Considering Boxster, Have Questions

[Overdrive]

Write your book, no one's going to criticize, and you'll find your answers, but do try to search the forum first, as you will likely find most of your questions have already been asked in some way.

For the PPI, don't do a dealer, at least not the dealer you'd be getting the car from, obviously. Honestly, better to find an independent who knows these cars.

As I said before, stealing the line from RandallNeighbour, get the youngest car you can afford, and try to go for an S. The RS60s are nice and uncommon, and that mileage is rather low, but also shows that the car was drivena decent amount over 5-6 years.

Wikipedia actually has a good amount of information on the Boxster's development throughout its generations. Give that a read to answer some of your questions about the changes that have occured over the years.

The older your car is, the more money you should set aside per year for maintenance and any unforseen issues. Either way, I'd say have a few thousand dollars at the ready in case anything unexpected comes along, just so it's not such a hit to any of your immediate income. Stuff will wear and need replacement, that's just the nature of machines. These machines tend to be a little pricey when they break, but that's also why it's good to get a certified pre-owned car that will have some items covered under a warranty.

I'd say get the RS60, drive it, don't baby it, but take good care of it...though I'd also say if something younger and comparable comes along for similar money, go for that, and either way, be prepared to spend a little money right off the bat to get the car in good running shape for the long term, as it could be needed.

[RandallNeighbour]

Originally Posted by Overdrive

As I said before, stealing the line from RandallNeighbour, get the youngest car you can afford, and try to go for an S.

yeah, what he said! Um, and what I said too!

No red blooded American sits in their 3 year old Boxster S at a stop light and sees an older base model and thinks, "gee, I wish I'd bought that older one with the smaller motor instead"...

Every year the Boxster models get better in every way and more dependable and faster too. I can't wait until the 2013 Boxster S's are 5 year's old and affordable. It will be difficult for me to ignore them when I buy my turbo

[LightngSVT]

Yep, seems like 4-5 years is the sweet spot where these cars get very affordable. But with the new cars likely in the 65-70k range new I bet they'll cost more 4 years from now than an 08 does (duh I guess ).

The base car I drove really did have a sweet exhaust note, thats a sentance Ive almost never said of a stock vehicle. But...... while not quite an audiophile I am into sound quality both home and car. So an aftermarket headuint w/GPS, amp and speakers isnt a bad job in these cars?

Is it me or does it seem like the market for these cars is pretty small? Cars Ive looked at nearly a month ago are still for sale and dealers are starting to call with the sales pitches.

I guess Ill do some internet shopping this weekend and see whats out there, but the yellow 08 and an 08 Limited base are both really interesting right now, as is the "higher" mileage rs60 that is now advertised just under $40k (price dropped over $1500). Is there a point mileage-wise where these cars take a big hit in depreciation (not condition dependent) or the maintenace / wear items really start to go?

[thstone]

Originally Posted by LightngSVT

Is it me or does it seem like the market for these cars is pretty small? Cars Ive looked at nearly a month ago are still for sale and dealers are starting to call with the sales pitches.

In this down ecomomy it definitely a buyer's market. Even people who have the money don't *have* to buy a Porsche.

Also don't let a seller convince you that their Boxster is any type of collectable; no matter what year or what options or how well its been cared for or how few miles it has. Yes, there are some beautiful cream puff's out there and they might be worth a bit more money but at the end of the day, its still a Boxster.

When you find the right car, drive a hard bargain. Don't be insane and ask for the moon for free but with early 987's falling below $20K the buyer has more leverage than the seller these days. If the seller won't deal, walk away. There will be 3 more cars just as nice right around the corner.