dak911

WHOA, before you get all bent out of shape..I am a long time P club member (35 years) and BMWCCA member (30 years.)
We have an 06 997 cab, and an 06 BMW X5.
We owned 2 Boxsters before the 997 and I am thinking to buy (for my OWN personal exclusive use) a 2 seat cab....
Looking to spend only about 6-7k, not needing a "queen" does anyone have real no B/S comments for me...all I want is a simple 2 seat convertible to keep outside...as a runabout

VGM911

I've owned both, and they're both fine cars as runabouts. The principal advantage of the Boxster over the Z3 is trunk space, and the later Boxsters (starting in 2003) have a glass back window. In comparison, the Z3 trunk is miniscule but holds up well against the Boxster in most other ways.

Also, despite owning 4 Boxsters over the years, I think the Z3 was the most enjoyable car I've owned...it felt like wearing a glove, had good performance dynamics (handling, braking, steering, acceleration, a compliant suspension, etc.), and an outstanding 6-cylinder engine. Sometimes, I wish I still had it.

Good luck in your search...no matter which one you pick, you'll be happy. If you lived up north, I'd recommend the Boxster for better winter traction, but you live in Florida so that's not an issue.

cas951

I think the Z3 is a car BMW regrets ever making. I think it's just plain "ugly". Just my opinion. Sorry.

996_North

Sorry, can't comment on which is better... but wow, where are you going to find a boxster or Z3 for that price ?

VGM911

The earliest versions can be sometimes found on the market for very attractive prices. Here's a low mileage '96 BMW Z3 that looks really nice:

http://delaware.craigslist.org/cto/3155742206.html

dak911

VGM911, thanks,
They're out there...gotta look....hard...
Should be able to find a nice one here in FL, just gotta decide...

Byprodriver

After test driving a few Boxsters I too was tempted by the Z3 lower price. Sat in the car, did not like the driving position, the interior, the exterior,straight 6 engines in general & short drive confirmed Z3 is not in the same league as a Boxster.

Dave H.

i had driven Z3's before, when i bought my 325i. it doesn't compare to the boxster...

racer

For the $$ you want to spend, you'd be better off with a Miata.

VGM911

Ugly? The true definition of "ugly" is probably a Pontiac Aztek. Now THAT'S ugly....

mikefocke

Go drive em both. Your butt will tell you.

I went a half block before turning around and I had owned both a '70 914 and a '70 2002A and felt the BMW was the better built car of that era so it wasn't like I went in prejudiced.

You just have to find the motivated seller and buy at the worst time of the year for cash.

Good luck with your search.

Mumbles

AP1 or Miata.

VGM911

I'm not sure what "AP1" means.

DDL24

Honda S2000?

dak911

Well, now leaning slightly to the Z3, don't need the trunk space and the 2.5/2.8 I'm feeling is less expensive in repair/upkeep....having owned 2 Boxsters already and a ton of BMW's over the years...