Hi <img border="0" alt="[byebye]" title="" src="graemlins/wave.gif" /> ,
I'm needing some help. I currently have a 93 911 (73000 miles) coupe that I love.
But...the growing maintenance costs and constant fear of breaking something ($$$$$) is starting to eat away at me. Today I went to the local Porsche store and drove a '98 Boxster with 17,000 miles on it (funky color combo-Silver outside/blue green inside). I stuck a deal for my car + $2500. I have until Monday to decide.
The decision is eating away at me.
*A 911 is a 911, but if the fun is waining due to worry, is it worth it?
*Is a 98 Boxster a worthy replacement?
*Will I come out ahead dollar wise?
*Is this a good deal (my car + $2500)?

Please help me!!!
Scott

 

'98 Boxster is also a car out of warranty and more complex to service (if diy)...

I would keep the 911 and save for also getting a Boxster but one with a warranty still valid...

 

Much as I hate to do this...

I would either keep the 911 or move up to a still under warranty Boxster S. I had the same dilemma and ended up keeping the 911 too - but I drive my 2001 S all the time.

The reasons I suggest keeping the 911 are:

- Kelly Blue Book, like 'em or hate 'em, values your 911 at about $2500 higher than the Boxster - retail to retail! Older 911s tend to sell to picky, somewhat knowledgeable Porschephiles, while Boxsters have a mixed bag of newbies and experienced 'philes, i.e., bigger market for Boxsters, but more appreciation for an excellent 911 (and therefore they will pay a premium)
-Costs of repair of your 911 are not that much different than if the Boxster breaks, and there are many sources for 911 repair parts. You may be trading from the devil you know to the one you don't.
-A 98 Boxster would not provide a step up in power, although handling and creature comforts would be MUCH better.
- If you move to an S, then I would say you have a good car.

Why not sell your 911 privately and then buy a 00 or newer Boxster S - you could probably get one in the mid $30s.

 

I've never owned a 964, but I recently sold my '88 to get a Boxster. You're 964 will hold its value better than a '98 Boxster, but I'd bet you'll have less service necessary over the next five years with the Boxster.

My reason's for the trade were primarily based on the the comfort level of the Boxster over the '88. I loved the '88 but my world is filled with more reality (hot, humid days...stop and go traffic...stupid drivers...) and I just wasn't getting the joys out of it that I'd like. And, like you, I feel better with a newer (13k miles) car than one with over 100k miles.

One can argue 'til the cows come home about which is the better car, but I think you've answered your question already. If you don't feel right with the '93, then get a car you DO feel right with. I think you'll be very happy with a Boxster.

Good luck!

 

Get/keep what makes you happy. I believe the maintenance costs will start to level out and be the same for either car. Things will typically start to wear and need replacement even with low miles. Remember it still is a 5 year old car.

Which one gives your the permagrin?

 

Hey adscab911 , I think the one that gives you the permagrin is any p-car with a phat sac of chronic <img border="0" alt="[cherrsagai]" title="" src="graemlins/drink.gif" />

 

Well, what did you end up doing? I'm curious because I recently went through the same dilema. I sold my '91 964 (red/black), mostly due to fears of escalating maintenance costs. It was pushing 12 years old, and things had begun to go wrong- such as A/C, sun roof, other minor yet expensive problems. I purchased a '99 (siver/red)Boxster with 16K miles, and a 4 year extended warranty. I have to admit, the convertible aspect of the car was the kicker. I really wanted a convertible and I'm glad I made the switch. BUT, without the warranty, I would be VERY sorry now because in four months of ownership I've encountered two very expensive problems- one was the airbag light staying on, and the other was the convertible top itself. Clearly, the Boxster will ultimately be the more expensive car to own.
One thing I do miss is the 964's power and feel. While the Boxster is much more civil due to its impecable balance, it pales in the "fun to drive" category when compared to the 964. I'm sure lots of Boxster owners will take issue with this comment, but anyone who's driven both cars for any length of time will admit the Boxster is underpowered- at least in the eyes of a 911 driver. It seems to work too hard when you're "stop and go" driving. Nevertheless, I love driving the Boxster, especially at speed, and with the top down!
My advice, if you didn't get the silver/bluegreen car, is to look around and find just the right car. It's out there. There are many Boxsters available, and the prices are coming down. Also,look for a heavily optioned car. The first owners pay big $$$ for leather wrapped this and that, and nicer wheels and stereo, etc. , but on the used car market you'll pay little extra for these things. Compared to my fully optioned car, the base car appears downright crude.
All that said,Go with your gut and don't look back!

 

Unless you get an S!

Bring on the 964s!!!

 

I would not get a 98 Boxster. Especially coming from a 964. I would get a minimum 2000 Boxster or Boxster S (if you can swing it). There were many upgrades that year including the engine, interior, etc. Also, it is still under warranty and it can be extended before it runs out. Also, I would highly recommend the 5 or 6 speed manual. I think the Boxster is too slow in the TIP.

 

Scott

Do you want a convertible?

A 98 Boxter is not a worthy replacement. An S is if you are a hairdresser, but when you are losing $4000 a year in depreciation, how long does that take to add up to the fears you have of things breaking on the C2?

I think you need to address this fear you have before you do anything else. Otherwise you will be driving a Honda Civic before you know it (i.e. cheap and reliable).

 

Very relevant thread for me. Last November, I sold my 1991 964 w/96,000 miles, and bought a 2001 Boxster S. I loved the 911.. however, it had two minor oil leaks that required engine removal to repair... also needed about $2000 of other work, not including the AC .... LOVED driving this car, but the wife wouldn't drive it, or ride in it... and it was mostly a pleasure car for us. I was fortunate to find a virtually new 2001 Boxster S, 4,000 miles, last November. Comparing these two cars is like comparing apples and oranges... however, we love the convertible... the wife loves the car, drives it... etc. I find the exhilaration of top-down driving at speed combined with the perfect handling overshadows the low-RPM power of the 911.

Anyway.... good luck with your decision...