Discussion
I have been a serial Mercedes supporter over many years and will no doubt continue to buy their often excellent cars (we currently own 2). The only problem is despite several attempts I just cannot get excited by either the E or C class coupe which would logically replace my CLK. I can't fit comfortably in an SLK and I have a thing about 3 series coupes (and in fact most things BMW despite having run 5 and 7s as company cars in the past).
I have always lusted after a 911 but cannot justify investing c.£50K in a 997.2 with PDK. Recent comparisons of the 981 Boxster against the F-type and 911 have led me to think the Boxster has in fact grown up a bit and is now more likely to be considered as a serious bit of kit. I have also re-appraised Gen II 986 Boxsters which can also look good and perform well for the money so I am seriously considering shelving the E class coupe plan and buying a 2 year old Boxster or Boxster S with PDK.
Is there anything in particular I should be looking out for? Is it worth paying £2-5K more for a Porsche approved car? I hope not. I have not owned a proper sports car for many years but have convinced myself this is my last chance to get back closer to basics and have a few years' fun, at a sensible cost, without spending more than £30K.
This is a big step which is unlikely to receive 100% support from my wife but I am getting serious about the project and would welcome any thoughts or advice your members might be willing to share.
I have always lusted after a 911 but cannot justify investing c.£50K in a 997.2 with PDK. Recent comparisons of the 981 Boxster against the F-type and 911 have led me to think the Boxster has in fact grown up a bit and is now more likely to be considered as a serious bit of kit. I have also re-appraised Gen II 986 Boxsters which can also look good and perform well for the money so I am seriously considering shelving the E class coupe plan and buying a 2 year old Boxster or Boxster S with PDK.
Is there anything in particular I should be looking out for? Is it worth paying £2-5K more for a Porsche approved car? I hope not. I have not owned a proper sports car for many years but have convinced myself this is my last chance to get back closer to basics and have a few years' fun, at a sensible cost, without spending more than £30K.
This is a big step which is unlikely to receive 100% support from my wife but I am getting serious about the project and would welcome any thoughts or advice your members might be willing to share.
One thing to bear in mind is you say you can't fit in a SLK. Well the Boxster might cause you problems too. I have a 986 Boxster and I'm just under 6' tall. I have the seat back as far as it will go and whilst I can fit in, I'd rather the seat base and back would go back another couple of inches to be totally comfortable. Note: I do have the hard back sports seats which don't help things.
My advice is try sitting in a Boxster 986 or 987, and also make sure you try both the standard (soft back) and sports hard back seats too. Best of luck with your quest...
My advice is try sitting in a Boxster 986 or 987, and also make sure you try both the standard (soft back) and sports hard back seats too. Best of luck with your quest...
Can't help with your choice, but I'm 6'5" and I fit just fine in the 981 boxster, almost as much room as my 997.2.
If you've always lusted after a 911, you should at least try one to compare to a boxster (or cayman, you don't mention a cayman or whether you specifically want a convertible).
Try them all.
Buying from OPC isn't always that much more expensive, it wasn't for me and for certain models and generations is a very good safeguard, as the warranty is the only one that'll cover engine failure.
If you've always lusted after a 911, you should at least try one to compare to a boxster (or cayman, you don't mention a cayman or whether you specifically want a convertible).
Try them all.
Buying from OPC isn't always that much more expensive, it wasn't for me and for certain models and generations is a very good safeguard, as the warranty is the only one that'll cover engine failure.
Very reassuring thanks and yes I am interested in a Cayman as ideally I would prefer the closed coupe; I would never consider an open 911. However, to me the difference between a 2013 Cayman (which looks fantastic) and a 2011 version is greater than the step change visually 986 gen II to 981 but maybe I and just trying to convince myself as the Boxster probably offers better value for money. Anyway, all options are still open. If I get the passion for the car and find it practicable I am confident I will be able to manage the other parameters!
Gassing Station | Porsche General | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff