boxster or z3?
#1
Instructor
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boxster or z3?
I am considering both the boxster and z3 as a daily driver/commuter. I already have a 996, but dont want to put the unnecessary miles (150/day) on it. I would be looking for something under $20K. I dont know much about either car in terms of reliability. Any suggestions? I figured that I would start on the 996 board first to get some unbiased opinions of the z3.
#2
Rennlist Member
I paid ~20k for an 01 S this summer. however if I already had a 99 996 I would just keep driving that. your 911 is going to depreciate a lot less than 20k no matter how much you drive it. Post this in the Boxster forum too.
you could always buy a 99 996 with high miles for 20k
you could always buy a 99 996 with high miles for 20k
#3
Ironman 140.6
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I am considering both the boxster and z3 as a daily driver/commuter. I already have a 996, but dont want to put the unnecessary miles (150/day) on it. I would be looking for something under $20K. I dont know much about either car in terms of reliability. Any suggestions? I figured that I would start on the 996 board first to get some unbiased opinions of the z3.
Don't take my word for it. Go for a drive.
#5
I have had both a Boxster and 996's that I have used on a long daily commute. Other than the fact that the Boxster is a cab and my 996's were coupes they were both quite similar when used that way. The 996 has more power and the bigger cockpit does make you feel more comfortable.
The biggest difference is that the when the top on the Boxster is up your visibility out the back and the sides is not as good as a coupe. On a long commute you really begin to notice that. You would find the same thing with any convertible. You really notice when you pull up to a light and realize just how big a blind spot you have on the rear sides. For that reason alone I would opt for a 996 coupe. Of course if you live in a place you can drive all year top down, that issue goes away.
The biggest difference is that the when the top on the Boxster is up your visibility out the back and the sides is not as good as a coupe. On a long commute you really begin to notice that. You would find the same thing with any convertible. You really notice when you pull up to a light and realize just how big a blind spot you have on the rear sides. For that reason alone I would opt for a 996 coupe. Of course if you live in a place you can drive all year top down, that issue goes away.
#6
I drove a Z3 for 7 years. Very different from the P-car, and not as good at many things. But it does have its charms, including being much more easygoing in traffic and much easier to maintain. Feel free to PM me if you have specific questions that you don't think would interest the group.
#7
Team Owner
I am considering both the boxster and z3 as a daily driver/commuter. I already have a 996, but dont want to put the unnecessary miles (150/day) on it. I would be looking for something under $20K. I dont know much about either car in terms of reliability. Any suggestions? I figured that I would start on the 996 board first to get some unbiased opinions of the z3.
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#10
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I paid ~20k for an 01 S this summer. however if I already had a 99 996 I would just keep driving that. your 911 is going to depreciate a lot less than 20k no matter how much you drive it. Post this in the Boxster forum too.
you could always buy a 99 996 with high miles for 20k
you could always buy a 99 996 with high miles for 20k
#11
+1 I don't understand the financial logic behind running two sports cars instead of one. If you simply *must* have a commuter car, at least make it economical, comfortable and cheap - I recommend more or less any Japanese four-door. Personally, I use my '02 996 day-in, day-out and I'm pretty sure it's cheaper than running a "weekday" car as well.
-td
#12
Vs a Boxster S, you're absolutely right. Vs a Boxster, the differences start to become a bit more subjective as long as you avoid the 2.3/2.5s. Not advocating for the Bimmer, here. Just saying, horses for courses.
#14
Team Owner
Fair enough. I do clearly remember the Miata crowd I used to hang with always comparing their cars to the Z3 and S2000, but *never* the Boxster. It was almost like an undrawn line they'd never cross out of respect for the P-car.
#15
Casualty of bad marketing. The later M54 powered cars were terrific, if very different driving experiences from the Boxster (and never quite the handlers). And the M Roadster, if slightly crude, was a rowdy good time to drive.