Porsche Boxster and Boxster S

jwilson1

if you realize that, at least in SCCA autoX, the "plain" Boxster and the 04 S2000 are in different classes. The S2k is in AS while the Boxster is in BS. The two cars do not compete with one another. The S2k competes with the 'S' Boxster and results of that competition will not be known for several more months of events.

The 03 S2k, however, is national champion of BS and the Boxster has been the only car to compete with it consistently though the S2k has always been regarded as the superior car in performance terms.

After this year, the current plan has been reported to be to place both S2k models (old and new) in the same class, widely assumed to be AS (since the S2k has dominated BS for a couple of years and some say should be moved up to balance the competition), but an attempt is being made to judge the car based on its results in competition.

The MB and the 350Z (especially the roadster) are not competitive. Both are pigs on the track and don't become competitive until, as coupes, you get into classes allowing substantial suspension modifications, though I've never seen the MB at an autoX.

Some of you seem to be contrasting the cars not in classed performance but on the street. In which case, "better" is terribly subjective and people clearly will buy the car they like ... some will try to go on to try to justify the choice objectively, but often it's like trying to fit a pig in a thimble ... too many parts left over when you've done the job. JW

nyccarguy

I found my color:) Sunday afternoon I got behind a Seal Grey/Black Boxster in the carpool lane of the Long Island Expressway. I have to say that I was moved. I love that color:)

titan: I'm not sure where you live, but S2Ks don't even sticker for $35K and can be had for much less. Boxsters are being discounted by dealers as well pending the release of the new 987 Boxster next year.

designman

From your posts and test drives it appears the S2000 is the car you like better. But at $12-15K more, I can't help but wonder what is it about the Boxster that is keeping you on the fence and unable to decide? I know if I were on the fence, there would be no way I would spend that extra chunk without a darn good reason. In any event, I hope you choose the car that is right for you.

Mr_Shiftright

I'm with jwilson on this one. Since you are driving on the street, the questions of HP and accelerating pale somewhat next to how the car drives and how it will feel to you day after day after day.

titan

You make several solid points. I, too, find myself leaning heavily toward the S2000. Reasons are many and various, but for starters, the extra $12K I'd be keeping in the pocket book certainly helps. After having driven them both, the feel and responsiveness are equal IMO. The cockpit of the S2000 is Picaso to me.

NYCcarguy: The $35K for the S2000 is with the spoiler options, tax, plate, etc. I have figured it to be close to that amount +/- $1K. Cleveland area here by the way.

ds2k1

I, too, was smitten with the s2k and the Boxster S. But I wondered whether it was worth the extra $$$. I drove both back to back and came away thoroughly impressed with the Boxster S, less so with the s2k. The s2k struck me as difficult to drive everyday. Pretty boring until you wring it out, very little mid-range power. And wringing it out all the time will leave your ears ringing and your nerves jangling. Also, the cabin is very cramped. I'm only average size (5'9", 150 lbs.), and even I found it rather cramped. Passengers won't like it much, either, as the footwell is intruded upon. Another downside is the trunk space, which is quite negligible. Forget weekends away in the s2k with the significant other and all the corresponding luggage. The Boxster has 2 very usable trunks because of its mid-engine configuration and has almost as much storage space as a 3-series. Also, the top on the s2k is harder to operate than the Boxster's, and if you like the top down frequently - which I do - it will become annoying dealing with the Honda's tonneau cover regularly - it also takes up valuable trunk space when not in use. And if you choose to leave the tonneau cover in the garage - which is probably what you'd end up doing because of the trunk space issue and the frustration of having the manually snap it in place all the time - you're left with a rather unattractive retracted top, whereas the Boxster has a very attractive integrated tonneau cover that is a 12-second snap to operate in either direction. In short, the Boxster is by far the better choice for day-to-day driving unless you travel extremely light or have another car for road trips. And since this is my daily driver, d2d driving manners mattered quite a bit.

Lastly, and this is very important, Boxsters are going for less than ever. I got a brand new '03 Boxster S on 12/31/03 for $45k even. My car stickered for approx. $56k. At $56k, unless you really have a lot of money and are absolutely taken with the Boxster S, it seems a little overpriced and coming too close to a 911 for my taste. At $45k, it's a steal and worth the $8k premium (at least over the cost of the '04 s2k I was looking at - and they weren't discounting them a penny when I looked at them) over the s2k, especially considering that I haven't even factored in the prestige value of the Porsche, which may or may not count for much with you.

Also, the sound of the Boxster's 6 is pure magic to me - much better than the buzzy 4 in the Honda. For all of these reasons, the $8k premium was a no-brainer for me.

Good luck.

sphinx99

I think everyone would agree that in comparing the S2K to the Boxster, you really need to compare against the Boxster S. I've driven the base Boxster and the S2K back-to-back and the Porsche comes across very poorly due to a sense of porkiness. Against the Boxster S the picture changes dramatically and it becomes a simple question of whether you have the cash. The Boxster S is a fabulous car. Another primary advantage to the Porsches are the availability of options not present with the Honda - PSM for example.

I'm personally amazed at the difference in character I've experienced between the Boxster and Boxster S.

designman

"I think everyone would agree that in comparing the S2K to the Boxster, you really need to compare against the Boxster S."

I'll disagree with that. People are into roadsters for different reasons. From reading your posts in the S2000 thread, you say you are able to tell the difference in the 8 lb-ft torque difference between the 04 S2000 and previous model years. Without debating this I will say that many people can't, and if they can, it's not a deal breaker.

What IS a deal-breaker is the total package that you get with the Boxster as mentioned by ds2k1. I don't hear anyone talking about long-ride comfort in the S2000 on top of the engine drone at highway speed. It may have a very desirable sport ride, is considered a desirable track car, and I agree with titan that the new cockpit is really attractive (so is the exterior), but I get claustrophobic just sitting in it in the showroom. Even the S2000 aficionados moan about this.

Furthermore, that high-revving engine is not for the faint-of-heart weekend cruiser and Honda knows it, that's why they lowered the redline. You gotta keep the tach up, way up, for the car to be at its best—not a natural inclination for the average driver.

And I'm curious to know what it can do on upgrades. Does it struggle as it does at stoplights and highway entrances? Do upgrades come into play on the track? You rarely hear about upgrades in reviews. It's as if they never existed. Fact is, upgrades take up a lot of the road. Enter low-end torque, an area where the S2000 is really bereft. The S2000 is 57 lbs heavier than the standard Boxster yet the S2000 has 161 lb-ft at 6500RPM, the Boxster 192 at 4500 RPM.

I respect for your love of the S2000, but I don't want to hear about the "porkiness" of the standard Boxster. If you can feel an 8 lb-ft torque difference, a 31 lb-ft difference on a car that weighs less should be as clear as day.

titan

Both of you have made excellent points and, quite frankly, have provided the insights I had hoped for when debating the '04 S2000 vs. the standard Boxster. DSK2K1, if I may ask, where did you land the mother of all deals on the Boxster S? Great job of negotiating, especially if you landed the 18" Carerra wheels. I would have to be mad to disagree with your statements that for an additional $8-10K ponied up, one could seemingly walk away with an S version Boxster instead of a S2000. You and Designman answered a great deal of the mindless debates I been having in my head. Value wise, the Honda is difficult to beat if one's price ceiling is mid-30's. Then again, if you can muscle up the extra 10K and get the Boxster S, then my debate is over. Originally, the post was centered on the regular Boxster and the Honda and what differences, if any, folks in the forum have observed. I would agree with Designman that the Honda must be revved above 5K rpm for it to begin sounding like exhaust music to me. The Boxster sounds sweet after ignition and remains so. DS2K1, please provide some of the details surrounding your deal. Dealership name?

Would anyone know of late model 03 Boxster Ss that may be had for a handsome deal? I was unaware that Porsche negotiated so substantially with their vehicles. This is good news.

I have often thought if prices remained relative to sticker, the Boxster S would be a great comparator against an '04 M3 with SMG. I have never driven the M3 but she looks solid.

Designman, you are right (and so am I) that the cockpit of the Honda is near perfect. Is she tight, sure, but damn it feels good sinking into her and grabbing that small wheel while pushing that little red button.

Thanks, gentlemen

speeds2much

Base boxsters are fine-carved machines. Should be even better next year in 987 form.

I was thinking about the discussion here, and really, I think the buyer of a base Boxster is probably not going to look too hard at an S2000 and vice versa. For some buyers, the Boxster would be worth its premium for the extra trunk space, styling, prestige, feel...basically with the exception of trunk space, it would win on a lot of intangibles. If someone wants all these qualities, then the base Boxster stands on its own with no competition. As soon as HP/torque per dollar becomes an issue, the base Boxster intantly gets knocked out of the running. A Corvette wins on that equation hands down.

Also, I'll throw in the upcoming MiniS convertible with the Works package as a competitor to the S2000 for people who want a tossable ragtop sports car in the $35k area.

ds2k1

Got my deal from Carlsen Porsche in Palo Alto, CA. $45K got me a guards red boxster S with Bose and wind deflector and the 18" carrera wheels you obviously covet. They had two new '03 boxster S's still on the lot on 12/31/03 - the other one was speed yellow and that color will not work for me under any circumstances - and the one I walked away with was optioned exactly as I would have done it, except I would have added PSM probably. Hey, for $11K off, I'll live without it and drive a little safer.

While I appreciate the praise of my negotiation skills, I don't think it's as revolutionary as you may think. While Porsche's reputation has been that they don't discount, they have been discounting boxsters and carreras lately. By the way, on that same day, Beverly Hills Porsche was also willing to sell me a silver boxster S that stickered for slightly under $57K for $45K - an even better deal!! - and that fact allowed me to leverage Carlsen (much closer to where I live) to give me the deal they did. My point being that it wasn't some kind of fluke, freak thing. Not sure what dealers are doing today and whether that was some kind of end-of-year special they were running. My guess is, if you find an '03 boxster S still on someone's lot, you'll get a smoking deal. Check Porsche's website and see if you can find any. And trust me, you absolutely will not regret it. I love my car. Love it. It's practically unhealthy.

Lastly, after ruling out the S2K, my decision came down to the boxster S and the M3. Don't regret the decision for one second. The boxster is almost as versatile, handles better, is more refined, and on a nice day with the top down...well, it's pretty damn hard to beat. The kind of experience that inspires really good poetry.

Good luck.

nyccarguy

there is a dealership on Long Island (NY), South Shore Porsche. Check out their website southshoreporsche.com

It lets you search their inventory and I believe they still have a few new (with maybe 25 miles) '03 Boxsters (maybe 1 S) on thei lot. Give them a call. See what they're asking for the cars. Fly to NY, then drive your boxster home:)

deutschlander

Hello:
  This is my first attempt at using message boards since I started using my computer. So, if I make mistakes, please bear with me. I am 68.
  I just purchased a 2000 Porsche Boxter S from a non-Porsche dealer. He did not show me how to use the light switch positions or the CD radio. Can anyone guide me through their use? There is no radio book enclosed.I had to purchase a 2001 owners manual for my 2000 vehicle so, I do not know if there is a difference in the operation of the equipment between the 2 years. Also, I do not understand the operation of the headlight switch as far as pulling it out and turning on the parking lights, or the driving lights.
 Thank you for any guidance given.You can E-Mail your answers to me, if you prefer, at: wendyl1@bcpl.net.
  Sincerely,
  Deutschlander

woggg

We just bought a 2001 Boxster. We also looked at the S2000. There is no comparison. The Boxster is a much nicer car and actually has some low end power. The Honda has to be revved up so high that it is irritating to drive. The Honda will probably be more reliable, but ours has a year left on the factory warranty, and it is certified used, so we get 2 years beyond that. Used is the only way to go. There are lots of low mileage ones around and you save tons of cash (we saved about $20K)over a new one.

The Z4 is also a good choice. We have an '03 that we love.

jwilson1

Welcome! You're going to love online communities -- like the rest of the world, you will meet a truly diverse set of people ....

Sorry I can't answer your questions as I don't have a Boxster but there are several folk who will give you good information here. My guess would be that there was no change in the instrumentation in the two years -- most Porsche interior design hasn't changed substantially in the past 40 years for gosh sake!

My suggestion is that you go to a web source called autolit.com -- they will charge a pretty fair price and you can get all of the appropriate paper for your specific vehicle.

Stay tuned! JW

axxlrod

I am about to realize my dream of Porsche ownership. I am ready to take over a lease on a 2001 Boxster S 6 speed. The lease is for 4 years @ 15K miles per year. There is 16 months left on the lease. I figure this would be a good way to "get my feet wet" with Porsche ownership. It won't cost me anything up front, just make the rest of the payments. The car currently has 22,000 miles, so going over mileage isn't a concern, as this would be a weekend toy car for me.

My only reservation/concern is that the warranty expires in 5 months. So there will be no warrranty for 11 out of the 16 months I will have the car. Would this bother you guys? The current owner has all maintenacne records, and there has never been any problems with the car. What can I expect to pay for scheduled maintenance services?

I am also concerned about re-conditioning costs when I return the car to Porsche. Does anybody have any experiences to share when a leased porsche is returned to the dealer. Do they go over it with a Q-tip, and inevitably charge you $$$ even if the car is in excellent condition?

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks much.

designman

Assuming the car is in good shape I think you're in a nice position here with several good options due to the low lease miles—drive, buy/sell, buy/keep, dump at lease end. You still should have a pre-purchase inspection done. What seems very attractive here is that you can put on a lot of luscious miles without long-term consequences, and just walk away if you so choose. The only downside I see is if you don't drive it that much—you will be paying for the mileage in the lease payments. The warranty situation wouldn't bother me, neither does the specter of turn-in at lease end, but that's just me. Everything carries a risk factor, but this one seems as good as it can be. Don't forget the PPI unless you are very close to the person who owned it and can verify its soundness. Good luck. It's great to hear of yet another person living the dream.

boxsterlover

As if one needed confirmation, the August Motor Trend issue is on sale now and though I did not get to read the article as I was rushing to catch a train, it compares several roadsters with stability control systems and the Porsche Boxster comes out on top. The article talks specifically about the Boxster S with PSM. I could not agree with it more. I bought my Boxster S 'used' though technically it was new as it had never been titled, but the only option that I am sorry did not come with the vehicle was the motorized driver's seat as I find that I have to stop the car before making an adjustment but that is no big deal.

designman

Boxsterlover, hope you got to read the whole article since it's a lot more than just stability management—full comparison of Boxster S, Audi TT, 350Z and Z4.

I just l-u-u-u-u-v when our car comes out on top… really validates the premium we pay for these little buzz bombers.

This review is loaded with stellar comments, but I'll just cite one and implore all of you to read the whole thing…

"With a bottomless well of power, planted chassis, fluid steering, tireless brakes—damn, the thing is just brilliant."

OK, another one…

"Sure it's expensive, but it's worth it."

One more…

"Our first-place finishing Boxster S is the thoroughbred of the bunch. It accelerates the quickest, stops the shortest, has the most lateral grip and is the fastest through the slalom and figure-eight test courses."

Screw it, we're on a roll here…

"The cabin doesn't seem luxurious for $59k, although you can feel the money in the performance hardware."

BTW to you guys with regular Boxsters... a little less power here, smaller brakes there... so what! All Boxsters rock!

:-)

boxsterfan

I am buying my first porsche (boxster) in a matter of days...I wanted to buy one 2 years ago, but talked myself out of it(too pricey, not practical (will be only car and we get a lot of snow in the winter!)...ended up with BMW 325ci... Anyway, throwing caution to the wind and buying one!! I have been reading all of the discussion and have a couple of concerns...hoping all current boxster owners will allay my fears (i.e., buyers remorse). I am buying a 2004 boxster, 5-speed, 3xblack with power seats, lumbar driver seat, and 18" wheels, couple of other options...paying 48K--not ordered, dealer search. My concerns are, the wheels...because I wanted the lumbar seat, the only 3xblk with the lumbar seat the dealer could find has the 18" wheels..i test drove a bunch of them with 16, 17, 18 and actually liked the ride of the 18 the best, but am concerned about the performance and maintenance of wheels. Dealer said do not under any circumstances drive in snow and told me to get snow tires...secondly, price...it seems that the price is high compared to what I'm reading...this is a boxster, not boxster S...any thoughts...encouraging words. Thanks.

chile96

I've got tons to tell you that would exhaust Edmund's server! lol

Shoot me an email and I'll steer you in the right direction

frank

boxsterfan

Frank,
Thanks, I appreciate any help. Don't laugh, but how do i email you/what is your email address?

chile96

nyccarguy

Beautiful car/color combo! I'm sure you can negotiate a great price off the $48K MSRP!

boxsterfan

48K is the price they're giving me off total 49,890...that's why i'm freaking out..after reading all these websites...i think i'm overpaying...

nyccarguy

I see you're in Philly and if the weather is as good here in NY as it is there, then it is prime convertible driving season. You should be able to get a better deal then that. It is usually best to wait until the end of the month on a Saturday. Don't seem so excited. It is a Porsche (awesome car), you've waited this long, you can hold out for a better price.

GUYS, correct me if I'm wrong here:)

boxsterlover

If you are on Philly, then you should check out Don Rosen imports. He usually has a vast selection of new and used Porsches and has a website which I believe is donrosenimports.com. He is located in a small town outside of Philly, Cornshohocken, Pa I think is the name of the town but from the website, he appears to have fewer Porsches and specifically Boxsters than usual. I personally would hold out for a lower price as the new Boxster is going to come out soon whcih means that the older ones left on the lot will be selling for less in the near future.

designman

The August issue of Excellence has a story about declining used Boxster and 911 prices. It’s definitely a buyers market. Reportedly, buyers are getting good used prices but sellers are having a real hard time. As a follow up to what boxterlover said, I had the same observation at my dealer—cars were not in abundance, particularly Boxsters, so maybe Porsche meant it when they said they would be cutting production in order to keep prices up. You have to do your homework and legwork though.

nyccarguy… I’ve been meaning to ask you, have you been to Par Cars in New Rochelle yet? They sell used Porsches on consignment and also do servicing. Cool place. I’ve seen some cars go quickly and others sit for quite a while.

nyccarguy

No, I haven't been over there as of yet. Maybe I'll stop by there on one of my aimless Saturday after work drives. I'll take the Hutch home instead of The Bronx River.

Not to sound like a fool, but what does consignment mean?

designman

Consignment is an agent deal… dealer displays the car without buying it, just takes a cut of the sale. Par closes at 1PM on Saturdays. If you go, ask them to let you go downstairs, not all of the cars are on the showroom floor… you'll get to see the older cars and any projects they have in the works. If they're not busy they'll spend time with you talking Porsche. Also check out their website since many of the cars they sell aren't on site. I find it useful as a price barometer and an indicator of how long it takes to sell certain cars.

jwilson1

I stopped at Par once upon a time, was interested, and indicated my interest at Rennlist .... immediately received a number of posts warning me against doing business ... so I have no personal experience and hope I'm not harming an innocent party, but several people felt strongly enough to sound the alarm. So at least look sharp. JW

designman

Thanks for pointing that out. Cursory search shows varying opinions but will do more research on it. It is best to remember that whenever a middle man is involved, you can almost count out the bargain factor. And no matter who you buy from, a PPI should always be done by an uninvolved party.

jwilson1

... cautions true for any car!

And now, back to our regular passion. JW

jhammell

Does anyone have any experience with a short shift kit and a "powerflow" cold air intake system for a Boxster ?

Thx,

JH

deutschlander

08/07/2004
 Besides my steering wheel airbag problem (see my other message listed today), Can anyone help me find a cruise control for my 2000 Porsche Boxter "S".

 The local Porsche dealer told me that Porsche does not make a retro-fit. If not purchased with the car at time of sale, then one can not be installed.
 
 That statement is hard to believe!

 Anyone have any solutions to this?

  Thank you,
  Deutschlander

jwilson1

Deutschlander,

Check out Pelican Parts, which offers nearly everything for Porsches. You could also ask at p-car.com, a Boxster site. HOpe this helps. JW

designman

Thinking about getting the 18" 3.6 C2 Turbo wheels with finish as they were on the original Boxster concept car that was introduced at the 1993 Detroit Auto Show as seen here. What do you think, would they look good? My Boxster S is Silver/Black. Wouldn't mind having that red interior.

jwilson1

Designman, they'd look fabulous of course .... so long as you keep them clean! And they will be a bear to keep all those little bolts cleared out -- I once had a set of the original "Speedline for Porsche" 5-spoke wheels used on the Turbos in the mid-90s. Gorgeous, but a pita.

How ya doin??

JW

designman

Doing well thanks. Hope all's well on your end.

The problem is I haven't seen this type on a Boxster yet and you know how things work when the fussbudget factor kicks in ;-)

Question... how do you clean those suckers? Does a Q-tip fit in the socket heads or do you stab at them with a small paintbrush or something. Whoa boy, that's 160 socket heads to keep clean. Any chance they look good dirty ;-) Also is there any low-down with brake pad alternatives for reducing brake dust? Thanks.

Why did you get rid of the Speedlines... sold the car?

Wow, I threw a million questions at you... sorry!

jwilson1

Questions are no problem, designman, so long as you'll be happy with not too many answers :-)

I sold the wheels with the car. I've never heard anyone say they found an easy way to keep them clean, but yeah Q-tips work (slowly). I also tried to use a spray wax on the clean wheel (so the spray would get on the bolts okay) then used my pressure washer on them with mild detergent. Faster, but not as good as Q-tips, though there wasn't nearly as much Q-tip fussing to do afterward.

My wheels weren't as highly glossed as the ones in the picture you posted so the effect of "dirt" wouldn't be exactly the same ... but I was never that happy with how they looked when they weren't clean. (Just my own dysfunction, of course!)

Have you tried posting these pics on Rennlist or P-car.com to see if anyone there has seen them on a production car? Or you could try the manufacturer -- they often have such photos and will be glad to send them. But I can't imagine them not being stunning on your car.

Post what you decide, please!!! JW

ezshift5

..mentioned in a fairly recent R/T. I'd really appreciate some guess-ti-mates on price. Coupes (at least for me) really have supplanted the ragtop. I can't believe I really said "rag-top"

tks.....ez

designman

JW… I posted on rennlist… not much response. If I get the wheels I’ll post a shot.

Ezshift5… I think recall reading that Porsche is going to hold the line on prices, so I’ll guess about 39 on the coupe… don’t know about an S platform.

Got a mailing from Porsche today saying the new 911 is being unveiled at dealers on Sat. August 28. Speeds2much, your ship is coming in :-)

sudkan

I completly agree!

I just bought a 2003 Boxster and I have been grinning like an idiot whhenever I have driven it. Now I understand why a Porsche driver is a Porsche driver for life.

No mater how much I enjoy this marvelous car, I fully intend to upgrade to a 911 turbo cab beefore the turn of this decade. Old dreams die hard!

Till then, I intend to enjoy this vehicle under the Carifornia sun

boxsterboy57

Hey folks,
I recently purchased a 2000 ocean blue/savannah full leather with weekend mileage. I insisted on a carfax and a service diagnostic check from the local Porsche dealer, which were clean, but there was no service history. The car had 37k miles, and I have since added 10,000 grinning miles. I am comfortable that the lack of a service history was no problem, as I have had it 9 months.
My question - Cost for service checks from the dealer. I have never been a stickler for service according to the book, but do what is necessary and don't abuse my rides. I want to keep this car a long time. I have another car plus a Kawasaki, so this is my weekend therapy. Advice?

jwilson1

If you don't service, maintain, and obsess about your Porsche, it will turn around and bite you. If you want to keep it long, keep it nice.

A Porsche is pretty highly tuned and, unlike whatever your daily driver is, there is much less tolerance for abuse .... now, the car is tough and it will handle high rpm, hard braking, hard cornering, and so on for miles and miles and miles. But if you skip oil changes and other mechanical maintenance, it will hide its anger for awhile and, by the time you find out there's a problem, you'll be $5000--$10000 in the hole.

Fair warning.

JW

jwilson1

A version of those wheels you liked are on sale from "Upon3 Racing" for $3595, tires included. (Listed in this month's "Excellence") Also: did you try Wheel Enhancements?

JW

designman

Sudkan, Boxsterboy 57… congrats on your Boxsters. Isn't it a drag when you have to turn it off at the end of the day?

JW… thanks for pointing that out. Been meaning to call Wheel Enhancement. I actually saw one wheel on my car. When I brought it in for service there was a 993 in for service that had them and they offered to put one on for me. I'm dilly dallying with a decision.

Saw the new 911 yesterday. I like it so far. Will be interesting to hear the response and see how it wears in.

jwilson1

I wasn't at the dealer showing of the 997. What did you like about it, designman?

JW

speeds2much

designman: You speak wise words. Yes, my ship is coming in with this 997. I just ran over and checked one out at the dealer, and I love it. Nice lines, aggressive and elegant. Seemed the back seat legroom has been increased, but that may just be a case of having the front seats forward. The dash is much better than it was in pictures. All in all, it remains the ultimate all-around sports car, only better. Perfect as an only car for a single guy like me. ;o))

But I'm going to chug ahead with my X-Type until the transition is smooth.

designman

Oil overfill…

Recently had an oil change and was treated to a full quart overfill. The digital gauge was one notch above max and the dipstick reading matched perfectly… always does. Upon returning to the dealer immediately I was met with resistance… much to my dismay the technicians told me it was normal. After wrangling with them they finally agreed to drain it. Can't believe they told me it was hard to get it dead nuts between min and max. They should be able to do it blindfolded and told them so. With all of the notorious RMS problems I can't help but wonder if overfills are exacerbating or even causing them. Porches tote a lot of oil in those pans to begin with.

997…

JW… lots to like, I'll keep it short as possible. I like the added width and hips. As opposed to 996 Carrera it looks more balanced from every angle. I also like the interior and what they did with the interior colors. Can't wait to see the new Sand Beige. Although I didn't drive it, the stick feels much improved in dry dock. Seems the S version is real talented at high speeds—another temptation to go out and lose your license—I think this one is going to be popular. I can't wait to see reaction to the new active steering. I hate it on BMWs but according to Excellence it is much more subtle and mechanically based.

Speeds2much… I had the same reaction to the rear seats. It does look like there is additional room. I think you are better off waiting anyway. I'd be vigilant about the added electronics and possible FMY issues in general.

One more thing… my only negative criticism, and it sure would prevent me from buying one, is that the mug looks a little too happy. 911s always had a steely, stoic industrial stare. The 997 mug kind of reminds me of a happy face painted on an Easter egg. I think shaping the vents differently would have alleviated this. All in all this car is smooth. IMO mission accomplished—with regard to styling anyway.