Boxster Base vs S

[gschotland]

The only way you're going to know what's best for you is to drive a few of each. The E46 M3 is an excellent car with plenty of virtues (I thought at one point of buying one myself), but it's a totally different driving experience from a Boxster.

Focus more on condition and service records than mileage. I'd take a 60k mile car in nice condition that's been well cared for and has service recs long before a 30k car in so-so condition that's been through a bunch of hands and has no service recs. Buying a later model, higher mileage car from an anal retentive owner (i.e. many people on this list) can be an excellent value.

Remember, it's a buyers' market. Drive lots of cars and be picky. And when you think you've found "the one," spend the money for a pre-purchase inspection (PPI) by someone who knows Boxsters inside and out. That's money very well spent.

Read this site from top to bottom for excellent buying advice:

http://sites.google.com/site/mikefocke2/mikesporscheboxsterwebpages

[demick]

I see you are in Santa Barbara. There are probably 100 Boxsters for sale within 20 miles of your house. So you have lots of selection and can be picky on color, year, features, and price. Don't get stuck on the two that you have seen.

With a budget of $20K, you can easily get yourself a low mileage '03 or '04 Boxster (base or S). There are some worthwhile features added in those years.

[RandallNeighbour]

Let's see. You live in Santa Barbara. If you have a lot of twisty roads or want to drive twisty roads, get the boxster. And I would never get another boxster unless it was an S... and even that will be a little underpowered around town IMO.

Now if this vehicle is going to be your sole daily driver in town and you don't have a lot of twisty roads to navigate, the M3 will have gobs of torque and be a lot of fun as a DD, plus it has back seats and a nice sized trunk. I love my 550i and wouldn't trade it for a boxster as a DD no matter what sized motor the box had in it. It's wicked fast compared to a 2002 box S, and and M3 would be even faster, unless it's a really old one.

Either way, maintenance and repairs on both models will not be cheap. They're German.

[Lobo1186]

lol santa barbara being on the PCH I would have to say he has many MANY twisty roads near where he lives. There are some great roads down there and I have a base and I love every minute.

[RandallNeighbour]

Don't forget that some people are so freaking busy at work and home with kids that they'll enjoy a M3 more than a boxster... which they do not have time to go out and enjoy.

That's the point I was making.

[hc115]

Thanks so much for the input everyone. I really want a Porsche so I've been steering away from the M's, don't get me wrong, they're fun cars too! But owning a Porsche has always been a dream of mine, and I'm finding it possible right now.

Just to clarify, I'm actually looking for cars in the Los Angeles/Orange County area, but I will be living in Santa Barbara for another 1-2 years while I finish school--Go Gauchos! Whatever car I end up with will be my daily driver.

I've just recently came across 2000 996 as well, 45k miles for $21k, looks very clean. These cars sure are taking a hit on residual value. (good for me )

I'll definitely be test driving the Boxsters as well as the Carrera! If everything checks out with the Carrera, however, I will definitely jump on it. No offense to anyone on this forum, I'm just trying to get the most Porsche for my money.

Would anyone happen to know an estimate of how much it would cost me to have a PPI done from the stealership?

[clickman]

Originally Posted by hc115

I've just recently came across 2000 996 as well, 45k miles for $21k, looks very clean. These cars sure are taking a hit on residual value.

Be careful. The early 3.4 engines were problematic.

[hc115]

Will do. Thanks clickman.

[Lobo1186]

Originally Posted by RandallNeighbour

Don't forget that some people are so freaking busy at work and home with kids that they'll enjoy a M3 more than a boxster... which they do not have time to go out and enjoy.

That's the point I was making.

and its a good point for sure. I was just commenting on the IF there are twisty roads in his area. no worries I agree with you and a valid point it is!

[pothole]

Originally Posted by RandallNeighbour

And I would never get another boxster unless it was an S... and even that will be a little underpowered around town IMO.

Eh? Traffic speeds in the US are positively glacial. Even a base 2.5 is overkill for town driving Stateside.

[RandallNeighbour]

Because I live in the 4th largest city in the USA, I crave far better 0-60 performance than my 2.5 offers. It's not a top-speed issue at all. I rarely get above 80 mph.

I would just like to get to 80 mph in far less time than I get to it now