New here and need advise - 986 Forum - The Community for Porsche Boxster & Cayman Owners

Chuckster54 · 10-10-2013, 05:21 PM

Hello to all,

I plan to replace my current 2012 Camaro convertible next year with either a new Boxster or Corvette. I'm more comfortable with the issues of ownership with the Corvette because it's not that different from the Camaro....same dealer, similar maintenance schedule.

I'm not as comfortable with the Boxster for several reasons....no. experience, an engine that I really can't see, local dealer that isn't open on Saturday for service, oil changes that costs $325, tires that cost $2,000 to replace.

Some of my best driving experiences have been with German built, manual transmission cars, but never anything as exotic (and perhaps as high maintenance) as a Porsche.

Any advise will really be appreciated.

Chuck

ekam · 10-10-2013, 05:28 PM

Driving experience will be better with a Porsche but you got to pay to play...

Timco · 10-10-2013, 05:52 PM

Do it.....

urban · 10-10-2013, 05:59 PM

If you're willing to replace a car with a couple of years, you can try it for a while and if it doesn't give you more pleasure than bills, just sell it. Just set aside 2k when you choose one, and don't skip a PPI if you're buying a second hand one.

DieSiebener · 10-10-2013, 06:18 PM

$2,000 for tires is extremely high!! Oil change couldn't be any easier, do it yourself for under $100.

RawleyD · 10-10-2013, 06:23 PM

My tires cost 450$ and the supplies for Oil change were about 110$.. these are shipped to my door prices...

Johnny Danger · 10-10-2013, 07:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chuckster54

Hello to all,

I plan to replace my current 2012 Camaro convertible next year with either a new Boxster or Corvette. I'm more comfortable with the issues of ownership with the Corvette because it's not that different from the Camaro....same dealer, similar maintenance schedule.

I'm not as comfortable with the Boxster for several reasons....no. experience, an engine that I really can't see, local dealer that isn't open on Saturday for service, oil changes that costs $325, tires that cost $2,000 to replace.

Some of my best driving experiences have been with German built, manual transmission cars, but never anything as exotic (and perhaps as high maintenance) as a Porsche.

Any advise will really be appreciated.

Chuck

Certain that it is, no premium, European automobile is inexpensive to own and maintain.
However, unless you're referring to some "uber" brand of tire that no one else has heard of before - $2000 is an extremely high figure. Also, as many have quoted, oil changes can be done via DIY for around $100. Moreover, even if you preferred to have a reputable "indy" perform your oil service- that can be done for around $180 to $220(or thereabouts). Again, unless you're using some exclusive brand of oil that no one else is aware of - an oil change doesn't have to cost $325.

Jager · 10-10-2013, 11:35 PM

My first car was a Corvette and I have many fond memories of that car, and some of my good friends currently have Corvettes, and they let me drive them on occasion, but since owning and driving a Boxster I don't even consider buying a Corvette, the Porsche is much more fun to drive.

coreseller · 10-11-2013, 04:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chuckster54

Hello to all,

I plan to replace my current 2012 Camaro convertible next year with either a new Boxster or Corvette. I'm more comfortable with the issues of ownership with the Corvette because it's not that different from the Camaro....same dealer, similar maintenance schedule.

I'm not as comfortable with the Boxster for several reasons....no. experience, an engine that I really can't see, local dealer that isn't open on Saturday for service, oil changes that costs $325, tires that cost $2,000 to replace.

Some of my best driving experiences have been with German built, manual transmission cars, but never anything as exotic (and perhaps as high maintenance) as a Porsche.

Any advise will really be appreciated.

Chuck

I would spend a bit of time here browsing, your figures on maintenance / upkeep are quite high especially if you do your own work. I have owned both cars, they are worlds apart but both very enjoyable to drive and have their own merits. IMO:

Boxster = Phenomenal handling, lose your gum braking, adequate power, Steering feel like no other, Porsche brand panache.

Corvette = Brutal acceleration (ZO6), addictive always there torque, good handling / braking but not close to a Boxster.

There are a million other variables to compare but they are also mainly subjective. Both cars are relatively easy to work on, the Boxster will sting you on parts prices vs. GM.

Good Luck.............

stephen wilson · 10-11-2013, 04:21 AM

I would wait to test drive the new 'Vette, which is supposed to have some major updates, vs. a Boxster S.

southernstar · 10-11-2013, 04:25 AM

If you are looking to buy a new Boxster you will have the warranty to take car of any repair issues and, in any event, the reliability ratings are very good for the first few years. I suspect that tires are just as expensive (if not more) on the vette and the styling is.....let's just say that beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Whatever you choose, enjoy!

brian325is · 10-11-2013, 12:23 PM

Which engine does your current Camaro have?

If you are going from a V8 to the Boxster you WILL miss the horse power. I DO!!!!

I am still not sure I made the right choice. Pluses and negatives for both.

recycledsixtie · 10-11-2013, 12:49 PM

You should read the thread above - thinking of buying a Boxster.

Comparing a Corvette to a Boxster is like comparing apples and oranges. Never owned a Vette but have driven one. I own a Boxster 2001 base. I have never had a car like this before that gives so many highs but a few lows comes in as well. The lows are high maintenance costs, possibility of ims failure, odd noises etc. But the handling is the best I have ever experienced. I have up given worrying about ims failure -I have the ims Guardian.

I had a Miata before but this is so much more car. Feels more solid too. PPI before purchase is a must. Try several Boxsters. Get the options and color you want. Enjoy the search. Find a good one. Cheers, G.

Chuckster54 · 10-11-2013, 04:29 PM

Thanks to all for your input. The tire pricing came from online shopping the 19" tire currently offered on a new Boxster. It compares to about $1,500 for the tire coming on the 2014 Corvette. The oil change price came from the Porsche dealership where I will probably be buying. As long as the car is under warranty, I will be reluctant to do oil changes anywhere else.

The 2014 Corvette is a significant redesign. I've seen the first hardtop delivered recently in my area. Convertibles will commence deliveries early 2014. A few years ago, I would never have imagined that I would be considering a Corvette. I love the recent redesign of the Boxster. Both it and the Caymen are classic and timeless.

Of course I will drive both before making a decision. If I go with a Corvette, it will probably by an automatic. If I buy the Boxster, I can't imagine not getting it with a stick.

My Camaro is a 323 HP six cylinder. It replaced a V8 powered retro T-Bird, and I've never had any regrets. I doubt if either will compare with a 460 HP V8 vette. We'll see.

heliguy · 10-11-2013, 04:27 PM

C-7 Corvette vs 991 Boxster...Corvette has the edge with price and HP but Boxster has the edge with exclusivity and refinement. I have driven the 991 with the PDK and it is absolutely perfection. Every old man and redneck will have a C-7 so the choice is yours. If he is on 986Forum, I'm sure he is not looking for a 2014 in either one.

Chuckster54 · 10-11-2013, 04:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by heliguy

C-7 Corvette vs 991 Boxster...Corvette has the edge with price and HP but Boxster has the edge with exclusivity and refinement. I have driven the 991 with the PDK and it is absolutely perfection. Every old man and redneck will have a C-7 so the choice is yours. If he is on 986Forum, I'm sure he is not looking for a 2014 in either one.

"He" is most definitely looking for 2014. It I've landed in the wrong forum, my apologies. Perhaps someone can direct to the appropriate forum.

Chuck

LAP1DOUG · 10-11-2013, 04:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chuckster54

"He" is most definitely looking for 2014. It I've landed in the wrong forum, my apologies. Perhaps someone can direct to the appropriate forum.

Chuck

Go here:

987 - 981 Forum - Rennlist Discussion Forums

black_box · 10-11-2013, 05:14 PM

Changing your own oil won't screw up your warranty, promise. Magnuson-Moss federal warranty law ensures it. Smart money is don't buy anything from the dealer unless it's covered under no cost warranty. Dealers always have crazy high prices, and you can alway bring your own oil if you get it done elsewhere (that's cheaper too).

Also, tire cost is the same whether Vette or Porsche -- probably even cheaper for the Porsche if you compare apples to apples since the Vette's will be wider. My 19" Michelin Super Sports (top of the line for street) were only $1200 with road hazard from tire rack. You'd run the same or equivalent on a modern Corvette.

Johnny Danger · 10-11-2013, 05:42 PM

I don't care how fast it's alleged to be, or how well it's purported to handle, in my opinion the Corvette will always be a "Tony Pepperoni" car - period.

coreseller · 10-11-2013, 06:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Johnny Danger

I don't care how fast it's alleged to be, or how well it's purported to handle, in my opinion the Corvette will always be a "Tony Pepperoni" car - period.

Ever pulled a C5 or newer ZO6 to redline? My neighbor and I cracked 125 in third gear in his C6 ZO6, the sound and pull were nothing short of glorious. IMO they're incredible in their own right. Better watch those stereotypes JD.................

P.S. The 981 vs. C7 info makes most on this forum unqualified to accurately comment.