HDK

Hello Porsche buffs,

I've been bitten by the porsche bug lately and been contemplating about a pre-owned Boxster. I currently drive a BMW 3er and I really want a convertible sports car. I wanted to get some of your expertise as to how the car fits for everyday driving. I've read enough reviews to convince me the Boxster is a true-driver's car. However, do I need to rob a bank for insurance or maintenance costs? Also, are Porsches meant to be driven for a long time (4-5years with over 100,000+ miles) or are they hobby cars meant to be sold after a couple of years. Whatever car I switch to i want to keep it for some time to get the full enjoyment. My budget unfortunately only allows me a pre-owned Boxster (not S) and if even that...Any feedback is welcome, thanks in advance!

Jessa

I have not driven a Boxster specifically, or any new Porsches, but can vouch for the longevity of Porsches in general. I've driven an 82 as a daily commuter for almost a year now and its never broken down on me. Just got an 84 with over 120000 miles on it (other car still runs great, just wanted the later model and better tranny) and its just as good. Many other people are driving 5, 10 and 20 year old Porsches regularly. Assuming the build quality hasn't suddenly dropped off, a 4 to 5 year old Porsche should be very solid.

Also ask in the <a href="http://forums.rennlist.com/forums/ultimatebb.php?ubb=forum&f=12" target="_blank">Boxster forum</a>

Dan Gallagher

after 14 years my 944 is holding together (with 80k miles). but when something breaks it costs alot (or atleast alot more than the average car), so rob the bank now then ask them if you can make a deposit because you will need it later.

a 968 or 944 convertable is probibly cheaper than a boxter which leave room in your budget for extra toys, they are nice cars though, just check out the 924/944/951/968 forum.

show'n'go

Hi HDK,
Do some research on the internet. You may want to check out:

<a href="http://www.986board.com/board/boxpoll_archive1.htm" target="_blank">http://www.986board.com/board/boxpoll_archive1.htm</a>

<a href="http://www.986faq.com/10-0/default.asp" target="_blank">http://www.986faq.com/10-0/default.asp</a>

<a href="http://www.epinions.com/content_9273249412" target="_blank">http://www.epinions.com/content_9273249412</a>

<a href="http://www.epinions.com/auto-review-157-CE8CF5C-38FD1540-prod6" target="_blank">http://www.epinions.com/auto-review-157-CE8CF5C-38FD1540-prod6</a>

<a href="http://auto.consumerguide.com/auto/used/reviews/full/index.cfm/id/2333.htm" target="_blank">http://auto.consumerguide.com/auto/used/reviews/full/index.cfm/id/2333.htm</a>

That should get you started....

Brad
'78 <a href="http://www.p-caronline.com/directory/showngo/" target="_blank">928 euro</a> 5 speed
928 Owners Club

HDK

Thanks for all your feed back. The epinions worried me a bit, but I do not expect any car to be perfect. I am convinced the car performs well, but my main concern is still the reliability (= $$$). Any other feedback is greatly appreciated....

bet

I had a 2000 323i that sold at the end of 2000 to get a used 2000 Boxster. Insurance wise there was virtually no difference between the cars for me (your insurance and area may vary). I drove the Boxster as my daily driver for a year. The scheduled factory maintenance is not terrible and the frequency and the cost was about the same as the BMW. I traded the Boxster for a 993 in November of 2001. Nothing against the Boxster I wanted something a little more powerful and I missed my sun roof. My experience with the Boxster was positive with no problems other than a faulty top relay. The one cost that is more on the Boxster than the BMW is tires. The Boxster will eat tires much faster than the BMW and the tires cost more. If you want a roadster I don’t think you will be disappointed with the Boxster. As I am sure you realize web pages of opinions tend to be filled with those who have problems and not lots of positive results.

show'n'go

HDK,
Don't take my previous post as any kind of "thumbs down" on the Boxster. I would own an "S" in a heartbeat.
Bet's post is true regarding the web opinions boards, but it is good to look at both sides of the coin.
Car and Driver magazine really likes the cars, see:

<a href="http://www.caranddriver.com/xp/Caranddriver/10best/2002/2002_10best_cars_porsche_boxster.xml" target="_blank">http://www.caranddriver.com/xp/Caranddriver/10best/2002/2002_10best_cars_porsche_boxster.xml</a>

There is also a good little QuickTime video that you can download at the link above!

Brad
'78 <a href="http://www.p-caronline.com/directory/showngo/" target="_blank">928 euro</a> 5 speed
928 Owners Club