Boxster buyer needs help - 986 Forum - The Community for Porsche Boxster & Cayman Owners

MikeinLA · 05-25-2007, 05:08 PM

Hello all. I am still swooning from the test drive I just took in a new Boxster and have decided that I deserve one for my birthday in June. Since I need a bigger car for work, this will be the "fun car". My current fun car is a 1999 Miata with 13,000 miles which seriously looks like the day it was made. I have some questions and need your valued opinions. First is New or Used? I have actually never bought a used car, but some of the posts here have gotten me thinking. I will probably keep the car forever, as I can't imagine how I would ever improve on it. Should I search for a "garage queen" like my Miata or just bite the bullet and get a new one? Do you recommend a CPO over one I'd find private party or on a non-Porsche lot? Also, what is a PPI ? As you can see, my mind is reeling, plus the issue of selling my current baby. Any thoughts you have will be helpful. BTW, I visit a few different forums for watches and motorcycles and you have a very nice group here from what I've read.

Thanks, Mike

KevinH1990 · 05-25-2007, 07:56 PM

As someone who made the transition from a Miata, I think I understand your perspective.

I bought a 2000 base Boxster with a little under 30k on it last April for $21,250. I bought from a private seller and have been pleased with the car. My Miata was higher mileage (125k) and older (94) than yours. So, the car seemed like a significant upgrade to me in terms of overall condition. In your case, you might need to buy something a little newer in order to feel the same level of enhancement that I felt.

If you can afford a new Boxster, that would be the best choice, but depreciation is kind of shocking in dollar terms. (It's probably the same percentage as on a Miata - maybe lower - but you are starting at around $50k or more instead of $24k.) However, a Boxster is just going to need more repair than a Miata, and they are more expensive to fix. So, a used car will present you with some noticeable repair bills even if it is a garage queen.

FrayAdjacent · 05-25-2007, 09:32 PM

If you could AFFORD a new Boxster... I'd say look at one that's a year old or so. Likely they'll have VERY low miles and be in immaculate condition... but will have depreciated THOUSANDS of dollars. Plus it will still have the warranty. Better yet if you find a CPO from a dealer.

larryshomework · 05-25-2007, 11:02 PM

PPI = Pre purchase inspection.

Drive the 986 style and 987 style - see which you like better. As many will tell you, there are plenty out there and if you are patient you can find a good one just like you want.

CPO is nice - you can also opt for 3rd party warranties if you like.

realestateguy · 05-26-2007, 06:37 AM

I'm in the same boat. I have a yellow 2002 SE Miata and test drove a 2007 Boxster yesterday. I thought I would never sell the miata but I was thrilled by the Boxster. I am now going to sell the miata and can hardly wait until I get the Boxster, the Porsche is so refined and safe feeling I couldn't believe the difference. I am in Canada so the prices are higher but I will be buying in the States and bringing her back.

wetstuff · 05-26-2007, 08:31 AM

Homeseller ... make sure the Box you're looking at in the US has space on the wiring loom to take the DLR relay. I wanted to add DLRs to my US spec, '01, Boxster-S and bought the relay: but there's no wiring for it.

Real shocker that Porsche would fiddle around and not add to the buss on every car. For those who don't know - and think everything we do is better: Canadians have additional auto safety standards that exceed ours - but we can't buy their pills..

Jim

realestateguy · 05-28-2007, 12:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Darkhamr

Congrats on the change. I'm in Innisfil and always looking for locals as there is not many Canucks on this board.

Hi Darkhamr, I'm up in Midhurst, just north of Barrie. I talked to a couple of dealers in the US- one in Dallas and in Virginia mentioned in various forums and pricing seems very favorable to say the least. Will probably buy next winter for spring delivery. Will enjoy the road trip back and will take off for a week. I am going to do more pricing research before I take the plunge.

Middle Age Crazy · 05-28-2007, 03:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MikeinLA

Hello all. I am still swooning from the test drive I just took in a new Boxster and have decided that I deserve one for my birthday in June. Since I need a bigger car for work, this will be the "fun car". My current fun car is a 1999 Miata with 13,000 miles which seriously looks like the day it was made. I have some questions and need your valued opinions. First is New or Used? I have actually never bought a used car, but some of the posts here have gotten me thinking. I will probably keep the car forever, as I can't imagine how I would ever improve on it. Should I search for a "garage queen" like my Miata or just bite the bullet and get a new one? Do you recommend a CPO over one I'd find private party or on a non-Porsche lot? Also, what is a PPI ? As you can see, my mind is reeling, plus the issue of selling my current baby. Any thoughts you have will be helpful. BTW, I visit a few different forums for watches and motorcycles and you have a very nice group here from what I've read.

Thanks, Mike

Hmmmm... you have never bought used and you plan to keep it forever? Your Miata is a "Garage Queen"? I would say you will likely be happier buying new
so the car is pristine and you can keep it that way (if you like). Warranty is 4 years now, bumper-to-bumper, so lots of peace of mind. If you want an "S" then definitely buy new rather than an 05 or 06 IF you value the new 3.4L. I drove an 06 before I bought the 07 S and I have no regrets.

I tend to make Garage Queens out of my cars. I promised myself I would drive my new Boxster in the rain but I have had it 2 months now and can't bring myself to do it....silly. On the flip side, if I had bought used maybe I would take it out in the rain!

xxxalexxxx · 05-31-2007, 07:33 PM

if you can afford the new boxster, get the new one- the newer it is the less problems you'll have, besides i think everyone wants to drive in the newest car they can afford. on the other hand buying a new 2008 porsche from the dealer is probably a waste of money becaause of depreciation and well theres a reason we call dealerships stealerships lol- in which case i would look for a 2006,2007 from a private party and save a few grand. but it all really depends on how much money you have and are willing to spend on this car.

jonnycool · 06-01-2007, 04:02 PM

buy used .......then mod it! if ya buy new you may have an angina attack every time you find the next microscopic imperfection.....either way buy one to USE!!!!, if ya want to look at it just buy a picture of one

funster · 06-01-2007, 04:24 PM

Buy a boxster S if you can, I just think they're fun! I smile every time I drive mine!

rick3000 · 06-05-2007, 08:49 AM

I bought my boxster used with 17k miles for $20k. The car originally sold for $57k. You can save a lot of $$$ if you go with a used car. The second it is off the lot the value decreases 20-30%. It is up to you but a low miles used car will save some cash, but take it to a good mechanic first.