Porsche Boxster, a good used buy?

unkel

agent_smith wrote: »

I dont think the performance figures of the porsche boxter mentioned by the OP or z4 2.5 are much more impressive than say a good secondhand Golf GTI.

I hope you are joking. You're comparing a 1.8l 4-pot family hot hatch (and the Golf IV is a pretty bad one at that) with a 2.7l flat 6 convertible 2 seat sportscar and reckon the performance is about the same? :eek:

Yawlboy

I ran an 8yo Boxster for a year - fabulous fun car. It was so great to drive. I got it serviced at an independant specialist in Dublin - near Sally Bridge (can't remember his name) - wasn't that expensive. If you can afford it go for it, you won't regret it.

smash

Have a look at oph.ie - give them a call and ask if they know any good ones for sale. They know their stuff.

agent_smith

I hope you are joking. You're comparing a 1.8l 4-pot family hot hatch (and the Golf IV is a pretty bad one at that) with a 2.7l flat 6 convertible 2 seat sportscar and reckon the performance is about the same?

Pretty much am making the comparison! Like I said in my post... im perfectly well aware that my opinion would not be shared by 99% of normal sane people! For me an out and out sports car is something you throw around mondello, or something that has had its primary focus on performance and away from secondary creature comforts. I'm thinking something that is a track weapon. like I mentioned earlier in my post , there is more to being a sports car than out and out raw HP (although that is nice ). Handling, breaking, the connection between driver and road etc...


Anyway for what they are worth... (not much but interesting none the less)... the top gear lap times...
1:28.7 - Porsche Boxster S
1:33.7 - Volkswagen Golf Mk.V GTI
1:37.0 - Porsche Boxster (very wet)


And I was comparing a 200bhp 2.0TFSI golf engine not the 1.8 which can be had for similar money. 05 DSG golf which is avail for similar money to the z4/boxters mentioned earlier in the thread.

agent_smith

Like i said... its just my opinion and don't expect many people to agree with it. I did give my definition of what constitutes sports car for me.. its more raw, superbike levels of acceleration, extremely lightweight, handles awesome and can barely be used on the road!

12k for a Porsche Boxster :eek:

I hate to think what the insurance cost would be though.

agent_smith

LIGHTNING wrote: »

Since when does a sportcars have be track focused? By your logic a Bugatti Veryon, Carrera GT, McLaren F1 arent proper sportcars because they have creature comforts and arent track focused.

I never said the bugatti veyron / carrera gt/ mclaren f1 were not sports cars. I also dont think you read my post properly! My opinion of what consistutes a sports car is that the primary function and focus of the car should be out and out performance. That was the primary goal of the bugatti veyron project, the carrera gt and mclaren f1. Leather seats ,and creature comforts and aesthetic value were considered secondary to raw performance. I do not believe the primary focus of the boxster project was to build an out and out sports car as in... they were willing to compromise on parts. This is where I think we differ in opinions.

Ok. Back at you... what do you think constitutes a sports car?

Matt Simis

JHMEG wrote: »

Good article. I was surprised to read

You shouldnt be, since I already told you that.
Yeah, the interior on the Porsche was real bad, both looking and functionally. And that sound system!
It wouldnt put me off the car, but surprised me for a premium $$ brand.

smash

agent_smith wrote: »

I do not believe the primary focus of the boxster project was to build an out and out sports car as in... they were willing to compromise on parts.

That's because the primary focus of the Boxster was to introduce an entry level achievable Porsche to the market!

countrykid

i had a 2.7 boxster for 2 years and to be fair it was probably one of the best cars ive had. so much so that 4 years after selling it ive bought another boxster...an "s" this time..
the handling in a boxster allows for most drivers to gradually learn the skills reqired to drive a mid engine...rear wheel drive.. 200odd horsepower car the right way.....and when youve learnt the dynamics of the car allows you enjoy its brilliance.
its a very hard car to compare with others....
few have this set up...ie mid engine..(elise, mr2, vrx) not the same calibre though
few have this build quality & reliability ( a lotus will break you!!)
for that kind of money you are getting a real sports car from POSSIBLY the best car maker in the world.

anyway...
just my view...and im biast!!!!

Homer

For what it's worth I got rid of my 2002 2.7 boxster and replaced it with a 06 Golf Mk V DSG GTi and I have to say that the Golf would probably take the boxster in a straight line. Doesn't handle as well in the corners but just as much fun to drive in "my" opinion?

JHMEG

Matt Simis wrote: »

You shouldnt be, since I already told you that.
Yeah, the interior on the Porsche was real bad, both looking and functionally.

So you did... I misread your post the first time (I thought you said it the other way around), and used to some people on here constantly blabbering about interiors of German cars...

DF1

Just for your information, Car Mechanics January edition has an article on porsche boxster.

BostonB

Friend of mine has an early Boxster S, for many years which I've driven a few times. Handles great, very stable on the road, great brakes with the result its doesn't really feel fast, but it was lovely to drive, just flows through corners. His has an upgraded Stereo (its not an Irish car) which sounds great to me. He has had problems though. New engine at 20k, (usual problem) interior trim problems and some other things. Expensive in tyres. He reckons the later models are a decent improvement. Hes not been impressed by the build quality for a Porsche. Mid engined convertible and one of the best handing cars. I always wanted one. But its not a track day car, and you can get faster cars for less. If speed is your main interest its probably not for you.

Fishtits

After 3 Porsche products I've given up the ghost on these guys.

Piss poor ergonomics, OK, its special.

Ritual service cost the guts of 900 Euro.

Git F*cked from here on in

Safely back in the caring arms of my local BMW dealer...

drunkmonkey

I didn't buy the boxster but I did get this for christmas..

mizz monkey dosn't want me to get a porsche but I have got the green light for an S2000..

I don't think she has any idea what she's letting herself in for:D

happy xmas, everyone!!

galwaytt

Fishtits wrote: »

After 3 Porsche products I've given up the ghost on these guys.

Piss poor ergonomics, OK, its special.

Ritual service cost the guts of 900 Euro.

Git F*cked from here on in

Safely back in the caring arms of my local BMW dealer...

Which one(s), out of curiousity... ?