What drop-top would you consider as a replacement to the Boxster?

[Marc Gelefsky]

Being a "Porsche" kinda guy, I say 996... or better yet 993

[Porschekid]

Originally Posted by Marc Gelefsky

Being a "Porsche" kinda guy, I say 996... or better yet 993

I'm most definately a Porsche guy (you should see my cubicle) but I think the 996 convertible looks like a bathtub. The 993 looks better but I hate the interior.

[MNBoxster]

Hi,

Personally, I believe in the philosophy "So many cars - so little time". I cannot ever see myself buying another of the same model car. So switching up to an 'S' isn't an option for me. My brother, on the other hand, has owned a Volkswagen Jetta since 1985 - 6 in all. To me, that's like going to 31 Flavors and ordering Vanilla.

One car I'm keeping my eye on as a possible replacement is the mid-engined MG TF. In 2002 the MGF was rebadged MG TF. The most significant mechanical changes were the abandonment of Hydragas suspension in favour of conventional coil springs, the new design of the air-induction system that along with new camshafts produces more power than in MGF engines, and the torsional stiffness of the body increased by 20%. Various cosmetic tweaks include a revised grille, redesigned front headlights, bumpers, side air-intake grills, rear boot, etc. The MG TF was the first car of its class to be awarded a leading 4-star safety performance from EURONCAP.

The MG TF was popular in comparison with the best affordable sports cars in the UK. However, production was suspended in 2005 when MG Rover collapsed. Nanjing Automobile Group bought MG Rover's remaining assets during bankruptcy proceedings and plans to restart production of a redesigned MG TF in Longbridge and in Ardmore, Oklahoma, in early 2007. For the first time the MG TF will become available in the U.S. Prices s/b in the $25k-$35k range and performance should equal (or be nearly) that of the Boxster. Plus, it's a good looking car to boot...

Happy Motoring!... Jim'99

[MNBoxster]

Hi,

Here's another pic of the MG TF...

Happy Motoring!... Jim'99

[MNBoxster]

Hi,

And another...

Happy Motoring!... Jim'99

[RandallNeighbour]

You should trade up to this! DB9, baby!

[MNBoxster]

Hi,

Last one - I promise...

Happy Motoring!... Jim'99

[Travis]

Trade ya, even swap!

[RandallNeighbour]

Jim, I can see why you might choose this car. It's attractive from every angle. What do you think the dependability of the car would be and how about the resale value?

[FrayAdjacent]

Another Boxster.

[MNBoxster]

Originally Posted by RandallNeighbour

Jim, I can see why you might choose this car. It's attractive from every angle. What do you think the dependability of the car would be and how about the resale value?

Hi,

Reliability of the MGF engine was good. The 1st gen had issues with the Headgaskets failing due to using Nylon dowels in the head for positioning. These would fail and the headgasket could/would slip. In 2001, Rover replaced the Nylon dowels with Steel ones and this fixed the problem. Other than that, the reliability has been very good.

The car is light and reasonably well handling. Check this driving impression from Graham Bell : http://www.pistonheads.com/doc.asp?c=138&i=4752

Of course, this is the car that was. The Nanjing Automobile Group has said that it will make improvements to both the powertrain and suspension on the 'new' model, so we'll have to wait and see what they do to it. Still, it's a great little runabout - imagine a mid-engined Miata...

Happy Motoring!... Jim'99

[Bavarian Motorist]

Lotus Elise if you are looking in that price range.


No question about it.



I agree w/ Jim. So many cars. So little time. I may get a 911 some day, but not another Boxster.



EDIT: Grizzly beat me to it.

[98Boxster98]

$40k, gobs of power, convertible, not a Porsche - I'd look at the used Corvette C6.