Boxster, or something else?

[mikefocke]

Years ago I got the go ahead to buy a Porsche. Started out looking at the 928. Too big, too old. And then for the next 4 weeks I drove every thing that even looked like a sportscar. 'vette: see 928. Jaguar: talk about maintenance. BMW: took me a half a block to turn around and surprise the dealer with a no. Miata and Honda. Too small inside and I didn't want something that I had to wind up. So I saw a Boxster advertised. Test drive 1 mile out and one mile back. Bought it. Six months later totaled it and waited only 2 months before buying another Boxster.

It fit for me in that it was small enough, smooth enough, fun enough and had enough oomph. I'm not into drag racing, my sportcars in my youth had as little as 85 HP (914 and 2 Alfas).

But my selection might not be right for you. Shop around, test drive. Don't buy the first thing you see/drive even the first of a model you decide fits you. Do get a PPI from a mechanic who knows the M96 Porsches.

Wonderful cars. Highly reliable for me. After an initial 'get its services updated', I doubt I spent $500 in 5 years on unplanned items. I don't count batteries and tires, those you expect.

[flynavyj]

Great replies! Thanks for the advice everyone! Will be looking to read other replies as they come in, and continue the research.

[boxfix]

How tall are you? I am just a little over 6' and the Boxster does not have enough leg room.

I have a 911 and it is way more roomy and I fit in that a lot better.

Check it out for yourself before you commit to a sale.

[flynavyj]

Originally Posted by boxfix

How tall are you? I am just a little over 6' and the Boxster does not have enough leg room.

I have a 911 and it is way more roomy and I fit in that a lot better.

Check it out for yourself before you commit to a sale.

I'm 5'10"...my bigger problem isn't leg room, but hip room...weigh about 210. I'm not hugely overwheight, but I'm not a skinny 5'10" either .

I've driven a 911 a couple times, and absolutely loved it. What's always intrigued me about the Boxster is the mid engine vs rear engine design of the 911...and the fact that it's what Porsche really WANTED to design, but the 911 design was considerably easier to manufacture, and over time it's been very well refined.

There are a couple 986 cars around here locally, and I may call up the dealer to see one tomorrow, need something to keep my mind off selling this camaro...and nothing clears the mind like a test drive.

[RobertKing]

Originally Posted by boxfix

How tall are you? I am just a little over 6' and the Boxster does not have enough leg room.

I have a 911 and it is way more roomy and I fit in that a lot better.

Check it out for yourself before you commit to a sale.

I'm 6'2". I feel like I'm falling getting in but, once in, with the seat adjusted for me
I'm far more comfortable in my 2001 Boxster S than I am in my Dodge Ram 1500 Sport, the Geo Storm I had before, the Ferrari I test drove for a week, the 69 Mustang I drove for a year or the Mercury Montego MX (302 Boss engine) I drove for 10 years. Never mind the El Dorado, 65 Galaxy 500, and another 15 or so vehicles I've owned or driven regularly over the past 40+ years. Nearly bought a Jaguar before the Boxster. Very nice car, lots of power but, also very tight in the seat.

Here's what sold me on my current Boxster. I drove her, a few miles from the dealership. I crossed 2 railroad tracks and decided to drop the top so, I pulled off the road. That turn off of the roadway sold me. Felt nothing on the tracks. Felt like gravity, turning off to drop the top. The Ferrari never felt that good talking a sharp sloping turn. Though, have to say, the Ferrari was much prettier