Befuddled yet Bewitched

[richmond058]

My dream car has always been a porsche. 911 to be exact but financial fortunes being as they are I have been contempulating the purchase of a boxster instead. I have researched the car extensively and I confess that I am somewhat concerned about reliability issues with the car. I do like the Honda S2000 as well and have driven many examples of each car. I cannot decide on either direction. Could perhaps the good people of this forum be kind enough to offer their profound words of wisdom, assurance etc. It would be most appreciated. By the way I have looked into extended warranties, PPI etc.

Cheers,

dale

[FrayAdjacent]

I can understand your situation. I bought my 2001 Boxster three weeks ago. I was concerned, and hesitant, due to reading a lot about engine failures, rear main seal leaks... and all kinds of problems.

However, I also realize that doing 'research' on internet forums such as this, will 'over-represent' issues with these cars. Sure, you'll find people here that actually DID have some of the more widely known problems... but you'll also find a TON more people parroting about the problems, making them seem much more prevalent than they really are.

Given I was recently in the same situation, I'd recommend buying a Boxster. Look around, there are tons for sale. Get the newest and best condition car you can find. Look into getting a warranty on it. Have the car inspected by a Porsche mechanic.


So you know, engine failures in Boxsters seem to be from engine casting quality, and generally affects 98-99 models. 2000+ went with a different engine, and don't seem to be prone to the same type of thing. Rear main seal leaks still happen, but for the most part, RMS leaks are just an annoyance.

Most of us will never encounter any problems during the course of our ownership of these fine cars. Good luck with your search! I bet you'll love the Boxster if you end up with one!

[drburton]

I think they are reliable, but the downside is the costs are high if you do have a problem

I would recommend buying new with a full warranty or look for a Porsche certified used that has a limited warranty and maybe ask to have that extended.

You will love the car, but its worth the effort to make sure it is covered just in case.

[djomlas]

if anything breaks, on any car, fix it and move on. sure some may be more to fix than others, some may cost more than others to start with, but hey at the end of the day you are either driving a honda or a porsche. even with RMS and all that, ill still take a box over s2k, although i did consider one as well when looking into convertibles (they look awesome w a hardtop and are cheap to mod, well anything is cheap to mod compared to porsche)
good luck

and make sure u post the pocs of porsche...we all know ure gonn get one

[super66]

so far free from detractors on this thread....well here is the deal, there are some that will claim you can't get an honest/valid opinon here because we own boxsters, well I purchased my boxster when I had every intention of buying a G35 coupe....it was just that much better of a car and experience to me....so I say get the boxster and leave the s2k and its gym shoe looks at the dealer....

my car has been reliable and the problems I have had are pretty consistent with previous convertibles I've owned....get a warranty and don't lose sleep over the RMS concerns, it will only get in the way of your enjyoyment....

[Houston C4S]

Dale,

I just read your post about your interest in a
Boxster.

I have had one since April. At the time, I also had
a Carrera 4S in Polar Silver, natural gray supple
leather, GT3 wheels... In short, the most beautiful
car I have ever had.

And sold it after getting the Boxster because I
just flat enjoyed the Boxster that much.

So much so, that I have ordered a new one and
am looking for a home for this one. I notice you
are in Texas, as am I, but we both know that
doesn't narrow it down too much.

I am in the Houston area, NW up near Magnolia.

But if you like, give me a call and I will tell you what
I know about the Boxsters in general and if you are
interested in mine in particular, I will tell you about
that as well.

My phone is 713 829 8000

Oh, my car is a 2001, silver with full leather Boxster
red interior (which really looks good -- I wouldn't have
thought so until I saw it), "sport package", 17 inch
wheels (not the twisty kind) and, get this...

less than 16,000 miles on it.

Anyway, if you care to call anytime.

All the best,

- Mark

PS: These are great cars -- can you tell how much we all
like them?

[1JB]

Originally Posted by richmond058

My dream car has always been a porsche. 911 to be exact but financial fortunes being as they are I have been contempulating the purchase of a boxster instead. I have researched the car extensively and I confess that I am somewhat concerned about reliability issues with the car. I do like the Honda S2000 as well and have driven many examples of each car. I cannot decide on either direction. Could perhaps the good people of this forum be kind enough to offer their profound words of wisdom, assurance etc. It would be most appreciated. By the way I have looked into extended warranties, PPI etc.

Cheers,

dale

Someone else asked but I never saw the answer if it was there. If you're looking at a new Boxster I would not be concerned about reliability. You'll get the 4 yr 50k mile warranty as well. As I understand the issues the RMS could be an issue up through the 986. I believe the seal has since been redesigned? Aside from that if you're buying used it's anybody's guess what issues the car may ultimately have and they are expensive to fix and maintain.. I've got an '06 987S and it's got more than enough power and handles like an absolute dream. I really could have gotten anything up to the 997C4 and they're each a work of art and stellar in their own right but the 987S was the one that melted my butter and frankly the extra $40k in my pocket had to help put the smile on my face. There's no consensus on anything in the Porsche world. They're just a few people who do most of the posting thereby creating their own consensus.

[986Roadster]

lets get a few things straight here..............

UNDER POWERED.........for the street or the track! i drive mine on the street
and it's amazing, and not sure that i could use another 100h.p.

HANDLING.....for the street or the track! i drive mine on the street and i lowered
it, and it's amazing.

RMS........i havent driven a car that doesnt have somthing wrong with it. you can go buy the s2000 but guess what the odds of it leaking oil probably just as great.

REALIABILITY......i drive pretty dam hard, and can't beleive i still have an engine.

LOVE FOR THE CAR...........i wouldnt sell it and if i had to trade it in, i don't think anything compares. the only thing that could compare is another $100,000, which would put my ass in a used ferrari or turbo.

TO THE JACKASSES THAT CONTINUE TO HATE ON PEOPLE IN HERE.......keep the critisisim to a low, it has nothing to do with the boxster. i bought a blue car, you have a green car, we all have different tastes, and perceptions of what is good or bad.

I LOVE MY BOXSTER! OHH N IT DRIVES GREAT IN THE SNOWWWWWW. FIRST WINTER DRIVING IT IN SNOW AND I LOVE IT. WARM WINTER HERE, BUT I DID GET TO DRIVE IN SNOW AND IT WAS GREAT. THE CAR HAS BEEN STORED IN THE PAST WINTERS, BUT MAYBE NEVER AGAIN.


SEEEEEYOU AND YOU

[racer_d]

Originally Posted by richmond058

My dream car has always been a porsche. 911 to be exact but financial fortunes being as they are I have been contempulating the purchase of a boxster instead. I have researched the car extensively and I confess that I am somewhat concerned about reliability issues with the car. I do like the Honda S2000 as well and have driven many examples of each car. I cannot decide on either direction. Could perhaps the good people of this forum be kind enough to offer their profound words of wisdom, assurance etc. It would be most appreciated. By the way I have looked into extended warranties, PPI etc.

Cheers,

dale

1) What 911 version were you looking for. I ask only because depending on the type, the Boxster may not be the correct substitute.

I drove both a 914 and aircooled 911 on and off for about 18 years and well, the Boxster is a completely different car. From the luxuries available (like Ac, heat, power top, 18" wheels etc) to its performance to how it is built. I moved into my Boxster after my 911 and completely enjoy it. I love the sound. I love its power (and its only a 2.7l 217hp version). I love the direct shifting. I love the direct turn in response.

But. It is not a 911. Its that simple. Depending on the 911 of your dream, you may find it underpowered and lacking in interior room. You may find it "too modern" or, if a 997 was your goal, not modern enough.

While it may raise some ire, I did NOT find MMBoxster's comments wrong, when you consider how many folks out here have enjoyed their cars, but want even more performance. More power. More braking. Stiffer suspensions. Bigger wheels. All of that is fine as well.

That said, a Boxster is a great starting point.

Before I bought my boxster i thought I could fill my porsche fix with a 924/944/968 series car. I drove samples of each. Each one got better, but to me, they just didn't feel like a Porsche. They were fine "cars" but not what I wanted.

I would encourage you to test drive as many samples as possible. 2.5l tips, 3.2l 6speeds etc. Get a feel for the range of performance these cars offer. THEN, go find the right one for you.

[richmond058]

I guess my absolute dream 911 would be one of the turbo varieties. Not for the power but for the look. Personally I like the look of the 993 or the 911SC.

Cheers

dale

[racer_d]

Originally Posted by richmond058

I guess my absolute dream 911 would be one of the turbo varieties. Not for the power but for the look. Personally I like the look of the 993 or the 911SC.

Cheers

dale

Dale -

Um.. well. SC's can be had from $8K (rough) to $16K (very competant daily driver) cars.

993's seem to be low $20s to mid $50s depending on mileage/condition.

Boxsters (986's) run from low teens (12-13K to mid 20's) for nice Non-s versions.

While I don't recall your price range, it would appear that an SC or 993 could be had for the same money as a Boxster.

SC's and 993's don't drive anything like one another. Sure they look similar (the roofline never changed) but the power/luxuries of the 993 are not present in the SC. The SC has a nice light rawness to it. COMPLETELY different cars.

Don't overlook the 964's either (1989-1994) as an excellent blend of SC and 993 virtues.

Sounds like you have a lot more test driving to do

[Peer]

MNBoxster wrote:
> If the Boxster is such a perfect car, why is everyone tripping
> over each other to change it? What is it I'm missing?


Seeing that you are quite knowable, I don't think you miss much anything.

However, I think many Boxster owners are quite similar to, say, Ducati owners -- although very passionate about their bikes, they like to modify and enhance them even further. F.ex, I doubt many Jaguar X owners would consider any mods done to their car, but does that make it a more "perfect" car..?

I guess some vehicles just attract certain personality. The Boxster is like a crippled race-car -- a bit similar to Ducati's "race first, sell later" philosophy.

-- peer

[Brucelee]

I believe that each Boxster takes on the subjective reality of the owner. In fact, the Boxster without context means, well nothing.

So, one guys looks at a stock boxster and is bewitched. The next guy only sees the mods that he is going to make.

And so on.

Lets face it guy, it is a great car and some folks only see it as a starting point.

Let the good times roll!

[David N.]

Am I the only one that wasn't offended by Jim's post?

Compared to other comparably-priced cars, the 986 Boxster has less power. Although the 987s are getting closer, it's a known fact Porsche has knocked down the Boxster's power potential a bit to maintain their idea of proper market seperation. If straight-line is important to you, I think it's a fair point to consider.

The Boxster also isn't God's gift to corners. If you want that, get an Elise. I was really surprised to find it had all Mcpherson vs. multilink suspension. There -ARE- a few better cornering cars out there for the racing fans, but it's a matter of priorities.

Personally, I find the Boxster is pretty damn good for the money. It's a good car, a great compromise, and always fun. But even the Porsche Prayer appeals to a Ferrari, it's just a matter of priorities...


-David

[C5150]

If you end up wanting a roadster over a coupe - get the Boxster! This is THE roadster. The S2000 may be great - but it's a honda. I think you deserve a Porsche - you won't be sorry. Can't say the same thing if you take home the S2000.

As for mods:

I never thought I would mod my car. That is..... 'Till I saw TriGem's ride!!!!!!

[Dr. Kill]

Originally Posted by Brucelee

I believe that each Boxster takes on the subjective reality of the owner. In fact, the Boxster without context means, well nothing.

Very Zen of you Bruce. I will meditate on this.