1998 Boxster or 1987 Carrera G50
 

Which would better in the long run:

1998 Boxster (excellent condition, 77k miles)

OR

1987 Carrera Targa (G50 trans, 150k miles)


General thoughts??

BTW - Targa is in good condition (7/10)

i would go boxster cuz i like the design over the 87 Carrera. Both are cool but different. 1987 Carrera is old skool classic Porcshe where boxster is modern day sportscar.

I've never driven a 87 Carrera but i am sure the boxster would be more fun to drive not to mention the 87 will have an interior from that era (AKA out dated and old).

How much money do you have for maintenance? The air cooled Porsches, while more desirable, are real maintenance hogs, and tend to cost more to repair or modify.

Better in the long run? Not sure what you mean by that. Box is an all-around better car, but I still like driving my '77 911 w/ '87 3.2 L engine and it gets way more compliments than my Box. I wouldn't drive it year round in your area. At 150k mi its due for alot of suspension work. If it's been used year round I wouldn't want to climb under that thing.

Here's what been done to the Targa (G50):

Engine was rebuilt 50k ago, new clutch, new starter, less than 10k miles on shocks, new tires, new shocks, replacement seats, top done 3 years ago, paint/interior are fair (7/10).

Rblt engine can mean anything/nothing w/o receipts. Shocks are the easy part. There are rubber bushings front and rear - big job. W/O receipts, the first thing I'd do is re-do the brakes - from pedal box to m/c to calipers. Another big job. Does the a/c "work"?

I'm with BRP, The 986 is going to be a more refined, better driving car. Looks are subjective and I happen to think that all Targas are lacking in that department. A late 80's sunroof coupe would edge out the Boxster on looks and style in my book and properly restored would be a great drive if not a bit less forgiving. The issue is that 34 year old rubber with 150K of service is likely in need of replacing as are many other components. These cars are infinitely rebuild-able, but you need to understand that they do wear out and you may be on the hook for some serious maintenance in the future. The Boxster is no spring chicken either, so while not an apples to apples comparison, No one can really say that you won't be dealing with a similar scenario with that car...

For weekend car, get the 911, for daily driver get the Box.

The 911 is a $20K car now, and unless you wrap it around a tree, it will appreciate in value. The Boxster, on the other hand, will continue to depreciate.

My daily driver is an 88 Carrera.. I prefer AirCooled Porsches but that's just because that's what I cut my teeth on. I prefer less creature comforts.. The Boxster is a better daily driver in many ways.

Z-top
 

If you decide to go with the boxster you may consider the z-top that will give look of 911 the price start from $3500 and can be picked up in selden ny. They are going to be available in early november