Befuddled yet Bewitched
 

My dream car has always been a porsche. 911 to be exact but financial fortunes being as they are I have been contempulating the purchase of a boxster instead. I have researched the car extensively and I confess that I am somewhat concerned about reliability issues with the car. I do like the Honda S2000 as well and have driven many examples of each car. I cannot decide on either direction. Could perhaps the good people of this forum be kind enough to offer their profound words of wisdom, assurance etc. It would be most appreciated. By the way I have looked into extended warranties, PPI etc.

Cheers,

dale

I can understand your situation. I bought my 2001 Boxster three weeks ago. I was concerned, and hesitant, due to reading a lot about engine failures, rear main seal leaks... and all kinds of problems.

However, I also realize that doing 'research' on internet forums such as this, will 'over-represent' issues with these cars. Sure, you'll find people here that actually DID have some of the more widely known problems... but you'll also find a TON more people parroting about the problems, making them seem much more prevalent than they really are.

Given I was recently in the same situation, I'd recommend buying a Boxster. Look around, there are tons for sale. Get the newest and best condition car you can find. Look into getting a warranty on it. Have the car inspected by a Porsche mechanic.


So you know, engine failures in Boxsters seem to be from engine casting quality, and generally affects 98-99 models. 2000+ went with a different engine, and don't seem to be prone to the same type of thing. Rear main seal leaks still happen, but for the most part, RMS leaks are just an annoyance.

Most of us will never encounter any problems during the course of our ownership of these fine cars. Good luck with your search! I bet you'll love the Boxster if you end up with one!

I think they are reliable, but the downside is the costs are high if you do have a problem

I would recommend buying new with a full warranty or look for a Porsche certified used that has a limited warranty and maybe ask to have that extended.

You will love the car, but its worth the effort to make sure it is covered just in case.

if anything breaks, on any car, fix it and move on. sure some may be more to fix than others, some may cost more than others to start with, but hey at the end of the day you are either driving a honda or a porsche. even with RMS and all that, ill still take a box over s2k, although i did consider one as well when looking into convertibles (they look awesome w a hardtop and are cheap to mod, well anything is cheap to mod compared to porsche)
good luck

and make sure u post the pocs of porsche...we all know ure gonn get one :)

so far free from detractors on this thread....well here is the deal, there are some that will claim you can't get an honest/valid opinon here because we own boxsters, well I purchased my boxster when I had every intention of buying a G35 coupe....it was just that much better of a car and experience to me....so I say get the boxster and leave the s2k and its gym shoe looks at the dealer....

my car has been reliable and the problems I have had are pretty consistent with previous convertibles I've owned....get a warranty and don't lose sleep over the RMS concerns, it will only get in the way of your enjyoyment....

Dale,

I just read your post about your interest in a
Boxster.

I have had one since April. At the time, I also had
a Carrera 4S in Polar Silver, natural gray supple
leather, GT3 wheels... In short, the most beautiful
car I have ever had.

And sold it after getting the Boxster because I
just flat enjoyed the Boxster that much.

So much so, that I have ordered a new one and
am looking for a home for this one. I notice you
are in Texas, as am I, but we both know that
doesn't narrow it down too much.

I am in the Houston area, NW up near Magnolia.

But if you like, give me a call and I will tell you what
I know about the Boxsters in general and if you are
interested in mine in particular, I will tell you about
that as well.

My phone is 713 829 8000

Oh, my car is a 2001, silver with full leather Boxster
red interior (which really looks good -- I wouldn't have
thought so until I saw it), "sport package", 17 inch
wheels (not the twisty kind) and, get this...

less than 16,000 miles on it.

Anyway, if you care to call anytime.

All the best,

- Mark

PS: These are great cars -- can you tell how much we all
like them?

so far since owning it for less than a year, I've spent about $1200 on mods, $1800 on fix/maintanance (thank God for extended warranty) and $700 on set of 4 tires.....Do I regret it? NOPE...like what DJ said, at the end of the day, I still drive a Porsche :)

The only thing i regret is, I should have waited and buy the newest S model that I could afford :D soon, very soon........

I saw look into this...personally one of my favorite color combos the silver with red, check out the pics of perfectlap's car on this board.....awesome color combo....and I'm with kraker should have got the S, never driven one but do I have to? I already know I want more horses!

It's all about risk and pain control. Ask yourself what's going to hurt you more in the next few years:
1. Getting the Boxster and going through RMS and/or other shenanigans with it,
or
2. Getting the Honda and looking back wishing you got the Boxster?

Pick the option that would produce the least amount of pain. Get the Boxster.

Z.

Dale, I have your same story. Dreamed of owning a Porsche since I was a kid. Since you didn't dream of owning a rice rocket, why are you asking the question?

For me, there was simply no substitute. I owned an MR2, Eclipse Turbo, etc. and while these cars are nimble, it was not my dream car.

That's why I did not "settle" for another japanese car when my heart wanted a Porsche.

Their marketing department wasn't wrong... Porsche. There is no substitute.

PS - I have driven Houston_C4S's boxster and it's a beautiful car. Do consider buying it from him!

I like Randall own a '97. It's an everyday driver and I love the car. When purchased I didn't know a thing about Boxsters and have I learned a lot! (thanks Randall) To summarize; the car was a garage queen, only 9700 miles at purchase. I have spent the following: tires - $1000, Towing $386.00 (bad radiator cap) $0 repair cost at dealer, $79.00 oil change, $800.00 Blizzaks for Winter in Colorado. I have driven over 11,000 miles so far and its been a blast. Starts in below 0 weather, OK in snow, and gets me to the airport every Monday. I've owned Lexus, Toyota's, and a variety of domestics and I think Porsche's sometimes get a bad rap for reliability. I have been so pleased with this car I am now looking at a 2002 C4 from the same dealership I bought this Boxster from. I don't want to give up the Box but 4WD is something I could use out here in CO. Porsche - I'm hooked!! Good luck!

Dale,

Welcome to our Porsche community!

I, too, looked at an S2K prior to purchasing my Boxster S. My main reasons for buying the Boxster:

1. I've owned a '99 Boxster before, and it was awesome.

2. I've worked for a Honda dealer and have seen S2000s come through. Although reliable, they lack something the Boxster S has in spades. See #3.

3. The Boxster's got low-end torque. The S2000 must be revved to the sky to get anywhere fast. Handling is almost a perfect match for the Boxster, but they can't beat us in slalom speed, braking distances, or powering out of low-speed corners.

Ultimately, you'll probably end up spending more on the Boxster for maintenance, but the Box' will get you more smiles per gallon.

I share your same thoughts. I lookes into various years of the 911 and then determined...a touch more than I was comfortable in spending for a second car.

I had also convinced myself the 911 would be more problematic and costly to maintain.

I looked heavily for awhile at the Nissan 350z but ended up not quite a month ago here.

Two things..I visited a local shop (not dealership) alot to talk about Porsche and models and they were high on the Boxster. The owner basically said his experience was they were reliable and not that expensive (keeping in mind we're talking German, and Porsche) to maintain.

I was still concerned about the maintenance cost and the closer was a comment from a friend. The Porsche badge will always get you a sale if you make a mistake and the Boxster will hold it's value and carry more prestige over the years.

I liked the 350, but the first time I saw one after driving the Boxster I knew I made the right choice!

Hi,

Since debate seems to be stifled on this Forum, at least for the time being, let me just say that the Boxster is a fairly good car. It has it's warts, and is not really a great car. Those saying otherwise probably come from a less experienced base. But, not wanting to start an argument, let's just concede and agree, that it's a good car.

Maintenance is more expensive and failure rates on some components can be higher than other sports car offerings. Repairs are waay more expensive than many other contemporary cars.

You will find it underpowered (according to the majority here - budget an 'S' or Supercharger at least (don't forget the gauges whatever you do), with imperfect handling (again judging by the Wheel/Tire/Springs and other suspension mod popularities).

But, if you want a Porche Badge crossing your driveway 1st, than it's a good choice. There are lots of Boxsters, of all years, available in the Used Car Market (hard to believe that such an otherwise perfect car would even be let go by their previous owners, but, what do they know?).

In short, you could do a lot worse. That's not to say you could also do better, but that's just a matter of choice...

Happy Motoring!... Jim'99

Jim, I think you just broke the record for offending the most forum members in a single paragraph. Is this a gift from birth or did you hone it to perfection over time? :cheers:

Hi,

Who asked you? What's makes you such an expert on what may or may not offend forum members - your endless posts simply to boost your total? Trying to stir the pot? I have been offended by several of your posts, just too polite to rub it in your face.

I'm just stating the obvious. Most of the posts here are how to increase power or handling, hardly the stuff of an already perfect car.

Don't cheer me. Read the majority of posts, including your own. If the Boxster is such a perfect car, why is everyone tripping over each other to change it? What is it I'm missing?

Happy Motoring!... Jim'99

There's no need to curse at me, fellow forum member... the owners get all bent out of shape by it (glad you edited it out!). Sorry to ruffle your feathers... you just really seemed to have worked at the barbs in that paragraph to offend, not educate or enlighten.

To answer your question... Once the goal of ownership is achieved, there's not much to think about except making payments, insurance premiums, and fuel and maintenance costs. Modding the car to make it look better and faster or handle better always becomes the next logical thing to think about doing. Something like adding icing to a tasty cake. Could the icing make that cake look better or make it sweeter on the tongue?

Some mod out of boredom, others can't afford to buy a new S or a 997. For me it's just simple fun to see what I can do to the car to make it look and feel like it's unique and mine.

Hi,

BS, you simply took the opportunity to bash my post. I'm not buying any of the other babble.

You can't have it both ways. If the Boxster is the 2nd Coming of F. Porsche, there s/b no need to modify it, except to send the Aftermarket owners' kids to college.

And since when did you have the authority, or the insite for that matter, to speak on behalf of the entire group at large? Cheap shot - that's how I take it. My expletive should have been PM'd to you privately, that's why I deleted it, not because you didn't deserve it... Don't bother replying, I'm through with this thread, I'm not gonna encourage this to escalate to an ego boosting platform.

Happy Motoring!... Jim'99

Jim, you're right. I'm sorry. I'll let the rest of the forum members speak for themselves if they took offense in what you wrote above. It sure hit me the wrong way though.

BTW, I don't think the Boxster is the perfect car and don't recall posting that I thought it was the way you are describing it now. I doubt I'd find any automobile to be without flaws or compromises in one area or another. It's just the brand I dreamed of owning since I was a kid... (not the model I dreamed of owning because it didn't exist way back when). But it's a fun ride for now and I am enjoying the additional performance upgrades and updated rims, etc. I am making.

Have a good evening. It's too late to keep posting and it's cold down here in Texas. Not like Minnesota cold, but plenty cold for South Texans!

So just to get back to the original question, here is my view.

I don’t think Boxster reliability is worse than other P-Cars (okay I lurk in other forums!).

The Boxster is a blast to drive! I did try a 911 and I simply enjoyed the Boxster more.

I drove a S2000 (and an acquaintance of mine has one) again I simply preferred the Boxster.

The 350z is a good car but it is simply not a sports car compared to the Boxster and it did not do anything for me when I drove it.

So here is my advice, take a Boxster for a test drive on a clear sunny day (it does not need to be warm) over a variety of roads (including twisties). When you take the car out and let it warm up, drop the top, use the heated seats if equipped, don’t turn on the sound system, don’t let the revs get below 4K, try some fast corners, use those brakes & listen to the flat 6. Be prepared to write a check!

My view on mods: I have owned and modified a number of cars, not aggressive mods, some appearance, some performance and some handling. I do it because I enjoy driving my cars and modifying them. I don’t have many car friends (in person) so it is always fun to explain my mods to someone who likes cars (most people) and does not mod (again most people) and let them drive the car explain what a mod does and let them and feel the difference (my current Benz is a reasonable example of that). I don’t mod because the original car was bad, I mod because I have different specific tastes (for example most suspension mods I have done have improved handling but always compromise ride quality a little, a compromise I prefer) and I like to make my cars my own and I am quite proud of the mods. I have managed to sell cars with mods and get at least some money back (mods have low resale value) and I think this is because I have been enthusiastic about my cars and that rubs off onto the folks I have sold my cars to. Having said all that I have not done anything to my Boxster yet and there is a simple reason for that, the car is simply great out of the box and it’s limits are far ahead of my driving skills! I plan on improving my driving skills this summer so who knows what is next, I just know it will be fun.

Dale, I'll give my 2 cents worth and you can take it or leave it. It's only my story on my Boxster. Everyones story will be a little different because... we are all different and the reason we bought Boxsters are all different to some degree. I replaced a 1967 Austin Healey 3000 that my wife and I owned for 7 years. It was a lot of fun for 7 years but frankly we got a little tired putting up with its vintage qualities. We wanted something to drive that looked great, had a good convertible top, handled well, had more power than the Healey and was something we could trust to get us to our destination and back comfortably. We both loved the looks of the Boxster so I started doing my homework, just like you are doing. I read about the early engine failures, RMS failures, and the cost involved in repairing what may go wrong. I discovered what a lot before me have written here and most is true. This purchase is going to be a GUT decision... Some of us purchase cars and have no trouble and some are not as lucky. Some use their cars for everyday travel and some only on the nicer weekends. Some drive harder than others, some bought better used Boxsters than others. I wanted a Boxster real bad so I was determined to buy one only after careful inspection and from the original owner who used it just as I plan to use mine. There is always some luck involved in purchasing used... any car! If you pick a good Boxster that fills your needs you won't be disappointed, I wasn't!

Dale, Buying new or used? If buying new you shouldn't be as concerned about reliablity.

I certainly appreciate all the replys particularly the more spirited ones! I am going to begin the process of purchasing the automobile sometime this late spring or summer.

Cheers,

dale

What a shame and so embarrassing. The guy’s first post and our obnoxious member rears his ugly head. Let me say this is not usual behavior for the forum so don’t let this member influence continued questions or comments. This is a Porsche board so of course we will mostly give the Boxster our vote. As for you oh child like one, I will not be baited into argument and think I made clear what your comments mean to me.

Just thought of something else, Dale.

One forum member who goes by MikenOhio (I hope I got the spelling right on that) just bought his second boxster this last year. His first boxster was bought new in 2000 and he drove it hard on the track 4x a year and it was his daily driver. He owned it for 5 years and said he only did oil changes on the car and never had a single problem with it.

He was so impressed with the reliability that he bought an 2006 and has been enjoying that car too (evidently so much that he's not posting much here!).

I think there are many Boxster owners who drive their cars and enjoy them and find them to be as reliable as other cars. Forums like this will always have a lot of chatter about repairs because forum are great for that... owners helping owners solve problems.

Where do you live in Texas anyway? You never posted that.

Dale,

I think a little clarification may be in order, so that you are not confused by the apparent misspelling/misuse of several words in some of our posts.

First, the majority of us spell "Porche" Porsche. I can see where "Porche" might confuse you, the word being neither porch, nor Porsche.

I think a fellow forum member also meant to state then it's a good choice, not "than it's a good choice".

Additionally, most of us spell "insite", insight.

Being a renowned author of both stage and screen and a man of boundless intelligence, a fellow forum member may use words in contexts, which, at first blush, may appear to be incorrect, when in fact we are just not astute enough to recognize the sheer brilliance of the verbiage.

Let me know if you require further assistance. Until then I'll be over here, continuing to be not very smart.

Hi,

I don't find it a shame or embarrassing. I gave an honest assessment of what a great number of owners have expressed here, that the car is underpowered, and that it's handling can be improved.

OH, let's be honest. You know that all this animosity between us started when you and I disagreed about your mods and that you took offense and got personal. Things admittedly, and regretfully, escalated from there into a lot of ugliness. You were apparently offended to the degree that you now seem to make criticizing me your goal. Anyone reading this Forum can see that this is true.

That's OK, I concede your right to do so. You can make shaded references to me or call me names, but hopefully this will pass with time. If not, you'll be wasting your time as I will not get involved. I have no desire to keep up the fight with you, and won't. Peace Out!

Happy Motoring!... Jim'99

If you have the funds, and depending on where you live, you can probably get a better deal on a convertible right now than amidst the top-down season.

must every thread turn into this??? maybe Bruce lee should start handing out time outs....sorry MN but this statement:
'You will find it underpowered (according to the majority here - budget an 'S' or Supercharger at least (don't forget the gauges whatever you do), with imperfect handling (again judging by the Wheel/Tire/Springs and other suspension mod popularities)."

was a cheap shot that started this all up. So if you really believe in your own statement of:

"You can make shaded references to me or call me names, but hopefully this will pass with time. If not, you'll be wasting your time as I will not get involved. I have no desire to keep up the fight with you, and won't. "

Then don't instigate other members with your remarks. Enough is enough already.......

Dale, buy the car!!!!! In terms of power and mods, most people want them. I mean Chevy bumps the power in their vettes over time, same with mustangs, people want more horses....nature of the beast.....

Hi,

Let's crank it down a notch shall we?

Isn't the consensus that the Boxster is underpowered?

Aren't many people looking to improve the handling?

Wasn't the majority opinion of those contributing to both of OH's gauge threads that these were a good thing?

Cheap Shot? Where? I am not looking to be divisive, or start a brawl, are you?

Happy Motoring!.. Jim'99

The Boxster is a great car. When I bought mine, I drove several cars, new and used, not all verts, including 993, 9-3, G35 coupe, 350z, TSX, Z3, Z4, 330ic. On paper, the Boxster was one of the worst options -- slower, older, no space, etc. But it had that unexplainable "fun" factor that I been looking for since my 88 325i convertible that I bought in high school, that most new cars seem to lack in all their refinement, sound-proofing, and seclusion.

I haven't looked back. Having put 32k on it in the last 2 years, I've only paid for one expense out of pocket (window regulator for $500) that wasn't part of one of the service intervals. No tires, no brakes, no other unscheduled repairs. The key is a good PPI and buying a car w/ a good history (if used).

Regarding how "imperfect" the car is, I have not felt the need to mod anything. I will probably upgrade to 18" rims when I need tires, just for the look. If I ever get into an accident (hopefully not!), I will probably do like many people on this forum and pay the extra to upgrade to the newer bumpers or lights, but even that I'm not doing if I have to pay for it 100% out of pocket. Would a supercharger be great? Of course, but who wouldn't want more power? If I had a Z06 and you offered me another 10 hp, I'd take it. That doesn't mean that the Z06 is underpowered, though.

I think it's a great car. But that should be obvious -- that's why for the first time in 4 cars, my money went to Porsche instead of BMW.

not looking to start a brawl.....thats why I said why does it always come down to this....MN, if you take a second to be honest with yourself, you know none of this happens if you don't state:


'You will find it underpowered (according to the majority here - budget an 'S' or Supercharger at least (don't forget the gauges whatever you do), with imperfect handling (again judging by the Wheel/Tire/Springs and other suspension mod popularities)."

you said you're a writer, you know what you are doing....so if you truly don't want to start anythin as you stated earlier, then next time just state as you did above that the consensus seems to be that the Boxster is underpowered and many people on this board look to improve the handling.....now if one of your fans speak up, its on them....but it was provoked in this instance..... :cheers:

Enthusiasts almost invariably want to "improve" their cars, Porsche people no less than any others. I know more than a few 911 folks who have "improved" their cars to the point that they can no longer drive them on the street.
The real trouble with a Boxster is that it is complicated and expensive to make anything but the most miniscule performance improvements.
Personally, I don't feel that my '99 Boxster with 201hp and an automatic transmission is underpowered, but I also realize that there are other opinions.
After all, Ayrton Senna ********************ed constantly about not having enough power in whatever F1 car he was driving, and he had 700+ hp in a 1,200lb car to play with.

Hi,

You're making waay too much of this... let it go. I am...

Happy Motoring!... Jim'99

Someone else asked but I never saw the answer if it was there. If you're looking at a new Boxster I would not be concerned about reliability. You'll get the 4 yr 50k mile warranty as well. As I understand the issues the RMS could be an issue up through the 986. I believe the seal has since been redesigned? Aside from that if you're buying used it's anybody's guess what issues the car may ultimately have and they are expensive to fix and maintain.. I've got an '06 987S and it's got more than enough power and handles like an absolute dream. I really could have gotten anything up to the 997C4 and they're each a work of art and stellar in their own right but the 987S was the one that melted my butter and frankly the extra $40k in my pocket had to help put the smile on my face. There's no consensus on anything in the Porsche world. They're just a few people who do most of the posting thereby creating their own consensus.

lets get a few things straight here..............

UNDER POWERED.........for the street or the track! i drive mine on the street
and it's amazing, and not sure that i could use another 100h.p.

HANDLING.....for the street or the track! i drive mine on the street and i lowered
it, and it's amazing.

RMS........i havent driven a car that doesnt have somthing wrong with it. you can go buy the s2000 but guess what the odds of it leaking oil probably just as great.

REALIABILITY......i drive pretty dam hard, and can't beleive i still have an engine.

LOVE FOR THE CAR...........i wouldnt sell it and if i had to trade it in, i don't think anything compares. the only thing that could compare is another $100,000, which would put my ass in a used ferrari or turbo.

TO THE JACKASSES THAT CONTINUE TO HATE ON PEOPLE IN HERE.......keep the critisisim to a low, it has nothing to do with the boxster. i bought a blue car, you have a green car, we all have different tastes, and perceptions of what is good or bad.

I LOVE MY BOXSTER! OHH N IT DRIVES GREAT IN THE SNOWWWWWW. FIRST WINTER DRIVING IT IN SNOW AND I LOVE IT. WARM WINTER HERE, BUT I DID GET TO DRIVE IN SNOW AND IT WAS GREAT. THE CAR HAS BEEN STORED IN THE PAST WINTERS, BUT MAYBE NEVER AGAIN.


SEEEEEYOU AND YOU

Guys, lets tone down the upset here. I would start by asking that you guys always keep in mind that most of what we chat about here is subjective and opinion. We all have a lot to offer and lets keep the lines of communication open.

If you hold it as that and only that, it is a start.

Also, no name calling, that is childish whenever it ocurrs.

Thanks and peace my friends!

I come in peace, Bruce :D

*from Coneheads the movie

1) What 911 version were you looking for. I ask only because depending on the type, the Boxster may not be the correct substitute.

I drove both a 914 and aircooled 911 on and off for about 18 years and well, the Boxster is a completely different car. From the luxuries available (like Ac, heat, power top, 18" wheels etc) to its performance to how it is built. I moved into my Boxster after my 911 and completely enjoy it. I love the sound. I love its power (and its only a 2.7l 217hp version). I love the direct shifting. I love the direct turn in response.

But. It is not a 911. Its that simple. Depending on the 911 of your dream, you may find it underpowered and lacking in interior room. You may find it "too modern" or, if a 997 was your goal, not modern enough.

While it may raise some ire, I did NOT find MMBoxster's comments wrong, when you consider how many folks out here have enjoyed their cars, but want even more performance. More power. More braking. Stiffer suspensions. Bigger wheels. All of that is fine as well.

That said, a Boxster is a great starting point.

Before I bought my boxster i thought I could fill my porsche fix with a 924/944/968 series car. I drove samples of each. Each one got better, but to me, they just didn't feel like a Porsche. They were fine "cars" but not what I wanted.

I would encourage you to test drive as many samples as possible. 2.5l tips, 3.2l 6speeds etc. Get a feel for the range of performance these cars offer. THEN, go find the right one for you.

Wife and I recently relocated to Dallas from Knoxville, TN. Trying to get used to the flat country!

One forum member who goes by MikenOhio (I hope I got the spelling right on that) just bought his second boxster this last year. His first boxster was bought new in 2000 and he drove it hard on the track 4x a year and it was his daily driver. He owned it for 5 years and said he only did oil changes on the car and never had a single problem with it.

He was so impressed with the reliability that he bought an 2006 and has been enjoying that car too (evidently so much that he's not posting much here!).

I think there are many Boxster owners who drive their cars and enjoy them and find them to be as reliable as other cars. Forums like this will always have a lot of chatter about repairs because forum are great for that... owners helping owners solve problems.

Where do you live in Texas anyway? You never posted that.[/QUOTE]