My Spanking New Boxster S arrives Next Week!
Discussion
Well, boys and girls, I have just got back from seeing my Porsche Dealer about my upgrade. I have a trade-in value 
and know what a buttock clenchingly expensive change of car I have undertaken.
Sensibly the good man got me into their demonstrator for a test drive. Oh boy. Oh boy. I made the right decision. The new Boxster S is ljust like the last one - but even better.
I have often described the 'S' as being a subtle car. One with which familiarity breeds an abiding love rather than disappointment. Its going to be a wrench letting go of my beauty - but my new mistress is going to be just wonderful.
Outwardly the car is very, very like the outgoing model. By now anyone who cares will have seen the changes to the rear air intakes, the slightly different motorised spoiler and, oh rapture, the glass rear window! Where the difference really starts to become apparent is inside the car. The whole interior trim has been subtly (that word again) updated - bringing it into line with the later 996s.
The in dash digital display is now fully computerised and shows a range of amusing cartoons as you get in and go through the start-up procedure. Thankfully all that stops once you start the engine and, unless you play with the on-board computer, settles for reminding you just how obscenely fast you are going as, frankly, there is little other way to tell. Wind noise has been reduced - and with the roof-down its certainly a more civilised experience enjoying a late autumn blast.
I'd like to say I didn't bother finding out what it was like with the roof up
but its about the same as always - quiet and refined and barely giving away the fact that there is nothing but fabric between you and the sky.
More impressive is the way it drives. The gear shift is smoother, the clutch is lighter and the steering, whilst being lighter, felt ever, ever, ever so slightly more communicative - but I shall reserve judgement about that until I have taken the car to the track and seriously got it all out of shape.
The old model was classy - this new one - is classic.
Boy am I a happy man. I made the right decision. I can barely wait until next week when I can take away my very own Guards Red example.
Lets see if I'm still so enthusiastic in a year's time. After the clutch has bust.
and know what a buttock clenchingly expensive change of car I have undertaken. Sensibly the good man got me into their demonstrator for a test drive. Oh boy. Oh boy. I made the right decision. The new Boxster S is ljust like the last one - but even better.
I have often described the 'S' as being a subtle car. One with which familiarity breeds an abiding love rather than disappointment. Its going to be a wrench letting go of my beauty - but my new mistress is going to be just wonderful.
Outwardly the car is very, very like the outgoing model. By now anyone who cares will have seen the changes to the rear air intakes, the slightly different motorised spoiler and, oh rapture, the glass rear window! Where the difference really starts to become apparent is inside the car. The whole interior trim has been subtly (that word again) updated - bringing it into line with the later 996s.
The in dash digital display is now fully computerised and shows a range of amusing cartoons as you get in and go through the start-up procedure. Thankfully all that stops once you start the engine and, unless you play with the on-board computer, settles for reminding you just how obscenely fast you are going as, frankly, there is little other way to tell. Wind noise has been reduced - and with the roof-down its certainly a more civilised experience enjoying a late autumn blast.
I'd like to say I didn't bother finding out what it was like with the roof up
but its about the same as always - quiet and refined and barely giving away the fact that there is nothing but fabric between you and the sky. More impressive is the way it drives. The gear shift is smoother, the clutch is lighter and the steering, whilst being lighter, felt ever, ever, ever so slightly more communicative - but I shall reserve judgement about that until I have taken the car to the track and seriously got it all out of shape.
The old model was classy - this new one - is classic.
Boy am I a happy man. I made the right decision. I can barely wait until next week when I can take away my very own Guards Red example.
Lets see if I'm still so enthusiastic in a year's time. After the clutch has bust.
Dazren said: Top marks Don.
Can we swap passenger rides at the next meet we're both at. I've never been in a Boxster.
DAZ
Yep, love to. If I'm running it in don't expect any red-line antics though! Still sheer acceleration isn't what a Boxster (even an 'S') is about. Do you ever go to PCGB Track Days? I will definitley be at a few next year and would happily take a passenger around for a few laps.
I have to wait 'til January to get into my Boxster S but December build was the first slot where all the full spec list is available (apparently).
I was told that the 18" carrera wheels where not available on the earlier build cars neither was PCM or tiptronic although I have now decided on 6 speed manual rather than tip.
My only issue is colour - current order is Bassalt Black with black leather interior. It looks classy but I'm not convinced. Was thinking about Guard's Red but told by dealer that it was not sound investment resale wise and that the metalic colours have an extra layer of lacquer which makes them harder wearing. Any ideas?
I was told that the 18" carrera wheels where not available on the earlier build cars neither was PCM or tiptronic although I have now decided on 6 speed manual rather than tip.
My only issue is colour - current order is Bassalt Black with black leather interior. It looks classy but I'm not convinced. Was thinking about Guard's Red but told by dealer that it was not sound investment resale wise and that the metalic colours have an extra layer of lacquer which makes them harder wearing. Any ideas?
senator said: I have to wait 'til January to get into my Boxster S but December build was the first slot where all the full spec list is available (apparently).
I was told that the 18" carrera wheels where not available on the earlier build cars neither was PCM or tiptronic although I have now decided on 6 speed manual rather than tip.
My only issue is colour - current order is Bassalt Black with black leather interior. It looks classy but I'm not convinced. Was thinking about Guard's Red but told by dealer that it was not sound investment resale wise and that the metalic colours have an extra layer of lacquer which makes them harder wearing. Any ideas?
Hmmmn. I was told Guards Red is "in" at the moment and not to be afraid of it. Also not to be afraid of Speed Yellow as he could always sell Yellow cars to the minority that simply have to have them.
Personally I wouldn't have a Yellow car and Guards Red is very traditional for a Porsche. Of course, its not metallic which saves £700 or so. "Harder wearing" sounds like bollox to me but...
I have had a Lapis Blue car for the last 18 months/2 years. The problem with a dark colour like that (and like the new midnight blue and your black) is that it will show the swirls/scratches/stone chips a bit more. Its OK though so I wouldn't be rushing to change your order.
Quite right re: the new Spec List. I wanted PCM and couldn't get it. Very annoying. Can't even fit a 3rd party Sat Nav as Porsche have changed the internal harness to fibre-optic rather than copper. Pain-in-the-bum. I will have to wait and see if they release a retro-fit of PCM for early customers.
You won't mind the manual. The clutch is lovely and light - very easy to drive smooooothly. Nice.
Can't wait.
Hi Don.
See you at a meet then.
Currently I can't do any UK trackdays because I can't fit in the car with a helmet. Although I am looking into getting a spare/lower seat for trackday swapping.
Ref Satnav. Although I wasn't told when speccing my car, Becker do a Din sized normal look Satnav stereo for about £1,000. It looks like a normal Porsche Becker stereo with a removable front. May be worth considering. I can find out the model number if you are interested?
cheers
DAZ
See you at a meet then.
Currently I can't do any UK trackdays because I can't fit in the car with a helmet. Although I am looking into getting a spare/lower seat for trackday swapping.
Ref Satnav. Although I wasn't told when speccing my car, Becker do a Din sized normal look Satnav stereo for about £1,000. It looks like a normal Porsche Becker stereo with a removable front. May be worth considering. I can find out the model number if you are interested?
cheers
DAZ
Congratulations Don, I too am looking forward to a ride in your new baby, albeit when its run in .
For what its worth, the old "mistress" is a bloody good looking car, the red calipers and those alloys make a superb combo. Shame I never got a drive in it. I am currently trying to convince someone to get a boxster...
Regards
. For what its worth, the old "mistress" is a bloody good looking car, the red calipers and those alloys make a superb combo. Shame I never got a drive in it. I am currently trying to convince someone to get a boxster...
Regards
ninja_eli said: Congratulations Don, I too am looking forward to a ride in your new baby, albeit when its run in
For what its worth, the old "mistress" is a bloody good looking car, the red calipers and those alloys make a superb combo. Shame I never got a drive in it. I am currently trying to convince someone to get a boxster...
Regards
Ninja my man. Thanks for the kind words about my outgoing mistress. I shall miss it heartily for...a short while..while I'm running in the new one!
And of course you're welcome to a demo ride. I should love to swap a short tour in my chariot for one in your fine steed...
I may be at the latter half of next Sunday's meet at VW. I have to do some IAM in the morning - which may drag on a bit.
The weather forecast isn't encouraging for Sunday either. Shame...as Saturday is scheduled to be beautiful.
Oh...got the same wheels and calipers on the new one. Couldn't resist it...
Picked up my new MY2003 Boxster S tonight. Absolutely gorgeous. Sounds fantastic, even though I can't go above 4000rpm - just when it's starting to come on song!
It's midnight blue, with 18" carerra wheels, full black leather and PSM. It's even better than the demo that I drove back in June/July or whenever it was!
I'll be up early tomorrow - got the day off. Might even post a photo once I've polished it
It's midnight blue, with 18" carerra wheels, full black leather and PSM. It's even better than the demo that I drove back in June/July or whenever it was!
I'll be up early tomorrow - got the day off. Might even post a photo once I've polished it
John Prior said: Picked up my new MY2003 Boxster S tonight. Absolutely gorgeous. Sounds fantastic, even though I can't go above 4000rpm - just when it's starting to come on song!
It's midnight blue, with 18" carerra wheels, full black leather and PSM. It's even better than the demo that I drove back in June/July or whenever it was!
I'll be up early tomorrow - got the day off. Might even post a photo once I've polished it
Wonderful, John. I get mine next Tuesday or Wednesday. I expect I'll pick it up on Wednesday and take the Missus along.
They *are* good aren't they.
Dazren said: Hi Don.
See you at a meet then.
Currently I can't do any UK trackdays because I can't fit in the car with a helmet. Although I am looking into getting a spare/lower seat for trackday swapping.
Ref Satnav. Although I wasn't told when speccing my car, Becker do a Din sized normal look Satnav stereo for about £1,000. It looks like a normal Porsche Becker stereo with a removable front. May be worth considering. I can find out the model number if you are interested?
cheers
DAZ
Daz. The one car you WILL be able to get into is mine. This is because I run round the track WITH THE ROOF OFF! If yer helmet sticks out the top a bit...it should be OK?
I looked into the Becker unit. I have it on good authority that the Becker units which used to fit do not any longer as the wiring loom for the stereo has been changed over to fibre-optic instead of copper....
>> Edited by Don on Friday 18th October 08:18
rich1231 said: Don, I think you are correct, the wiring in the new Porcas has changed to MOST or something. Id be interested what the new PCM2 systme is like if anyone has it?
Rich
No one will have it (at least in the UK) as it doesn't yet work. I wanted it in mine but was told it couldn't be fitted as the software isn't yet working properly.
I imagine cars ordered in 2003 will be fine...
senator said: You guys picking up your new new 2003 m/y boxsters are getting me very jealous - i have 3 months to go yet.
Please tell me more about your impressions - esp vs the old one.
I'll let you know Wednesday night how my new one compares. The demonstrator I took out was definitely an improvement on the older model - but by how much? Its a matter of small, subtle degrees - as with anything Boxster related.
Big plus points (apart from the glass rear window etc) for me was the clutch (very light, very easy to be smooth), the gear-shift (very light, very crisp) and the slightly meatier soundtrack from the rear of the car. Hardly TVR noise levels but...good..nonetheless.
Can't wait!
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