What is your next car up from a Boxster?

[Lil bastard]

There are problems with Ferraris.

First, they're really heavy. They come from a mindset of GT Cruisers, can't really manuever well, but can run at 140MPH all day. Be sure you know what you want the car to do before buying.

Second, relatively few people can afford to buy a Ferrari, but even fewer can afford to keep a Ferrari. Don't plan on putting anywhere near the mileage on a Ferrari as you did your Boxster.

Their timing belts need to be swapped every 6,000 miles at a cost of some $6,000 - that's $1/mi. just for timing belts, and that's not the end of it. Ferrari's are real China Dolls. Compared to them, the Boxster is a Mack Truck!

Sure, they're the pinnacle of the breed, and just like a thoroughbred horse, they cost as much to keep. This is one reason why it's rare to find a high-mileage Ferrari. A high mileage Ferrari has been bought many times over by it's owner.

I have moved on from my Boxster, but chose to go 'Old School' with the ride below.

Cheers!

[ekam]

Speaking of Ferrari, just heard my friend's buddy who has a 355 Spyder...

Took it to his mechanic to fix the world's worst designed drop top. It needs lubrication and a new motor which costs $1k new.

Then the mechanic found out the header (on one side) is cracked...$4k from Ferrari. Head gasket also done - $20k job.

He was furious... he bought it new and it only has 5000km (3000miles) ... car is worth nothing now and he needs to dump $20k on it all of a sudden.

F355 is my dream car, but like I said before, all cars have its problems...

Didn't make me feel so bad about my new engine after hearing that.

[Perfectlap]

F355 was a real head turner in the 90's. I once watched a woman in South Beach go into convulsions after a guy pulled up in one outside this restaurant on Washington. That had to be the first time I ever saw a non-male get that excited about a car. A buddy of mine sent some pictures of work being done on a 360 or 355, can't remember which. But what a mess underneath. NOTHING like a tidy German Porsche.
by the way I find the latest news out of Ferrari regarding their little private test track interesting. They sent Schumacher to the N-ring on private test in a car that they'd tested extensively and figured it was ready for some new bragging rights lap times. Unfortunately the F1 driver promptly put the car up in the trees as did another test driver. No more relying on the tiny track.

[blue2000s]

I've been strongly considering an F355 to replace my Boxster. I only put about 3000 miles on my Porsche every year and would do the same with an F-car.

The price is very attractive and the performance and sound is phenomenal. LB, it's the same weight as a Boxster S, I'm not sure where you're coming from with the weight comment.

The car feels much more special than a Boxster. Driving it around is an occasion and you don't see several of them every day. I'm just not excited about the $10k timing belt replacement/service every 5 years in addition to all the little things that fail along the way.

The key, of course, is picking the right one, just like with a Porsche. It needs to have an aftermarket exhaust system as the stock one cracks and the cats disintegrate, and it needs to have enough miles on it to ensure that the valve guides are robust. As with any car, research and service history is your friend. These cars are like any other and need to have a history of regular use. Just like with Porsches, the main failure modes are well documented and solutions are available, but not cheap.

[Topless]

I don't really see the Boxster as a gateway drug When I started looking for a nice weekend toy 5 years ago I thought I would get a nice 996TT or Ferrari. I drove quite a few but in reality the TT was just too much car (rarely out of 2nd gear in town) and I didn't want to blow $100k over 5 years maintaining the Ferrari. I just wanted a great, fun car to drive for kicks and grins.

I have since driven or been in the right seat of nearly every Porsche model built in the last 30 years. I still love my Boxster but admit to having a sweet tooth for a 987 Cay S. If a really clean one came along for about $25K I may have to have it.

[jacabean]

cayman S is a realistic move from a 986 boxster

[Franco]

Hi,

Only a dream but here is my choice.

[JoeFromPA]

2003 BMW m5 in oxford green with extended caramel leather interior, running 275/35/18 all around (they fit, stock, and are the stock rear tire size), and with about 200 pounds removed from it via exhaust modification and minor other touches (easy to do).