PorscheDoc

I would add my vote for a Boxster as well if it is going to be a weekend toy. For $25k, you can get into a pretty nice boxster (probably 01-02ish), but for 25k, you aren't going to be able to get as nearly of nice a 996 (especially not a cab). Both are cars that you put gas and oil in and drive. The most dependable cars Porsche has made, of course thanks to the Japanese. Boxsters are also very easy to work on. I wouldn't want to drive on every day (just not my style), but I think it would be great for my wife. Good power for her, not enough to get her in trouble.

Stay away from the 97-99 boxsters as the convertible top mechanisms do like to fail, and that is about a 2k repair in parts to update to the stronger style mechanisms. By doing so, you also will avoid the slipped cylinder lining problem and most likely the RMS issue.

BTW, the 996's have the same RMS issue that the boxsters did. Same M97 case. Also, if the RMS issue does come up in either, it is not a bad job. I can bang out a C2 in 2 hours, and a boxster in less than 4.

Chris White

I might be just a tad biased....
As long as you can assume equal quality (and the assumption that the owner is a “car guy or girl”) the 968 has a lot going for it. Uncommon, easy to drive quick, very comfortable and quick enough to please. I did modify mine – I added a back seat for my son (took it out of a 944 cab)!
The resale value of the 968 (similar miles) is starting to pass the boxster values, and the boxster is going to continue to drop in value – too many out there!
If you are just looking for transportation get the Boxster – newer and more comfort features.
If you are looking for image….well I have to give it to the 911…!

hosrom_951

Ok, if that is the case, then the 968 would be my choice. The Boxster can be a hand full, same as the 911 (you would require to drop the engine for certain jobs, it could take 1-2 hours to do so for a shop, but a home mech could take longer no?)

Also, when the 968 comes to be rebuilt, a nice 16v Turbo conversion or 968 8v Turbo "s" replica could be in the picture. But it depends on the Ms. how fast would she like to go

Ski

She's pretty cool with straight line boost, she isn't to much of a "slow in - fast out" type of girl. That usually gets me a look, a scream, or a pop in the shoulder.

PorscheDoc

You do not have to drop the engines out of either for anything common. Clutch, rear mains, etc can all be done with the motor in the car. I haven't ever had to drop an engine out of either for anything other than a swap.

schwank

We bought a Boxster S for the fiancee to drive last year. It's a great car. Personally I'd like a little more space like in the 911, but as a weekend toy it would be awesome. Very nimble. Not super fast but more than adequate. I also don't know that you'd get a particularly nice 996 cab for 25K. But you can get a very nice 986S for that kind of money.

968 would hold value better for sure but parts are pricey.

hosrom_951

I was hopeing you would comment on what i said earlier, since you have experience in these situations (having the shop and all).

Thing is, i used to see 911 engines out at the local shop a lot, never seen a boxster engine out, but they (the shop) told me its the same scenario.

500

It seems that 968 values have started to slip lately. A lot of pretty decent-looking cars seem to be going for around $10K.

FRporscheman

Women don't like 911s. They think they are awkward funky lopsided concoctions. They much prefer the elegant and feminine lines of the 968, or the everyone-has-one factor of the boxster.

If she likes being different, and she likes letting you work on it, get a 968. I vote 968 as they're better cars all around, but it really only matters what she likes.

If she has to have Louis Vuitton or Prada, get the boxster.

Nurburger

A friend of mine has an 02 BoxsterS - bought it used with perfect history... The car gets abused & put away dirty, but hasn't cost him a penny other than regular maintenance after 20k miles.

It's an absolute blast to drive & this would be my recommendtion for $25k.

Plus there's a healthy aftermarket performance part selection.....

cruise98

I voted for the Boxster S. They are great looking cars, fairly new, very reliable and the handling will not bite you.

lart951

buy her a 5 series BMW, woman love bemeers.

Ski

this one actually hates em...tried to buy her a 3 series convertible several years ago, and it was a quick NO.

lart951

Let her test drive a lexus I'll bet she would love the luxury and confort, but don't ever tell her that is made by toyota, lol.

Ski

now don't forget, this is just a toy, weekend or summer car. She has a C320 Sport Wagon and the only getting her out of that is to get her another one for daily transport; she loves that thing. I'm getting her a new one this fall when the 09 Wagons come out. I can't afford the 6.3AMG wagon.