Boxter S opinions?
Discussion
Hi everyone. What are your thoughts on the Boxter S? It seems to me that it isn't far off a 996 in spec, for a lot less money. It has big brakes which I reckon are a vital part of any Porsche. Most of the second hand models I have seen are specced up too, hard tops, GT3 wheels etc, all for as little as £35K. When I look at the package overall on paper, its nearly a 996 for 2/3 the price. The catch?? I don't know, but 2 obvious things spring to mind: Lots of Boxters around now, this doesn't help the perceived image possibly, but this wouldn't worry me. Also, 250 bhp and 197 bhp/ton. Obviously 996's come with 300 or 320 bhp, quite a bit more.....but is it worth the extra money? What is the tuning potential? I reckon 280-300 bhp would be about right. How might this be achieved? And at what cost? Supercharging when funds allow? (Getting ahead of myself now).
I have an E30 M3 at the moment which would become my trackday car, the Porsche a daily driver. I would be grateful for your opinions.
I have an E30 M3 at the moment which would become my trackday car, the Porsche a daily driver. I would be grateful for your opinions.
As a Boxster S owner I'm biased, of course. I think its a wonderful car.
The reason the Boxster is cheaper is largely because it occupies a different market niche for Porsche. It is a LOT cheaper than a 996 - which belies the fact that it is (IMHO) one of the best handling cars Porsche has ever made.
The bhp is kept low to ensure the car does not compete with its more expensive (and more profitable) elder brothers - I find this a shame but will welcome the power upgrade this year when it becomes 265bhp...certainly not 996 territory.
Test drive one and it'll either do it for you or it won't.
Be aware that in their first two years of life running costs are largely depreciation (I've had one hiccup which the warranty paid for) but after that...not cheap I expect. I will be changing mine before the warranty period is over!
I'd say go for it, of course, and get one. If you want TVR levels of power though it simply can't match 'em. But the handling....
oh yes
The reason the Boxster is cheaper is largely because it occupies a different market niche for Porsche. It is a LOT cheaper than a 996 - which belies the fact that it is (IMHO) one of the best handling cars Porsche has ever made.
The bhp is kept low to ensure the car does not compete with its more expensive (and more profitable) elder brothers - I find this a shame but will welcome the power upgrade this year when it becomes 265bhp...certainly not 996 territory.
Test drive one and it'll either do it for you or it won't.
Be aware that in their first two years of life running costs are largely depreciation (I've had one hiccup which the warranty paid for) but after that...not cheap I expect. I will be changing mine before the warranty period is over!
I'd say go for it, of course, and get one. If you want TVR levels of power though it simply can't match 'em. But the handling....
oh yesHah - now I can actually give some advice, rather than just take it...
I picked up a Boxster S on Friday night, and did 800 miles over the weekend - London - Anglesey, then various drives round the island. Its a fantastic handling car, as Don said, and to be honest, the power feels as usable as anything I've ever drive. I loved every minute of it, and can't wait for this weekend..
That enough of a recommendation for you?
I picked up a Boxster S on Friday night, and did 800 miles over the weekend - London - Anglesey, then various drives round the island. Its a fantastic handling car, as Don said, and to be honest, the power feels as usable as anything I've ever drive. I loved every minute of it, and can't wait for this weekend..
That enough of a recommendation for you?
quote:
I picked up a Boxster S on Friday night, and did 800 miles over the weekend - London - Anglesey, then various drives round the island.
Hey - I do that run regularly. My folks are from Anglesey. Did you use the A5 (Great road but numpties abound and overtaking opportunities are ... rare ... but very enjoyable when available!) or use the A55 Coast road (less scenic but quick).
Anglesey roads can be a bit..ummmn..bone shaking on my 18" rims.
Did you visit the circuit?
Don
I stayed just outside Menai Bridge, and drove most of the roads! Had a great drive along the A55 on Tuesday morning - no other cars around, I could use both lanes and had borrowed a radar detector, so got a real feel for what the car can do. For about 6 miles from Holyhead back along that road, I didn't pass a single car! The car is on 17" wheels at the moment, but am having 18" wheels, with P-Zeros fitted in a couple of weeks, back up that way. Should it be a big improvemnet on the handling?
>> Edited by londonscot on Thursday 6th June 11:48
I stayed just outside Menai Bridge, and drove most of the roads! Had a great drive along the A55 on Tuesday morning - no other cars around, I could use both lanes and had borrowed a radar detector, so got a real feel for what the car can do. For about 6 miles from Holyhead back along that road, I didn't pass a single car! The car is on 17" wheels at the moment, but am having 18" wheels, with P-Zeros fitted in a couple of weeks, back up that way. Should it be a big improvemnet on the handling?
>> Edited by londonscot on Thursday 6th June 11:48
I think the Boxster is better value than 996. Nearly got a 996 Carrera 4S, and looking at the 996 and Boxster in show room, its obvious which car makes Porsche most of the money. 996 uses so many Boxster parts, and I think the Boxster is better balanced car. Probably not as practical as a 996 but only you can judge what is practical for you. I'd say get one, I wasnt a fan, rear looks silly (sorry guys, only IMO of course), some of them have puny alloys, hairdresser image (oops!), but after close analysis of what you get, and how it drives I can say that I was a fan. Driven well a Boxster can make very, very good headway.
Good luck if you do get one.
Good luck if you do get one.
Yep. The Boxster S is certainly better value than the 996. There again you have to buy the one you want at either of these prices. £50K -> £65K. The 996 does come with more options as standard...
The 16" rims do look particularly tiny on the car to someone with 18" ones it has to be said.
Londonscot: Cool. Glad you got enjoy the old stomping ground! Now ... 18" rims and handling...
Have you test driven a car with 18" wheels? If not you should BEFORE you part with £1800 or whatever. The ride is certainly quite unforgiving on poor road surfaces. Car magazine did a review a while back and felt that the 18" rims made the car feel "skittish".
Now..I have the 18inchers and I can live with the harsher ride for the (debatable) improvement in handling (I certainly don't believe the car is "skittish" with 18s on but there you go) and (IMHO) the more purposeful stance it gives the car.
Be warned those PZeros come in at about £800 a set - and you'll use them up if you enjoy a good play. The 17" rims are generally viewed as a good compromise for road use.
Mind you there are those that swear by the lowered sports suspension and 18s...they must have a permanent sore arse is what I reckon.
My compromise was the 18 wheels and I'm happy - you should make sure you will be too before you part with the loot.
The 16" rims do look particularly tiny on the car to someone with 18" ones it has to be said.
Londonscot: Cool. Glad you got enjoy the old stomping ground! Now ... 18" rims and handling...
Have you test driven a car with 18" wheels? If not you should BEFORE you part with £1800 or whatever. The ride is certainly quite unforgiving on poor road surfaces. Car magazine did a review a while back and felt that the 18" rims made the car feel "skittish".
Now..I have the 18inchers and I can live with the harsher ride for the (debatable) improvement in handling (I certainly don't believe the car is "skittish" with 18s on but there you go) and (IMHO) the more purposeful stance it gives the car.
Be warned those PZeros come in at about £800 a set - and you'll use them up if you enjoy a good play. The 17" rims are generally viewed as a good compromise for road use.
Mind you there are those that swear by the lowered sports suspension and 18s...they must have a permanent sore arse is what I reckon.
My compromise was the 18 wheels and I'm happy - you should make sure you will be too before you part with the loot.
Don
Thanks for the advice on the wheels. Being honest, its not costing me that much to change over. Girlfriends brother has a Tyre and Exhaust centre, and he's sorting out the wheels and tyres at cost plus not very much...and also selling on my 17" to a customer with 16" wheels at the moment..
Will also be the case with the P-Zeros going forward. I'm sure he can get them for you at less than £800. I'll give him a call and find out what he'd charge.
Thanks for the advice on the wheels. Being honest, its not costing me that much to change over. Girlfriends brother has a Tyre and Exhaust centre, and he's sorting out the wheels and tyres at cost plus not very much...and also selling on my 17" to a customer with 16" wheels at the moment..
Will also be the case with the P-Zeros going forward. I'm sure he can get them for you at less than £800. I'll give him a call and find out what he'd charge.
I was shopping with my old man for a car a couple of months back. We settled on an x plate Boxter S (on standard 17s BTW). We were looking at a 911 drop top and the Targa since he wanted some roof off fun but there was no way it is worth paying the extra for a 911. They are IMO less practical than the boxter because you only get the deep front boot in the 911 whereas the boxter gets a decent sized boot behind the boot as well. The rear seats are useless in a 911 so you are better off with a boxter, and you almost get a convirtible top thrown in for free :-)
Then there is the fact that the 911 cabrio looks like a pram (again IMO) with the top down, whereas the boxter is a roofless design from the outset. This is evident in the looks of both cars; consider also that the Boxter is fundamentally a better handling car due to it's mid engined layout rather than the rear layout of the 911. It is clear that the only reason the Boxter is only allowed to have 250ish BHP is to keep the 911 selling. If the boxter had the same power as the 911 (RUF 3400S anyone?) then they would either have to sell it at a similar price to the current 911 or reduce the price of a 911 to be closer to the Boxter. Then only those who really wanted a fixed head car would buy a 911. The current situation is down to product positioning and marketing strategies, not the quality of the product.
My Dad is certainly enjoying his car, it is plenty quick enough for road use and the noise if fantastic.
Anyhow, I have said my piece about this. Hope I have helped you in your decision. Whatever you get enjoy it!
Then there is the fact that the 911 cabrio looks like a pram (again IMO) with the top down, whereas the boxter is a roofless design from the outset. This is evident in the looks of both cars; consider also that the Boxter is fundamentally a better handling car due to it's mid engined layout rather than the rear layout of the 911. It is clear that the only reason the Boxter is only allowed to have 250ish BHP is to keep the 911 selling. If the boxter had the same power as the 911 (RUF 3400S anyone?) then they would either have to sell it at a similar price to the current 911 or reduce the price of a 911 to be closer to the Boxter. Then only those who really wanted a fixed head car would buy a 911. The current situation is down to product positioning and marketing strategies, not the quality of the product.
My Dad is certainly enjoying his car, it is plenty quick enough for road use and the noise if fantastic.
Anyhow, I have said my piece about this. Hope I have helped you in your decision. Whatever you get enjoy it!
quote:
I suppose if you feel threatened by 911 performance get a BoxsterBad hair days due to top down motoring shouldn't bother you as you’re probably a hairdresser
Real men choose Turbo's or RS's
When I open my salon you can most certainly get a free haircut, UV.
Personally I am a New Man and am in touch with my feelings and can drive a Boxster S without feeling inadequate. Must be because I have an absolutely enormous
Porker
..err.. or something.
>> Edited by Don on Thursday 6th June 15:35
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