Boxster Base vs S

[hc115]

Hey guys,

Looking to upgrade from my BMW 323I to a Porsche Boxster. I've been searching around my area and and came across two Boxsters that caught my eye.

The first, a 2000 base model Boxster with 18k miles for 19k.

The second, a 2002 Boxster S with 47k miles for 18k.

Or

Third option: an e46 m3(really just my old car on roids) or high milage 911(most likely out of the question--don't want to deal with unexpected maintenance/repairs)

What do you guys think between those two Boxsters? I'm not sure what the S has over the Base model besides the engine, but if I wanted to stay within the 20k range, would the extra milage on the car be a good trade off for choosing the S over Base model?

[fatmike]

I've owned 3 BMWs over the years and I'm a big fan of the e46 M3 -- I almost bought one, but I am very happy with my Boxster. In hindsight, the M would have been a mistake for me.


The S has the 3.2L engine, upgraded brakes with red brake calipers, upgraded suspension (springs, anti-roll bar, dampers, etc.), 6 speed manual, and some trim pieces (dual tail pipe, etc.).


I think you should be able to get both of those cars for well under $20K. Drive them both and decide if you need the extra power. The key to the Boxster is tossability -- the S weighs more and its different. Some swear by it, some prefer the base.


Keep in mind that time is equally important than miles on many of the maintenance items on a Boxster (you're gonna end up doing them all anyway).

[kcpaz]

Unless you REALLY want a Porsche, I would say stick with the E46 M3 as they have a MUCH BETTER engine in my opinion.

Sorry if that offends anybody here :ah:

[clickman]

I have the base model, and when I tried driving the S I found it heavier and more sluggish, even with the extra power. My car felt a lot more nimble.

But to each his own, as suggested you should really try driving them both and make up your own mind as to what suits you better.

[clickman]

And how did the MY00 end up with only 18,000 miles is a good question. As many have found, these cars have to be driven.

[pothole]

I think it's worth bearing in mind that low miles is not necessarily a no-brainer in terms of preferences when choosing a Boxster. It's really hard to know for sure, but it certainly seems like some of the really nasty engine problems tend to pop up most frequently within the first 40-60k miles. It might be the case that cars that have made it to 60k or so on the original engine are less likely to then suffer from some of the more serious engine woes.

Exactly how true that is, is hard to tell. But personally I would not have more confidence about the engine in a low mile car than a well-maintained car with more miles (up to a point, I'm not talking about intergalactic miles). The sweet spot is probably in the 60-70k area in terms of mileage.

Anyway, there's very little between the 2.5 and 2.7 986 models. Both are not exactly quick. The 3.2 is still not exactly a rocket ship, but it is quite a bit gutsier and has plenty of performance for road driving.

[gschotland]

The only way you're going to know what's best for you is to drive a few of each. The E46 M3 is an excellent car with plenty of virtues (I thought at one point of buying one myself), but it's a totally different driving experience from a Boxster.

Focus more on condition and service records than mileage. I'd take a 60k mile car in nice condition that's been well cared for and has service recs long before a 30k car in so-so condition that's been through a bunch of hands and has no service recs. Buying a later model, higher mileage car from an anal retentive owner (i.e. many people on this list) can be an excellent value.

Remember, it's a buyers' market. Drive lots of cars and be picky. And when you think you've found "the one," spend the money for a pre-purchase inspection (PPI) by someone who knows Boxsters inside and out. That's money very well spent.

Read this site from top to bottom for excellent buying advice:

http://sites.google.com/site/mikefocke2/mikesporscheboxsterwebpages

[demick]

I see you are in Santa Barbara. There are probably 100 Boxsters for sale within 20 miles of your house. So you have lots of selection and can be picky on color, year, features, and price. Don't get stuck on the two that you have seen.

With a budget of $20K, you can easily get yourself a low mileage '03 or '04 Boxster (base or S). There are some worthwhile features added in those years.

[RandallNeighbour]

Let's see. You live in Santa Barbara. If you have a lot of twisty roads or want to drive twisty roads, get the boxster. And I would never get another boxster unless it was an S... and even that will be a little underpowered around town IMO.

Now if this vehicle is going to be your sole daily driver in town and you don't have a lot of twisty roads to navigate, the M3 will have gobs of torque and be a lot of fun as a DD, plus it has back seats and a nice sized trunk. I love my 550i and wouldn't trade it for a boxster as a DD no matter what sized motor the box had in it. It's wicked fast compared to a 2002 box S, and and M3 would be even faster, unless it's a really old one.

Either way, maintenance and repairs on both models will not be cheap. They're German.

[Lobo1186]

lol santa barbara being on the PCH I would have to say he has many MANY twisty roads near where he lives. There are some great roads down there and I have a base and I love every minute.

[RandallNeighbour]

Don't forget that some people are so freaking busy at work and home with kids that they'll enjoy a M3 more than a boxster... which they do not have time to go out and enjoy.

That's the point I was making.

[pothole]

Originally Posted by RandallNeighbour

And I would never get another boxster unless it was an S... and even that will be a little underpowered around town IMO.

Eh? Traffic speeds in the US are positively glacial. Even a base 2.5 is overkill for town driving Stateside.

[RandallNeighbour]

Because I live in the 4th largest city in the USA, I crave far better 0-60 performance than my 2.5 offers. It's not a top-speed issue at all. I rarely get above 80 mph.

I would just like to get to 80 mph in far less time than I get to it now