Starting My Boxster Research

[recycledsixtie]

Bigshow. Thstone answered your question better than I did. TMI on my part. Good point Th that a 911 is worth looking at. I tried one and it was a completely different experience. I like the rawness of the Boxster. Somehow the water cooled 911 is smoother. Of course the latter has 4 seats. You should try them both just to make sure. G

[BigShow]

@recycledsixtie and thstone: I've been in my friends 911, I really haven't considered owning one. I'll have to drive one and do a little research. From what I've seen there really isn't a back seat in a 911, just a place to put an ice chest and a lap top, or maybe a small dog.

I've got the name of a local Indy and I've been at the local Porsche dealer. I'm planning on talking to the Indy in the next week.

@ everyone else: thanks for the replies and comments.

[dmairspotter]

Your price range will reach a Boxster S with a glass rear window easily. I got my o3S with 21k miles on it 2 years ago for 21K dollars. There are interior room differences between the 986 and 987 models, so test drive both for a comfort check if you are a big guy. I can't drive a 987 because my knee hit's the center console (I'm tall). I had to stick with a 986 which has a removable console.

You can't drive either a base or an S anywhere near their limits on the street (if you do you should be locked up) but that said, I do like the extra oomph with the S.

If I was doing it again, I would put aside several thousand of my purchase money (or budget for the near future) to spend on those things you will find you want to do -good tires, upgrades or IMSB perhaps.

[BigShow]

@dmairspotter: About extra $ for first year expense, from what I've read that's about what I had in mind, sounds like a good idea.

[BigShow]

Here’s what I tried to post several times last night, but without hyperlinks…

I looked at a ‘99 at the local Porsche dealer Thursday, the battery was dead, the price was higher than some local ’00 options and it had more miles. More or less a waste of time. Miles 95,533, Asking $13,970, oil changed at dealership within the last year, brake fluid changed at the dealership within the last two years, no other maintenance records.

Friday I looked at two ‘00s. A silver one and a very nice looking Guards Red Boxster. I just looked at the Silver one, it really didn’t strike me as my car. The odments hinge was broken, seats were worn, but what do you expect from a 14 year old car. They did repair the rear window. Mileage 67,857, Asking 12,500, no maintenance information, tires looked OK, but I’m not familiar enough to k now how much of the remaining tread was good.

The Red one looked nicer. The dealer had it ready for me to test drive. The car had new P-zero’s on it, and like the other car the rear window had been repaired. The floor mats were odd looking so I looked under them. There were some pretty good stains on the passenger’s side. I suppose that’s from clogged drains? Test drive was OK, it was wet. Miles 59,530, asking $11,995, no maintenance records. Previous owner was 66 and owned it for a year.

I haven’t driven a stick in 25 years. It used to feel natural and really good. I didn’t embarrass myself driving this car but it didn’t feel great. I was a little nervous starting at the bottom of a hill and overall I wasn’t that smooth.

I’m 6’2’, I was sure that I had the seat all the way back but it didn’t feel like I had enough leg room. My peddle work was a little clumsy, but again it felt like there wasn’t enough leg room and well, I have big feet.

@ Raise OnPorsches: California would be a long road trip.

@ heliguy: Your right. If I go with a later model car I’ll have money to cover gotchas (Like RandallNieghbour’s experience), and I’m really still trying to figure out what’s right for me.

[barkinfool]

Hey BS -

Just a quick note from another former CRXer. I had the mid-model & always wished I had the Si, but great cars all around. Ever since, I have gone with the more powerful motor version in the cars I've bought & that includes the Box. Before I bought this I thought I wanted a 911, but now not so much. Good luck & look forward to hearing when you find the one you want!

[BruceH]

Originally Posted by BigShow

........ The odments hinge was broken, seats were worn, but what do you expect from a 14 year old car.

I expected a lot and that is what I got, but only after a lot of patience, which is the key IMO. There are lots of worn out Boxsters out there but there are also many that are well cared for. I searched forums, every auto classified site, PCA, and my local mechanic before I found my 2001 S that was a two owner 64K mile, well cared for Boxster. After a year and a half, I have not had any real issues and could not be happier. I paid $13,750 for it. Patience and negotiation. I would add the classifieds on the Excellence Magazine website to your search. Traveling to a good car just might get you a better vehicle which will pay for the travel costs. I live in TX and traveled to Atlanta for mine. The trip home was a blast! Highly recommended good luck with your search, this forum is an incredible resource. If you find a long distance car, chances are, someone on this site will go look at a prospect for you.