Desire for Boxster - 986 Forum - The Community for Porsche Boxster & Cayman Owners

Terry Liller · 05-16-2015, 03:03 PM

I am a 68 year old male. Have had sports cars in the past and am very interested in purchasing a used Boxster. Very impressed with what I have read about them. Many questions: How reliable is a well maintained vehicle? How often should I expect to have to return to a dealer (none are close)? What should I especially look for or be wary of in used Boxsters? For current owners, any among you who are larger (250 #, or so)? In your opinion, is a larger man easily accommodated in a Boxster (i.e., easy to get in and out)? From what I have learned the Boxster may (in my opinion) be the best value in a true sports car that has ever been out there. The last small Sports car I owned was a TR3A, many years ago and have had many over the years, although larger (280/300 Zs, mustangs, etc.). I want to enjoy that "real sports car" experience again while I am still able to appreciate it!
Thanks in advance for your advice,

Terry Liller

kjc2050 · 05-16-2015, 03:31 PM

This would be a good place to start: http://986forum.com/forums/general-discussions/14685-thinking-buying-boxster-must-read.html

I've owned my 2000 S for two and a half years, and have never visited a dealer or independent shop.

sandia · 05-16-2015, 03:37 PM

Terry:

I am 67 and my 2001 Boxster has been my primary, and often only, vehicle for 10 years. It has been very reliable. I have gone to the dealer only for programming keys since the warranty ran out. Find a good Indy Porsche specialist. I chose the Boxster for a number of reasons including that it has more interior room than most other similar size cars. But, you should drive one, top up and down, to see how it feels for you. My bad knees do make getting in and out with the top up a challenge at times. The fix is to keep the top down. I never tire of driving my Boxster.

John

litespeedp · 05-16-2015, 05:22 PM

Terry,
A friend of mine is 6-4 and is 260 lbs.Ex athlete with a bad back.He can get in my car but he must pick his legs up and pull them in.This is for the passenger side.No way can he get behind the wheel.

My Box is the first generation 986.I believe the 2009 and up series has more room.I know the 981 series from, I think, 2012 to current, is MUCH larger.

Great automobile.

steved0x · 05-16-2015, 06:03 PM

I have a 2000 S and I am 6'2" with a 34" inseam. I am around 235# (ahem) but have recently lost around 15#. I fit in the car just right. The wheel in the 986 boxster does not have tilt but it does telescope in and out, I have mine telescoped all the way back which gives the most room for my legs.

If there is one close by you should sit in it and see how it feels. It is risky because once you drive it....

Porsche9 · 05-16-2015, 08:37 PM

6'4" here and I have no problem getting in and out. I did need more leg room for my right leg so I put in the GT3 console delete.

Teddyonine · 05-17-2015, 01:16 AM

Terry-like you I live in WVA- The Mountain State is indeed Almost Heaven in a Boxster- with all the twisty roads across our great state you definitely want one of these cars

Retroman1969 · 05-17-2015, 03:37 AM

Certainly no lack of threads on the Internet discussing Boxster reliability and daily driveability.
No need for a dealer. Find a good reputable foreign (preferably Porsche-specific) independent shop and you'll be better off.
For my personal input, I have two, and use one for work as a DD. I put over 3,000 miles per month on a vehicle so I'm at the extreme end of daily driving. I've found it to be incredibly dependable (almost Japanese-like in its reliability) but more maintenance heavy than most other vehicles I've owned over the years. Well, except for a Land Rover which was both insanely maintenance-heavy and unreliable.
I'm of very average size (5-11 and 185) so I can't comment on that. I have a bad lower back, have to get in and out of mine a minimum of 20 times a day and it hasn't been a problem. Admittedly not as easy as a large sedan or truck of course, and as I get older I have to turn sideways and grab the side of the seat or doorframe to get out, but still not a problem.
Best of luck in your decision! If you're like me, you'll find the pluses outweigh the minuses.

Wallace River · 05-17-2015, 04:25 AM

Hey Terry. I'm 63 years old, 6'0" and 250#. Not a lot of Boxster driving experience here, as I just bought mine in Florida in January. But I did take several test drives while looking, and that convinced me this was the car I wanted. Getting in, I have to sit my seat on the seat first and then swing my legs in, but there's lots of room, and the seat isn't even all the way back. The driving position is very comfortable. Go for a couple test drives to make sure for yourself, but I have a feeling you'll like the driving experience.

flaps10 · 05-17-2015, 08:01 AM

The size of the cockpit is fine for you. The height of the car makes egress ingress more of a problem for those of us who are properly aged. Its worth it

At 6'2" i find the non tilt wheel just cuts across the top of the gauges but i can still read them. I once had a Subaru that i couldn't see anything on the speedo between 40 and 80mph. Genius.

Daily driver. You've got done reading to do and some choices to make.

nobrakes · 05-18-2015, 02:04 PM

Im 6' 1" and 245lb with wide shoulders, so the back of the seat is a little too narrow for me along with the side bolsters. I get in and out by rotating both legs at the same time. Once I am in there is plenty of room between my knees and the steering wheel. My ride is an 02 S and I love it........

Jamesp · 05-18-2015, 02:22 PM

Parts and service are very expensive, so be ready for that. Multiply parts cost 4X to 8X of other cars. I just bought a $17 oil filter element. Expect lots of maintenance. I'm 6' 2" and have no issues fitting. Having said all that, it is the best driving car I have ever driven, and I get plenty of "I love your car" comments.

BobRickel · 05-18-2015, 02:33 PM

I am 6' and 292 lbs. I only have a 30" inseam so I have a very tall torso. I have a 1997 Boxster. I have put 6000 miles on it since December. I also have to get in torso first then swing my legs in but once inside to not have much trouble. I did have to remove the padding on the front of the roll bar because it was hitting me in the back of the head. I do have a lot of room with the top up though, much more than my previous daily driver a Miata for the last 6 years. Go try one out it is the only way to know for sure.