Does Boxster mean you couldn't afford a 911?

[986_inquiry]

I've heard this (mostly from internet trolls) before "Oh you have a Boxster? Guess you couldn't afford a 911..."

Why would someone say something so silly about a Boxster but not about other vehicles? If I bought a Corvette, would someone say "Couldn't afford a Z06?"

If I bought a Mustang GT, would someone say "Couldn't afford a Mustang Boss?"

If I bought a Camaro, would someone say "Couldn't afford a Corvette?"

If I bought a Honda or Toyota or Nissan, would someone say "Couldn't afford a Acura or Lexus or Infiniti?"

This could even be said about a 911, "Couldn't afford a 4s or Turbo or GT3?"

This could be applied to any vehicle really, so why do we hear it with Boxsters?

And what makes it even more untrue is Boxsters have a lot of advantages over 911s. They have two trunks. They're true mid-engine sports cars. They get better gas mileage than the 911s. They offer 99% of the thrills a 911 does for tens of thousands less. So there are completely valid reasons why someone would get a Boxster instead of a 911, yet still get hate.

Why the haters?

:ah:
:dance:

[JayG]

uninformed asshats

Better yet, have one of each and that really shuts them up

[986_inquiry]

Originally Posted by JayG

uninformed asshats

Better yet, have one of each and that really shuts them up

that's not a bad idea. I could get a 996 for almost half what my 987 costs. Certainly would be cheaper than trading in the 987 for a 997.

[DWBOX2000]

Did same thing to all the previous non 911's. Maybe the argument could be made for the 912 but I could see some buyers preferring them to the 911 at the time. End if the day, if you like it who cares.

[derfo]

I decided on a Boxster because its more of a sports car than the 911. I had 3 Skoda Estelle's before the Boxster. If I had bought a 911 it would just be the same as my Skodas. The engine was in the back. My Boxster is mid engined and two seats..

[Porsche9]

Having owned several Carrera's my go to answers are:

Been there, done that. I've already owned several Carreras and 944s and find the Boxster to be the better overall car.

Did you know the Boxster is basically a Carrera but with the engine in the right place for a true sports car.

Generally it's only people that can't afford any Porsche and are jealous or those that bought a Carrera for the badge. Either type I don't have time for so they get the shut down from me. Fortunately this rarely happens and most folks have only positive things to say about the Boxster. Some think they can't afford one and 9 time out of 10 they are driving a car that cost them more then I paid for my Boxster.

[jdraupp]

I always like the, "yeah 911s are really nice, what year is yours?" That clams them up everytime.

[rfuerst911sc]

You will find snooty asshats no matter what car you drive. I've had several red headed step children over the years......914 , 944S but I've also owned two 911's a 1974 Targa and a 1983 SC coupe. I enjoyed each car for what it was and could care less what anyone thought either positive or negative. I buy/drive a car for one reason only.......because I like it ! Those cars are all now gone and I'm enjoying my Boxster. Overall I would say the Boxster is the best I've owned a great balance of performance, handling , creature comforts and safety features.

[Jay B.]

Yeah I went through that BS when I owned my 912.. it was always known as the poor man's 911 which I hated that. I don't know where all that came from since when it comes to buying parts I was paying 911 prices on everything.

I can truly say since I have owned my Boxster I wouldn't give it up for any 911.

[Dualist]

I normally get "that's a hairdressers car", I reply "yeah 'cos all the hairdressers I know drive porsches", that usually shuts them up. But I get a lot of guys saying "nice car, they handle a lot better than the 911's and the caymans".
And the usual prick who has never driven a sports car calling them 'cockster' or 'poofster'.

[mountainman]

I have had both simultaneously for years and tend to drive the boxster more because I like the balance better. Obviously people who say things like that are the ones who do not have either one.

[Steve Tinker]

Anyone who frequents the Rennlist 996 forum will know that even among enthusiasts (some contributors on Rennlist actually claim to be enthusiasts), they really look down on Boxsters - they wouldn't give a 986/987 garage room.
944 & 928's actually have a higher standing than 986's.
I'm sure a lot of it is to do with elitism and bragging rights.......

[VGM911]

Say what you will about how the 911 compares to the Boxster in terms of performance comparisons, but many people wind up with a Boxster simply because it's cheaper than a 911.

And there's no shame in that....ultimately, most of us buy what we can afford and the 911 is beyond the reach of many people.

[BoxsterLS376]

I've made a couple of asshats feel pretty good about themselves lately, most notably a 2009 Carrera 4S convertible...

NOTHING shocks a 911 owner more then when your Boxster LEAVES THEM FOR DEAD!!!

If I'm quite honest, and I'm sure this will piss a few folks off around here. It all comes down to your style and what you are looking for... Regarding 986 models, Base model Boxsters are really nothing special at all, could they be called poofsters or hairdressers cars or whatever, sure. Doesn't bother me at all. I mean have you ever driven a 2.5L Boxster? My grandmother can push her wheelchair faster then those damn things move.

Boxster S is a slightly different beast and while we all know they are quick and do everything really well, they are not overly special either. Great little cars when running, still underpowered.

Can you beat them bang for the buck, IMHO NO.

Could they all use about 350~ HP, YES. 480 would be even better

New Boxsters however are starting to learn... 315 HP is not bad but you will still get beaten by the higher end models, ie. the Cayman and 911. WHY? BECAUSE THEY PLANNED IT THAT WAY.

[mikefocke]

I know one person very well who could buy a 918 but elected to buy two Boxsters and older used ones at that. Sometimes it is about a car that speaks to you. Sometimes it is buying enough car.

I could never use more than a 914's 85HP. But golly it was fun pushing it to its limits.

And I never heard anything but nice things about those 986s.

Maybe I knew nicer folks, and maybe I don't have a mine is bigger complex.

[JayG]

Originally Posted by Steve Tinker

Anyone who frequents the Rennlist 996 forum will know that even among enthusiasts (some contributors on Rennlist actually claim to be enthusiasts), they really look down on Boxsters - they wouldn't give a 986/987 garage room.
944 & 928's actually have a higher standing than 986's.
I'm sure a lot of it is to do with elitism and bragging rights.......

I'm, up on the rennlist 996 forum a lot and I would disagree with you.

Sure there are a few asshats, but most are good guys (and gals) and just like to razz you a bit. At the end of the day, a 986 is still a Porsche and many of the rennlist people have Boxsters as well as 911's

It's having a miata that will get you a really hard time.
Now that is truly a hairdressers car

[Luv2Box]

If you've priced 996s lately it's easy to see why someone new to owning a Porsche would go for the 911 as it is typically the Porsche flagship model. I've been astounded at what pristine, low mileage, well maintained 996s are going for. If I hadn't owned a Boxster first I'd jump on one of these 996s in a heart beat.

[Pdwight]

If you own a Boxster your life didn't exactly turn out the way you planned

I disagree for what that is worth

[thstone]

Anyone who judges a book by its cover is a idiot.

[BrokenLinkage]

Who is Jeremy Clark?