Took Delivery of a 2008 Boxster S

[vincesf]

Originally Posted by Bavarian Motorist

So much dislike for the Lotus... I find it very comfortable at 6'2" and 260 lbs. I'll stop there lest I be flamed for offering a different perspective.

Please understand that the Lotus is a great car in its own right. I ultimately did enjoy the car very much. I was just sharing my thoughts in comparison to the Boxster, as I am always hearing the Porsche defection to Lotus. What is a shame is that I see Lotus's being resold with less than 1,000 miles on the odometer, as many people don't understand the car. I had a love to hate to love relationship with the car, and some probably sell their Lotus prematurely before being able to fully appreciate it. Had I never owned my'06 Boxster, I may have remained content with the Lotus. My other major complaint is that the price point is too high, and getting higher, as I priced an '08 Elise SC with the 220 hp supercharged engine, and was at $64,000 equipped the way I would want it? And even with a supercharger, I felt that it still would never replace the '06 Porsche I gave up. My suggestion for those that want to experience and own a Lotus is to buy a good used '05 or '06 in the low $30,000 range, but beware, it might not be all that you thought it would be.
vincesf

[saaber]

Originally Posted by vincesf

My suggestion for those that want to experience and own a Lotus is to buy a good used '05 or '06 in the low $30,000 range, but beware, it might not be all that you thought it would be.
vincesf

As I said below we originally were going for the Lotus and had it not been for the shady dealer I would probably be on the Lotus forum now. But the problem I had is that it seemed that the Boxster would be a much better car to "live with everyday" as Jeremy Clarkson would say. Plus the one we were looking at had the sport package and had a darn harsh ride for daily driving. Another factor is that I don't think my wife would enjoy, or look dignified, in getting in and out of it.

I agree it's a great car and fun to drive but as many have said, "I just need more". Also the reliability is somewhat subject when looking at all the surveys, owners experiences, etc. But that is just my subjective impression and I haven't owned one so I can't say.

I really appreciate you sharing your experiences vincesf, it's important for folks that are looking at a boxster and are considering cars in a similar market. We also drove the Merc 350 SLK and it is a nice car too but MB's reliability reputation lately scared me away.