I'm considering a Boxster... - 986 Forum - The Community for Porsche Boxster & Cayman Owners

Alienz · 09-22-2003, 06:27 PM

Hi everyone I'm new to this forum. I've been doing research on my next car (which I will buy during December) and I have narrowed my choices down to either an Audi TT, Z3 coupe or a Boxster. I'm leaning more towards the boxster cuz it's a Porsche. A TT is more practical where I live (upstate NY) where the winter is very cold and we get a lot of snow. I read some of the threads regarding driving a Boxster in during tough whether and I have some questions for the guys who drive it during tough winter:

1) Is it absolutely neccesary to have a hardtop or is it just a "plus"?

2) Do you need 16" wheels or will 17" do with snow tires?

I found really good Boxsters for attractive prices e.g. a 1997 with less than 30k miles for $21900 (not a salvage). Doesn't the soft top have a defroster? I saw pics of a Boxster on ebay with a galss window in the rear which has a defroster. I'm not sure if they defrosters on soft tops came on later models or you can install an aftermarket one. Your comments are very much appreciated.

Alienz

mjbliemel · 09-23-2003, 05:45 AM

Used to live in Rome and Syracuse many years ago. Where are you located up there?

As for the hard top vs soft top. If you can afford it, I would go for the hard top. It has a connection for a defroster from what I have read, not so for the soft top. I think you could get by with a soft top, but just don't lower or raise the top when it is cold or it will crack the plastic window.

Post pics of your purchase when you get it and welcome to the forum.

BTW, I think your choice of getting a Porsche is a good one. Slightly biased of course, but then we all know the Z3 and the TT are just no match for the Boxster. You won't regret it!

Alienz · 09-23-2003, 08:42 AM

Thnx for the reply mjbliemel. I live in Syracuse and currently go to SU (GO ORANGE!). THere is something that confuses me about the Boxster: where the hell is the engine? I searched the net for pics of the Boxster's engine but turned out nothing. There is a trunk in the rear and front so I guess the engine must be in the middle but I can't imagine there would be enough room there to fit the engine hehe.

mjbliemel · 09-24-2003, 04:03 AM

It's a mid-engine car. I have never seen my engine except from below when it was on a lift. Yeah, somehow they have managed the get something in there in between everything. I have been tempted to remove the engine cover and take a look sometime, but it seems like it would be a bit of work to access it.

Box Dream · 10-31-2003, 07:03 PM

mjbliemel,

Does that mean you only change the oil from the bottom?
I was planning on using a oil evacuator pump for oil changes.