'98 986 vs 2011 987

[blue2000s]

Originally Posted by Perfectlap

my point is that using the term "bargain" is a misnomer here. major maintenance items that should be replaced on a 13 year old car sooner or later, as everyone knows, do not scale down relative to the "bargain purchase price". you aren't going to escape those costs with any decade old sports car and with this particular car they are significantly higher than most due to expensive parts and specialized labor. And this doesn't take into account the unexpected repairs which are also on the pricey side and further diminish the idea that this is 'bargain' proposition. The Boxster like just about any Porsche is a classic 'pay me now or pay me later but you will pay". Those magazine editors would be doing their readers a great service by pointing this out to a first time Porsche buyer whose attention they grabbed by throwing out the term 'bargain'.

The word bargain has to be put into the correct context. I believe the point of the article is that an older 986 is a bargain for what you get compared to a new 987 considering the relatively small performance difference and other subjective measures. In this view, they are absolutely right, it's a screaming bargain.

The Boxster was never a bargain compared to other convertibles on the market and that remains true as a used car compared to other used cars. No one would argue otherwise. But if you compare what you get between a used Boxster and a new Miata, for example, the story becomes more interesting.

[Perfectlap]

Originally Posted by blue2000s

The word bargain has to be put into the correct context. I believe the point of the article is that an older 986 is a bargain for what you get compared to a new 987 considering the relatively small performance difference and other subjective measures. In this view, they are absolutely right, it's a screaming bargain.

The Boxster was never a bargain compared to other convertibles on the market and that remains true as a used car compared to other used cars. No one would argue otherwise. But if you compare what you get between a used Boxster and a new Miata, for example, the story becomes more interesting.

I'm not so sure that a 98 Boxster is a bargain as much as that you are really paying up for the performance of a new 987. I suppose if you are arguing how you will least pay up for brand and status, things that don't necessarily translate into faster lap times, then I would agree that it's a good value in that strict sense.
I guess it would also be limited to someone who was intent on only exploring Porsche as an option.
I'd be curious to see a performance comparison, in lap times, of a turbo charged second hand miata with the savings over the 2.5 Boxster spent on Miata supsension, braking, intake/exhaust upgrades.

[blue2000s]

Originally Posted by Perfectlap

I'm not so sure that a 98 Boxster is a bargain as much as that you are really paying up for the performance of a new 987.

As I understand it, and I've read similar articles that stated the same, the difference in the cars, off the track isn't as great as the $45k+ price difference.

Originally Posted by Perfectlap

I suppose if you are arguing how you will least pay up for brand and status, things that don't necessarily translate into faster lap times, then I would agree that it's a good value in that strict sense.

It's not about track times to everyone, or even most people.

Originally Posted by Perfectlap

I guess it would also be limited to someone who was intent on only exploring Porsche as an option.

Boxster vs Boxster is the idea. What's changed in 15 years? It's a Porsche magazine, after all.

Originally Posted by Perfectlap

I'd be curious to see a performance comparison, in lap times, of a turbo charged second hand miata with the savings over the 2.5 Boxster spent on Miata supsension, braking, intake/exhaust upgrades.

Grassroots Motorsports often does these kinds of comparisons. Usually it's an entertaining read.

[MileHighBoxster]

Originally Posted by blue2000s

The Boxster was never a bargain compared to other convertibles on the market and that remains true as a used car compared to other used cars. No one would argue otherwise. But if you compare what you get between a used Boxster and a new Miata, for example, the story becomes more interesting.

I have to disagree. You don't compare the Boxster to "other convertibles". First of all it's a Porsche - not a Honda or Mazda or other convertible. It is an exotic, mid-engined, performance roadster. There are very few in the world and it is - as agreed by every auto reviewer or auto expert - the best handling performance car available. So given all of its capabilities and relative low purchase price - it is not only a phenomenal car but an excellent value as well.

[blue2000s]

Originally Posted by MileHighBoxster

I have to disagree. You don't compare the Boxster to "other convertibles". First of all it's a Porsche - not a Honda or Mazda or other convertible. It is an exotic, mid-engined, performance roadster. There are very few in the world and it is - as agreed by every auto reviewer or auto expert - the best handling performance car available. So given all of its capabilities and relative low purchase price - it is not only a phenomenal car but an excellent value as well.

I'd like to think I drive an exotic car. But they've made more of these than most Japanese sports car models ever sell. They're just not rare or exotic cars. The truth is that this car is absolutely cross shopped with Japanese sports cars as well as other Europeans, especially on the used car market.

[jbs986]

Originally Posted by MileHighBoxster

I have to disagree. You don't compare the Boxster to "other convertibles". First of all it's a Porsche - not a Honda or Mazda or other convertible. It is an exotic, mid-engined, performance roadster. There are very few in the world and it is - as agreed by every auto reviewer or auto expert - the best handling performance car available. So given all of its capabilities and relative low purchase price - it is not only a phenomenal car but an excellent value as well.

I agree and disagree, Hands-down, the Boxster is the best performing best priced mid engined convertible money can buy. I just bought a 2002 Base Boxster W/68K mils on it all 60K maintenance done,+

New clutch and Flywheel
New water pump
New RMS
New Plugs
New CV Shafts
New Belt
New Idle Control Valve
New Tires W/ Four Wheel Alignment.

Over $5,500.00 in work done on the car and all work done by a very well known Loc. Indy shop, and I have all the paperwork,I paid $ 9,000.00 for the car. That is one hell of a deal.

As for it being the best handling car performance car available? that title go;s to the Lotus Elise. I own a 2006 Lotus Elise and it out handles, out brakes and out accelerates the Boxster plus it has a bullet prof Engine and drive-train. but I paid allot more then $9000.00 for it.