Porsche Boxster and Boxster S

audi4me · December 2005

Still wondering if anyone sees the same temp reading on their boxter. I have a 2000 boxster and the temp reading goes between 180 and 250 a bit over the middle line. Is that normal for the boxster. Also notice a metal burning smell when i pick up a little more speed. COuld that be my clutch.. am i not clutching right or is that the engine smell... Normal or not normal??? please help

1stporsche · December 2005

Does anyone have any idea of how to have the navigation system work without having the radio on at the same time? Sometimes I would like to have only the navigation system on WITHOUT the radio playing in between the times that the directions are given. Is there a way to do this? I've already set it so that the radio mutes whenever directions are being given but is there a way to just have the radio off altogether? :confuse:

sporty888 · December 2005

Hi, 1stporsche,

Can you give me the zip code of the dealer. I live in LA and want to buy my first Porsche (Boxster) but wasn't able to find a good deal yet.

omegagen · December 2005

"If cost of ownership is a deciding factor, buy a Nissan product." It's comments and expectations like this is the reason manufactures that produce performance-oriented cars don't make them more reliable.

I have a BMW Z4, but really wanted a Boxster, but finances dictated the former choice. I too like you feel the same way, but paying $45K+ for a car ANY car...shouldn't we as consumers expect...no, demand more??

Just food for thought. Enjoy the Boxster, hopefully, one day I'll own one. My Z4 is a blast, but it ain't no Porsche!

habitat1 · December 2005

I'm not sure what, if anything, you gained by going with a Z4. One of my employees bought a low mileage 2001 Z3 last spring and it would have eaten her alive if she had not purchased an extended warranty and maintenance plan (for $1,800+). Everything from the power roof, water pump, brake rotors, power windows, radio, starter... It's hardly a car I would call low maintenance.

On the other hand, I drove a 2002 Honda S2000 for 2.5 years, 19,000 miles and my grand total maintenance - including 4 Mobil 1 oil changes, a 7,500 and 15,000 mile service, was only $305. Not to mention I averaged 20-22 mpg around town and 30-32+ on the highway.

ignap · December 2005

I have my heart set on buying a boxster S, I loved the drive. Ideally, I would like to buy a 2003 model but have not been able to find one i can afford. I found a 2002 boxster S at a dealer, it has low miles - 10k approx, and has no options except for heated seats.

How much should be I be paying for this car ? I am not sure if 34K is good price ? The car does not have any extended warranty, the car fax is clean and dealer says no collision damage but i am not sure how to verify that. Any advice will be really appreciated on what i should be paying ?

thanks for the help.

omegagen · December 2005

I wasn't trying to "gain" anything when I bought my Z4. I simply DID NOT want a Honda! I NEVER called the Z4 a low maintenance car...read the post! I was simply stating that those of us who buy high-end cars should demand more reliability.

I bought what I wanted...well almost...I wanted a Porsche. Read my post again! The Honda S2000 is a nice roadster, but it wasn't on my list of choices.

I wasn't flamming you just stating what I observed from my buying habits and others. Once again I HAD NO DESIRE TO BUY A HONDA S2000! I certainly wouldn't argue their reliability. If I was trying to gain anything, it was maybe my satisfaction of which I have achieved.

When I begin a topic on low maintenance sports cars I'll be sure to let you know! Until then stick to the discussion.

habitat1 · December 2005

Calm down already.

I read your post - perhaps incorrectly - that you bought the Z4 instead of the Boxster because you were concerned about the higher cost of ownership of the Boxster. (I had not thought there was that much of an initial price difference between a Z4 3.0 and base Boxster).

I do agree that those of us that buy high end cars should demand more reliability and be able to expect good quality customer service. And in general, I think BMW moved in the right direction, whereas Mercedes has taken a step backwards. I am not sure about Porsche, but I guess I'll find out.

dhanley · December 2005

" One of my employees bought a low mileage 2001 Z3 last spring and it would have eaten her alive" etc

I dunno. My bmw has been cheaper than my buddy's honda.

It's usually bad to jump to conclusions from one data point.

dave

yellowcar · December 2005

Please do not misunderstand me on the "cost of ownership" issue. I do not equate this with realiability. True, a lack of reliability drives up one's cost of ownership. But, if reliability is not an issue, then the cost of simply operating a car and replacing the things that wear out is a factor each person needs to consider before purchase time.

I consider all of my Porsche's to be very reliable cars, and I have put some serious mileage on every one!!! But, they are / have been expensive to own in terms of consumables or major parts that that eventually broke.

Not specific to omegagen but to all who read this post: Simply put, if you can't afford the ante, you should not be in the game. And, if you don't do your homework before buying a particular car, don't cry "surprise" when you are confronted with the "cost of ownership".

1stporsche · December 2005

Sporty,
You should be able to find a few 2005s left with a pretty good discount. Try San Diego Pioneer... they seem to be willing to work with you! Good luck and let me know how it goes!

ignap · December 2005

Please help - was wondering if anyone else is facing the same dilemma. I can either buy a new 2005 boxster for around 40k, or buy a used Boxster S 2002/2003. I would like to buy a 2003 but cant seem to find any with low mileage for less than 36k (without shipping costs). There are some 2002's available for around 33-34k with pretty much no options except heated seats.

Are these fair prices for 2002/2003s S's or in the longer run am i better off going for a 2005 non S? The one thing that bothers me is lack of a 6th gear on the 2005.

Any advice will be really appreciated. Thanks !!

habitat1 · December 2005

I'd probably go for the 2005 base Boxster:

(1) It has 240hp - almost as much as the 2002/3 Boxster S (252, I think). Overall, I think the difference in performance between the two - acceleration and handling - would be relatively minimal. The difference beteen the old base Boxster at 217 hp and the new Boxster S at 280 is enormous. But not the two models you are considering.

(2) The refined interior of the 2005 is heads and shoulders above previous models, IMO. And the exterior styling changes - headlights, etc. - are also very appealing to me.

(3) The fact that the base Boxster has a 5-speed rather than a 6-speed is relatively minor, IMO. Porsche is very good about gearing the transmission to extract maximum performance out of the engine. And if you are like me, 90% of your fun will come rowing between 1st and 3rd/4th By the time you are cruising along the highway in overdrive, you will quickly forget whether it's in 5th gear or 6th.

(4) The fact that it would be a brand new car, with full warranty, that YOU get to break in, would be very important to me.

(5) Even though I personally favor new cars, there probably is a price for a pristine, low mileage Boxster S that makes good economic sense. If you don't intend to keep the car more than 1-3 years, that might be a prudent choice, if you find a great deal. But if this is a long term purchase, depreciation differences become less of a factor and I'd lean to the car you woould enjoy driving, sitting in and looking at.

Just my 2 cents.

gemini5362 · December 2005

I wanted to post what was going on with my navigation system. I just called my dealer and found out that Porsche has a new map disk for my car. It is supposed to include the missing items. The dealer told me the disk was going to be 460.00 and if I was willing they would pay for half of it. I find it interesting that my original disk for a early model 2005 porsche would only cost 140.00 and now the price for the new one is 460.00. The explanation for that might be there is 4 times more information in the new one. I pointed out to my dealer that the navigation disk not containing complete maps was a warranty issue as far as I am concerned and Porsche USA should make it available for free. If anyone else has a pre june 2005 porsche with the navigation system please contact me and we can discuss the lack of consumer support Porsche is giving this issue

fastal · December 2005

Wow, thanks for such detailed analysis. I am going with your suggestions total.
I am in Southern Cal and it's in the mid to high 70's and sunny, and it is almost Christmas, so I have been driving with the top down often. Happy holidays.

gobabygo1 · December 2005

im 22 year old, i own a 2000 boxster S tiptonic, today i got smoked by a nissan 350z, it was sad....How do i race with a tiptonic? is there any tip i can use or methods?

ignap · December 2005

habitat1, thanks a lot for the detailed advice, what you say makes sense. i am going to try and see if i can find a 2005 with the options i want.

i do want to keep it for around 3 years, which was a factor in looking at a used boxster S. The trouble is that i have come to realize that its really hard to find a "good deal" on a porsche here in the DC area. a dealer here wanted to sell me a used 2005 for 43k and another wanted me to pay something like 35k for a 2002 boxster S.

thanks again for the post.

habitat1 · December 2005

The DC area isn't the easiest place to find a good deal. I ended up buying my new 911 at Valley Motors outside of Baltimore. A Pittsburgh dealer also made me a very good offer. But the local DC dealers, particularly Northern Virginia, were considerably higher ($5,000+).

Good luck.

designman · December 2005

If you want to look deeper into the Northeast you can probably find a good deal starting at this time of the year. When I bought my Boxster S two years ago the prices dropped like a rock the last two weeks of the year. It also depends on inventory. Try searching the NY area dealers since there are a lot of them.

dritt28 · December 2005

I have a 2000 boxster s, when I start up my car after it sits for several hours, a cloud of white smoke comes from the exhaust. It only smokes for a few seconds and it clears up. I found oil in my throttle body, so I'm assuming its sucking oil from the engine. My engine light is also on now. Can anyone tell me what the fix is?

designman · December 2005

Ive heard similar complaints elsewhere. Have you tried renntech.org?

ignap · January 2006

had made up my mind on the new one but as luck would have it found a car with low mileage and 18inch wheels. love the car and am very happy :-). cant wait for summer. thanks for the help.

nyccarguy · January 2006

color...options...some details? inquiring minds want to know.

ignap · January 2006

:-).. its a black/black with heated seats and 18 inch alloy wheels, some painted crests that i dont really care about. the car drives great and the tires are in really good shape. of course i had to steel my nerves before getting insurance quotes and figuring out what the whole thing is going to cost me. very happy driving and i think no snow till next sunday so will make the most of the week.

lapis1 · January 2006

I've got a beautiful 99 Lapis Tiptronic that's never been in the rain that I have to sell. So sad.

lorin5 · February 2006

Thank you habitat1, I've test driven the S2000 -- unfortunately am less than 5' so found the rear window and deck too difficult to see out of -- impossible to p'll park -- opted to pass on that one. I'm now thinking about the 2005 base Boxster -- I've found that the Porsche is one of the only sport cars with adjustable seats. Any thoughts?

habitat1 · February 2006

"I'm now thinking about the 2005 base Boxster -- I've found that the Porsche is one of the only sport cars with adjustable seats. Any thoughts?"

The 2005 base Boxster is a very nice car. The interior improvements and exterior styling changes for 2005 make it much more attractive, IMO. And the 240hp engine in the 2005 base Boxster is now quite adequate, vs. the somewhat underpowered previous models.

If you can find a leftover 2005, you should be able to negotiate a very good deal.

Good luck.

tomk17 · February 2006

I'm not sure where you are located lorin5 but I've seen a few new 05's here in Massachusetts for $39,900 equipped with the the options I like (base 17" wheels, PSM, heated seats, "better stereo" although not Bose). Wish I was in the position to pop for one now but most likely this fall or winter.

leflam · February 2006

Hi from Greece! I am 23 years old and i own an Audi A4 2.0T whixh i bought 3 years ago. I am going for MBA in Germany next year, so i am thinking of buying a Porsche boxter model of 99 (6 year-old car) with miles around 60000, with german plates, for about 19.000 Euro. What i would like to ask, is if you think this model of 1999 orths my money or should i buy something else, and to tell me the maintenance cost of a Porsche Boxter model of 99'that i ll have to pay per year. Also if you know, how much the insurance of the car is going to cost me per year. Thank you!!!!!

jbg31792 · February 2006

Hi,
What I'm hearing is pinging in my new 2005 Boxster. At high way speeds any short burst of speed produces what sounds like pinging in the engine. The dealer where I've taken my car said that the pinging is so slight that it won't cause any problems.
Any comments.
jbg31792

dhanley · February 2006

I think this board is mostly US based, and most of us don't have a lot of insight into the europan details we'd need to answer your question, but you might get lucky.

As for the pinging/detonation, that seem bad to me. Are you using premium?

hudld · February 2006

I have 'opportunity' to purchzse NEW '05 Boxster that is really loaded at $10k below msrp....or, get an '05 or '06 with ONLY options I want...? Comments?

also, i have a '99 Boxster to sell - sell mine first; buy 'new'; then sell...if wait, risk losing that 'deal."

tks.

designman · February 2006

Of course its your money and preference but I dont care for heavily-optioned Porsches. The problem is that you may not find a leftover equipped to your liking.

With regard to your 99 Boxster, it will probably take some time to sell it. Personally I would buy/sell separately, not have one dependent on the other if possible. And let the car you want rule the equation.

Its not easy to squeeze every friggin last dime out of P-car ownership. Porsche is the casino.

;-)

lorin5 · February 2006

Thank you for the heads up! Actually in a market where cost is premium (DC area) so don't expect to find terrific deals here. Am considering holding off (like you) until later this year.

May relocate to No Ca soon. Can anyone advise whether better to hold off, buy used 05 at 06 end? Or, try to get a deal on 05 (if I can find one) now?

bapcha · February 2006

Dude ! You'll get smoked EVERY time by a 350Z. Just have pride that "there is no substitute to Porsche ownership".

gemini5362 · March 2006

I am happy to be able to post a positive message on my GPS map problem. Porsche sent my dealership a Map disk to load into my factory gps system on my early 2005 boxster. The dealer also had to load a new operating system to go with the disk. The new disk is vastly improved. All of the locations which were missing on my old disk is now available. For anyone that has a boxster that is an early 2005 or older this disk should be availale for use. I had to pay a small fee for the update but it was about the same price as an oil change so all in all not too bad. If your dealer is not aware of the new disk have them call Jackie Cooper motors in Tulsa, Oklahoma that is the dealership that installed mine.

vitoria · April 2006

I'm clueless when it comes to cars; all I know is that I have had a disappointing experience with my current 2005 Maxima and I'm considering buying a 1999 Boxster. My question to you all is -- am I crazy to be considering the used Boxster? Is it a reliable ride? Are the maintenance costs excessive? Is allowing my teenager (girl) to drive it absurd? :confuse: Your feedback is much appreciated, thank you. vitoria88@aol.com

yellowcar · April 2006

I recommend you spend some time thoroughly reviewing the posts in this forum for others experience. I have a post (msg #514, page 27) on long-term experience. You need to get seriously educated on the elements of ownership for any Porsche before making a purchase decision.

Sorry you have had problems with your Maxima, I am a real fan of Nissan products.

Teenagers and Porsche's??? Sounds like a potentially dangerous and expensive situation. :sick:

habitat1 · April 2006

I'm not sure what kind of deal you would be getting on a 7+ year old Boxster, but I would suggest you also at least consider a newer (or new) Honda S2000. My 2002 model gave me 2.5 years and 20,000 miles for a whopping $330 in total routine service costs (5 oil changes / 15k service).

Don't get me wrong, I am a fan of Porsche and love my 911S, but the Honda S2000 is an extremely "prudent" choice if you are on a limited budget. And you'd have to get the new 2005+ Boxster S to match or exceed its performance.

On the teenage daughter question - the answer is how good have you been at instilling responsibiity and discipline? If she knew how to drive, I'd hand the keys of my 911 to my 11 year old (after she passed a defensive driving course). Unfortunately there are plenty of teenagers out there that shouldn't be allowed to dress themselves.

nyccarguy · April 2006

AUTOMOBILE has a great comparison test of the new M Z4 Roadster vs. a Boxster S. Pricewise the cars were pretty evenly matched (at $58K & Change) with the Boxster S actually coming out a few hundred dollars cheaper. The BMW was faster and was a more stable at high speeds. The M understeers at the limit. The Porsche was much more comunicative and overall a more enjoyable car to drive. They picked the Porsche as the winner and the one to beat.

I'm a big BMW fan and actually really like the Z4 (having never driven it, I'm talking about pure asthetics and my experience driving other BMWs). But unless I see a 3.0i with a Sports Package, I'm not particularly wowed by it. It is a great car for the money considering the steep discounts, rebates, & factory backed lease programs offered by BMW.

The Boxster is a different story. It is an attainable exotic. Either Boxster or Boxster S makes my head turn. The people I've spoken to who own Porsches LOVE them. I had the pleasure of driving an '89 944 Turbo when I was 18 and I've been hooked ever since. I have a customer who drives a Cayenne Turbo and puts upwards of 40,000 miles per year on it (he just ordered his 3rd one). And of course habitat's recent stories of his gorgeous 911 S Cabriolet are great.

My 30th birthday was this past Monday. I saw 4 Black/Black Boxsters and they were just calling me. Beautiful cars. Right now there's no room in my budget or my life (our 1st child is due in September) for a 3rd car especially a roadster (my 2001 Prelude SH is small enough), but as soon as I can get one I can't wait to check out a Boxster.

slowpedaler · April 2006

Your Boxster ownership write-up was very informative and lines up with my experience in a 2000 S Tip, 45000 miles. Have you had any trouble with a howling noise coming from the fuel filler area? I've only heard of this from Tip owners, and all of the responses I've gotten so far run from don't-know-what-you're-talking-about to it's normal.

yellowcar · April 2006

Slow:

Only 45k miles??? Your S is spending way too much time in the garage!

Never heard a noise from the fuel filler area (other than the groan of my credit card at fillup time). The Tip is a noisy box, especially when cold, so there is always a bit of howl from the rear. I just try to drive fast enough to outrun it. The stock exhaust note on the 2000 model is tame by comparison to the new models. I suspect Tip noise is better masked on newer models.

dhanley · April 2006

I finally test drove a boxster. I have to say, i usually am very dissapointed by test drives. I always expect greatness and find a very flawed vehicle, but i wasn't dissapointed this time. My best description was that it's like my bmw, only much more so. Very mechanical, super-solid, the handling was phenomenal, but it was quiet and compliant when it needed to be. At idle, the engine was inaudible, but it barked wonderfully when i picked the revs up. My only complaints were that the seats felt a little tight in the shoulders, and it could use a teensy bit more low-end power, but overall i loved it, and i want one.

The actual car i test drove was a 2005 boxster base with 5-speed. With a few options on it, mostly ones i wanted, it stickered at 52K. Seal gray, preferred package, heated seats, 18 inch wheels, two-tone full leather interior, etc.

The salesman said he'd give me "the deal of the century" on it. I don't know what that means, but the other salesman implied that meant just over invoice. I was thinking under invoice for a leftover 2005, but perhaps this is not the case in the porsche world. I do remember someone saying they got over 10K off on a leftover S, but i believe this was because of the redesign, and this car is basically identical to the 2006.

The car was advertised for a zero down $699/mo lease. Seems decent but not awesome. If i wait, i'm sure i can get a better deal on a z4, and that car has free maintainance, but i like the porsche more. I passed right by the BMW dealer on the way home--i should have stopped by to test a z4 back to back so i could try to resolve this issue.

It's tough. Technically, i can afford it just fine, but i was raised to be a pennypincher.

dave

nyccarguy · April 2006

A 2006 Boxster S at the NY Auto show on Saturday. My parents and wife had to pry me out of it

tomk17 · April 2006

FYI here in the Massachusetts / Rhode Island area I was offered a 2005 Boxster in Jan 06 for $39,995 with the options you reference minus the 2 tone leather. I later saw another 05 for $39,600. I would think you could get that price range today (4 mths later) despite the fact that this is convertible weather. Heck I'm confident they will be offering the same deal on 06 models this winter if you choose to wait.

spenchel · April 2006

After extensive research and many test drives I bought a 2006 Boxster S one month ago. This is absolutely the finest machine I've ever owned. I live in So. Cal. mountains and give this beauty a good workout whenever weather permits.
I wish that the oil measurement system was more accurate because I've been tempted to add oil only to find the next reading in a higher segment. Anyone else notice this?
Also, I'm thinking of changing the oil way before the recommended 20,000 miles (maybe at 5000 miles) just because I'm uncomfortable with break-in oil.

dhanley · April 2006

Thanks tomk. I am sorely tempted to pop for the boxster even though i told myself i was going to hold off a little while longer. However, it might be better to wait, as such deals will be available in the future as well.

Now, base versus S. I wanted a tad more oomph but the power seemed perfectly adequate. I have heard the S is noisier and rougher, and i would be wanting to use the car for a little light roadtripping. Is the S much noisier/rougher or is it a matter of degree?

boba2 · April 2006

Hello everyone, Just joined this forum.

I bought a 2001 Boxster about 15months ago. My wife and love driving it but I have a problem. When turned off for more than an hour and then re started it will belch out a cloud of white smoke. This started about 6mo. ago and was relatively rare and small. Now however it happens 80% of the time and if overnight the smoke will be a huge ball filling up the garage so you can't see anything. It will stop after only a few seconds and does not smoke while driving. I have called various Porsche dealership mechanics and they have all said this was common with the Boxster because of the box style engine. I'm very disappointed with this answer as I have talked with a few other owners and they don't have any symptoms. My mechanic, a one man shop who works on various European cars including Porsche's says it most probably is a valve problem.

Has anybody had this problem before and is it severe.

My first Porsche and I am not mechanically inclined. TIA
Bob

tomk17 · April 2006

Do they really use break-in oil in Porsches? I don't ever own one yet but have been doing plenty of research as preparation. I thought it was a factory fill of standard Mobile 1. On Honda cars I do know that they use a unique non detergent break-in oil from the factory and they WANT you to keep it in for the recommended duration. Either way I think you are covered to run it for 20K miles. When in doubt, check with a mechanic at the dealer if you can poke your head in the garage.

dhanley · April 2006

I noticed the one i drove at the dealer did that too. It had 56 miles on it.

Porsche Boxster and Boxster S

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