Please help me justify buying a Boxster
 

Hi everybody.

I need your expert help to justify the purchase of a Boxster. Here are the factors.

My first car was a used Datsun 280Z, the last of the breed before they got soft and cushy with the ZX models. I gave up my motorcycle habit when I got married 17 years ago and had kids, because that made sense. Ten years ago we got a Honda Odyssey, which has been great at what it does, but it’s, you know, a minivan. (Vanity plate reads “I CAVED.”) We will keep that for a few more years, and my wife has her Prius for her 30 mile commute, which we will also keep.

How do I justify having a third car? We don’t even have a garage- we live on the edge of Chicago and park our cars in the street. I’m not worried about having a 15 year old Boxtser on the street- people park brand new $45,000 cars on the street year round with no problem. I have been a good boy and I do my work and I pay my taxes. Do I deserve a Boxster? Life is short. We have a neighbor my age with cancer 3 doors down, a mother of two young teenagers, and her days are numbered in the double digits. I think of what that family is going through, and how do I justify a big toy that will take me back to my adolescence? Life is short, and my number may come up next, is that it? Two years ago I had my own cancer scare, and it turned out to be a misdiagnosis- what if next time it isn’t? And speaking of adolescence, my oldest son is 6 months away from driving. It would be good to have a stickshift on which to teach him that art and science, though, knowing my own history, I would never let him drive a Boxster alone anytime before his pre-frontal cortex is fully developed and out of reach of the hormone hurricane.

Honestly, this is my mid-life crisis mobile. And honestly, now that I have hit 50, I feel like the minute I buy a Boxster I will be a walking cliché. I don’t even want to be seen driving the thing, and may not even tell my brothers or friends about it. I refuse to even look at any red Boxsters. (If I could get an accent over the E, maybe I would have the vanity plate “CLICHÉ.”) On the way back from test driving a bunch of Boxsters today, I saw an old chubby guy struggling to get out of his Boxster to gas it up. I thought about going over to ask him how he liked his car, but I couldn’t decide what was more pathetic, me going over to chat with him, or just the fact of the guy clutching at his own lost youth himself. But I need to get a car that makes my heart beat a little faster when I get in and turn the key.

In fact, tell me what you think it means that I want to have this be a *secret* car. I’m thinking of renting a neighbor’s garage space off the back alley, and not even have my kids know about the car, and see how long I can keep that up. I will tell my wife to ignore any big chunks that happen to fall out of our checking account, and she will probably be fine with that, and if it’s out of sight, it will be out of mind. Because it’s just ridiculous for us to have 3 cars. What the hell does THAT mean, that I want it to be a secret car? I am in a community with its share of underprivileged people, and though it doesn’t seem to bother a lot of other people around here, this kind of purchase would fall squarely in the realm of conspicuous consumption.

I thought about getting something like a Mini, something halfway fun to drive (until I started test-driving Boxsters) but somehow that would be harder to justify in a different way. A car with more than two seats would make one of our other cars somewhat redundant, whereas if I get a two seater, it is clearly its own thing, in its own category. If I got a car that was kinda useless for anything else but for me to have fun with it, we would still need to hang on to the minivan. I just wouldn’t have to drive it around, except when it was full of people.

Your thoughts please?

Welcome to 986 forum, Mike! I wouldn't look at it as a "cliche" thing. If you truly want to purchase one then do it. Can't worry what other people think as this is a car purchase for yourself and yourself only. I'm sure some of our members will chime in with some thoughts and advice for you. If you ever have any parts or forum questions please do not hesitate to let me know. I have also posted a link to our tech articles below that you can read up on for some additional info about the 986.

Porsche Boxster 986/987 (1997-2004) Technical Articles | Pelican Parts

Just don't be like this guy:

How to tell your family you got the Porsche:
https://youtu.be/RKz5IfnVLP8
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Your first drive in the Porsche:
https://youtu.be/o51bLvABIbI
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Seriously: if you can afford it, and your other stuff is all taken care of - Go for it!

Search for threads on cost of ownership and maintenance. If you are a DIY type of guy, read the Pelican 101 projects articles to get an idea of what it's like to do your own maintenance:

101 Projects for Your Porsche Boxster

Without a garage, maintenance would be tough, so your challenge is to identify a local independent Porsche mechanic to help you with maintenance and service. This website can help you find a mechanic: Independent Porsche Repair | Repair Shops Specializing in Porsche | PCarShops

Good luck and welcome!

Steve

I know your feeling exactly. I too recently turned 50 and got a 2001 Boxster S as a birthday present for myself (with my wife's encouragement). I had wanted a Porsche sports car since I was a teenager and have been buying Porsche magazines every month since the mid-eighties. I loved the Boxster when it came out and even more so when the S was released. I put off getting one year after year as there was always a reason not to buy one - we don't have the money, we have to look after the kids first, it's a lot of money for something frivolous, I'll look like a tool driving it, what will my neighbours and co-workers think - and many more.

There is one very good reason for you to go for it - joy. You will enjoy owning and driving it. It will frustrate you sometimes and it may cost you some dollars now and down the road, but in the end you have earned the right to own something just for the fun of it.

When I first got my car I kind of hid it from acquaintances and co-workers. I don't any more because frankly it's not a Bentley, it's a little sports car. I'm sure some have said behind my back that it's a mid-life crisis car and maybe they're right. I don't care - I just drive the car and enjoy it.

Mike, here's the thing:

My Mother deferred her personal happiness all her life, always for the benefit of those around her - coworkers, family, kids, grandkids, whoever. She never gave herself much of anything, always feeling like she would do it "later." She always said, "Someday I'm going to..." And that "someday" was a blurred date down the road in her future. As she got older, it seemed like "someday" was finally going to be when she retired from working. She worked and worked, and finally, after all those years, she retired. 35 days later she died of undiagnosed liver cancer.

Think about that.

What is your motivation to own a Boxster? Is it an age thing, a status thing, or just something that will be fun to drive? If you're having an age crisis, talk to your shrink. If it's a status thing, question why you need to prove yourself better than your neighbors. If it's a fun thing that will put a smile on your work-weary face, then why not? Don't you deserve something in your life that makes you happy?

If you feel you need to hide it, you're buying it for the wrong reason. A beautiful car like a Boxster needs to be shared with your loved ones. Maybe your wife or kids have similar thoughts of enjoying a drive on a great day with the top down, but think it's beyond the scope of their lives.

Nobody says you have to buy a brand new Boxster - there are plenty of great used ones for sale. The one I own was built in 2002, but it looks and runs like new. It's awesome. Cars like mine are around, and can be purchased for less than $15K without a lot of effort. I own three cars, but the Boxster is my hobby car, sheerly for the pleasure of owning, maintaining, and driving it. You could start with an inexpensive used Boxster, get to know the pleasure (and $$$ pain) of owning one, and then buy a new one later on, once you've decided owning one is what you really want to do. Who knows - after you have it and the novelty wears off, you may decide it isn't for you after all. If your buy-in was at lower cost, you won't be (as much) money behind if you decide to sell it.

At the end of the day, if you buy this car and feel you have to hide it from your family, you need to get a vanity plate that reads "Mistress." Because it's exactly the same kind of thing.

I say go for it, but do it in broad daylight. A boss I had years ago had a sign over his desk that read, "If they're running you out of town, get in front of the crowd and make it look like a parade." ;)

Dave

The only problem I have in my household with the Porsche is defending it from people who want to take it out for a ride. We are car people, my wife and I have always loved sports cars, but because of obligations and domestic duties we could not justify it. Did you ever try to take 3 kids to travel soccer in three different directions?

When my wife and I turned the big 60 we were liberated from those domestic duties and now live again for ourselves. She got a 2016 Miata and I got the 2004 Boxster S. I don't feel one ounce of regret nor have I EVER felt embarrassed to own one of the best and classic sports cars of all time. How could you ever feel anything but pride driving this car?

It IS important to have your SO's buyin. If this is a one-sided desire, prepare to get a lot of resistance and that will just kill the experience.

Dude -

Speaking here as "an old fat guy", you don't have to do anything to justify what you drive. Quit worrying that you'll be a cliché and do something for yourself that makes YOU happy. When I'm too old and fat to climb in and out of my Boxsters, I'll get a Cayenne GTS.

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No need to keep it secret either. The 20 year old girlfriend? That's what you keep secret. The Boxster you take out and drive. The 20 year old girlfriend you can hide with in the garage.

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And just three cars? You're a rookie...

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Go find yourself a nice 986 and enjoy your life! :cheers:

Go for it!

Don't try hide the car though. One thing to remember it's not just a car.. I would recommend contacting your local region of PCA even before you buy a car. Go out to one of their events and bring the whole family. You will be amazed at how many new friends you will make. I am 28 and got my first Porsche when I was 20. I am by no means rich ( I have three step daughters and a one year old) if you are able to do some of the work yourself these cars can be very affordable. My daughters love he car and we have a lot of fun going for drives. I also take my wife and kids to local PCA events. its funny most teenagers don't want to hang out with their parents much but when it comes to the car or going to an event they fight over who gets to go.

It is like a golf swing.....dont overthink it. dont worry about if I should buy a 986 but which one to buy!

(Excellent movie clip choices!)

I've got a solution, get another motorcycle. Easier to hide! I'm 62 and I have 3, don't be a wuss. Of course, Illinois roads aren't exactly bike nirvana...

12 years ago I "went to the carwash" with the pickup (GMC Syclone), and came home with my CPO Boxster :o) Wifey exclaimed "WTF", then promptly grabbed the keys...and took it to the grocery store with the top down. She said the bag boys checked her out :o) It's a good thing.

If you're going to have a midlife crisis, why get a boxster? Save some extra cash and get yourself a 911 Turbo.

Nothing screams Midlife Crisis!!! like a turbo.

Do it!

When I got my '03 S four years ago everyone said I was going through a 'mid life crises'. How wrong they were. The crises was NOT getting the car sooner.

Besides, I'll be turning 63 next month so if this is 'mid life', GOOD. I want to live to 126!

Oh oh. This is how I was going to introduce the Boxster I bought 6 weeks ago ... I'm so &*%$#.

Just buy it
 

You know what, I felt funny at first as well since most people though I bought an "$80K" car when in fact it only cost me $15K. Its a great car and even greater when you use it as intended at a PCA DE or autocross. You then feel like you bought a quality tool to use. That's where you also meet some great people with and without a ton of money.

Just buy it if you want it. When people as if that's your "Porsh" just proudly say "Yes it is"

I had sports cars before I thought seriously of marriage. And then after all the financial obligations were taken care of like colleges, mortgages, retirement funding, etc. Fortunately my wife caught me looking at the classifieds (remember those) and said "stop looking, go buy it".

There is a time.

Porsches aren't Toyotas and they can cost money (mine didn't except in depreciation) but when you can...do it. Wonderful cars. I'd volunteer to go to the store but my wife would know it would be a while before I was back because I'd take the long fun route.

We're in a similar boat. I would spend hours looking at Porsche porn on ebay .... covet covet covet .... I have (for sale) an MGB that my wife and I enjoyed for the last 15 years, but I got tired of being beaten by the wind on long drives, then not being able to trust the car for long drives then faced with several thousand dollars of maintenance (engine rebuild, tranny rebuild etc. - normal 40 year old car stuff) and the extensive DIY hours that I didn't want to put into it. I just want to drive. My best friend has an 02 S that allowed me to be acquainted with the Boxster S. Then I came here, I saw one for sale, and I bought it.

So I do still have to have an introduction of the car to my wife ... gulp ... but hey! You only live once. This is what I want.

Anyone here 'relationship counsel'?

You only live once and you're probably past midlife unless you expect to be a centurion

Here is my take on this. I have 3 cars 2 (Porsche) and its just me no wife, kids or anything else. I watched those around me give everything they had for everyone else and then they were gone. I decided to take a different road. At some point in life once all the other important things are done you must take some time for yourself.

When I drive my cars it's like a mini vacation my own personal therapy away from my overly stressful job. I jump in one for my drive home and I can feel the days stress leaving via the wind in my hair. These are special cars to me. I always think how lucky I am to have owned them. Buy one and then if you dont have a perma grin each time you slip behind the wheel for a late night drive sell it nothing lost but so much you could gain.

I've been fortunate to own a number of Porsche's and the one time I gave it up to meet families needs I really missed driving one. I was told when I was a kid that I'd never be able to own one with all of life's other responsibilities and I thought back then you just wait and see. It brings me a lot of joy and if I had to give up ever possession but one it would be my Porsche. The house, motorcycle, and everything else would have to go.

When I got my 2002 Boxster, I felt really self-conscious about being in a Porsche. But really, I may as well be invisible. I got way more attention driving my old Miata than I've gotten in the Boxster.

Maybe a brighter color than artic silver would make a difference, but I think that because Boxsters have been around for so long, and aren't exactly rare means that most people just aren't going to notice.

I'm always a bit reluctant to say I have a Porsche because then you have to follow it up with a Boxster. You are doing the mid-life crisis, I was.
You buy to drive. The other stuff surrounding it is there but in the end driving it is pretty satisfying.
Why not think about a 996? Then you'll deal with all the clouds that surround them.

As mentioned be sure you know what your getting into

I would be hesitant to recommmend a 13+ year old sports car to anyone who has to park it on the street. Add to the fact it is a convertible and the street is in Chicago? Probably not the best idea. If you had a place to work on it and store it in the winter maybe.

Wow. It seems that you have a lot of thoughts going thru your head.

I wouldn't buy any cars or hang out with any young women until you sort out some things and get some perspective.

I think you need to decide who you want to be when you grow up. When you figure that out, you'll know what car to buy.

In the meantime, I'll leave you with this: I believe that you make your own reality. If all you see is an old guy clinging to his youth, then that is what everyone else will see.

When I bought my first Boxster at age 50, I saw myself as a sports car driver. And 6 years later, everyone else sees me as a sports car driver.

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Steve, that's me explaining my entire existence to my wife. I couldn't stop laughing!

Without sounding harsh but if you feel you need to justify it then you're starting off wrong in the first place.
What's wrong with wanting something that's just fun? I don't have children to lug around so in that respect i consider myself lucky in the choices i can make. What i'm saying here is that if this is something you've desired for a while, you have the means to back it up then go for it. Trust me on this one as well, once the other half gets in it she'll love it as well.

The only thing is i would look for a garage for it definitely and plan to drive it more often than you think. These cars like to be driven and driven hard at time, they're made for it so plan to do it. The worst thing you could do is buy one and just not use it.

I've had sports cars on and off all my car-owning life, went through a personal financial crisis some years back and drove beaters while recovering and getting three kids through college and was just rolling along and driving "decent but not fun" cars. Then we got a phone call that a long-time friend was in the emergency room. We went to see her and knew she was never going to come out alive.

At age 74, I felt that it was time to finally again have a car I could enjoy. Bought a pristine 2000 S with very low miles. That was three years ago and, living near Chicago, need to store it Nov - April. Just got it out two weeks ago and am enjoying every moment - driving it, washing it, gazing at it.

Yes, I've been acccused of having a mid-life crisis but I just laugh and say something about enjoying my golden years with a grin, knowing that those who don't have the guts to enjoy themselves deserve to drive what they drive. The wife, who isn't a car person, asks to put the top down!

Hope to keep driving it for a long time and don't give a darn what anyone else says.

Good luck with your decision
Larry (The Bald Eagle)

I'm in your age bracket. If you can afford it and your significant other is on board, what are you waiting for? If you buy it and decide it's not for you, sell it and move along. At least you will know. And if you like it, there are plenty of places to store them for the winter.

Tell the wife that you're considering another motorcycle; let her talk you down to the Boxster.

Life is short! Drive a sports car!

Be careful. I always wanted a Porsche. One day I decided I'd buy just one. I liked it. A few months later, another opportunity came up and I got another one. A few months later....umm...well the list of cars below is currently accurate as of this moment. I have a feeling in a few months, I'll have to tack a few more on.

In all honesty, both of my 986s are probably more fun to drive than the rest of cars I have. That includes the 997. Not as much power...but the car just feels a bit more nimble and planted than the 997. You can snag a good 986 for about $10K, give or take a few thousand depending on condition. That's half the price of a Camry and twice as much fun to drive. If you don't like it, you can sell it for not that much less than you paid for it.

As a word of advice, if you put back $2K-$3K for possible future repair expenses, it'll make owning it more pleasant. Generally you won't need to drop that kind of money, but at least you won't worry about replacing a clutch if it's needed.

You obviously want one. You've been thinking about it.

Forget all the cliche stuff. Forget about what other people will think (do you even CARE what those people think? If so, WHY?)

Stop obsessing like a millenial.

Like the old Nike ads used to say "just do it".

If it fits in the budget go for it.
 

I gave up motorcycles when my 1st kid was on the way. I also sold my Fiat 124 Spider because it didn't make sense to have three cars and we were saving up for a house. 22 years later the kids are independent and I've gone through 6 motorcycles and a Miata on my way to the Boxster. The Boxster by far has been the most rewarding. We've got three cars, a commuter for both me and the wife and the Boxster. I put more miles on the Boxster in the summer months than the other two combined (7000 the 1st year.)

I say if you can afford it, and will drive it, buy it but be aware maintenance is not cheap if you can't do it yourself.

You first need to think about cars in a different way... think of it not as a car, but as a HOBBY. Some people have sports as a hobby or collect things, or whatever. I think of my third car as a hobby and something I enjoy and not as something that gets me from A to B in a cheap, good on gas kind of way. haha If you don't spend money at bars, smoke, drugs, or any other vise than you can tell yourself this is OK because its fun and healthy!! Or better yet, just buy it because you can and want too.... no one should tell you WHY you should do something!

ENJOY ! Welcome to the club...

A) Do I want it?
B) Can I afford to buy it?
C) Can I afford to maintain it?

It's a fun toy that can serve as transportation. Nothing more. Nothing less.

I would say you're the only one that can decide whether to buy one or not. Now is a good time of the year to buy one and if you decide not to keep it you can always sell it a few months from now. You could sell it while it's still summertime, but I doubt if you'll do that. I would definitely try to find a garage as you mentioned. I wouldn't feel comfortable leaving it parked on the street and your insurance would be less if garaged. Good luck with your decision!

I won't be as kind as the others: Dude, what is wrong with you? You come on a Boxster forum to ask for advice whether you should buy a Boxster? Do you go ask a priest or a minister if you should go to church?

At 50, why do you care what others are going to think? Go back to your younger days listening to Billy Joel's "My Life". This isn't about "mid-life crisis"; it's about reaching a stage in life when you can afford to get the kind of sports car you dreamed of in your youth when you settled for a something less, and having a family situation where it isn't impractical to own it.

I remember at 16 looking at old farts (probably younger than I am now) driving Corvettes and Porsches and Jaguars, and thinking, "It is so unfair that somebody that old who can't possibly appreciate that cool car is driving one, while I'm stuck in this Renault Le Car my Dad owns." You don't mid-life crisis; you mid-life fulfill your dreams.

So stop asking us what we think, and do what YOU want to do.

DBear

Go for it. You've earned it. I have a great recommendation for a local indie that works out of his shop at home in Homer Glen. He's worth the drive. Also several good indies in the downtown and northwest burbs. Life is too short man. Do it while you still can. If you do your research and wait for the car you want (DO a Ppi!) Then you will never regret owning one.

Don't buy a Boxster. They suck. Get another minivan.

I'm sorry, that was sensible me that broke in.

Get what the heck you want. If you have buyers remorse, sell it and take your $1-2 K lump and be done with it.

This is not something you want to overthink...Live and enjoy.

Do it.

I love driving mine.

heck, I love thinking about driving mine.

As long as its not a financial burden and the wife isn't opposed, mine didn't care .... now when we go out, if I don't go towards the 986, I get "Why aren't we taking the Porsche?

Yes its a midlife crisis, if I could afford my midlife crisis at 18, I would have bought a Porsche back then.

My next vehicle will replace my pickup that I use off road, it will be a Raptor in the fall. Why? because life is short and it is not a financial burden.

You have to live your dreams at some point or why dream?

Look at getting a Porsche as an investment......not in money, but as an investment in enjoyment. Just think to yourself that the worst that can happen is that you will learn something about yourself.......

Life is short. Drive the Porsche, eat the cake. :cool: