Considering a Boxster-looking for advice - 986 Forum - The Community for Porsche Boxster & Cayman Owners

FrayAdjacent · 01-06-2007, 01:27 PM

I agree with what a lot of people are saying. It can be a daily driven car, even in crappy weather.

However, I just have to gloat that I can drive the same car, year round, on the same tires. It just doesn't get that cold down here!

I bet you'll dig the Boxster. I've had mine a week and I love it.

Paul · 01-06-2007, 03:20 PM

I've driven Porsches in Central PA (PSU) and in WI in the winter for decades.

They are very capable if the snow is less than 6 inches deep.

It's a a matter of protecting the Porsche from salt trucks, and tractor/trailers that throw crap all over the car. It's a little daunting looking up at an 18 wheeler throwing snow 8' in the air as it goes by you.

In the winter, I drive mine on nice days, other than that I'll be in my SUV!!! Sure beats not having it for half the year like most snowbelt posters on this board!!!

batm · 01-06-2007, 04:50 PM

Wow guys, thanks for all the responses. I'm sure glad that I found this forum.

Based on the replies, I'm coming to the conclusion that the Boxster could definitely be used for much (if not all) of the winter, but that I'd probably still be better off if it wasn't my only car.

I envy those of you who live in warm climates, as well as those of you who have multiple dealerships to choose from. There is only 1 Porsche dealership here in Winnipeg, and the next nearest Canadian dealership is 800 miles away in Calgary. I've only been to visit the local dealer once, but they seem to be pretty decent. Unfortunately, they don't have any used Boxsters available. I haven't test driven anything yet, as I don't like test driving cars I'm not serious about buying, and a brand new one is out of the question unless it's my only vehicle.

Out of curiosity, how many of you use your Boxster as your daily driver? I get the impression that many of you have a Boxster as a "fun" vehicle, and have something else as the "practical" one.

Again, thanks for the replies.

denverpete · 01-06-2007, 05:57 PM

I just have to say that while it can certainly be a daily driver (DD), you simply can't rely on it as your sole vehicle in snow country. To wit, I use mine as a daily driver (all seasons + a separate set of snows) and I haven't driven it in over 3 weeks due to snow. Then, after the snow melts sufficiently to get on the clear roads, I still probabably won't drive it since I'll be getting rocks thrown up for the next few weeks.

I think it would make a very nice compliment to your BMW. But please don't buy one simply because "It's a Porsche". Buy it because you love the way it looks, drives, feels. But don't ever buy it simply so you can own a Porsche - well, unless that's somehow important to you.

There are many, many, many here who use their Boxster as a DD. There are probably equally many who use it just for summers/weekends/occasions. But who cares? We're talking about YOU. A Boxster can be a reliable DD given that you understand the maintenance costs.

My advice is to go drive a few Boxsters in your price range - Find one you like - Then report back here for further buying advice.

Good luck!

Bavarian Motorist · 01-06-2007, 06:18 PM

I daily drive my boxster, and I used to daily drive my 2006 325xi sedan.

The only problem I've had with the boxster in bad weather is when the RWD gave problems going up a hill when it was covered in snow. Likewise, a FWD car would give problems as well, just in different situations.

AWD is really the best for the snow, but I'm sure in canada they have snow plows ready by 4 am.

I was, however, fine on slushy roads.

The 325xi was a great car. Zippy, good handler and looked pretty good. It's more practical in the sense you can seat other people, but the boxster is much better IMO.

It has a good amount of trunk space for the type of car that it is because it has one in the front as well as the rear.

The advantages are everything you'd think they'd be: Sports car fun as opposed to sports sedan fun.

So basically it comes down to what you want. Do you need the more practical AWD sedan as much as you want a sports car?

I'd say take both if you could

MNBoxster · 01-06-2007, 09:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Paul

I've driven Porsches in Central PA (PSU) and in WI in the winter for decades.

They are very capable if the snow is less than 6 inches deep.

It's a a matter of protecting the Porsche from salt trucks, and tractor/trailers that throw crap all over the car. It's a little daunting looking up at an 18 wheeler throwing snow 8' in the air as it goes by you.

In the winter, I drive mine on nice days, other than that I'll be in my SUV!!! Sure beats not having it for half the year like most snowbelt posters on this board!!!

Hi,

Sorry, have to disagree. I could have my Boxster on the road for several weeks of our winter here in Mpls./St.Paul, but why? The Z-rated Tires don't work properly at low temps, and you never know when you'll encounter ice or salt.

What's the use of pulling the Boxster out of hibernation when you can't really wring it out to begin with? Same with my 'Z or my Esprit. I'd rather sit in them in the garage and go Vroom-vroom than break them out and ruin the car, all the while not really being able to really drive them.

Admittedly, withdrawals are a B*tch, but that makes Spring all the more worth while...

Happy Motoring!... Jim'99

djomlas · 01-06-2007, 10:01 PM

i bought a boxster and didnt really intend to drive it daily, but i got so hooked that i sold my other car and now daily drive the box.
its just too much fun to drive around and i dont regret driving it every day.

and Jim, i know u said once if u have chocolate too much u get sick of it, but this is just not the case for some reason, i cant get enough of this car hehe, and i do get sick and tired of cars quite fast (7 cars in last year or so).

so yea, u can enjoy it as a daily driver, or a pleasure vehicle, its up to you

good luck in finding one and let us know how it all ends up

MNBoxster · 01-06-2007, 10:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by djomlas

i bought a boxster and didnt really intend to drive it daily, but i got so hooked that i sold my other car and now daily drive the box.
its just too much fun to drive around and i dont regret driving it every day.

and Jim, i know u said once if u have chocolate too much u get sick of it, but this is just not the case for some reason, i cant get enough of this car hehe, and i do get sick and tired of cars quite fast (7 cars in last year or so).

so yea, u can enjoy it as a daily driver, or a pleasure vehicle, its up to you

good luck in finding one and let us know how it all ends up

Hi,

you describe the quintessential difference between the Old Bull and the Young Bull...

Happy Motoring!... Jim'99

super66 · 01-07-2007, 03:05 AM

Dude,

its a daily driver and I drive mine daily....snow tires is all you need....I have used it now two winters on frozen and snowy roads with no problem....I think the post about not being able to use it in 3 weeks came from Denver, they are having some pretty extreme weather out there and I'm guessing the boxster isn't the only car sidelined......there has never been a day where the wife's SUV could make it to work and the boxster couldn't...

Brucelee · 01-07-2007, 06:05 AM

It should be pointed out again that once the snow reaches about 5 inches or so, it matters not what tires you have, your Box is not going anywhere.

So YOU have to define what a DD is to you. If it means going in tall snow, then, no.

My wife's Subaru is GREAT in tall snow.