base Boxster vs. MR2 Spyder advantages

[ekam]

Originally Posted by 941MXVET

It's supposed to be funny

People in glass houses should not throw stones... :dance:

Hey I thought we're all hairdressers?

[941MXVET]

Originally Posted by ekam

People in glass houses should not throw stones... :dance:

Hey I thought we're all hairdressers?

Dude, I know, I hear it all the time!

Just thought it was a funny pic!

[DANMKII]

Having a 1993 MR2 myself with a 3vz-fe v6 and a Porsche Boxster... I can offer some insight (even though I only have a MKII).

Based on my research the MK3 is a BLAST to drive and auto x, loves being thrown into corners. Extremely reliable and will never leave you stranded (less likely at least).

The MKIII itself may not be torquey but a 2ZZ will solve that. I have seen incredible MKIII's, very capable of outrunning most cars on the road today.

[vath2001]

Originally Posted by ekam

People in glass houses should not throw stones... :dance:

Hey I thought we're all hairdressers?

I told you... my hairdresser drives a Vette. But she did have an original Fiero (first week it came out... way back when).

[BoxsterSbob]

That's so funny! My wife's hairdresser just sold his Fiero and according to the wife was very depressed about it. She later mentioned to him that a Boxster might be a good choice as a replacement... he didn't think it was the right car for him?

[TimAustinW]

My previous car was a 2004 MR2 Spyder. I had a four year lease on it and went to the Toyota dealership with the intention of buying it. The dealer said "Well, before you buy your MR2 let me show you what else I have." Then he pulled out the Boxster and said "Why don't you leave your Spyder here and take the Porsche for the day." And that's all she wrote. Also keep in mind I have a 2.7 base, not the S and there was still no comparison. The Spyder feels like a toy compared to the box with its whiny 4 cylinders.


In my opinion there really is no comparison. If you get the MR2 you'll just wish you had the boxster. It has enough storage space for two medium sized duffel bags. Under the rear deck lid is the engine, under the front is a spare. ZERO storage. The convertible top is manual and made of cheap vinyl that is known to crack. Power and handling do not compare. I loved my Spyder but quickly forgot it when I got my Boxster.

My two cents.

[Kirk]

I think the limited storage space in the MR2 makes it pretty impractical. The Box has some pretty decent trunks. I can take my Box camping with tent, sleeping bag, folding chairs, tackle box, fishing poles, cooler, etc. That would be impossible in an MR2!

If you're looking to mod the car, then you're probably pretty handy. If you do the work yourself the Porsche maintenance costs aren't all that bad.

Kirk

[23109VC]

the boxster is better. You will like it more - for all the various reasons that have already been stated.

When I was shopping for my boxster, I also considered the S2000 and the RX8. I know the RX8 is not a roadster, but i test drove it, and I really really liked the rotary engine, and the sporty way it handled - I rationalized the RX8 as it had back seats and would be a somewaht "practical" 3rd car b/c you could get mor eusage out of it... anyway... of all these three cars...

I liked the boxster the most the boxster was the most fun. the other two cars, were "fun" and I considered them more affordable, more reliable, I could buy a newer one for the same money, etc etc..but in the end, I was buying a third car for me to have fun in - and ultimately, that meant I should buy the car that I really wanted..and what made the little hairs on the back of my next stand up, was the boxster. the way it sounds when you are running toward redline, the way it corners, the way it looks - the S2000, or in your case, the MR2 is a compromise.

Just be prepared that it will cost you more to fix it, and there is a remote possiblity of motor failure that will cost you an arm and a leg. NOt sure what you are looknig to spend, how new/old of a car you are considering if you go the boxster route - but if you have $$$ to spend you can get a CPO car from a dealer and you have no major worries for a while.... if you go the used car route - like I did, you can get a VERY good deal on a base or S model. I would suspect you could find a nice nice nice base model 986 like a 2000-2002 for $10-13k. I bet $15k gets you into a nicely equipped "S" with reasonable miles.

be patient, shop a lot, look at everything, test drive all of them, know WHAT options you want, don't want, and then find one you want and then know that you are in teh driver's seat to to speak as the market for these cars is a buyer's market all the way. have some money stashed to repair stuff that will break.

there is nothing that a good drive in the boxster can't fix. okay, that's not really true...but you know what I mean.

for me, the S2000 was too small, buzzy, had ZERO low end torque...the boxster was way classier, felt faster (even my base model), and was just an overall better car. in the end, with cars, you usually get what you pay for. look at the MSRP of a new boxster vs a similar year MR2. the Boxster was a $50k car and the MR2 was a $20k-ish car... it's no big suprise the boxster is what you will like more...

arrange to test drive them back to back...on the same day. go home and see which one you still think about when you are back home.... for me, I test drove back to back, and it was obvious which one I wanted...

good luck.

[RandallNeighbour]

I owned a 1986 MR2. Loved the car. Underpowered, but I loved the way it handled. It was a neon blue go-cart.

I also have a friend with a highly modded MR2 Spyder. He's bolted a Supra motor into it and the thing takes off like a scalded dog off the line. I think he's doing 0-60 in the mid 4 second range for very little cash outlay. The car was his daily driver for a long time too. He's got a carputer in it and a fully adjustable race suspension in it too. The thing can turn on a dime.

Now what I don't care for about his car is the fact that it gets squirrelly over 100 mph because the aerodynamics of the car is simply not created for triple digit speeds.

My 86 was a very cool looking car. The Spyders are not attractive at all IMHO.

But if you want a convertible you can mod the heck out of for little to nothing compared to our cars and you don't have the urge to do triple digit speeds, it's not a bad choice.

You're gonna be asked if it's your daughter's car though. I'm just sayin'

[nola911]

If you are young enough to squeeze in and out, I vote #3, the Lotus Elise. Perfect blend of Europe and Asia

[CRCGuy]

Fantastic. Many thanks for all the replies. I really didn't expect so many former MR2-S owners.

As per older threads, I have previously owned an NA miata (95) and just got out of an 08 S2000 lease. I actually preferred the miata. S2000 way too harsh for me, not only engine noise but ride on broken pavement--it's too stiff-- if that's possible (I'm talking cars people, cars!) It just wasn't for me.

So I'm down to probably my last comparision---the Spyder. And you have all made some really valid points. I also posted in the Spyderchat forum about whether that car was for me, and based on their very candid feedback, I think I agree with them and you all that I will likely have fun in the MR2-S but will always be thinking---why didn't I just get the Box?. Just like this forum they have a pretty good group of folks who tell it like it is.

So thanks again. I will still test drive one, but I think you've pulled me over the fence--on the side of which sits a beautiful red or silver late model 986 or early 987