Edmunds dealer partner, Bayway Leasing, is now offering transparent lease deals via these forums. Click here to see the latest vehicles!

Porsche Boxster and Boxster S

1679111218

Comments

  • spiritintheskyspiritinthesky Member Posts: 207
    Not to pile on, but you seem to be getting a lot of good advice to stay away from the Tiptronic.

    I have been considering a 2005/6 911 and Boxster S myself and spent about 3 hours test drving 5 different cars at the dealership last Thursday. One was a 2005 Boxster S Tiptronic that the dealer wanted me to test only because it had the optional PASM and sport chrono package that I would be getting. What a dog!! I was so preoccupied with the noticable hesistation in shifting, that I couldn't tell a damn thing about the suspension or throttle response differences with the "sport" button depressed. I've driven plenty of automatics in high performance cars before (E55, 545i sport, etc), but they weren't as bad as the Porsche tiptronic. Even the dealer joked that having the PASM/sport chrono and Tiptronic on the same car should be packaged with a lifetime prescription to Prozac.

    I guess $40k is a good "deal", but that's still a lot of money to pay for a frivolously optioned, but performance challenged sports car. It sounds like you have had past tiptronic experience, so I presume you know what you are getting into. But for others out there, I would hardly desribe my experience as "enjoyable" and "convenient".
  • achugachug Member Posts: 1
    got my xenon's stolen for the second time, any way to stop them from happening again? I hate the idea of selling the car. any special bras or 'cages' ?
  • nyccarguynyccarguy Member Posts: 16,373
    How about an '05 base model. Sure it won't have the ridiculous options that the used '04 S does, but if you keep the options light, you'll have a car that stickers for around $51K & change and that you can purchase for the mid to high $40K range.

    2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2022 Wrangler Sahara 4Xe, 2023 Toyota Tacoma SR 4WD

  • enigma3enigma3 Member Posts: 2
    How reliable are used Porsche Boxsters? I am considering buying this:
    It is 1998, < 21K miles. Std. 200 hp boxer six (there was no s-model that year). Sport Technic suspension, 17 in alloy wheels, heated seats, wind deflector. TMV price is ~$20K. Is this a good deal? Will I end up spending ton of $$$ in maintenance? I'm OK with standard maintenance, just dont want any surprises.. Also, if I use winter tyres - does the Boxster drive well in winter? :shades:
  • habitat1habitat1 Member Posts: 4,282
    I am now considering a 2005 Boxster S or 911 Cab. However, my neighbors had a 1998 Boxster that almost kept me out of the Porsche camp permanantly. They had at least 2-3 major issues a year, including electrical problems, broken roof motors, oil leaks, etc. As soon as their car was out of warranty in 2002, they sold it for about the price you are now looking at 3 years later.

    I have been led to believe that the newer Boxsters are much more reliable than the early year models. But back in late 2001, I went with a Honda S2000 to a large extent because of my fear that I would end up with my neighbor's experience. I had that car for 2.5 years and 18,000 miles and spent a grand total of less than $300 on 4 oil changes and one 12,000 mile service.

    Given that you can pick up a brand new 2005 Honda S2000 for about $30k, I would have to recommend it over a 7-8 year old Boxster with 21k miles for $20,000. It is much closer to the previous Boxster S in performance and a new one is virtually bullet proof when it comes to reliability. The fit and finish of the S2000, while spartan on do-dads, is also much higher than the early Boxsters.

    Not trying to talk you out of the Boxster, since I may be buying one myself. But at $60k for a fully equiped 280 hp 2005 Boxster S, I am paying a premium for better performance and considerable engineering and aesthetic upgrades, plus a 4 year new car warranty. At $20k for a 7-8 year old one 200hp base model, you are essentially paying for the Porsche vs. Honda name, getting inferior performance and playing mechanical Russian roulette.

    Just my 2 cents.
  • kyfdxkyfdx Moderator Posts: 235,188
    ...is to buy the latest model year and lowest mileage that you can afford..

    So... saving $8K-$9K by buying a '98, when you could afford $30K for an '01, might cost you a lot of money in the long run...

    That '98 does have nice low miles, though.. I'll give you that..

    And... if $21K is all you can afford... then you likely can't afford a $21K Porsche.. even routine maintenance can empty your wallet, quickly... not to mention repairs.

    regards,
    kyfdx

    Edmunds Price Checker
    Edmunds Lease Calculator
    Did you get a good deal? Be sure to come back and share!

    Edmunds Moderator

  • enigma3enigma3 Member Posts: 2
    I'm with you that Honda s2000 is definitely more reliable and will cost lesser in maintenance. Its just that I got an offer for this Boxster... Although I would say that Boxster looks 'better' than S2000. But I liked the S2000 interior too. its a tough decision I guess.. A friend of mine has S2000 and he is pretty happy with it.
  • topspin628topspin628 Member Posts: 373
    How does the boxter rate a a daily driver in the NE? Can it handle the winters with a winter tire set up like my 3 series easily did? Is it reliable? (my 3 was very dependable) I read that a set of golf clubs can fit, is that correct?

    How comfortable is it for 3 hr plus drives? Is the stick easy to use or when in congested areas do you want to put a gun to your head? How are is the AC, stero, noise level etc. I love the looks of the car and wanted a sports car for a while. Now the kids are gone and it's my turn. No more mini vans or SUV's for me. But just need some opinions as to how much of a "culture" shock I'd be in for vs the 330 auto with sport package, which I loved.
  • guytguyt Member Posts: 2
    I've just bought my second Porsche (2001 boxster). I'm pretty sure I bought the first one (1963 1600super or 356B in the US) before most of you were born. Guess it's time for my second childhood. My question is: how do I go about finding what options are actually on this car. Under the hood there is a list of option #'s but I can't find the key for 2001. They are all #'s and don't relate to 2005 models. A website or any help would be greatly appreciated. The option #'s are: 012, 239, 375, 376,413,454,475,490,502,535,551,580 596,983
    Thanks for any enlightenment
    Guy
  • rdubsrdubs Member Posts: 11
    Hi everyone,

    Does anyone know what, if any, the increase in MSRP for the Boxster S is from 2005 to 2006? My dealer tells me there is a one in the two or three thousand dollar range but it's not official, which I find to be interesting as the 2006's are already on lots.

    Thanks in advance everyone, take care.
  • guytguyt Member Posts: 2
    About a year ago you offered a link to a page that shows how to paint your calipers. Would you happen to still have that available. I have a 2001 with 18" alloy turbo wheels and would like to try it. BTW I'm 65 so can live without an S
    Thanks for any info
    Guy
  • michael35michael35 Member Posts: 2
    Base price has been increased by $1,500 to $54,700. Additionally, many options have been increased as well as the destination charge (from $765 to $910).

    Hope this helps you...
  • uvawahoouvawahoo Member Posts: 23
    Hey,
    I'm new to the Porsche world, and was wondering if brand new Boxters are ONLY sold at MSRP? Also, does anybody know if the 2005 Boxter will get discounted when the 2006 model begins to roll in?

    Thanks for your help!
  • habitat1habitat1 Member Posts: 4,282
    No, yes and it's spelled "Boxster" with an s. Don't worry, I'm considering dropping $100k on a 911 S and I have to force myself to say Porsch-"ah".

    The first response I got from dealers in the DC area was that "discount" was a dirty word and I best not use it in a Porsch-ah dealership. Now I'm at $6,000 off a new 2005 Boxster S. They are still holding the line on any 911's, 2005's or 06's, but I have an out of state dealership willing to give me a few thousand dollar discount on a 2006 911 S order - "unheard of" here.

    Shop around.

    P.S. As snooty as some dealers and salespeople are, I've found some others to be friendly, straight and modest. And, frankly, Porsche has a right to be a little snooty. I drove a 2006 911 today and it is one hell of a nice car. So is the Boxster S. I'd rather pay (near) top dollar for top quality than go in the other direction to get a lesser car at the "employee price".
  • kyfdxkyfdx Moderator Posts: 235,188
    .. but, I'll have to get hair plugs and a lot of gold necklaces, before they can make me say it that way..

    I'm stuck with Porsh...

    Edmunds Price Checker
    Edmunds Lease Calculator
    Did you get a good deal? Be sure to come back and share!

    Edmunds Moderator

  • michael35michael35 Member Posts: 2
    In South Florida I was offered $5,000 off MSRP on a new 2005 Boxster (base & S), and $4,000 off MSRP on a new 2006. From all my research I've done, this seems to be fairly representative of what discount someone should expect to receive...
  • dyldyl Member Posts: 27
    Looked at a 2005 Boxster S with 6000 miles. How much should I expect to get off MRSP ???
  • bobbyb1bobbyb1 Member Posts: 1
    Base price on 2006 987S is increased $1600 over 2005.
    Now its $54,700
    BB
  • longislander1longislander1 Member Posts: 112
    As someone mentioned here, the price increase depends on the options. My '05S would now be 2.8% more expensive for '06.
  • beana1beana1 Member Posts: 1
    The same thing happened to my 1999 Boxter with the radio code thing. I bought it used with only 33k miles on it and put about 2,500 more on it before a piston hit a spark plug! Now my mechanic tells me it needs about 9k to fix it. I think I need a second opinion.

    I'm out of a Boxter until Spring I guess.
  • 2004boxster2004boxster Member Posts: 1
    I am new to the Porsche world as well. Right now I am looking at a 2004 Boxster. Any idea on how much of a discount I could expect on that? The price on the lot is $40,300. How much lower do you think they would be willing to go?
  • habitat1habitat1 Member Posts: 4,282
    I don't have much of a feel for the 2004 Boxster prices - but they should be at least $8-10k off list, since the 2005 is a very dramatic improvement in both performance and interior quality.
  • arrogantarrogant Member Posts: 2
    What are these Edmunds Test drivers on????
  • lorin5lorin5 Member Posts: 5
    I'm considering a 2001 Boxster, dark blue, excellent condition, 30,176 miles (Warranty 50/50). I've never owned Porsche before, so a little nervous ab maintenance cost (I noticed in JD power long-term 3:5 rating for mechanical). Considering offer 25k for certified pre-owned (fair price?). maintenance costs are a concern (noticed buzz on chat re oil and engine), so considering extending warranty via Warranty Direct ($2140 w/$200 deductible 4yrs/100k miles). can someone tell me what i might expect to pay for annual maintenance (I'm guessing $1k/year). thanks!
  • habitat1habitat1 Member Posts: 4,282
    I'm heading towards buying either a new 2005 Boxster S or 2006 911 S, so don't take what I am about to say as anti-Porsche.

    If maintenance costs are a major concern, I would suggest that you at least consider a brand new Honda S2000 for around $30k in lieu of a 4-5 year old base Boxster for $25k. The Honda will significantly outperform the 2001 base Boxster (is a closer match to the older Boxster S) and will go for the next 4-5 years and 30k+ miles on oil changes and a cheap occassional routine service. I had a 2002 S2000 for 2.5 years and 18k miles and my grand total for maintenance was a whopping $300.

    I really like the new Boxster S, with its much improved interior and performance. And I'm prepared to pay nearly $60k for it, or nearly $100k for the 997 Cab S. But unless you have a real need for the "Porsche" label in your garage, you might want to check out the Honda S2000. In my opinion, it remains the most frugal way of experienced exceptional performance without exceptional maintenance.
  • dhanleydhanley Member Posts: 1,531
    A 2-3 year old 'vette is not a expensive car to maintain or buy either.

    I still want a boxster, though. ;)
  • quorks136quorks136 Member Posts: 1
    Hi I am looking at a used Porsche Boxter at a used car dealer in the Chicago area (Villa Park, IL). Does anyone know some good porsche specialists/mechanics in the Chicago area? I'm looking for one to do a pre-sale inspection. If u know any, I'd greatly appreciate the info. Thanks in advance!
  • brit4brit4 Member Posts: 2
    The Boxster cames with a radio code card (looks like a credit card) should come in the Owner's Manual. I also have a 1999, and know well that 9k is a reasonable price to rebuild it to a "new" engine. This is not really a new engine, but the cost of completely remanufacturing the old one. Knowing the problems Porsche had with the 1998's and 1999's engines, I bought a used complete 2000, very low mileage engine for less than $2,000.00 from an enthusiast that had swapped his out for a carrera engine. It might take you a while, but you should be able to do this just as I did. My old engine has now done 105k and is still running great. I did snap a serpentine belt, replaced two ox sensors, have changed the oil and filters regularly, etc. It always starts right up, runs smooth, and is darn fast. If you can snag a used engine, you should save about 5k on the swap out, or if you swap out the clutch as well, 4.5k.
    This is not my first Porsche, and I am lucky to have a local Porsche certified mechanic that just loves this car. My maintenance costs have been running me less than $1,500.00 per year - including oil changes. (The two ox sensors ran me about $800.00). I'd like to get a new soft top. Of course, if you want to sell your car as it is .....................
  • dyldyl Member Posts: 27
    Got an offer for a 2005 S with 6000 miles - invoice was 56000, MRSP was 64300 and now asking 54000. Is it a good price ? if not how much should it be ?
  • habitat1habitat1 Member Posts: 4,282
    That's a decent price, but not great. There are a fair number of brand new 2005 Boxster S's out there that can be had for $6,000+ under MSRP. You would be saving an additional $4,000+/- by going the used route. I wouldn't, but that's because I like new cars that I know I have taken care of the car myself since day one.
  • jkenyanjkenyan Member Posts: 8
    Looking at both models. Have driven the base vehicle w/Tip and loved it. If I had to complain, I'd say it was a little underpowered off the line. (I've read it's because the Tip starts out in 2nd gear). I live in SW FL where you can spend a good deal of time in traffic and don't think I want to shift. The paddle shifters on my test drive were lots of fun though.

    The reviews I've read say you HAVE to go with the S. Others have said the base is plenty fast and the ride is much firmer in the S.

    If I go back to my younger days, I remember my two Corvettes and enjoying the small block more, maybe because you had know the torque curve and pick your spots instead of brute power.

    Would appreciate any input.
  • habitat1habitat1 Member Posts: 4,282
    May I respectfully encourage you to try the 5/6-speed manual transmissions before you go with either the Boxster or Boxster S. All of the serious reviews I've seen of the Tiptronic give it poor marks.

    We live in the DC area, not exactly known for mild traffic, and neither my wife nor I owned an automatic transmission until our 2005 MDX. That's in a total of 62 years combined driving between us. My wife drove a 5-speed Isuzu Trooper as the kidmobile for 8 years and 85,000 miles before the MDX and, had the MDX come in a smooth shifting 6-speed like my Acura TL, that would have been her choice. Heavy traffic has never been any less annoying to us in an automatic, nor any more difficult to take in a manual.

    I say this because I seriously believe the Boxster is a far better sports car with the manual transmission. The performance numbers of the base Boxster with the manual nearly match the Boxster S with the Tiptronic.

    So, before you spend $3k+ on a slushbox and another $8k on an upgraded Boxster S engine to compensate for the slushbox, try the real thing. You might like it enough to save yourself $11k. I'd still go for the Boxster S myself, if I hadn't cut a deal tonight for a 2005 911 Cab S.

    P.S. The suspension and ride on the Boxster S is highly civilized. I have not driven a base Boxster, but if it were any softer, I'd be concerned. The PASM option of the Boxster S I drove adds another dimension to the handling, and gives you a sport and normal otpion to suit your preferences.
  • jkenyanjkenyan Member Posts: 8
    Thanks for your insight. I will definitely test drive a 5 speed base Boxster before I make a decision.

    Am curious how the Boxster S and 911 S compared?
  • habitat1habitat1 Member Posts: 4,282
    "Am curious how the Boxster S and 911 S compared?"

    Well, now that as of 10:00 p.m. last night I am the proud owner of a 911 S Cabriolet, I guess I should say "they don't compare!". ;)

    Seriously, the Boxster S and 911 S are each exceptional, but different cars. The 911 S is bigger and heavier, and considerably more powerful. The Boxster S is exceptionally nimble (especially with the PASM/sport chrono) and handles more like a highly refined version of my old Honda S2000. I like that. If I were single and didn't have two daughters that look really cute in the backseat of a 911, I think I would be very happy with a Boxster S. But alas, I had to spend the extra bucks to get a family car.
  • jkenyanjkenyan Member Posts: 8
    Your the only person I've ever heard describe a 911 S and a "family car". Well, I'm married, but no kids. I went back to the dealer today and drove a base boxter w/5 speed and the only car he had w/Tip was an S.

    Sorry to report sir, but I had way more fun shifting the Tip on the steering wheel in manual mode. Can't really explain it. At 55 years old, I guess my manual days are behind me. It was interesting. The dealer said about 85-90% of his customers preferred the stick, so I'm definitely in the minority.

    But, am not prepared to drop the extra bucks for the S. The search continues.
  • nyccarguynyccarguy Member Posts: 16,373
    You're my hero! Congrats on that beautiful new 911 Carrera S Cabriolet! Enjoy it (I know you will)!

    2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2022 Wrangler Sahara 4Xe, 2023 Toyota Tacoma SR 4WD

  • habitat1habitat1 Member Posts: 4,282
    nyccarguy,

    Thanks much. I certainly don't deserve "hero" status, but I do appreciate your kind words.

    jkenyan,

    To each their own on the manula vs. automatic/Tiptronic transmissions. I don't think my manual days will ever be behind me, but never say never, and I just heard that Ferrari may do away with the "traditional" 6-speed in lieu of their F1 transmission for future iterations of the 430.

    Obviously, I am a Porsche fan, but if you are broadening your search, have you considered the SLK280/350? It's definitely not as much of a true sports car as the Boxster, but it's considerably better than the older model. I have only driven the 350, but I understand from someone that the 280 is still pretty peppy with an automatic.

    Also, as you compare prices, keep in mind that there are still quite a few new 2005 Boxsters and Boxster S's out there. A discount of 10%+/- is readily achievable, if you shop. The Boxster S's that I was considering had sticker prices of $60,600 and $63,500 and I could have bought them for $54,500 and $57,000 respectively. Good luck

    Everyone:

    Thanks to all that put up with my Boxster Vs. 911 vs. Boxster debate with myself over the last couple of months. The Edmunds forums were very helpful to my decision and I appreciate all of the insights, comments and good humor that you all offered. Free rides to anyone that makes it to the DC area! :)
  • jkenyanjkenyan Member Posts: 8
    A buddy of mine also suggested looking at the SLK. I have never been much of a Mercedes fan, but in fairness to myself, I should take a test drive.

    Because I have been focusing on leasing a vehicle, I have been looking at the monthly payment instead of negotiating the price. But it's difficult to push too hard until the evaluation period is over and you definitely know what you want.
    10% off sticker, good to know...
  • autoboy1autoboy1 Member Posts: 2
    So i decided on a boxster but I am having a hard time justifying the upgrade to a Boxster S. My current car is a chipped S4 with 310hp and 366lbft of torque so i am used to power. I'm afraid that the Boxster will not be fast enough but $10k is a lot of money. I would go with an s2000 but i don't fit at 6'4"! Now I'm looking at 60K before taxes and high service costs. I can probably afford it but will i be happy with the base or will I long for that 40hp on the S?
  • habitat1habitat1 Member Posts: 4,282
    I suspect your post will get moved to the Boxster/Boxster S forum, but since it hasn't yet, here's my response:

    Get the Boxster S.

    I owned a 2002 S2000 and, although the base Boxster now has 240 hp, it doesn't feel as quick as my old S2000. The 280 hp Boxster S that I thought I was going to buy was 2-3 rungs up the ladder in all regards - acceleration and handling. The added torque is probably more significant than the increased horsepower. The Boxster S was a brand new Speed Yellow 2005, with sport chrono, 19" Carrerra S wheels, PASM, sport steering wheel, sport seats, and the preferred package plus. Stickered at $63,480 and I could have gotten it for $57,000 even ($6,500 discount). That is a nearly fully loaded car. You should be able to do the same or even slightly better on any remaining 2005's.

    I think if this was someone's first sports car, the base Boxster would be adequate. But if you are coming out of a performance car, the difference between the Boxster S and Boxster is significant. Probably more so than the difference between the 911 (325hp) and 911 S (355 hp), and I still paid about $6k additional (factoring just the engine difference) for the latter.

    P.S. Regarding "high service costs", Porsche has increased their service intervals to 20,000 miles. In fairness, I expect to pay more than the $330 in total service for 2.5 years and 19k miles on my Honda S2000, but not anywhere near the "exotic" prices of some sports cars. And reliability, assuming proper break in, appears very good.
  • eosmaneosman Member Posts: 3
    I have an opportunity to buy a 2004 Boxster with 5800 miles at 30K. I got excited about the price, but then when I do an Edmunds appraisal, it lists it as 33K private seller with "typical" options added. I've been told Edmunds is conservative on their appraisals, much more so than, say, NADA.

    I still think it's a good deal, but not as good as I had thought originally.
  • 1stporsche1stporsche Member Posts: 7
    I am new to the Porsche experience but am excitedly on the way to owning my first one... a Boxster! I have an offer from a dealer in my area (southern CA) and was wondering if some of the more experienced members of the forum could give their opinions on the price:

    2005 Boxster manual transmission
    red exterior/beige interior
    Bose upgrade
    mats
    colored crest on wheels
    heated seats
    msrp: $48500 negotiated: $47750 (including taxes, license, etc... out the door)

    is this a fair deal? Or am I better off spending a bit more for a 2006? There's a 2006 with the same options plus xenon lights, 18" wheel, and Tiptronic for msrp $52485 (havent negotiated final price yet). ANY suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Also, it seems like the consensus is Tiptronic is a downfall in this forum but my dealer said that in southern CA, since stop and go traffic is a big deal, the Tiptronic is actually preferred??? Fishy??
  • habitat1habitat1 Member Posts: 4,282
    1stporsche,

    On your 2005 Boxster deal, how much of an actual discount are you getting off the MSRP? It is impossible to tell, since you are comparing MSRP to "out the door" price and I don't know what the taxes, tags, etc. are in California. But, if you are getting anything less than a 10-11% discount on the 2005, you need to push harder. The 2006's are here and there is plenty of inventory of leftover base Boxster's to choose from. Go to Porsche's homepage and you can see each dealer's inventory.

    On the 2005 vs. 2006, I would say the increase in list price (3% +/-) is worth getting a newer model year, all else being equal. But in my case, I got a great deal on a new 2005 911 S Cab, that no one would come close to for a made to order 2006. With the Boxster, the supply of 2006's is already pretty high, so you may be able to get a good discount, even on a 2006.

    Tiptronic: Unless you have had your left foot amputated, please, get a stick. You will save yourself $3k+, get much better performance - especially out of a base boxster - and will have a more desireable car on resale. Your dealer is feeding you a line to sell an undesireable car. We live in Washington DC and in 30 years of driving, my 5'1" 105 lb wife never drove an automatic until we broke down and replaced our SUV with an MDX earlier this year. And if Acura offered a 6-speed like the one in my TL, she would have paid extra for it. So the idea that stop and go traffic is a reason to put a performance sapping slushbox in a sports car is just B.S. Period.

    P.S. Come to think of it, amputation is no excuse for a Tiptronic. A guy I played softball with had lost his leg below the knee in a boating accident and he could still play center field better than me. My apologies to any amputees that I might have offended.
  • gemini5362gemini5362 Member Posts: 17
    I dont know if this will help with your decision. I just bought a new 05 boxster on 17(september) with the HID headlights, upgraded bose, and the navigation system. I paid 47,000 even for it. Sticker price was a few dollars short of 53,000. I hope it helps with your decision.

    If I could make a comment about the Boxster versus Boxster S decision.
    There is no doubt that you can really tell the performance difference between driving the two. After buying the non S version and driving it through the Ozark Mountains in Arkansas I realized that at 52 years old I dont have the reflexes I had at 25 and having the non rocket version is probably going to add years to my lifespan. The Standard boxer has more ability than I have skill so the extra 10,000 dollars on the price tag would not have been utilized in my case anyway.

    Thomas
  • emcoalsemcoals Member Posts: 4
    Just starting to research. 1st - I'm 6'5", 240 lbs. Tough to get a handle on specs online, but I remember I couldn't fit in a 1999. I've read the later models are bigger? 2nd - car would need to be a daily driver. Some stop and go traffic and NJ/NY winters and want a manual. Edmunds review states not a daily driver. 3rd - somewhat price conscious, so thinking used or maybe lease for newer model. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.
  • habitat1habitat1 Member Posts: 4,282
    I'm 5'7" and 160, so I can't help you on the fit. Nor am I aware if the 2005 redesign increased any interior dimensions.

    However, I would personally disagree with Edmunds if they think the Boxster is not capable of being a daily driver. I came very close to buying a 2005 Boxster S. I owned a 2002 Honda S2000. The S2000 was a great little sports car and offers tremendous value, but as a daily driver, many would find the high rpm, low torque engine a bit too noisy and high strung. The Boxster S on the other hand, had ample torque, and was much quieter and downright luxurious inside compared to the S2000 - without compromising its world class handling and performance. When I did buy a 911 Cab S a couple of weeks ago, the dealer mentioned that he had taken a 1999 Boxster with 160k miles in on trade for a 911. Somebody else obviously thinks the Boxster is a daily driver. The base model doesn't offer the torque of the S, but if you stick with a manual transmission, it still has adequate power and performance.

    That said, you will likely need snow tires and rims, or, my preference, a third car to serve as a winter beater for the worst weather.

    Hope this helps a little.
  • emcoalsemcoals Member Posts: 4
    Thanks for the info. I also appreciate the comments on base model. I'm sure the performance would be great given I'm driving a big sedan now. It's also strange I can't find interior specs for "head and legroom" even on Porsche site.

    Also curious if you had any thoughts on used models and maintenance. Doesn't appear the cars have changed much year to year. Although the 2005 Edmunds Long Term Test review does state more room for taller drivers. I've read reliability is pretty good for Porsche even at higher mileage.

    Thanks again.
  • designmandesignman Member Posts: 2,129
    6&#146; 5&#148; is really pushing it for a Boxster or any roadster. I&#146;d simply go sit in it and drive it, testing it for fit and basic comfort before doing any more paper research and getting your hopes up. Also, most Porsches are second or third cars. You really have to be cut from certain cloth to have one as your only car and drive it in the winter.
  • autoboy1autoboy1 Member Posts: 2
    I'm 6'4 and fit nicely in the boxster. However, i am only 175lbs. Your fit might be different. My brother at 6'7 does not fit but he can drive it. The boxster is the only roadster i fit well in. I can fit in a corvette but my head hits the roll bar in the back if I lean back. This could be a safety issue so i had to eliminate the corvette. This daily driver thing has me worried. I am really looking for a GT car but i don't fit in the mercedes. This is my only car though i might get a beater for snow ( I live in california and like to ski). Though i love cars that handle i don't normally push a car around corners. I like power but don't drive exceptionally fast. Is this the right car for me or should i get another fast 4 door for comfort. Maybe i should wait for the cayman and get a roof. I've done the convertible thing and it has its ups and downs. I LOVE driving the boxster but will i tire of it and end up with a 60k mistake. btw, I'm looking at $6000 off 2005 and $4000 off 2006 without haggling too much. Some dealers have a fit if you talk price. I skip those.
  • 1stporsche1stporsche Member Posts: 7
    Thanks, habitat1! I actually ended up getting a different boxster from another dealership. I got 17% off msrp and the out-the-door price was still 11% below msrp. If others are looking for new 2005's, this is the kind of reduction you should be expecting as well I guess. I am now the happy owner of a manual boxster! Glad to join the club! :P
Sign In or Register to comment.