ryans

I'm starting to see Boxsters as low as $17K. A nice S2 or 944 Turbo is around 10-15K. Which would you prefer?

josephsc

I haven't shopped hard, but I'd imagine a $17k Boxster would be in need of some care -- a better comparison is a 944s2/951 in need of some care, which can be had for ~$6k-$8k.

Yummybud924

I'd definately get a 944 Turbo over a Boxster. I really don't like convertibles and the boxster just looks like a Porsche aimed at women. Also it's pretty underpowered for a Porsche like the 944.

for that price range I would personally get the newest 944 I could find for that money

Also if you are a DIY I would think the Boxster isn't really the ideal car for an at home mechanic and at that price and age they'll probably need lots of maintenance .

maybe I'll buy a boxster one day when they reach the 944 na prices in another 10 years.

ryans

I've never been a huge fan of them, but a mid engine porsche that's new is tempting

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/cgi-bin/...=18000&addTwo=

Tom R.

Boxster keeps crossing my mind. then i realize as complicated as my 16v motor is, it is easier to get to than the Boxster motor. then i think about the boxsters amazing handling, then i think about the S2s hatch.

then......

I realize it is a tough call.

SD Porsche Fan

Spend some time on the Boxster/S forum. It is my understanding that early non-S Boxsters have some quality and reliability issues (cracking heads or blocks IIRC - here's a current thread on engine failure:https://rennlist.com/forums/boxster-and-boxster-s-986-forum/288515-99-boxster-just-blew-engine.html ). The 944 is a better DIY car but there are many Boxster guys who turn their own wrenches too.

That being said I'd love a Boxster. Personally I'd save up and get an 'S'. As far as holding value it seems the Boxster is the new 944 so there will probably be many good examples coming down in price over the next couple of years. And like any Porsche, good maintenance records and a PPI would be advised.

And not to be blasphemous but have you looked at a BMW Z3? Sexy car and very reilable from what I've heard.

alordofchaos

I'd say it depends on what you want to do with the car.

Also depends on the specific cars - I've heard the same as SD Porsche Fan about early Boxsters.

For < ~$12k, you should be able to find a sterling 951 with all sorts of goodies, maintenance, etc., that will spank stock Boxsters on the highway all day long... if that's what you want. If you're looking for a minimum of downtime and things that can go wrong... You may want to go with the car that isn't 20 years old

You're saying it's a "Chick car"?

I may go with a Boxster after I retire... when there's no chance that I'll be toting small kids in the backseat.

H2

I may lose money...but I'm sticking to my 968. Then, someday, perhaps the Cayman. I don't like soft-tops.

Harvey

cas951

One of the biggest problem with early 986 is the rear main seal (RMS) leaking. It was common on 97-99 models with manual trans. Some are repairable by changing the seal some needs a new engine to replace. I too have been considering a Boxster S. My brother has an 03 Tip and it is such a blast to drive. Yes it is under powered but still drive one and you'll see it is such a fun car to drive.

Z-man

Thinking about a Boxster myself - saw one withing 100 miles of me selling for $13k. (A 1997 model with 90k miles on the clock.)

I would like something more modern - I've had my fair share of 'old stuff' issues. (Electrical, mostly). But I prefer a coupe vs. a ragtop since most of my Porsche driving is done on racetracks.

Still, with some 986's selling for around $15k, it is tempting. If I were serious about it, I would get a 2000 MY or newer - bump in displacement to 2.7 liters (Base 986) and less RMS (Rear main seal) issues.

Then again, the 996's are very, VERY appealing. Instructed in a couple of them at Summit Point and Lime Rock. With some very minor suspension weaks - those puppies really fly!

Of course, I can also opt for a Cayman...decisions, decisions....

Nevermind the fact that Mrs. Z-man wants a new kitchen!!!!

-Z-man.

cobalt

My friend recently sold his 95 993 C4 and purchased a fully loaded one owner 22k mile 2000 Boxster S for mid 20's. Despite all the problems with these cars he decided to give it a try. Both he and his wife came down and we traded cars, they took the S2 and I the Boxster.

Both came back saying they wanted my S2 and wished they would have purchased an S2 or 968 instead. IMO the Boxster is nice, does a wonderful job at autocross and is relatively a good track car. Overall feel is crap. There is too many things I would need to do to any boxster including the S's to make it a car I would enjoy driving. For much less money you can work an S2, 951 or 968 and have a fully set up prestine example that will give you years of fun with much less hassels and far better road feel. By the time you are done fixing up a boxster you might as well picked up a nice 993 or 964 I have seen some nice ones sell for the low 20's fully set up.

Just my $.02 worth.

hacker-pschorr

I recently did a 900 mile road trip with my wife in a 2001 Boxster S. Awesome car to drive, handles like a go-cart. We talked about getting one during the trip, decided I would rather have a 944S2 Cabrio instead. So now we are shopping for one of those!

A $17k for an early non-S Boxster is the going rate - these are almost 10 years old. The S model I drove was not rocket for power - so a non-S would really be a pooch.

ryans

Lots of great points. Yes the 993 or 996's can be had for even mid 20's and those are nice! 300+LB Torqure/HP at your disposal, but those scare me even more for maintanence. I don't know much about either the Boxster or 993/6 but I know the boxster looks pretty nice with a hard top and a mid engine setup would be very nice for the track. Just like a miata which is underpowered, people say it's a great track car though.

Serge944

How much are you willing to spend? I wouldn't even consider a 2.5l version.

ninefiveone

What are the things you feel need to be done to make a Boxster an enjoyable car?