Newbie Introduction and Question - 986 Forum - The Community for Porsche Boxster & Cayman Owners

Slayer · 02-22-2006, 03:02 PM

Hello everyone, I've been interested in Boxsters for awhile, and just a few days ago I found these forums. So far it's been very helpful and enjoyable.

I also have a question I'd like to ask. I'm 21, in college, and have never had a car that is truly mine. After bringing this up to my mom, she offered to pay for part of a used car that I'll enjoy. Great! The only catch is that she will only help pay for it if she approves of the car. I would love a Boxster the most, but somehow I know she will be very skeptical - she's one of those people who think SUV's are the only safe cars out there, etc. Luckily I have convinced her that a Lexus IS300 is safe and practical if the Boxster doesn't work out.

Anyway, what sort of suggestions does everyone have about convincing her that the Boxster can be practical/safe? ie: cargo space, weather, collisions, maintenence, insurance, etc.

Thanks so much, and hopefully I will be around to enjoy the Boxster with all of you!

-Slayer

KRZTACO · 02-22-2006, 03:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Slayer

Anyway, what sort of suggestions does everyone have about convincing her that the Boxster can be practical/safe? ie: cargo space, weather, collisions, maintenence, insurance, etc.
-Slayer

Mmm...well,

Insurance is more expensive.

Good cargo space for a 2 seater, WAY more than a 350z, not nearly as much as the IS.

Maintenence is really expensive, might as well own a 911-about the same maintenence costs.

It does have side airbags but an IS will be safer because of the roof brings more support to the structure, more safety behind you and in front.

Handles good!

I think you'll need to get a little sneeky on this one.

KRZ

Uncle Bob · 02-22-2006, 03:43 PM

Here are some pics of rollovers. Of note is "No Injuries". These cars actually have as strong or stronger roof structures via front cowl and roll bars as any car out today.
http://www.wreckedexotics.com/boxster/boxster_121102_005.shtml
Car:
Porsche Boxster
Description:
Driver Comments: "These pictures were from my accident on July 4 2002 in my 2002 Porsche Boxster. My girlfriend and I were going to my parents house out in the country. As usual I was pushing the car to the limits. When going around a corner we lost control, spun out, went through the road, up an embankment and then kicked back out to the road upside down."

Injury Report:
No injuries

Note the condition of the windshield here:
http://www.wreckedexotics.com/boxster/boxster_20030820_001.shtml
Look at ragtop here as well:
http://www.wreckedexotics.com/boxster/boxster_20030820_002.shtml
Car:
Porsche Boxster
Description:
Rolled 2-3 times

More info on chassis materials of construction are here:
http://www.porsche.com/filestore.aspx/normal.jpg?pool=usa&type=image&id=bo-detail-safety-passivesafety-xl&lang=none&filetype=normal
Also look here under "Passive Safety": http://www.porsche.com/usa/models/boxster/boxster/indetail/safety/

denverpete · 02-22-2006, 04:41 PM

Yeah. I'd definately mention how much cheaper it is than say a Ferrari. Insurance is definately cheaper than a Viper. Maintainence costs are certainly less expensive than the Space Shuttle. It's safer than a bicycle on the highway. It gets better gas mileage than a Ford Excursion. Nearly every state has at least ONE certified Porsche mechanic. She won't have to worry about you hauling around 5 of your best friends (note: find ONE best friend). Oh, it's got more storage space than my Harley... Well, maybe not. But it DEFINiTELY has more cylinders.

Seriously, I think it's great you're thinking of a Boxster. But, I'm sorry, I just struggle with this as a First Vehicle particularly if you can't actually afford it yourself. How is this really YOURS if you're not actually paying for all of it? Does that mean that your Mom's on the hook for insurance and/or any maintenance or repairs? Can YOU afford it? If so - then GO for it. If not, you really need to move on.

Hey - just my opinion. I truly wish you the best and hope you get a car you love and enjoy.

KRZTACO · 02-22-2006, 04:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by denverpete

Yeah. I'd definately mention how much cheaper it is than say a Ferrari. Insurance is definately cheaper than a Viper. Maintainence costs are certainly less expensive than the Space Shuttle. It's safer than a bicycle on the highway. It gets better gas mileage than a Ford Excursion. Nearly every state has at least ONE certified Porsche mechanic. She won't have to worry about you hauling around 5 of your best friends (note: find ONE best friend). Oh, it's got more storage space than my Harley... Well, maybe not. But it DEFINiTELY has more cylinders.

Seriously, I think it's great you're thinking of a Boxster. But, I'm sorry, I just struggle with this as a First Vehicle particularly if you can't actually afford it yourself. How is this really YOURS if you're not actually paying for all of it? Does that mean that your Mom's on the hook for insurance and/or any maintenance or repairs? Can YOU afford it? If so - then GO for it. If not, you really need to move on.

Hey - just my opinion. I truly wish you the best and hope you get a car you love and enjoy.

hahaha...nice.

Denver Pete is correct though.

What will you do when you take it in for an oil change and drop $150? Or better yet a $500 major service? I don't know but every time I go into the shop for a regular service I drop at least $1,000. My last trip was $1,600 included 45,000mi service, coil over install, alignment, and coolant reservior replacement. If your pockets can handle that, then your've found a new Boxster to cruise and enjoy every day

KRZ

KRZ

MNBoxster · 02-22-2006, 05:01 PM

Hi,

I think it's great that you have such an interest in the Boxster. But, I'm afaraid I have to side with some others and advise you that this isn't the Car for you if you don't have the independent resources to actually own one.

My suggestion is to buy something Granite reliable (a Miata would fit this Bill nicely. It's a True Sports Car and a Blast to Drive, without giving up too much Style and Panache)until you complete your studies, and keep the Boxster as the proverbial Carrot on a Stick - something to reward yourself with in a couple of years.

Buying used, you're buying an unknown to one degree or the other. Your Sports Car experience could sour very quickly if you had to leave it parked until repairs could be afforded, or if it put a steady drain on all your Fun Cash. Think it all over very carefully, with your Head that is North of your Shoulders...

Happy Motoring!... Jim'99