alan t

Like the title says, the girlfriend wants a "fun sports car" and she's seriously considering an early Boxster. I had one a few years ago, and it's now my Dad's. She's been in that one (with me driving) and really liked it. I know she isn't a Porsche enthusiast, but I really don't care. It's a great sports car and I can take care of the basic maintenance. Besides, I'm sure I could get some seat time and when we have to take her car I'll still be in a Porsche! The problem is we can't seem to find very many automatics. We're looking at 2000ish or older, 2.5 vs 2.7 doesn't matter to her and we're not paying extra for an S. Does anybody know just how many autos were made? I'm worried we're just not going to find a black or white Boxster in auto...
I know she can just learn stick, but I don't feel she should have to.

TIM COSTA

Dont know your budget but here's a nice one in your area..

http://baltimore.craigslist.org/cto/1843998466.html

Tim

racer

You might also consider checking out BMW Z3 or Z4 roadsters as well. More likely a higher percentage with an Automatic/Steptronic.

Is there a price range here?

Just keep looking and be patient. No point in panicking.

harryrcb

Bite your tongue BMW??

Macster

Using autotrader.com search I found 144 1998 to 2002 Boxsters -- with an automatic transmission -- any distance from a Boston Mass zip code.

(And I just used autotrader.com. There's cars.com and the ads here in the classifieds and in Panorama and other places.)

I'd recommend you consider 2001 and 2002 models. They're not going to be that much more money and they have some features the older cars do not have. For instance my 2002 2.7l came with the top lining inside the cabin which makes the car with the top up a bit quieter and more pleasant.

Black cars I would think more common than white.

Sincerely,

Macster.

alan t

I should have mentioned the price range of $12-15k. That narrowed it down to 11 autos within 300 miles of my city, but most over 100k miles and almost all silver.

harryrcb

Looks like you will have to teach her to drive stick. sometimes you just cant have it both ways ?!

RDS928S

Harry, Picked this 01 S Tip last month for my daughter with a few mods for 13,100.
She loves it's-perfect "chick" car.
I must admit I like it too. Prefer the 993 though

VGM911

Car for girlfriend....will be held responsible for the recommendation.....I'd suggest a Mazda Miata. Japanese reliability. Fun to drive. Reasonably priced. You'll be a hero.

cannon1000

They dropped the miata name I think, it's the MX-5 now. Also the MR-2's and S2000's are neat roadsters. I like the Soltice and Saturn equivalent...if Japanese roadsters are options.

But the boxters can be nice...especially the one above...

Just a piece of advise if you buy off eBay...tell them to take it to a Porsche Dealer for a pre purchase inspection. It is very thorough and not very expensive. Better than those "traveling" inspectors that do not much more than kick the tires, test drive and look under the hood.

budmanv24

uggghhh....I drive a chick car...and then some. And what's wrong with bimmer's? the 328i does exactly what you tell it to. The box...not so much all the time.

harryrcb

watch the "chick" car thing, I put some muscle on mine! the trouble with that is I attract more guys now than chicks - bummer

VGM911

I'm not intimately familiar with the Mazda brand, but I think (given the budget cited) that he'll be looking at the older ones which bear the "Miata" name. You're right about new(er) ones reverting to the original MX-5 name.

RDS928S

Harry,

Im with you on that! . Once you mod em with power & exhaust + lower em they transorm the gender code!!

Rich

alan t

For some reason she isn't feeling the Japanese roadsters. I ran it by her before as an alternative with probably a lot more to choose from. I think it's because she's already been in a Boxster and my 944. This may be a bad comparison, but I remember feeling of "having to have" to have a Porsche as a teenager after my first ride in a '77 911.
It's either buying a Boxster and keeping her reliable Camry, or probably leasing a new WRX and trading in/selling the Camry. Newer WRX's are too expensive to buy, but are a good option if you're only going to have one car and want performance.