[MERXUS]

hey guys -- just wanted to know what was your experience with 2002+ boxsters.
Quality?
Maintenance?
insurance cost?
problems and issues?

thank you in advance

[J____]

well, it'll be the same upkeep as a gt3 because its a porsche. just cheaper cost upfront.

if your planning to buy the car because u think it's cheap, dont.
the maintenance will still be very costly

[MERXUS]

im looking into 2005 or 06
seems as they arent as bad as the older types.

[Timpo]

it's a Porsche, of course it is expensive to maintain...

for example you need 16L of oil for oil change and well over $300 if you do it at dealership

[Z3guy]

if you get a 02 or newer boxster, I would suggest spending a little extra for the S model....you get bbk, 3.2L motor Vs 2.7L, and a more upscale interior....worth the extra money imo. Please note, Boxsters are cheap to buy, but are expensive to maintain....however you get an excellent chassis and great top down handling......

[MERXUS]

yeah S models seem to be a bit more pricey but they do look nicer!

[ilvtofu]

If your willing to spend this level of money, you might as well get an S.
the stock engine is too weak and will barely keep up with any of the fob punks on the road these days.

[Timpo]

I'd suggest you getting an EUR GT bodykit

http://www.g-eur.jp/eur-detail/boxster-eur-gt.html

http://img169.auctions.yahoo.co.jp/users/5/4/8/2/toyo32jp-img600x450-1190601704cimg0294.jpg

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m-KQQKR8ZpI
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CqkgfUcdzwg
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NtkJtFFM6tE

[impactX]

No Timpo, he didn't ask for any bodykit pictures. We've been through this before.

[Rich Sandor]

well, it'll be the same upkeep as a gt3 because its a porsche. just cheaper cost upfront.


This is not true. A Boxster is much cheaper to buy and maintain. A gt3 has many unique components that are much more expensive to order than Boxster parts.


if your planning to buy the car because u think it's cheap, dont.
the maintenance will still be very costly

Yes Boxsters are more expensive to maintain than most imports, but not by much. In fact, if you service your car at Weissach, MB Euro, SCAN, Targa, Blitzkreig, etc etc, you can save a LOT of money. It might even be cheaper to service your Porsche at SCAN than to service your BMW at a BMW store.

If you want a Boxster, and you actually enjoy driving, get an S. If you drive like a nanny, than a non-S will be fine. (I promise I won't make fun of you)

The biggest concern for pre-owned Boxsters is the RMS (rear main seal) which seems to always need to be replaced. Recent service records are a big plus. Also, don't be afraid to buy one from Porsche Club members who have tracked/autox'd their Boxster. These cars are usually even more religiously maintained with up-to-date service.

The biggest quality concern is the silver or black trim paint fading on the trim pieces by the hood release and on the console buttons.

[MERXUS]

thank you very much for your input guys!

i think ill keep my eyes open for 986s or 987s

not too many of them around in bc...

would it be easier to import one from US?

[Rich Sandor]

I've been looking at the prices, and honestly I don't think there is a any savings in importing them right now. We have recently been FLOODED with ex-us cars to the point where it has devalued the existing Vancouver cars enough that it's not worthwhile to go south - UNLESS you are super specific in what you want and you can only find it in the states. You might find a nice Boxster S in Cali for $15,000. By the time you get it here, it's $19,000cdn. You might find the same Boxster S locally for $22,000obo. (for example)

[Timpo]

thank you very much for your input guys!

i think ill keep my eyes open for 986s or 987s

not too many of them around in bc...

would it be easier to import one from US?

you'll get raped by import duties

[Timpo]

No Timpo, he didn't ask for any bodykit pictures. We've been through this before.
oh ok

i was just making a suggestion

[WHEYsted]

People with Boxsters are freakin posers. Especially the older ones. They cost about $30k and they drive it around like it's $300k

[Leopold Stotch]

People with Boxsters are freakin posers. Especially the older ones. They cost about $30k and they drive it around like it's $300k

i don't agree with that statement

although most Boxster drivers do want to beat me off the line,

and no timpo they don't need 16L of oil.

[ilvtofu]

A boxster is a car that needs to be driven to be appreciated though. It doesn't look like much, or give out great numbers, but it's got a bit of charm. As long as you don't drive like a douche, enjoy it as a daily driver or a track car, either way its a good bet for some understated fun

[Timpo]

i don't agree with that statement

although most Boxster drivers do want to beat me off the line,

and no timpo they don't need 16L of oil.

oops, did a quick research, it's 9.5 qts. http://wiki.answers.com/Q/What_is_the_engine_oil_capacity_of_a_1997_Porsche_ Boxster

[underscore]

People with Boxsters are freakin posers. Especially the older ones. They cost about $30k and they drive it around like it's $300k

wrong.

as a rather smart man once said (roughly)

"Some call the Boxter the poor-mans Porsche. I just call it one hell of a great deal"

you get Porsche engineering and design for a good chunk less than any other Porsche. The only thing that kept my parents from buying one a couple years back was that the trunk couldn't fit two sets of golf clubs ;)

[death_blossom]

a Porsche, is a Porsche, is a Porsche, is a Porsche.

it's true that many yuppies and try-hards buy Boxsters because it is the least expensive Porsche to get the name plate. BUT it's still a Porsche, and the Boxster was built to perform like one.

[Z3guy]

Merxus, have you considered saving up a bit more and getting a cayman? Less of a girly car than a Boxster.....+ it handles better than 911s......I have seen 06 caymans going for high 40s.....

[sexyaccord]

the cayman's lines are extremely sexy

[Timpo]

boxsters are too common

which in my opinion, doesn't worth affording all the high maintenance costs

[Timpo]

the cayman's lines are extremely sexy

a lot of people can't even tell the difference between cayman and boxster anyways

[Leopold Stotch]

a lot of people can't even tell the difference between cayman and boxster anyways

you mean other than the fact one has a removable roof and the other doesn't?

get the boxster, seems like it'll be a fun car to drive, plus it's a converitble!

[MERXUS]

I have to agree with your cayman statement. Its def. a real looker, lines on cayman are unreal ; however its totally out of my price range lol...too bad...

im hunting for something along boxster, maybe vet or xlr cadi. all three are in the same price rance approx 30k.
i dunno i cant simply make up my mind...

[SpartanAir]

wrong.

as a rather smart man once said (roughly)

"Some call the Boxter the poor-mans Porsche. I just call it one hell of a great deal"

you get Porsche engineering and design for a good chunk less than any other Porsche. The only thing that kept my parents from buying one a couple years back was that the trunk couldn't fit two sets of golf clubs ;)

Porsche have been making affordable versions of their cars ever since the 70's, starting with the 914. The true "poor man's Porsche" was the early 924, that was pretty ugly and used an Audi engine. Regardless, even it was engineered by Porsche. I owned a 944 for 5 years, which was like the Boxster of the 80's, and it drove like nothing else. I miss how that car handled like on rails.

I would do like Rich said, get an 'S' version if you're gonna go for it. Look around in the US for one and save a few bucks.

[tofu1413]

get a porsche. it'll be special (regardless what model, sans the cayenne)


should be able to pick up a 05' 987 for a shade over 30k


or you can just screw the idea and not buy an everyman's Porsche. pay a couple thousand more for a 996 cabrio, or even a 993 cabrio. 968 cabrios are cool too

[underscore]

I have to agree with your cayman statement. Its def. a real looker, lines on cayman are unreal ; however its totally out of my price range lol...too bad...

im hunting for something along boxster, maybe vet or xlr cadi. all three are in the same price rance approx 30k.
i dunno i cant simply make up my mind...

to me those are all completely different cars. people say that lots of people have boxters, well the vette is like the high priced civic (up here anyways)

I'd still go Boxter S

[Leopold Stotch]

I have to agree with your cayman statement. Its def. a real looker, lines on cayman are unreal ; however its totally out of my price range lol...too bad...

im hunting for something along boxster, maybe vet or xlr cadi. all three are in the same price rance approx 30k.
i dunno i cant simply make up my mind...

Personally i love the Cadi XLR, but comparing it to a Vette or a Boxster isn't really the same thing.

imo the XLR wouldn't be too fun to drive, being auto and a huge boat.

a vette is just monstrous though. so much power :D

gl with your decision lol

[Marco911]

I've been looking at the prices, and honestly I don't think there is a any savings in importing them right now. We have recently been FLOODED with ex-us cars to the point where it has devalued the existing Vancouver cars enough that it's not worthwhile to go south - UNLESS you are super specific in what you want and you can only find it in the states. You might find a nice Boxster S in Cali for $15,000. By the time you get it here, it's $19,000cdn. You might find the same Boxster S locally for $22,000obo. (for example)

Assuming regular maintenance. Porsche parts are still horrendously overpriced.

[tofu1413]

price is about same as a merc...?


><" installation= overpriced =(

[MERXUS]

yeah im very keen on buying S boxster. im trying to find one in the states as we speak.

do you guys know any good local mechanic shops that service porches? i mean i can find shops on the net or yellow pages. but i would rather service my car at known or i should say reliable honest and somewhat affordable shop! seems as some of you have had porsches along with experience dealing with local "mech pros" =)


thank you again for all your comments guys! keep them coming !

[Spaceship_coupe]

As Rich Sandor has mentioned earlier in this post, SCAN Automotive in North Vancouver is a great shop. Andy and crew are a great bunch of guys.

I get my current vehicle serviced there and they are a top notch shop.

[Rich Sandor]

Every one of the following shops are excellent Porsche specialists. The guys at SCAN have been exceptionally helpful to me over the years. I pit-crewed at Daytona with the guys from MB Euro and they are amazing mechanics too. Uli at Weissach has always given me unbeatable parts prices. If you need to buy any really big-ticket parts, Sunset Porsche in Oregon is the usually cheapest Porsche parts supplier in the world.

CG Motorsports in Richmond
MB Euro in False Creek
Weissach in Kits
MCL Porsche in Kits
Blitzkreig in Downtown Eastside
SCAN Automotive in North Van
Targa Performance in North Van

[El Bastardo]

Exterior paint can be changed but the interior colour is a little more difficult to remedy. Which do you guys think looks best?

I'd put my money on tan, personally.

[MERXUS]

Exterior paint can be changed but the interior colour is a little more difficult to remedy. Which do you guys think looks best?

I'd put my money on tan, personally.

__________________________________________________ __ did i miss something?

[El Bastardo]

Wow, I totally missed a few steps in there;


I meant to bring up about the options available to the potential buyer of a Boxster. The exterior and interior comes in a set number of shades.

While the exterior can always be re-painted to your own personal taste you'd have a much more difficult time changing your interior which led me to ask the question to anyone who has seen the Boxster's interior in the post above yours.



tl;dr -

El Bastardo is tarded

[Rich Sandor]

Yeah I'm not a big fan of the red or burgundy interiors.

The grey tends to wear quickly, as does the camel/tan.

The dark blue is okay.

Black is your best bet.

[MERXUS]

just called:
CG Motorsports in Richmond; they dont service porsches =( then ...got a "quick hang up"

however!!!
i got a quick apt with MB EURO FOR tomorrow!

oh btw i got 2003 silver on dark blue leather int. tiptronic w litronics headlights!! boxster =)
i FU@#%$ love it ; rides well, corners amazing, so much torque!! oh and girls love it;) i had no clue porsche is a girl magnet ++!

and its quite good on gas!!! 1st tank: 52$ (premium)= 520km before light went on!! (reservoir is 10L !!)

this is the only time i will test the gas tank this way-- i usually fill up when gauge is slightly pass half way point.

[thumper]

pics please

wait... did u say tiptronic?!? :cry:

[Rich Sandor]

Hrm I'm surprised about CG, but I think you'll be much happier with MB Euro anyways.

Bernie & Mitch are AWESOME.

[MERXUS]

yea they seem very friendly on the phone!
and i love the tiptronic! =) did squampton run w my gf on sunday --its sweeet!!!

[thumper]

:worthless:

[MERXUS]

YEP IVE HAD MIND FOR UHMM ALMOST 1.5 YRS.. I LOVE IT

but i hate the costs on fixing things :) everything is 200$+
just got brakes, pads, discs replaced...2800$...
:)
still i wouldn't trade it for any other 2 seater convertible!

[MERXUS]

just cleaned it ;)

[MERXUS]

another one..

[XtC-604]

People with Boxsters are freakin posers. Especially the older ones. They cost about $30k and they drive it around like it's $300k
hahaha true :) i saw a black one today on alderbridge when i was heading into richmond, the dood (older guy) downshifts a gear and tries to cut me off, and i responded and followed suit and he got left behind :)
A boxster is a car that needs to be driven to be appreciated though. It doesn't look like much, or give out great numbers, but it's got a bit of charm. As long as you don't drive like a douche, enjoy it as a daily driver or a track car, either way its a good bet for some understated fun
track car? get a miata or an s2000, cheaper and faster. Beat the fuck out of it and it won't even whimper back at you. Although if you just want the brand then go for it. Personally the only p car i would get would be a 911.

pics please

wait... did u say tiptronic?!? :cry:

tiptronic...getting cut off by bicycles since they were invented.

[MERXUS]

doood!! im the nicest porsche driver hehe i wave and say hi to everyone lol

shiiiit dont hate !=)

[Redlines_Daily]

I dont understand how any kind of car is considered a "poser car". People buy the car they want for whatever reason they want. Some guys dream about one day buying an STI or M3 or Mustang or whatever...some guys dream about buying a Porsche..boxster owners are living their own dream, so why you gotta hate.

That being said, how many M3, STI, or EVO owners actually drive the car the way its meant to be driven? Are they posers too? Lets all be happy here.

[Phil@rise]

Porsche parts and maint isn't to bad we service some regularly. Just don't go to Weisach for parts they charge an insane amount of markup on parts.
Example, MAF from them for a Boxter is @ $900 I can get them for a third of that and still make money.
Its not a poser car it's a mid engined drivers car. Because of that it handles with great neutrality and isn't the over steering widow maker of some of its rear engined brethren.
Only those who haven't had a chance to flog one call it a poser or chicks car.

FYI don't overheat it the motors don't like that they are finicky after that and the repair is never as easy as a head gasket.

[Mugen EvOlutioN]

king of bodykits is back

[MERXUS]

I dont understand how any kind of car is considered a "poser car". People buy the car they want for whatever reason they want. Some guys dream about one day buying an STI or M3 or Mustang or whatever...some guys dream about buying a Porsche..boxster owners are living their own dream, so why you gotta hate.

That being said, how many M3, STI, or EVO owners actually drive the car the way its meant to be driven? Are they posers too? Lets all be happy here.

Well said J
+1

[JiggaZed]

boxsters are too common

which in my opinion, doesn't worth affording all the high maintenance costs

English Major.

[freakshow]

From what I've heard, you should spring for the S now, or else you may regret it later.

[q0192837465]

how do their softtops hold up? leaking issues for older model ones?

[MERXUS]

not sure had 01 and now 03
both have amazing tops -triple layered..etc.

especially 03'

plus i love my glass window

[flagella]

Better get the S or else it's not worth it.

[PJ]

They get hated on.. but they're good cars for what they are.
I was considering one not too long ago too

[midnight_r]

they are really great rides. my 03 is trouble free really.
my only advice is to buy 03 and 04 of the boxster 986 models..
all issues from 97-02 were addressed as well as 03 and 04 are rarest: Last year before new style of 987 was introduced.
Anyone w. nice local boxster? Pictures?!

[NLY]

I used to drive my dads all the time when he was overseas. Awesome car to drive especially with the top down!


gooo for it!