it would be hard for me to do without now that I have put in an aftermarket unit. If I were to ever get another Boxster, I would get it with their NAV unit. I would also get bluetooth for the NAV. It is very cool to have your whole car be a large, in my case 1000 watt, speaker phon

Ed

[BoxsterSbob]

Hi, looking forward to your test drive review. I've been reading that the new double clutch transmission is quite the marvel. It appears to perform a bit better than the manual. If price or maximum fuel economy isn't a factor it seems like a tough option to pass-up. The '09 S has a couple of improvements. I believe it has a revised motor design and direct fuel injection too.


enjoy the drive.

[RandallNeighbour]

If you never turn on the radio, don't spring for the Bose upgrade. But if you do enjoy music on a long trip or your other half likes music, the Bose upgrade is really nice. My buddy has it on his 07 and while it doesn't meet audiophile requirements, it's quite a bit louder and better quality sound over the base system with added bass. And with a convertible, you want a fairly loud system to hear it on the freeway with the top down.

If you drive after dark the litronics (xenons) are superior to the halogens and worth the extra cash in my opinion. I don't know if they're standard on the 09S or not.

Both the Bose and the Litronics are definitely important features for resale to me as I peruse ads for Boxsters and Caymans I dream about buying.

BTW, if you can find one that is close to your features list or has more than your features list instead of ordering the car, you can hammer the dealer on price and get it right now. They're hurting badly and will probably give you a substantial discount.