maj75

I have owned a bunch of sports cars, but I never had a Porsche. I recently purchased a 2000 Boxster S, that I daily drive about 100 miles. It is very nice, refined sports car and I love the AC and cruise on my commute. Only complaint is lack of legroom. The problem is, I still lust after an air-cooled 911.

I could have bought a early 80s 911sc for what I paid for the Boxster. Looking for some advice from Boxster/911 owners on whether I made the right choice. Would the 911 be a poor choice for a DD? I really don't want to sell/trade my Boxster only to find I regret the 911. I have never driven a 911 and don't know anybody who has one. To me, they are the quintessential Porsche and might be the Porsche to own if you only have one in the garage...

tone40

I have an '88 Carrera coupe and an '00 Boxster S. Many say that the driving experiences are worlds apart. I agree.

I have had the 911 for about 5 years (145K miles now, engine was rebuilt by a PO at 90K) and the S was bought new (~90K miles now). Neither car has let me down or disappointed me. The 911 raw handling and sound are intoxicating. The S handling and more modern comforts are superior. I get compliments on both when I am driving around town.

If I had to chose one for a daily driver, it would have to be the S. Especially if driven in stop and go traffic. The 911 clutch is much tougher in traffic. In the summer with the A/C on, a stop and go drive puts a lot of strain on the motor & air cooling system. I added a manual switch that controls the oil cooler fan and that assists with that issue.

But with the 911 I must make a choice of keeping cool or having the motor cool. A female passenger had a rotten time last year when I drove around town with her without the A/C on. She won't drive any more in that car because of that day.

On the other hand when I run AutoX, I chose the 911. More of a challenge and the S is too nice to abuse. Plus, the 911 handles the hard work much better than the S. I am concerned about air oil separator and IMS issues for real hard work done in the S.

I would hate to make a choice, if one had to go. If there was a slight edge, it would go to the S. I hope to keep both for as long as I am able.

Now if the 911 had S power and better A/C...... (Isn' that a 993?).

ivangene

I DD my 86' for 1.5 years


life is short, A/C isnt everything, I choose older (see avatar)

a 3.2 would be a better comutter than an SC IMO - if I get an older car it will be a weekender and keep the 3.2

my guess is the Boxster was bought for price reasons as they are inexpensive to purchase as are the SC's which may also be your thinking - do not associate purchase price with cost of ownership. The early car can nickle and dime you quite a bit (and my nickle I mean $500 and dime = $1k)

if I had to choose it would take me 1 second - OLDER....

if you can do both even better...or gut the Boxster and make a spec racer out of it

mclaudio

Based on your comments about AC, cruise, etc., I think you made the right decision to get the S as a daily driver.

In addition, since you chose a Boxster, I would assume that you like the open top. To get an SC counterpart, you'd have to get a Targa or 83 cab. I personally think that the Boxster are much better designed as on open top compared to the SC targa/cab i.e. less flex. I'm just sharing my ownership experience (03 Boxster and 83 SC cab among other Porsches).

Enjoy the Boxster. Then perhaps save for an pleasure-use air-cooled 911 as an addition.

racer

I had a '78 911 SC track car and sold it. Eventually replacing it with a 2000 Boxster (base). Night and day difference - Feel, HVAC, ABS, Convertible.

The Boxster was a great "car", but to me the 911 was a great "Porsche". Deep down, to me, Porsches ARE aircooled. (ignore the car in the avatar )

I would be "less happy" daily driving my 911 than the boxster because of issues above - AC, Snow/Rain, etc. The 911 would be a great "weekend car", but to me, the Boxster is better suited to everyday driving.

Jay Gratton

SC, you can drive it and not worry about getting home.

maj75

Appreciate the feedback.

I don't drive top down that often. Most of the time it is too hot and humid in So. Florida. Even with AC, I would need a shower when I got to work... No disrespect, but I hate the look of the Targas and Cabriolets. I would not have one of those at any price. I like the lines of the coupe.

My other car is a 2011 Lexus IS-F. Its a lease and the commute is killing me, so it has to sit while I drive the Boxster. Two cars is the limit. I don't have the garage space for 3 so the Boxster + 911 idea is a non-starter... My commute is about an hour each way, mostly 75-80mph. Very little sitting in traffic.

I paid $15K for the Boxster. There were quite a few for less money, but this one had a rebuilt motor w/LN upgrades, new top with glass window, new control arms front and rear and a 12 month warranty on the engine. I bought it because I thought it would be a relatively trouble free, fun commuter. So far, so good.

A nice air-cooled 911 still turns my head

redridge

South Florida sez it all.... You need AC. Though it sounds like you need a Cayman.

racer

How about a 996 its a "911", A coupe, great HVAC and modern suspension.

Not sure of the budget, but I am told 964's have better HVAC than pre 964 models. Maybe that would be a better aircooled compromise?

Daniel Dudley

If you have a good one, keep it. DO not assume that the next one will be as good if you sell. You are not going to like driving an SC if you need AC. Also, a Boxster S is a much faster car in every way.

From reading what you said, you are not in the position to enjoy an air cooled car.