View Full Version : Porche boxsters - anyone driven/got one?
I'm thinking of buying one! Specifically the S version. It's a bit pricey but I pay a fair amount to garage a piece of **** ashtray so I might as well treat myself. That way I can also stop having the stupid "car with the missus, bike on own" dilemma I have every weekend.
Does anyone have any experience of owning/driving one? Better that the SV? Lol, as if!
Also, does anyone know what the best way to go about getting one is? I'm never bought a car and it's quite a fair amount to pay in cash so to speak. Lots of scams going no doubt. Any advice gratefully received!
Driven my Mum's S. Not bad at all, but not my cup of tea. Nice engine, and turn the traction control off and you can have sideways action anywhere. I didn't get on with the driving position (specifically the pedals). The interior is nicely put together, but so it should be, it's not a cheap car! :D
Better than the SV? Well, if it's raining you don't get wet :D I wasn't riding at the time I drove it, so no direct comparison really :)
Budget for lots of tyres though, and I expect servicing isn't cheap....
Not got a boxster (girls car)But I have got a 60s Lotus Europa.Two seat sports cars are brill.If your going to buy somthing,buy something un usual.
tigersaw
25-04-08, 10:04 PM
My ex has a boxter and a cayenne, I'm insured for both but I cant stand auto's so have done no more than shunt them into the garage. Absolutely sod all no room for anything at all storage in the boxter.
ArtyLady
25-04-08, 10:11 PM
Nah...Ive got a Dihatsumajigathingumy Charade though :geek::smt003
gettin2dizzy
25-04-08, 10:12 PM
Big gay aren't they? Get an S2000 ;)
the_lone_wolf
25-04-08, 10:20 PM
http://www.spotlight.com.au/__data/page/8611/vip_winners2.jpg
Big gay aren't they? Get an S2000 ;)
you'll probably get tired of people asking why you can't afford a 911 on the second day of ownership...
Gazza77
26-04-08, 12:22 AM
http://www.spotlight.com.au/__data/page/8611/vip_winners2.jpg
you'll probably get tired of people asking why you can't afford a 911 on the second day of ownership...
I pondered one late last year to replace my MX5. Decided not to bother, I couldn't justify spending 15k on one (i was looking at around 20k budget). If I want to go fast, I have the bike. If I want to get the roof down and have some fun I have the MX5, which is a fantastic handling car. Before all the "girls car" comments come, just remember what the SV is supposed to be. :rolleyes:
Sounds like it'll compliment the sv nicely. Alot of money for a girly car atleast the sv is cheap. ;-)
Tim in Belgium
26-04-08, 08:35 AM
My mum's husband had an S a while a go, a quick car, easy to get the tail out, reports have filtered back from my mum of 165 mph speeds on the continent with the roof down.
However the 'fabled' Porsche quality was a little lacking, the car had numerous small problems that always cost a fortune to fix. He replaced it with an older Mercedes AMG 500 SL (that has needed a new hydraulic soft top....) but is built like a tank.
I've a friend who had an S2000, and blew the engine up on it. Replaced it with an Rx-8 which he likes, but isn't as fun as the S2000 really he reckons.
So that's all I know.
are u buying it for the looks or for the power? if it's for the power I wouldn't bother tbh!!
I have raced boxters and boxter s's with a SEAT Ibiza Cupra petrol 230bhp and left them dead:) so I would defo look at something with more power and less "hairdressers car" tag on it.
I assume u are after a sunday car? You are spoiled for choice and bare in mind there are a lot of unusual sports cars you can have....hell for ?15k you could buy a ready build Cobra kit car with a V8 engine that would simply rip the tarmac off the road :D and they go like they are on tracks!!!
only porche worth having is a 911
have you considered a saxo or even a nova ?
Not got a boxster (girls car)But I have got a 60s Lotus Europa.
I had one of those in 1984, brilliant car, even if mine did have the Renault engine. FXF 70H where are you now, I still have one of your old tax discs.
My enduring memory of that car is standing by the side of it outside Frome in Somerset watching the brakes on fire and wondering if the whole car was going to go up in flames, luckily a passing driver had a fire extinguisher. I sold it when I looked out of the drivers door window and saw truck wheelnuts spinning past my head about 2 feet away - I thought to myself, there's only a cheap bit of fibreglass between me and them...get shot, oh... and the fact the lower seat belt mounts were rusting out of the glassed over chassis.
flibble
26-04-08, 09:35 AM
Told if you do get one privately, get it inspected by a porsche main dealer or independant specialist (e.g RSR engineering nr guildford - talk to russle lewis).
If looking at 986 version you're going to have problems with rear main engine seal (rms), ideally get one that's had it replaced already.
Depends on how much you're looking to spend :)
Are you gay, or a hairdresser?? If the answer is yes then buy a Boxter or a MGF or an MX5, They are all proper gay girls cars. and the people who tend to drive them are under the misconception they can beat a bike on the traffic light GP!
Dont like boxters, i alway assume the person who has bought it cant afford a real porshe!
If you are after a fun 2 seater car get an Ellise or Exige, something along those lines.
the_lone_wolf
26-04-08, 10:04 AM
Are you gay, or a hairdresser?? If the answer is yes then buy a ZX-6R or a GSX-R600 or an R6, They are all proper gay girls bikes. and the people who tend to ride them are under the misconception they can beat a litrebike on the traffic light GP!
Dont like SS600s, i alway assume the person who has bought it cant afford a real bike!
If you are after a mans bike get an R1 or ZX-10R, something along those lines.
;)
punyXpress
26-04-08, 10:32 AM
I pondered one late last year to replace my MX5. Decided not to bother, I couldn't justify spending 15k on one (i was looking at around 20k budget). If I want to go fast, I have the bike. If I want to get the roof down and have some fun I have the MX5, which is a fantastic handling car. Before all the "girls car" comments come, just remember what the SV is supposed to be. :rolleyes:
I always refer to my SV as a ditrict nurses bike which makes it sound less intimidating to non - bikers but does annoy feminists.
No offenceintended to anyone one here!
My gay hairdresser mate has one, it's very nice I say get one.
fat_brstd
26-04-08, 10:58 AM
when top gear did the boxster vs the z4 vs the s2000 it was pretty obvious that the s2000 was the best car and it was about 6 grand cheeper. The problem with a boxster is its very much a fashion item which is nice but you are paying money for the tag and people who like them will ask you why you couldnt afford a 911.
If its just a sunday car I would go with a top of the range completely rebuilt rx-7 which would set you back about 13 grand with everything fitted and put down betweeen 300-450 bhp depending on the turbo and settings. Also they sound awesome and people always take notice of you when you come past because they arent the most common cars in the uk.
Alternatively if your not buying it for the speed then have you thought about a classic car? my old lady got an absolutely imaculate 1959 MGA for 11k. The best thing about these are that when you sell them you loose no money.
Alternatively if your not buying it for the speed then have you thought about a classic car? my old lady got an absolutely imaculate 1959 MGA for 11k. The best thing about these are that when you sell them you loose no money.
And the worst thing is that they're crap to drive! :)
--------------
I like Boxsters, I wouldn't give a damn what anyone says either. They'll either be A: Jealous, or B: Looking down on you, in which case they're certainly not worth listening to.
They're refined, attractive, S versions are on the fun side of adequately quick, and the steering and handling is brilliant, even if the steering wheel seemed a bit on the large side to me. The one I drove was a first gen S though so that may be different.
Not sure I'd get one, but I fully understand why you or anyone else would.
Some interesting comments - thank you.
I knew I could count on some proper petrol heads.
*If* you are going to get one, make sure that it's an S - even my 170BHP V40 could do a standard (from a rollong start)...
The S2000 is manic, and supposed to be a lot of fun; but only if you keep it revved to the limit the whole time.
I would go with the idea of a classic - I'm starting a restoration project in my Spit soon; the looks and comments you get are fantastic and even when just doing 70 or 80 it feels like you're doing double - so you have fun without the risk of losing your license. (But as was said with the lotus you do look at the wheel nuts of the lory's next to you and thunk 'gulp').
[quote=MavUK;1491568S -
. (But as was said with the lotus you do look at the wheel nuts of the lory's next to you and thunk 'gulp').[/quote]
tell me about it.Mine was left to me by my godfather,so would never sell it,but the amount of stares and pointing of fingers is unbeleivable
flibble
26-04-08, 09:13 PM
If you are after a fun 2 seater car get an Ellise or Exige, something along those lines.
A LOTUS? Isn't that "Lots Of Trouble Usually Serious"?
Tim in Belgium
27-04-08, 07:55 AM
Most are sorted now, my dad's got an '80s Esprit Turbo which we've had no major issues, including trips to the Nurburgring and the Le Mans Classic. As for the Elise/Exige, the only big weak point is the K series head gasket, a well known issue that can be fixed. Another friend had an Elsie, great, sold it to another mate who enjoyed it for a further two tears until a taxi driver swerved into it and wrote it off. So don't dismiss Lotus.
Dicky Ticker
27-04-08, 08:28 AM
I've had a Porsche,but it was the 944turbo,more of a classic[25year old] but not as expensive to buy and they tend to go up in value if properely cared for. Unfortunatrly Porsche seems to be a primary speed gun target and always getting tailed by police cars.
The Honda 2000 came out best of 60 cars in a pole of sports/super minis etc. but this also likes to sneak over the legal speed limits.On the other hand it drives "sedately" if you don't bring the Vtec in
No sports car is a true 4 seater but I think the nearst to the performance,comfort and practicality you seek might be better achieved with the AUDI soft top
flibble
27-04-08, 08:52 AM
Most are sorted now, my dad's got an '80s Esprit Turbo which we've had no major issues, including trips to the Nurburgring and the Le Mans Classic. As for the Elise/Exige, the only big weak point is the K series head gasket, a well known issue that can be fixed. Another friend had an Elsie, great, sold it to another mate who enjoyed it for a further two tears until a taxi driver swerved into it and wrote it off. So don't dismiss Lotus.
How come most 3 year old elise's have at least 3 owners... ;)
MenoPorsche.
Only buy one when you are 40 year+
ThEGr33k
27-04-08, 12:42 PM
I vote Scoobie or Evo. Yumski (as far as cars go...).
tell me about it.Mine was left to me by my godfather,so would never sell it,but the amount of stares and pointing of fingers is unbeleivable
Best I ever had was at Harwich coming back to the Netherlands. Parked up near a ferrari. Went to get a drink whilst waiting and when I came out took a gander at the Ferrari turned around and couldn't see my car for people. Shocked me taht it got more thought than the other cars in the car park. Best thing though is that it's never bad pointing / stares. I had an MR2 and people gave nasty looks when I drove it, where as the Spit is always people saying nice things when they point.
Right, now all the silly 'u r gay if u get a boxta' nonsense is over, some sensible thoughts to consider:
1. Irrespective of image, the Boxster is one of the finest handling cars about. Check out the EVO mag tests on the Bedford Autodrome. The chap who allegedly 'raced' and 'beat' several in his souped up shopping car obviously was against people who bought them for the badge rather than the driving experience! However when I was considering one and test drove several, I found them to be somewhat of a sterile car to drive. By that I mean that there was less of a sense of involvement in the driving experience. Not as bad as a Scooby or Evo though, where you can be a totally hopeless driver and it still makes you look like a driving god :rolleyes:. The main Boxster issue is the Rear Main Seal. Loads of info on tinternet if you do some research.
2. Others have suggested the S2k, we owned one of these for 4 months. Great car, but you had to thrash the nads off it everywhere, which gets a bit tiresome. Also the cabin is a bit cramped which gets annoying after a while. Boot space is adequate for a 2 seater roadster.
3. To the MGA critic, yes it does not drive as well as a modern car, what do you expect from a 50 year old car for goodness sake? :confused: And yes I have owned one and loved it. Pram wheel tyres, steering wheel from a bus and a wet road - awesome fun! :D
4. Another candidate may be a Nissan 350Z. Nice motor but a bit of a one trick pony, you get in, you drive, IMHO there are no subtleties to explore. Also the soft top versions chassis is pants compared to the coupe (which I had, not for very long I might add, because we got bored with it.) Oh and the tax for this is now £400 :mad:
5. For a veetwin lover a fine accompaniment to the SV burble could be a TVR Griffith or Chimaera. 4 litre V8 burble is hard to beat, sound wise, and if used daily are way more reliable than if used as a weekend toy. I have one at the moment. :twisted:
6. Can't comment on any Loti as I have never owned/driven one...yet. An Elise or an Esprit is on 'the list' though. :-D
7. Ditto not owning an MX5. Cracking little car to drive though and for those who dismiss it as a 'girls car' don't have the faintest idea what they are talking about. RWD, light, very little interfering driver aids - HUUUGE drifting fun :cheers:
Whatever car you choose, independent specialists are the way to go. Half the price of main stealers and the stamp has possibly more authority in some marks. Also, head over to www.pistonheads.com to check out the numerous 'what car' threads and the marque specific forums, you may find something you have not thought of. In addition. DO YOUR RESEARCH, there is loads of info on each marque about, just go look.
Hope this has helped. If you want to PM me to chat more, please feel free. Especially if you want to be bored silly about the rest of my car owning history! ;)
Trace :)
1. Irrespective of image, the Boxster is one of the finest handling cars about. Check out the EVO mag tests on the Bedford Autodrome. The chap who allegedly 'raced' and 'beat' several in his souped up shopping car obviously was against people who bought them for the badge rather than the driving experience! However when I was considering one and test drove several, I found them to be somewhat of a sterile car to drive. By that I mean that there was less of a sense of involvement in the driving experience. Not as bad as a Scooby or Evo though, where you can be a totally hopeless driver and it still makes you look like a driving god :rolleyes:. The main Boxster issue is the Rear Main Seal. Loads of info on tinternet if you do some research.
Guess I'm one of the souped up shopping car brigade :) But as far as racing, beyond the rolling start I did once (and it was a lot of fun I have to say) I have to say that I couldn't agree more with the rest of your comments. I never commented on the handling of the Boxter of course on a track it would undoubtedly wipe the floor with either my V40 or my T5 as long as there is someone in the driving seat who knows what they are doing. But then, all that money you pay to own one, and all the negativity that the badge is going to generate needs more power than the standard car delivers IMO - the 'S' on the other hand I wouldn't mind having a go in from what I've read...
DoubleD
27-04-08, 07:51 PM
Been looking at the Porches for a little while as it might be my next car....
FOUND THIS ONE (http://search.autotrader.co.uk/es-uk/www/cars/advert+search/Ne-2-4-5-6-7-8-27-44-49-53-61-64-67-103-133-146,N-50-57-152-177/advert.action?R=200817308436891&distance=14&postcode=FY8+3DW&channel=CARS&make=&model=&min_pr=15000&max_pr=20000&max_mileage=)
thats a lot of car for not a lot of money!
But three owners on a car that's one year old? (But yes - that is a lot of car for not much money - I hate how cheap cars are in the UK compared to over here :()
From what I have seen, that is too cheap.
tigersaw
28-04-08, 08:22 AM
Been looking at the Porches for a little while as it might be my next car....
FOUND THIS ONE (http://search.autotrader.co.uk/es-uk/www/cars/advert+search/Ne-2-4-5-6-7-8-27-44-49-53-61-64-67-103-133-146,N-50-57-152-177/advert.action?R=200817308436891&distance=14&postcode=FY8+3DW&channel=CARS&make=&model=&min_pr=15000&max_pr=20000&max_mileage=)
thats a lot of car for not a lot of money!
its a 7 year old car, not that good a deal
Well it's certainly not a 2007. Well spotted.
tigersaw
28-04-08, 08:53 AM
Well it's certainly not a 2007. Well spotted.
DK 51 GFX
Its got the old style dash as well, not the groovy sat nav info screen one
DoubleD
28-04-08, 10:18 AM
its a 7 year old car, not that good a deal
Well it's certainly not a 2007. Well spotted.
DK 51 GFX
Its got the old style dash as well, not the groovy sat nav info screen one
ok ok ok, I did not look that closely at this model, just saw 2007 and 17 grand, thats what you get when doing a quick search. I'll look a bit closer next time. :joker:
Defo buy one, you won't regret it. Best 2 seater soft-top you'll get for that money.
I had one a few years back and there handling is awesome.
Also if you fancy taking it on the odd track day, you can spank them all day long and won't have any problems at all!!
Flamin_Squirrel
28-04-08, 01:44 PM
The most important question: can I have a go?!
punyXpress
29-04-08, 04:44 PM
Defo buy one, you won't regret it. Best 2 seater soft-top you'll get for that money.
I had one a few years back and there handling is awesome.
Also if you fancy taking it on the odd track day, you can spank them all day long and won't have any problems at all!!
One problem: if it's dry you will get through a set of tyres but a wet day will give more amusement & less tyre wear.
Pal bought a Caterham where tyres lasted much longer than his 911's AND they only cost about one third.
The most important question: can I have a go?!
I suppose you did let me ride your ninja to brighton...
Yeah course you can!
SV PILOT
29-04-08, 08:41 PM
Everyone slags off Boxsters as they are "a bit gay" but they still fairly shift. It's a porsche. If anyone criticizes, guaranteed it won't be a porsche that they own. (or anything as good). What is your budget? It might be worth taking alternative options in consideration. MX-5, S2000, 350Z, Audi TT Quattro, Chrysler Crossfire SRT-6 and so on.
gettin2dizzy
30-04-08, 06:41 AM
Everyone slags off Boxsters as they are "a bit gay" but they still fairly shift. It's a porsche. If anyone criticizes, guaranteed it won't be a porsche that they own. (or anything as good). What is your budget? It might be worth taking alternative options in consideration. MX-5, S2000, 350Z, Audi TT Quattro, Chrysler Crossfire SRT-6 and so on.
Did they forget to hire a designer for this ?!
MiniMatt
30-04-08, 08:06 AM
My last boss was was very much into his cars, and had a lot. As an incentive program he bought along three or four every Friday afternoon and gave the keys to people for the weekend. As I was a good boy, I got to try quite a few for the weekend. They sometimes even came back with a bit of rubber left on the tyres...
Anyway, never did get his Boxter, but did have for the weekend:
BMW M3 - meep! want one! Rocket ship when you want it, bimble to the shops when you don't, will bite your arms off if you mis-treat it though.
Mini Cooper S Works (the "Works" bit is important) - Complete go-kart, carves up A-road traffic nearly as well as a bike, sounds absolutely unique, supercharger whine is addictive. Definitely the best "toy" car there is but inpractical and uncomfortable for anything other than hooning.
Mazda RX-8 - A bit dissapointed really, didn't feel like a proper two seater, drove more like a high powered saloon - perfectly capable but very tamed. Very free revving though.
Audi TT 3.2 Quattro (the only engine choice, all others inferior) - odd handling from the 4WD but once you get used to it, amazing, extremely torquey, and sticks to the road like nothing I've ever experienced. Handling does take a bit of getting used to but it is very good once you do. Would probably be the one I'd want to own as an "everyday" car.
Never did get a go in the Boxter but did get a brief drive in his 911 Carrera GT - boss was sat next to me so I was a bit tame, but he did say at one point "Go on, open it up", to which I enquired about the upcoming road, and on being informed of a short straight after the next bend, dropped a cog and floored it on the exit - have never in my life on any car, bike or fairground ride, accelerated so fast. Screaming obscenities at the top of your lungs whilst rocketting down a crappy B road probably doesn't instil the image of "professional" to one's boss :D
One problem: if it's dry you will get through a set of tyres but a wet day will give more amusement & less tyre wear.
Pal bought a Caterham where tyres lasted much longer than his 911's AND they only cost about one third.
No you won't, a new set off tyres will see for about 5000 miles and 3-4 track days.... The Boxster very much understeers and isn't that hard on the rears, unlike a 911 which is easier to get into oversteer which hammers the tyres.
Gazza77
30-04-08, 09:24 AM
Don't forget you're likely to be looking at the top road tax bands for a Boxster I would have thought, so you may well be looking at ?400 a year just for that! :(
Flamin_Squirrel
30-04-08, 09:24 AM
I suppose you did let me ride your ninja to brighton...
Yeah course you can!
\\:D/
You'll have to have a go on my RSV at some point too :cool:
thedonal
30-04-08, 09:49 AM
I really like the shape of the Boxster and have been a passenger in a short ride in one. They're lovely cars. Well beyond my means...
However- it's a flat 6. Surely, for a sports car, you'd rather a V4 at least? Even just for the noise?
Gazza77
30-04-08, 10:35 AM
I really like the shape of the Boxster and have been a passenger in a short ride in one. They're lovely cars. Well beyond my means...
However- it's a flat 6. Surely, for a sports car, you'd rather a V4 at least? Even just for the noise?
Does anyone actually still make a V4 car engine? :scratch:
SoulKiss
30-04-08, 10:39 AM
Does anyone actually still make a V4 car engine? :scratch:
Honda do, but they put it in a bike and call it a VFR :P :rolleyes:
gettin2dizzy
30-04-08, 10:53 AM
Get an old Saab 2-stroke V4 ;)
punyXpress
30-04-08, 10:12 PM
Get an old Saab 2-stroke V4 ;)
The two strke was a triple & sounded great on open pipes!
Tim in Belgium
01-05-08, 07:13 AM
Yep the Saab V4 was a four stroke, and was a similar engine as used in the ford corsair I believe. Pointless facts I know.
gettin2dizzy
01-05-08, 07:23 AM
I love those saabs :) Pretty cheap for an unusual classic, and reliable from what I've read.
454697819
01-05-08, 07:34 AM
has no one mentioned a TVR yet....
Surley that HAS to be on the list of annoying expensive things to own...
Its on mine...
Yup 4.2 Cerbera (http://www.pistonheads.com/roadtests/doc.asp?c=107&i=3123) please. I think top gear got it down the mile straight in 31 seconds...
454697819
03-05-08, 09:42 PM
Yup 4.2 Cerbera (http://www.pistonheads.com/roadtests/doc.asp?c=107&i=3123) please. I think top gear got it down the mile straight in 31 seconds...
fantastic car...
its one of those... "one day" type things....
SV PILOT
03-05-08, 09:52 PM
Well, it depends on what the fella wants. A 2 seater sports car? convertible? OR something that basically hauls a**e?? Big variants to work with. Also depends on the budget. If I was considering a modern day Porsche Boxster, I would have DEFINITELY have considered a faster old 911 turbo?(90's model). Nice looks but still fair shift!! Oh and +1 to the TVR idea. Very fast cars!
I did 500 miles fast a roads on the SV last weekend and while I really enjoyed it, I was knackered after. Basically I'm looking for something that will be a fun sports tourer. The comfort and refinement for distance, and the handling and punch to do it all twisty. AND it has to be a convertible. And not cost the earth. No, I'm not picky!
Therefore, the boxster seems to be ticking all the boxes at the moment!
A bloke at work (well, he used to work with us) has one and he has just been banned for drink driving.........tw@
Well that's obviously not going to be me....
Drink drivers are ******s.
I'll get his number and you can ask him if he will be selling.....LOL
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