Boxster as a commuter?
06-05-2008, 09:24 PM
#17
Race Director
I put 60+ miles a day on my Boxster commuting... 2002, 5-speed....
Good Evening,
I have a very good line on a 2000 2.7 986 Tip with 22K on it. My job reqiures me to drive a fair amount and if I got the Boxster I would be putting a few 300-400 miles on it a week. I would only be driving it from April to October (or whenever the snow flies) and then I would just drive my truck.
My questions are would this make a good commuter? What sort of problems might I come across and what Boxsters should I avoid and what should I look for? Also, any other info you could provide would be great as well. Best wishes - Jay
I have a very good line on a 2000 2.7 986 Tip with 22K on it. My job reqiures me to drive a fair amount and if I got the Boxster I would be putting a few 300-400 miles on it a week. I would only be driving it from April to October (or whenever the snow flies) and then I would just drive my truck.
My questions are would this make a good commuter? What sort of problems might I come across and what Boxsters should I avoid and what should I look for? Also, any other info you could provide would be great as well. Best wishes - Jay
Should be ok. A slightly newer 2.7l (circa 2002 IIRC) or a 2000 3.2l S will have a lined top which is quieter. Drive the 2000 2.7l car on the highway and see what wind noise is like.
Be sure alignment spot on or tires will not last very long. They don't last a long time anyway (20,000 miles at best is what I think I get).
I change my car's engine oil and oil filter every 5000 miles. Engine air filter and cabin filter get changed frequently too. There's a lot of dust in the air almost everywhere. You should consider changing tranny fluid every couple of years. (I've had my car's manual tranny/diff fluid changed twice.)
Brake fluid flush/bleed every so often is a good idea too. My car has had two coolant drains and refills.
Essentially, as a commuter the Boxster works just fine but you can't expect to skip/shortchange the car on its vital fluids services, unless you just want to drive car into ground.
Keep up on the little things. If coolant level starts to drop likely sign of a water pump or at least a coolant leak. Let this go and engine can overheat and then you've got big trouble.
If one has to go to work there are worse ways to get there than driving a Boxster!
Sincerely,
Macster.
06-07-2008, 01:33 AM
#21
Burning Brakes
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Boxsters are great commuter cars. The only thing is being stuck in traffic. The Boxster just wants to play. I have yet to read about an engine wearing out. Instead, they fail, typically early in their life, especially the years noted above. If the difference in price isn't too much, I would opt for a 2000 or newer as they also include some nicer dash materials, etc.
06-07-2008, 07:09 AM
#22
I bought a 987 last year and it's a super commuter. According to my on board computer, I'm averaging 24 MPG, and when I take long trips on the highway, I get 28+ MPG. The exhaust sound is sporty but not overbearing, even with the top down. I generally have gone with 19" wheels on my last couple of cars because of aesthetics, but the base 17" wheels with the larger tires provide a much smoother ride which is particularly important if you live in area where the roads are less than perfect.
The Boxster provides super handling and braking, more than ample acceleration, looks terrific, gets decent gas mileage, and by Porsche standards is a steal.
The Boxster provides super handling and braking, more than ample acceleration, looks terrific, gets decent gas mileage, and by Porsche standards is a steal.
06-07-2008, 11:28 AM
#23
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fast1,
Thanks! The search begins. I am seriuosly considering a Tip as well. I am going to be doing a lot of highway driving and I think a stick may be a little rough in traffic.
Thanks! The search begins. I am seriuosly considering a Tip as well. I am going to be doing a lot of highway driving and I think a stick may be a little rough in traffic.
06-11-2008, 03:32 PM
#24
Jay - Good luck. As I posted earlier, the Boxster is a great car and makes an outstaning commuter. I hear you about the tip, and I feel the same way. I live and work in the country, so a manual is ideal for me, but if I had to drive in regular stop and go traffic, I'd go with a tip. Interestingly enough my wife drives in stop and go traffic every day, but she insists on a manual.
06-11-2008, 09:12 PM
#25
Track Day
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I was going for a 6-speed before I started thinking about Las Vegas traffic. I bought a '01 S Tip and I have been happy with it. I keep it in M all times and just use buttons. 9500mls and going....
06-17-2008, 03:54 PM
#28
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Well, I have been doing my new commute for the past week in my truck and it is boring! I need somethig fun and something now!
06-18-2008, 04:33 PM
#29
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It is not all 98-99 Boxsters with trouble, it is later 98 and early 99. Also the fact that it is a tip makes it less likley to have trouble because of the different engine mounting that the tip requires over the manual. The fact that it is a tip is a good thing for commuting as it is an easier ride everyday. With this said get a PPI and smile everyday. Ed