Considering a new (used) car... updated with porsche consideratiosn, come help!

[Cuda1447]

Bump for some more opinions. Specifically looking for opinions on Miata vs 350z vs S2000. A bit about what I like.... I'm not a big ricer/tuner type of guy. Chances of me doing any mods to a car are very slim. I do like the low end torque my Mustang currently has, so that makes me think of leaning towards the 350z. What I find odd though is that the S2000's seem to be significantly cheaper than 350z roadsters. For that reason, right now I am leaning towards the S2000. If I go that route, are there any major differences between the years?

 

[Arkaign]

350Z = most practical, but a bit heavy compared to the other two, decent power throughout the rpm range
S2000 = fun, but small, no low-end torque, not very practical as your only vehicle
Miata = most fun, least practical of all, moderate power/weight, but not as fast as the above two

 

[Cuda1447]

Alright guys, I feel like I'm getting a little crazy here, but someone suggested something and damnit, it seems like a good idea now. It turns out I can get a 2000-2001 Porsche Boxter for around the price range I'm looking. I've found one in particular that I can get for around 15,000 probably with around 50,000 miles on it. Now obviously a porsche is a superior car to a miata or 350z. I think the S2000 overall will give it a run for its money in terms of performance, but all around the porsche wins. The concerns I have though. A. Insurance, should I expect it to be astronomical? B. Maintenance/longevity/cost of ownership? If something goes bad is it going to be ridiculous to replace? Would I be better off having a Honda? Or are these cars that well built that not much should go long for awhile? C. I'm a bit worried about getting something as old as 2000, but if the car is built that much better, it should be fine right?

Really interested to hear thoughts on this crazy idea.

 

[Cuda1447]

Come on guys, someone give me some thoughts on this Porsche

 

[SearchMaster]

C&D did a feature called "Best Cars Under $20K" this month, and '97-'99 Boxster was one of the picks.

link

That particular generation was somewhat slow, but they mentioned only a couple of "gotchas" (scratched rear windows and problems with HVAC display).

 

[Cuda1447]

I heard there were transmission problems with the 99 and older models, thats why I was looking at a 2000. My biggest concern is maintenance costs, I've been trying desperately to find a 'cost of ownership' guide to the boxsters, but can't seem to find one. I've heard the 60,000 maintenance is very expensive to get done, but just how much I don't know?

 

[iamwiz82]

Originally posted by: Cuda1447
I heard there were transmission problems with the 99 and older models, thats why I was looking at a 2000. My biggest concern is maintenance costs, I've been trying desperately to find a 'cost of ownership' guide to the boxsters, but can't seem to find one. I've heard the 60,000 maintenance is very expensive to get done, but just how much I don't know?

http://www.theschillings.com/boxmaint.htm


Oil Change
Air Filter Change
Cabin Filter Change
Spark Plug Change
Belt Replacement
Convertible Top Checks
Cooling System Checks
Fuel Filter Replacement
Other Checks

Check out Renntech for more info.

 

[Cuda1447]

Thanks for the info iamwiz. It gives me an idea of what needs to be done and should have been done, but not exactly of the costs. At least I have somewhere to start though. The more I think about it though, the more I'm thinking the S2000 is a better route to go, purely for the repair costs.

 

[exdeath]

Tires are something you'll need on any car, and an alignment isn't more than $100.

Are you sure the fluid leaking near the transmission isn't just AC condensation? If there is a leak, it can usually be fixed with a <= $40 gasket.

None of the reasons you gave are a reason to get a new car. Seems like the new car feel has just worn off and you're bored now and just want something new.

Or perhaps your current car was an impulse buy with no quality time spent shopping and getting a feel for whether or not you'd be happy with it for a long time... seems like you're rather impulsive again, in a hurry to get something soon without knowing what, and it would suck to feel the same way about the next car in a year

Take your time and figure out what it is you really want and find something that will put a smile on your face 5 years from now and make you find excuses to drive somewhere.

 

[exdeath]

Originally posted by: SearchMaster
C&D did a feature called "Best Cars Under $20K" this month, and '97-'99 Boxster was one of the picks.

link

That particular generation was somewhat slow, but they mentioned only a couple of "gotchas" (scratched rear windows and problems with HVAC display).

The older Boxsters are cheap for a reason. I'd go with no less than a 2003. Not only did 2003 add a real glass rear window with defroster, but the steady bumps in power year after year have made the plain Boxster acceptable without having to step up to the S.

Hmm here's even an S for 20k:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors...QptZUSQ5fCarsQ5fTrucks

 

[StageLeft]

Alright guys, I feel like I'm getting a little crazy here

You are. You came in ostensibly worried about finances and now are looking to trade from a fairly new mustang to an older Porsche.

If something goes bad is it going to be ridiculous to replace?

Quite possibly.

Would I be better off having a Honda?

Of course.

Or are these cars that well built that not much should go long for awhile?

haha

My guess is you buy the Boxter and maintenance and repairs over the next few years eat you alive and you really regret the decision. How screwed would you be if the transmission had to be replaced? There won't be many of those at the local junkyard. Or the engine, can you cover that? Repairs on your mustang, since it's a dime-a-dozen, are not only less likely to be required but much cheaper, too.

 

[biggestmuff]

Why continue being in debt to someone? You bought the car because you liked it. Pay off the car and enjoy it.

 

[Cuda1447]

Originally posted by: biggestmuff
Why continue being in debt to someone? You bought the car because you liked it. Pay off the car and enjoy it.

Most people always have car payments cause they get sick of their current car. I'm not one of those people that is totally against having a car payment. Its part of life and its not a big deal. I'd rather drive a newer nicer car every 3-5 years and enjoy it then drive a car till its payed off, then drive it some more after I want something new... then drive it a bit more till its driven into the ground. Sure, it makes more financial sense, but its not as fun. I'm looking for something thats fun and makes a bit of financial sense.


Here's what I've got so far.

Pros for getting a new car (2000 Boxster is #1 on list right now).

1. I want a convertible, pretty badly.
2. I want a sports car with a manual transmission. I should have got a V8 Mustang with manual instead of V6 with automatic, but I listened to others instead of doing what I wanted.
3. Its possible that, since I was 20 when I purchased the Stang, and I am 24 now, I may get a better interest rate (higher credit score). I'll have to look around and see if that holds true.
4. A Porsche has that appeal to it, that none of the other cars in this thread have. At least to me it does.
5. I'll have a car with less miles on it. Albeit, not a ton less.
6. Depending on the deal I get, I may be able to lower my monthly car payments by as much as $80 a month.

Cons against the new car:

1. I'll be getting an older model car. (Not sure how big of a deal this is if it has less miles).
2. I'll be hooked for a car payment for a longer period of time.
3. My insurance will probably go up, by how much is a question I need to answer.
4. Maintenance costs are higher on a Porsche, but by how much is the question. From the research I've done on repairpal.com it doesn't seem like the parts are to ridiculous in comparison to your average cars. I also have to consider if I'm less likely to have repairs on a Porsche simply because its built better. So if repairs are more, but I have them less often, will it equal out? (Or come close?) That's probably the most important question I need to have answered at this point.


All in all, I'd say the pro's outweigh the cons, at least as I'm currently looking at it. There are most certainly some points that need some clarification though. If anyone can shed anymore light on the questions that I've come up with, that would be greatly appreciated.

Hell, it'd be awesome if there were any Porsche owners that could chime in.


That said, I want to thank everyone for their input, but at the same time keep in mind that this is a decision that I am going to make and whatever I decide is completely up to me. It seems like a few in this thread are being a bit to overly critical and I am not sure why.

Or perhaps your current car was an impulse buy with no quality time spent shopping and getting a feel for whether or not you'd be happy with it for a long time... seems like you're rather impulsive again, in a hurry to get something soon without knowing what, and it would suck to feel the same way about the next car in a year

My first car was a bit of an impulse buy. Don't get me wrong, I really enjoyed it, I am just wishing I had a few extra things. When I bought my Mustang I really took the advice of family (namely father) and got a V6 Auto instead of V8 manual, because he thought I didn't need all that power and stick is a pain in the ass. Ultimately, that's what he wanted and not what I wanted. I should have got exactly as I wanted and not done as others want. That's a mistake I've made, but you live and learn. I've also learned over the years Vert's are very appealing to me.

As for this being an impulse buy, I wouldn't really put it like that. Sure, I am very excited and have a lot of thoughts going through my head, but how many people put in the research that I am doing? Impulsive would have been to buy a Sky or used Z4 and settled with a sports car vert, but not really weighing all my options. Upon weighing them all, it seems silly to buy a Z4 2003 when I can get a 2001 Boxster for the same price. Couple that with the fact that I think I am analyzing all facets of this purchase and I'd say I'm being quite the opposite of impulsive. I'd say I am being an informed consumer that is really excited


Seriously though, I do appreciate everyones feedback.

 

[Cuda1447]

Originally posted by: exdeath

Originally posted by: SearchMaster
C&D did a feature called "Best Cars Under $20K" this month, and '97-'99 Boxster was one of the picks.

link

That particular generation was somewhat slow, but they mentioned only a couple of "gotchas" (scratched rear windows and problems with HVAC display).

The older Boxsters are cheap for a reason. I'd go with no less than a 2003. Not only did 2003 add a real glass rear window with defroster, but the steady bumps in power year after year have made the plain Boxster acceptable without having to step up to the S.

Hmm here's even an S for 20k:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors...QptZUSQ5fCarsQ5fTrucks

I had certainly read about the plastic rear window. It's not the end of the world, certainly I'd like a glass but if I save $5k on a car, its a minor detail to me. As for the bump in power year after year, sure... more power is always better. But at the same time, I'd say any porsche is enough power for me. I want a lot of power, but the difference between 240hp and 260hp isn't worth a couple extra thousand to me.

 

[RichieZ]

Originally posted by: Cuda1447

Originally posted by: exdeath

Originally posted by: SearchMaster
C&D did a feature called "Best Cars Under $20K" this month, and '97-'99 Boxster was one of the picks.

link

That particular generation was somewhat slow, but they mentioned only a couple of "gotchas" (scratched rear windows and problems with HVAC display).

The older Boxsters are cheap for a reason. I'd go with no less than a 2003. Not only did 2003 add a real glass rear window with defroster, but the steady bumps in power year after year have made the plain Boxster acceptable without having to step up to the S.

Hmm here's even an S for 20k:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors...QptZUSQ5fCarsQ5fTrucks

I had certainly read about the plastic rear window. It's not the end of the world, certainly I'd like a glass but if I save $5k on a car, its a minor detail to me. As for the bump in power year after year, sure... more power is always better. But at the same time, I'd say any porsche is enough power for me. I want a lot of power, but the difference between 240hp and 260hp isn't worth a couple extra thousand to me.

the year you're looking at only makes 217hp, my friend has that particular version of the 986 and i have a 987, the power difference is noticeable but it still has the same great handling.

along with the plastic window it also has those awful orange front indicators.

 

[Cuda1447]

Originally posted by: RichieZ

Originally posted by: Cuda1447

Originally posted by: exdeath

Originally posted by: SearchMaster
C&D did a feature called "Best Cars Under $20K" this month, and '97-'99 Boxster was one of the picks.

link

That particular generation was somewhat slow, but they mentioned only a couple of "gotchas" (scratched rear windows and problems with HVAC display).

The older Boxsters are cheap for a reason. I'd go with no less than a 2003. Not only did 2003 add a real glass rear window with defroster, but the steady bumps in power year after year have made the plain Boxster acceptable without having to step up to the S.

Hmm here's even an S for 20k:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors...QptZUSQ5fCarsQ5fTrucks

I had certainly read about the plastic rear window. It's not the end of the world, certainly I'd like a glass but if I save $5k on a car, its a minor detail to me. As for the bump in power year after year, sure... more power is always better. But at the same time, I'd say any porsche is enough power for me. I want a lot of power, but the difference between 240hp and 260hp isn't worth a couple extra thousand to me.

the year you're looking at only makes 217hp, my friend has that particular version of the 986 and i have a 987, the power difference is noticeable but it still has the same great handling.

along with the plastic window it also has those awful orange front indicators.

If I'm not mistaken the the S is the one with around 240hp. I am not necessarily set on getting the S, but there is one locally that seems to be priced different.

Since you guys have those cars though, what are maintenance costs like? Any common problems you've heard of? How long have you had them?

 

[ponyo]

Originally posted by: Cuda1447

Originally posted by: exdeath

Originally posted by: SearchMaster
C&D did a feature called "Best Cars Under $20K" this month, and '97-'99 Boxster was one of the picks.

link

That particular generation was somewhat slow, but they mentioned only a couple of "gotchas" (scratched rear windows and problems with HVAC display).

The older Boxsters are cheap for a reason. I'd go with no less than a 2003. Not only did 2003 add a real glass rear window with defroster, but the steady bumps in power year after year have made the plain Boxster acceptable without having to step up to the S.

Hmm here's even an S for 20k:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors...QptZUSQ5fCarsQ5fTrucks

I had certainly read about the plastic rear window. It's not the end of the world, certainly I'd like a glass but if I save $5k on a car, its a minor detail to me. As for the bump in power year after year, sure... more power is always better. But at the same time, I'd say any porsche is enough power for me. I want a lot of power, but the difference between 240hp and 260hp isn't worth a couple extra thousand to me.

I had a 2000 Boxster. I bought it new and had it for about 3 years. I wish I could tell you about maintenance but I didn't drive it enough during my ownership for that to be a concern. I think the car had like 7k miles when I sold it. I just did annual oil change which was $100-200. I can't remember exactly. I just know it required more oil than other cars. I think it takes like 10 quarts of synthetic.

Plastic rear window in the back scratches and hazes easily. You can minimize it by placing a towel between the folded plastic window as you lower the top but that's inconvenient. I loved the car when I had it, and might get another one in the future. I would look to get the S model. It's not that much more expensive and comes in 6 speed vs 5 for non S. You can store quite a bit in the front and rear trunks. Easily enough for luggage for two for weekend roadtrip.

 

[ponyo]

Originally posted by: RichieZ

Originally posted by: Cuda1447

Originally posted by: exdeath

Originally posted by: SearchMaster
C&D did a feature called "Best Cars Under $20K" this month, and '97-'99 Boxster was one of the picks.

link

That particular generation was somewhat slow, but they mentioned only a couple of "gotchas" (scratched rear windows and problems with HVAC display).

The older Boxsters are cheap for a reason. I'd go with no less than a 2003. Not only did 2003 add a real glass rear window with defroster, but the steady bumps in power year after year have made the plain Boxster acceptable without having to step up to the S.

Hmm here's even an S for 20k:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors...QptZUSQ5fCarsQ5fTrucks

I had certainly read about the plastic rear window. It's not the end of the world, certainly I'd like a glass but if I save $5k on a car, its a minor detail to me. As for the bump in power year after year, sure... more power is always better. But at the same time, I'd say any porsche is enough power for me. I want a lot of power, but the difference between 240hp and 260hp isn't worth a couple extra thousand to me.

the year you're looking at only makes 217hp, my friend has that particular version of the 986 and i have a 987, the power difference is noticeable but it still has the same great handling.

along with the plastic window it also has those awful orange front indicators.

Yup, 2000 model had 217hp for regular and 250hp for the S.

You can easily swap out the front lights and indicators. I swapped mine out for the 911 clear front lights and clear Euro lights for the side.

 

[RichieZ]

Originally posted by: Cuda1447

Originally posted by: RichieZ

Originally posted by: Cuda1447

Originally posted by: exdeath

Originally posted by: SearchMaster
C&D did a feature called "Best Cars Under $20K" this month, and '97-'99 Boxster was one of the picks.

link

That particular generation was somewhat slow, but they mentioned only a couple of "gotchas" (scratched rear windows and problems with HVAC display).

The older Boxsters are cheap for a reason. I'd go with no less than a 2003. Not only did 2003 add a real glass rear window with defroster, but the steady bumps in power year after year have made the plain Boxster acceptable without having to step up to the S.

Hmm here's even an S for 20k:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors...QptZUSQ5fCarsQ5fTrucks

I had certainly read about the plastic rear window. It's not the end of the world, certainly I'd like a glass but if I save $5k on a car, its a minor detail to me. As for the bump in power year after year, sure... more power is always better. But at the same time, I'd say any porsche is enough power for me. I want a lot of power, but the difference between 240hp and 260hp isn't worth a couple extra thousand to me.

the year you're looking at only makes 217hp, my friend has that particular version of the 986 and i have a 987, the power difference is noticeable but it still has the same great handling.

along with the plastic window it also has those awful orange front indicators.

If I'm not mistaken the the S is the one with around 240hp. I am not necessarily set on getting the S, but there is one locally that seems to be priced different.

Since you guys have those cars though, what are maintenance costs like? Any common problems you've heard of? How long have you had them?

my car is ~3M and 2K miles old, so can't really say much for it.

my friends car on the other hand has something like 30K miles on it - she babies it, its been reasonably reliable but she told me repairs are VERY expensive

RE: HP i was just responding to the comment you said about not wanting to pay the diff between 240 and 260 hp. its funny the base boxster now makes 255hp and the S is over 300

 

[RichieZ]

Originally posted by: Naustica

Originally posted by: RichieZ

Originally posted by: Cuda1447

Originally posted by: exdeath

Originally posted by: SearchMaster
C&D did a feature called "Best Cars Under $20K" this month, and '97-'99 Boxster was one of the picks.

link

That particular generation was somewhat slow, but they mentioned only a couple of "gotchas" (scratched rear windows and problems with HVAC display).

The older Boxsters are cheap for a reason. I'd go with no less than a 2003. Not only did 2003 add a real glass rear window with defroster, but the steady bumps in power year after year have made the plain Boxster acceptable without having to step up to the S.

Hmm here's even an S for 20k:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors...QptZUSQ5fCarsQ5fTrucks

I had certainly read about the plastic rear window. It's not the end of the world, certainly I'd like a glass but if I save $5k on a car, its a minor detail to me. As for the bump in power year after year, sure... more power is always better. But at the same time, I'd say any porsche is enough power for me. I want a lot of power, but the difference between 240hp and 260hp isn't worth a couple extra thousand to me.

the year you're looking at only makes 217hp, my friend has that particular version of the 986 and i have a 987, the power difference is noticeable but it still has the same great handling.

along with the plastic window it also has those awful orange front indicators.

Yup, 2000 model had 217hp for regular and 250hp for the S.

You can easily swap out the front lights and indicators. I swapped mine out for the 911 clear front lights and clear Euro lights for the side.

yea i did the euro side indicators too - cheap and easy first then i did, but i imagine a set of the litronics headlights are pretty expensive

 

[Cuda1447]

Originally posted by: RichieZ

Originally posted by: Cuda1447

Originally posted by: RichieZ

Originally posted by: Cuda1447

Originally posted by: exdeath

Originally posted by: SearchMaster
C&D did a feature called "Best Cars Under $20K" this month, and '97-'99 Boxster was one of the picks.

link

That particular generation was somewhat slow, but they mentioned only a couple of "gotchas" (scratched rear windows and problems with HVAC display).

The older Boxsters are cheap for a reason. I'd go with no less than a 2003. Not only did 2003 add a real glass rear window with defroster, but the steady bumps in power year after year have made the plain Boxster acceptable without having to step up to the S.

Hmm here's even an S for 20k:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors...QptZUSQ5fCarsQ5fTrucks

I had certainly read about the plastic rear window. It's not the end of the world, certainly I'd like a glass but if I save $5k on a car, its a minor detail to me. As for the bump in power year after year, sure... more power is always better. But at the same time, I'd say any porsche is enough power for me. I want a lot of power, but the difference between 240hp and 260hp isn't worth a couple extra thousand to me.

the year you're looking at only makes 217hp, my friend has that particular version of the 986 and i have a 987, the power difference is noticeable but it still has the same great handling.

along with the plastic window it also has those awful orange front indicators.

If I'm not mistaken the the S is the one with around 240hp. I am not necessarily set on getting the S, but there is one locally that seems to be priced different.

Since you guys have those cars though, what are maintenance costs like? Any common problems you've heard of? How long have you had them?

my car is ~3M and 2K miles old, so can't really say much for it.

my friends car on the other hand has something like 30K miles on it - she babies it, its been reasonably reliable but she told me repairs are VERY expensive

RE: HP i was just responding to the comment you said about not wanting to pay the diff between 240 and 260 hp. its funny the base boxster now makes 255hp and the S is over 300

That's the part that interests me the most. I really wish I could find a site I know I could trust for repair costs/common problems on these cars. Its my biggest concern right now, but some people say repairs aren't that expensive and others say they are.

 

[ponyo]

Originally posted by: RichieZ

Originally posted by: Naustica

Originally posted by: RichieZ

Originally posted by: Cuda1447

Originally posted by: exdeath

Originally posted by: SearchMaster
C&D did a feature called "Best Cars Under $20K" this month, and '97-'99 Boxster was one of the picks.

link

That particular generation was somewhat slow, but they mentioned only a couple of "gotchas" (scratched rear windows and problems with HVAC display).

The older Boxsters are cheap for a reason. I'd go with no less than a 2003. Not only did 2003 add a real glass rear window with defroster, but the steady bumps in power year after year have made the plain Boxster acceptable without having to step up to the S.

Hmm here's even an S for 20k:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors...QptZUSQ5fCarsQ5fTrucks

I had certainly read about the plastic rear window. It's not the end of the world, certainly I'd like a glass but if I save $5k on a car, its a minor detail to me. As for the bump in power year after year, sure... more power is always better. But at the same time, I'd say any porsche is enough power for me. I want a lot of power, but the difference between 240hp and 260hp isn't worth a couple extra thousand to me.

the year you're looking at only makes 217hp, my friend has that particular version of the 986 and i have a 987, the power difference is noticeable but it still has the same great handling.

along with the plastic window it also has those awful orange front indicators.

Yup, 2000 model had 217hp for regular and 250hp for the S.

You can easily swap out the front lights and indicators. I swapped mine out for the 911 clear front lights and clear Euro lights for the side.

yea i did the euro side indicators too - cheap and easy first then i did, but i imagine a set of the litronics headlights are pretty expensive

I think I was told the headlights were around $2k or so. I can't remember. I got the set swapped for free when I bought the car.

 

[thedarkwolf]

Just about anything mid engined is going to be a huge PITA to work on. The Boxster makes that even more fun since there is no access to the engine other than from underneath. I've never seen under one but it doesn't sound pleasant for a lot of things.

 

[exdeath]

You could also check out a 91+ MR2 Turbo. All the mid engine fun and power (T top instead of convertible though) of the Boxster, but you can get them for $7k-10k and pocket the difference. It's Toyota and has a huge market and community so maintenance would be trivial compared to the Boxster.

And if you just regret not getting that V8 manual, you can always hunt for a 03-04 Cobra =) In fact the Boxster S was on my shopping list in 2003 until I heard what the new Cobras were doing

 

[jlee]

Originally posted by: exdeath
You could also check out a 91+ MR2 Turbo. All the mid engine fun and power (T top instead of convertible though) of the Boxster, but you can get them for $7k-10k and pocket the difference. It's Toyota and has a huge market and community so maintenance would be trivial compared to the Boxster.

And if you just regret not getting that V8 manual, you can always hunt for a 03-04 Cobra =) In fact the Boxster S was on my shopping list in 2003 until I heard what the new Cobras were doing

:thumbsup:

You can get a very, very nice MR2 for $10k.