What drop-top would you consider as a replacement to the Boxster?

[Porschekid]

I'm thinking of an eventual replacement for my 2000 Boxster and coming up with few choices. Topping my list are the Porsche 996, BMW M3, and Acura NSX. My problem is that I will probably want something I can drive without the top and I think the 996 and M3 look pretty ugly in their convertible versions. An NSX targa would be nice but they are hard to find and expensive in low mileage. I also don't know how reliable an M3 would be. I really like my Boxster and how reliable it has been but sometimes I just want a little more power. I don't know if just getting an S would satisfy me. What choices would you guys have as a replacement?

[Marc Gelefsky]

Being a "Porsche" kinda guy, I say 996... or better yet 993

[Porschekid]

Originally Posted by Marc Gelefsky

Being a "Porsche" kinda guy, I say 996... or better yet 993

I'm most definately a Porsche guy (you should see my cubicle) but I think the 996 convertible looks like a bathtub. The 993 looks better but I hate the interior.

[MNBoxster]

Hi,

Personally, I believe in the philosophy "So many cars - so little time". I cannot ever see myself buying another of the same model car. So switching up to an 'S' isn't an option for me. My brother, on the other hand, has owned a Volkswagen Jetta since 1985 - 6 in all. To me, that's like going to 31 Flavors and ordering Vanilla.

One car I'm keeping my eye on as a possible replacement is the mid-engined MG TF. In 2002 the MGF was rebadged MG TF. The most significant mechanical changes were the abandonment of Hydragas suspension in favour of conventional coil springs, the new design of the air-induction system that along with new camshafts produces more power than in MGF engines, and the torsional stiffness of the body increased by 20%. Various cosmetic tweaks include a revised grille, redesigned front headlights, bumpers, side air-intake grills, rear boot, etc. The MG TF was the first car of its class to be awarded a leading 4-star safety performance from EURONCAP.

The MG TF was popular in comparison with the best affordable sports cars in the UK. However, production was suspended in 2005 when MG Rover collapsed. Nanjing Automobile Group bought MG Rover's remaining assets during bankruptcy proceedings and plans to restart production of a redesigned MG TF in Longbridge and in Ardmore, Oklahoma, in early 2007. For the first time the MG TF will become available in the U.S. Prices s/b in the $25k-$35k range and performance should equal (or be nearly) that of the Boxster. Plus, it's a good looking car to boot...

Happy Motoring!... Jim'99

[MNBoxster]

Hi,

Here's another pic of the MG TF...

Happy Motoring!... Jim'99

[MNBoxster]

Hi,

And another...

Happy Motoring!... Jim'99

[RandallNeighbour]

You should trade up to this! DB9, baby!

[MNBoxster]

Hi,

Last one - I promise...

Happy Motoring!... Jim'99

[Travis]

Trade ya, even swap!

[RandallNeighbour]

Jim, I can see why you might choose this car. It's attractive from every angle. What do you think the dependability of the car would be and how about the resale value?

[FrayAdjacent]

Another Boxster.

[Porschekid]

I wish I could afford an Aston. I'm looking for something that I would pay less than $20k over the price I get for the Boxster which I would assume is also around $20k. That MG doesn't look like a bad choice but I don't know that it would fill my power appetite.

[MNBoxster]

Originally Posted by RandallNeighbour

Jim, I can see why you might choose this car. It's attractive from every angle. What do you think the dependability of the car would be and how about the resale value?

Hi,

Reliability of the MGF engine was good. The 1st gen had issues with the Headgaskets failing due to using Nylon dowels in the head for positioning. These would fail and the headgasket could/would slip. In 2001, Rover replaced the Nylon dowels with Steel ones and this fixed the problem. Other than that, the reliability has been very good.

The car is light and reasonably well handling. Check this driving impression from Graham Bell : http://www.pistonheads.com/doc.asp?c=138&i=4752

Of course, this is the car that was. The Nanjing Automobile Group has said that it will make improvements to both the powertrain and suspension on the 'new' model, so we'll have to wait and see what they do to it. Still, it's a great little runabout - imagine a mid-engined Miata...

Happy Motoring!... Jim'99

[z12358]

Originally Posted by Porschekid

I don't know if just getting an S would satisfy me. What choices would you guys have as a replacement?

First things first. Since you're happy overall with your Box experience find out if S would do the job, then look elsewhere. It looks more like you're bored by the Box in general and would like a taste of something different. Nothing wrong with that.

[smagerstein]

This is the one for me!!!

PAGANI ZONDA!!!

[Perfectlap]

I've thought about this too and really there's nothing out there that really seems like an upgrade if you are trying to stay in the roadster category without spending a much bigger amount. Before the Boxster I was leaning toward an S2000 (which I think is as good as the BoxsterS just kind of dull looking). Reliability is very important to me.

If you are looking to get out roadsters and into coupes or GT's then there are plenty of options. I'm looking at 2nd hand CaymanS or a 2002-2004 911 Turbo.
I'm a fan of the Z4 Coupe but there are just too many good deals on Pcars nowadays to opt for a Bimmer.

But I can't see myself in a tin top on a warm summer day and having two sports cars seems excessive to me....Tough choice but I can honestly my BoxsterS may be the best sports car I ever own.

[986Roadster]

hmmmm i would say anything audi.......

i have thought about this, and people have asked, what i would buy next.

not too much that compares to the boxster, without having to spend over $100,000.

sorry that mg looks like a 2 door jetta, and pretty awful looking.

i would only consider a cayman, but it seems that you want a roadster.

so pretty much you have to keep the boxster or put in another $100, 000 and
get the 997 or ahhhh used turbo.

no substitute

[986Roadster]

look at your sig pic and now look at the mg pics......no substitute

[MNBoxster]

Originally Posted by 986Roadster

hmmmm i would say anything audi.......

i have thought about this, and people have asked, what i would buy next.

not too much that compares to the boxster, without having to spend over $100,000.

sorry that mg looks like a 2 door jetta, and pretty awful looking.

i would only consider a cayman, but it seems that you want a roadster.

so pretty much you have to keep the boxster or put in another $100, 000 and
get the 997 or ahhhh used turbo.

no substitute

Hi,

I don't know where you get Jetta looking at it, but to each his own. Now, Audi's do have the Jetta look, similar DNA I suspect. But, the Cayman is just another Boxster with a fixed roof...

Happy Motoring!... Jim'99

[CJ_Boxster]

The Pagani Zonda F