1st Impressions - Boxster...NLC
Discussion
Hi,
Sorry for bringing in another marque, but after 2 weeks, and 1,000 miles, of ownership, I thought I'd share my first impressions of my newest ride, my '00 Porsche Boxster (Guards Red/Saddle Leather).
Overall, it's a wonderful car. Well appointed, solid, great engine (very nice sound) and superb handling (almost the equal of an Esprit). The brakes are first rate and the steering is precise and light. Lots of little German innovations, such as the Oil level indicator on start-up and the way the side windows drop 10-15mm when opening the doors and/or lowering the top, to eliminate any vacuum created and to save the seals. It is quiet, especially with the top up. Seats and seating are wonderful, luggage space nearly twice that of the Esprit. The seat height adjustment and the telescoping steering wheel are very useful. Also, the earlier models are becoming quite the bargain with '97 and '98s coming in well under $20k. Insurance cost is half that of my Esprit with annual premium of $324, probably due to the 4 airbags and the fact that it is a non-turbo.
On the down side, it's a thirsty beast, much more than my old Esprit. Also, it's a 4-wheeled Oil Tanker with it's 11 qt. Dry Sump system (Mobil 1 - $130 + filter). The plastic rear window is less nice than a glass unit would be, but maybe more in keeping with the two-seat convertible theme. And, inherent in all convertibles, there is more flexing going on than I would like (I am installing some strut tower braces to help mitigate this). The sound system is first rate, but is totally front staged. A car in this price range should have rear speakers as standard. A proper glovebox would also have been nice. Arguably, the 'S' model, with it's big brakes and 3.2 motor would be nice, but I question whether these justify the price difference. There seems to be plenty of horses on tap and the standard brakes are more than up to the task, and at least the equal (probably superior) to those of the Esprit.
At 2.7 Ltrs., 218BHP and 2,800lbs., it's near equivalent to the Esprit, but it feels heavier, and handling is maybe only 90-95% that of the Lotus. It did get the Official 'Calvin' Seal of Approval, when he stopped by for a test spin last week...
Not better than the Esprit, just different, but definitely a wonderful car. I much prefer it to any of the 911 variants I have driven. It's the right car for me and Mrs.Lotusguy at this time, but I know I'm really gonna miss the Esprit all the same.
Happy Motoring! ...Jim'00Boxster
>>> Edited by lotusguy on Wednesday 4th May 13:44
Sorry for bringing in another marque, but after 2 weeks, and 1,000 miles, of ownership, I thought I'd share my first impressions of my newest ride, my '00 Porsche Boxster (Guards Red/Saddle Leather).
Overall, it's a wonderful car. Well appointed, solid, great engine (very nice sound) and superb handling (almost the equal of an Esprit). The brakes are first rate and the steering is precise and light. Lots of little German innovations, such as the Oil level indicator on start-up and the way the side windows drop 10-15mm when opening the doors and/or lowering the top, to eliminate any vacuum created and to save the seals. It is quiet, especially with the top up. Seats and seating are wonderful, luggage space nearly twice that of the Esprit. The seat height adjustment and the telescoping steering wheel are very useful. Also, the earlier models are becoming quite the bargain with '97 and '98s coming in well under $20k. Insurance cost is half that of my Esprit with annual premium of $324, probably due to the 4 airbags and the fact that it is a non-turbo.
On the down side, it's a thirsty beast, much more than my old Esprit. Also, it's a 4-wheeled Oil Tanker with it's 11 qt. Dry Sump system (Mobil 1 - $130 + filter). The plastic rear window is less nice than a glass unit would be, but maybe more in keeping with the two-seat convertible theme. And, inherent in all convertibles, there is more flexing going on than I would like (I am installing some strut tower braces to help mitigate this). The sound system is first rate, but is totally front staged. A car in this price range should have rear speakers as standard. A proper glovebox would also have been nice. Arguably, the 'S' model, with it's big brakes and 3.2 motor would be nice, but I question whether these justify the price difference. There seems to be plenty of horses on tap and the standard brakes are more than up to the task, and at least the equal (probably superior) to those of the Esprit.
At 2.7 Ltrs., 218BHP and 2,800lbs., it's near equivalent to the Esprit, but it feels heavier, and handling is maybe only 90-95% that of the Lotus. It did get the Official 'Calvin' Seal of Approval, when he stopped by for a test spin last week...
Not better than the Esprit, just different, but definitely a wonderful car. I much prefer it to any of the 911 variants I have driven. It's the right car for me and Mrs.Lotusguy at this time, but I know I'm really gonna miss the Esprit all the same.
Happy Motoring! ...Jim'00Boxster
>>> Edited by lotusguy on Wednesday 4th May 13:44
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