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Porsche Boxster and Boxster S

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Comments

  • upononeuponone Member Posts: 4
    I'm looking at buying a used Boxster S and I'm wondering what the general reliabilty of Porsches are. Are they up there with Lexus, Acura, etc, or are they down there with the Chevy's and Chryslers? Also, if you get a hardtop replacement, does it actually replace the softtop or does it fit on over the softtop when it's down? I live in Oregon so it would be nice to have a hardtop for the winter, but not at the expense of convience during the summer.
  • habitat1habitat1 Member Posts: 4,282
    No nonsense reliability was a major factor that steered me to a Honda S2000 over a Boxster S in 2002. From my Porsche owning friends, they would claim there is no substitute and that Porsches are very well made. My neighbor tried to continue to contend this as he had his 1999 base Boxster in the shop at least 2-3 times a year for "little things" like a repetitive power top failure. In 2.5 years and 18,000 miles, my S2000 needed 3 oil changes, period.

    I'm now casually shopping for a 997, but I'm in different circumstances today than in 2002. I can deal with a hassle or two without blowing a gasket on having spent top dollar for a Porsche and expecting Honda reliability. And there really is no Honda/Acura substitute for the 911.

    On the hardtop, I strongly suggest you drive one before buying one. I almost dished out $3k for the S2000 hardtop. At 47 lbs, it fit over the (lowered) convertible top. But it made the 9,000 rpm engine feel like you were sitting in a blender set at the highest speed. The person who let me try theirs actually used it 3 times before retiring it to their basement. The Boxster is much less high strung than the S2000, so that might make a hardtop less offensive on the noise front. But it is not convenient to use or store and, IMO, of little value. I never regretted not getting it and I did drive the S2000 throughout the year (except in snow) in the DC area.
  • fantomfantom Member Posts: 211
    You can get a used hardtop for the Boxster for about $1,000 on ebay, if you keep an eye on it.

    Like the S2000, the hardtop goes on after the ragtop is folded down. The good news is you still don't lose any trunk space, and the car gets much quieter. All newer Boxster's, since '03, and the S model, since '01 I believe, have a multiple layered soft top that's quite good.

    I'm on my 5th Porsche, and second Boxster, and they go in the shop once a year, for scheduled maintenance. Most of my Boxster friends will tell you the same story. When you need work, it's more expensive than a Lexus or Honda, but if you treat them well, they return the favor. Yes, I agree an S2000 is cheaper to maintain than a Boxster, but then it's a cheaper car, isn't it?
  • habitat1habitat1 Member Posts: 4,282
    Yes, I agree an S2000 is cheaper to maintain than a Boxster, but then it's a cheaper car, isn't it?

    Actually, in some ways it isn't. The S2000 would have a fully amortized cost of over $45,000 if Honda did not write off virtually all of its ground up development costs as a "corporate marketing" expense. The base Boxster, on the other hand, yileds Porsche in excess of 25% profit on the car; the "S" even more. Porsche is the most profitable car company in the world, measured in gross margin; and they are far from the most efficient. It was guessed that the S2000 would cost Porsche more than $45,000 to produce. This information is from a confidential industry report by a business school buddy who is a senior director with a top strategic management consulting firm. Can't name him/it, but you can take a guess at Boston Consulting, Bain or McKinnsey.

    At the suggestion of several, I am now considering a new Boxster S. I have a test drive scheduled for this Thursday, weather permitting. I expect I will like it very much, based upon the improvements made since I was last seriously looking in late 2001.

    Just curious, why are you on your second Boxster? The resale value of the $60k Boxster S that I considered in late 2001 is now about $35k in the DC area, for a $25k hit. The resale value of the $32k S2000 is about $23k for a $9k hit. So it doesn't seem like a good car to buy and sell/trade as opposed to buy and hold. Perhaps you are leasing? Also, how have your other Porsches been in terms of reliability?
  • habitat1habitat1 Member Posts: 4,282
    What is a decent price relative to invoice or MSRP that one can expect to get a Boxster S?

    The base MSRP is $53,900, with an invoice of approximately $47,100 a $6,800 (14% mark-up). The configuration I am looking at comes in with an MSRP of about $61,500.

    What are the best prices buyers are getting?
  • fantomfantom Member Posts: 211
    Man, are you gonna be a convert in a day or so. Many PPBB folk are reporting that 8% off MSRP can be had on an in inventory Boxster. A large number of cars are custom ordered, so a car with exactly the options you want may be hard to locate. If you order now, you'll get an '06 in about September.

    I moved up to get the more powerful engine and glass rear window in '03. I had someone who wanted my '99 and I got a heck of a deal on the flip. I really wasn't actively looking to sell it. The only problems I've had, knock wood, were with my first Porsche, a 911T, because I didn't know how to treat her. Even then the problems were minor. Maybe I've just been lucky.

    Far be it from me to argue with either your confidential sources ;-) or resale values which vary wildly. Good luck with your test drive.
  • cc12359cc12359 Member Posts: 31
    Year:2004
    Miles:5,829
    Price: $32,995
    5 Speed Manual, RWD, Air Conditioning, Power Steering, Power Windows, Power Door Locks, Telescoping Wheel, AM/FM Stereo, Single Compact Disc, Dual Front Air Bags, Front Side Air Bags, ABS (4-Wheel), Leather, Alloy Wheels

    If its clean
  • boxster1boxster1 Member Posts: 18
    I bought my first Boxster last October. It is the standard Boxster with a number of great options that brought the original sticker up to almost $50K, but I purchased it from the dealer as a year-old car with 5,000 miles on it and three years of warranty. I paid $35K for it and like having the extra $15 in pocket. Great car.

    One question to throw out to the long-time owners though. The dealer charges $200 for an oil change. Is there a safe alternative to this, or is there a good reason for the big charge?
  • fantomfantom Member Posts: 211
    about $55 in materials...9+ quarts of Mobil 1, Porsche filter and crush ring. Takes them 10 minutes. Dealers seem to charge anywhere from $100 up....$200 is high, even for a Porsche dealership.

    If you don't know much about your car, it's a small investment to keep in their good graces, and it can't hurt to have an experienced eye check the undercarriage, if they do. If you want to save $100+ do it yourself. A web search will get you pictured instructions, it's easy, you don't need a lift, and after the first one, all it will take you is 30 minutes. Plus, you will feel good about it.

    I wouldn't bring a Boxster to any Jiffy Lube type place, and I won't get into how often you need the change the oil. Check you Owner's Manual.
  • chile05chile05 Member Posts: 2
    I am new to Porsches, I have the chance to buy a Boxster S, 2004 (not the oldest version) with about 5M Mi or buying, for a few dollars less, a brand new Boxter, which way should I go?
  • designmandesignman Member Posts: 2,129
    What are the prices, options and your preferences? Did you drive them? You can probably get a far better bargain on the 04 S. However you will have a new car and full warranty with the 05. This is the spring season in a new model year which means a low point in buyer advantage. How is your must-have factor? Hope it’s high because Boxster resale is not good and they can take a while to turn over. If there is any chance that you will not like it, don’t even be bothered. A short term romance can be costly. It’s a great car but it comes with realities.

    Boxster reliability is good but not stellar. There is a small risk factor for getting one that will require an engine replacement and other less toxic but annoying problems, but I repeat the risk factor is small. Wish we knew accurate figures but I don’t think anyone but Porsche knows. It’s too early to assess 05 reliability although I haven’t heard of anything abnormal.

    As far as driving, either one is apt to please depending on your expectations. Boxster S reviews have always been spectacular and as stated in my previous post I think the current non-S version is perhaps the best it has ever been. So if you are passionate about these cars and can get past the fact that they are in no way, shape, or form a part of your investment portfolio then jump in and enjoy the ride.
  • chile05chile05 Member Posts: 2
    I live in Chile and here cars pay high taxes.

    The S year 04 has about 5K Mi, and comes with Bose, all leather, 6 gear shift, PSM, 260 Hp, etc and an asking price of U$75M.

    The brand new Boxter comes with standard equipment and goes for U$65M.

    I do not know if there is a big technological change with the new models, I understand that in terms of safety (airbags, etc) the new models are much better.

    Sincerely I have no idea which way to go. Any ideas are very welcome. Thnks
  • stuttgarterstuttgarter Member Posts: 1
    I am looking at an '06 Boxster or Boxster S and being promised 3% off MSRP on base and options. How's this compare to others' experience? My home is in MD.
  • Kirstie_HKirstie_H Administrator Posts: 11,147
    A reporter with a national newspaper would like to speak with professional women who for the first time are buying a fun car or truck they have been longing to own but were not able to buy before because it wasn’t practical. This vehicle purchase is a splurge. The reporter would like to speak with first time buyers of full-size trucks, convertibles, Miatas, Porsches or Jaguars. If you fit what the reporter is looking for, please email a brief description with contact information to Kirsten Holguin at kholguin@edmunds.com as soon as possible.

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  • sakanukisakanuki Member Posts: 1
    I am 58 yrs old and have owned and driven a wide variety of cars but have never owned a Porsche . . . Corvette, Miata, BMW 635, Eclipse Turbo, Acura RSX-S but no Porsche. I have always had in my mind the ideal "feel" for a sports car and everything I have driven always falls short on some dimension. Recently I sold my Miata and my Corvette and have been pining for a convertible. So off I went to my Nissan dealer for a Z test drive and it felt heavy without the nimble feeling you look forward to in a sports car. A very nice price but didn't have a solid feel for some reason. So, at a friends suggestion, I visited the Porsche dealer to test drive an '02 Boxster S since I felt a used price might fall in line with the new prices of the RX-8 and 350Z. Well, it was a revelation. I have never driven anything remotely like it . . . Pure automotive nirvana and the closest to the ideal sports car I have always held in my mind. The torque and the suspension really did make you feel connected to the road with your hand, feet, and butt. . . Can't describe it, you have to experience it. That test drive made me a Porsche convert and more understanding of the high price of these automobiles. By the way, I have had extensive experience with the Honda S2000 and there is NO comparison with the Porsche. The Honda is like a super duper version of my Miata but shares no similarities with the feel of the Boxster. My advice to anyone thinking of a sports car and listening to the endless debates and automotive press comparisons, is to just go out and drive one and you will know what I'm talking about. By the way the Porsche Dealer's price on the '02 S still seemed outrageous, but I will own one of these fine automobiles before the year is out and I can't imagine ever wanting to drive anything else. By the way, I have not drive the standard Boxster but the bucket of torque on that S was delicious.
  • spiritintheskyspiritinthesky Member Posts: 207
    I am debating between a new 2005/6 Boxster S and a 2006 911 cabriolet (both base and S models). The Boxster is immediately available (unless I want to order a 2006) and comes at a 3-7% discount to MSRP, or roughly $58k for the Boxster S. The best I can do on a 911 is $1-2k under MSRP, or roughly $85k to $95k for the 911 base/S respectively.

    However, and I would like other opinions, I believe the actual cost of ownership over 3-4 years between the 911 and Boxster S is not that different, given the poor resale value of the Boxster compared to the 911. I figure the Boxster S after 4 years will have lost roughly $28k+ in value (around $30k in actual trade in value) whereas the base 911 will likely be worth at least $50-55k, meaning a similar amount of depreciation.

    I can comfortably afford either of these cars, so the better deal appears to be a 911 over a Boxster S, given all of the additional features, luxury and performance.

    sakanuki:

    I considered using the Boxster depreciation to my advantage and trest drove several used Boxster S models that were low mileage and well maintained. I even drove a new leftover 2004 Boxster S being sold for $48,000, with a sticker of $57,500. However, if you think there is no comparison between a 2002 Boxster S and a Honda S2000, then there is similarly no comparison between the 2002 Boxter S and the completely redesigned, more powerful 2005 Boxster S (which uses many of the 911 suspension and chassis components).

    If I were on a more limited budget, I'm not sure I wouldn't take a new Honda S2000 over an "outrageously priced" 2002 Boxster S. I do not believe that, even with low mileage, a used Boxster S isn't going to hit you up for expensive maintenance and big depreciation. Certainly less depreciation than a brand new Boxster S, but also, unfortunately, much less of a car. If you prefer not to believe me, don't test drive a 2005.
  • designmandesignman Member Posts: 2,129
    If you want to get killed on depreciation get a new Boxster now. Otherwise wait for the end of December and January. Also, there are plenty of bargains on used Boxsters where you take advantage of the depreciation on your purchase. But the real bargain is in the car. If you are going to worry about how the Boxster compares on price with the 350Z, S2000 and Miata, forget about. You pay for Porsches—always did, always will. If you can’t have the enthusiasm as demonstrated by sakanuki, you’d be better off buying something else.

    Spiritinthesky... the Boxster always shared components with the 911, not just the new one. From the front end to the back of the seats they have been virtually identical. Major differences—engine displacement, stroke and aspiration, engine placement and rear suspension. The debate never ends with many claiming the Boxster is superior in handling.
  • dyldyl Member Posts: 27
    I know some people would think you cant compare between them. Since I still debate between the base boxter 05 and the new C6 I would like to get comments from members that have experience .

    Thanks
  • habitat1habitat1 Member Posts: 4,282
    It's a safe assumption that you haven't driven the Boxster, or you wouldn't have misspelled it - twice.

    The analogies of a sledgehammer vs. a scalpel have been used to compare the Corvette and Boxster. But you need to get your own butt into each if you are serious about ever buying one.
  • 12361236 Member Posts: 34
    Just test drove the 05 Boxster S & loved it..I would like to order one but I am not sure if I am getting a great deal, any advice would be appreciated.

    Base Model..................54,700 (Apparantley there's a price increase on the 06)
    Seal Grey Metallic.............825
    Stone Grey Full Leather...2,095
    Bose System w/windstop.1,185
    Bi-Xenon Package...........1,090
    Tiptronic S......................3,210
    Heated Seats.....................480
    19" Carrera S Wheels.......1,550
    Leather Steering Wheel.......490
    Sport Chrono w/out PCM.....920
    Floor Mats........................ 115
    Misc..................................910 (destination charge)

    TOTAL............................67,570 (Plus Ca Tax & Lic apprx 10%)

    Seems a lot for an entry level Porsche?
  • jhuttojhutto Member Posts: 4
    I have just bought a 2002 Boxster S but do not know the radio code and the dealer (non-Porsche) does not either. How do I find the code?
  • kyfdxkyfdx Moderator Posts: 235,200
    Yeah.. seems like a lot.. But, I wouldn't call it entry-level.. that would be the Boxster..

    Things I could do without:

    19" wheels... Just bling.. 18" not big enough for you?

    Sport Chrono? Not sure what that is, but $920 is a lot for instrumentation..

    Tiptronic? $3210, and your car will be worth less on re-sale than one without it.. I understand that an automatic might be necessary... but....

    I just knocked over $5K off your car, right there... ;)

    Lastly... Did you negotiate a discount? You aren't paying sticker, are you?

    regards,
    kyfdx

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  • lemmerlemmer Member Posts: 2,689
    "Sportscar International" had an editorial this month about increasingly large wheels. They used the Boxster as an example of a car where the optional wheels (19") caused an overall decline in performance and drivability on normal roads.
  • denniskdennisk Member Posts: 3
    I also just bought a used 2000 boxter S w/o a radio code. My porsche specialist mechanic referred me to the a dealer and they were able to look it up. Same thing w/ a previous Mercedes radio code.
  • denniskdennisk Member Posts: 3
    The Nav CD that came in the 2000 Boxster S does not have my housing development on it. It's has a copyright of 2001 and our development was new in 2002. Are there upgraded versions available? I assume the new DVD versions will not work for me.
  • dslstldslstl Member Posts: 6
    Wondering if anyone can comment on this lease on new '05 boxster. MSRP $49.9k, cap cost of $47k w/ 47% residual, 10k mi/yr, nothing down.....$725/mo including sales tax; is this residual realistic? everything i've read on Boxster is it has above average residuals.

    also, anyone know about the engine TSB...porsche replacing defective engines.

    dslstl
  • ClairesClaires Member Posts: 1,222
    dslstl, you might also want to ask Car_man in the Lease Questions - Ask Here topic about the lease offer.

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  • trometrome Member Posts: 17
    What is the term of the lease? If it's 3yrs the residual should be in the high 50's. You can get 6-9% off MSRP on 05' Boxsters so your cap cost should go down to about $45.5 or so

    Don't let them trick you. Negotiating a lease is no different than negotiating a purchase. The first thing you do is work on the price ( cap cost). In fact, you don't even have to say at that point if you are buying or leasing because it really makes no difference. The price is the same regardless. Residual value is stated and not negotiable. If it's too low, walk away and tell them why. The third item is the money factor ( interest rate). Edmunds has a great explanation of leasing math. Learn it and be prepared.

    I thought about an 05' Boxster at 40k or so but I think I may just spend 30k on a new Mustang GT cab and put 10k in my pocket. In a surprising anomoly of the market the new Mustangs are actually selling for MSRP and the Porsches are being discounted heavily. Who would have guessed that?
  • dslstldslstl Member Posts: 6
    Thanks...will do
  • dslstldslstl Member Posts: 6
    Lease term 3 yrs;; I tried to get 8% discount ($46k), but they balked so I walked; they have already call me twice, but I did not take the call.

    My wife and I really like the car.....our children are in their early 20s and we want a weekend sports car for ourselves...I am trying to resist, but................

    We are also considering new vette...your Mustang GT idea is something to consider...thanks for taking the time to respond
  • chile96chile96 Member Posts: 330
    firstly - don't think that you kids are not going to reappear home and want to take the new ride out!!! :D

    secondly - the vette is a completely different experience. even if you are not into sports cars, you will be able to tell the difference in how the car handles/performs. and the GT is NO comparison to either..
  • dslstldslstl Member Posts: 6
    your right, they are already waiting for us to bring it home.

    the dealership called again today and lowered their pricing, so we're getting close, but not there yet.

    thanks for your input....hopefully, we be cruising the roads in a new boxster soon.
  • dyldyl Member Posts: 27
    I’m interested in buying the 2005 model.
    Reading the Msg on this forum I understand that you can get 6-9% of MRSP
    Also some one mentioned that waiting to Dec-Jan will be a good idea to avoid depreciation.
    Does anyone have any idea how much off MRSP can I get when buying a new 2005 in Jan?
    Also how much should I pay for a 2005 used boxster s (dealer request 52000 - Fred baker in OH) ?
  • habitat1habitat1 Member Posts: 4,282
    I doubt there will be many 2005 Boxster S's left, come January 2006. The 2006's are already arriving, so the inventory of 2005's is what is currently out there. I've scoured every dealers list on the internet within 500 miles of DC and there are only 3-4 Boxster S's that fit my color and option preferences.

    As for a used Boxster S, I would want to get at least 12-15% off list if it's under 3,000 miles, more if the mileage is higher. But personally, I won't buy any sports car used. If I'm going to spend between $55k and $100k (911), I want to break it in myself.
  • jhuttojhutto Member Posts: 4
    I have just bought a 2002 Box. S with 17,800 miles from a non-Porsche dealer. I took the car in for 15,000 maintenance. The tech says I have a rear main seal oil leak. Is this common for the car? Should this be a major concern?
  • atwnsw1atwnsw1 Member Posts: 21
    I found a car that meets my color requirements
    and found a car from a private seller that has only 5k miles.

    It is an '04 S Tip.

    What would you offer?

    Thanks

    Anthony
  • habitat1habitat1 Member Posts: 4,282
    Nothing. If it were a Boxster S 6-speed, about $42-45k, depending upon options. But for the Tiptronic, absolutely nothing.

    P.S. For the past several weeks, Select Auto Imports in Alexandria, VA has been advertising a new (86 miles) 2004 Boxster S 6-speed with an MSRP of $57k+ for $48.5k - and still no takers as of yesterday. It seems that many shoppers (myself included) feel that the new 2005 redesign is a significant improvement in both performance and appearance. If you are looking to save money, I might recommend considering a new 2005 base Boxster (240hp) over a used 2004 Boxster S. You give up 18 horsepower, but get a much nicer interior and, IMO, better looking exterior.
  • wbreaux1wbreaux1 Member Posts: 55
    Am considering a Boxster S and would probably get automatic transmission. Not that 0-60 is everything (but obviously I want something that feels fast), it looks like the 0-60 times for autos are .8 seconds slower than manuals. Isn't that too much difference? I thought with a lot of cars the numbers would be very close if not identical. Can someone who has a tip model comment on whether it feels fast. thanks
  • habitat1habitat1 Member Posts: 4,282
    (Read post #411 and you'll see I'm not a fan of Porsche's Tiptronic).

    I have to be careful, since I've been (justifiably) censored by the Host before for being impolite in my posts regarding automatic transmissions. However, it does seem highly contradictory to me that someone considering a Boxster S - one of the best performing roadsters on the market - would then consider paying in excess of $3,000 for a Tiptronic that will significantly stiffle it's performance and lessen the fun of driving a sports car.

    Objectively, the Porsche Tiptronic has been criticized by many professional reviewers as being slow shifting and very unimpressive in performance. BMW, Ferrari and AMG have far superior SMG units (and even those have a performance penalty). I suggest you read through the reviews, but better yet, go out and test drive the Tip vs. the 6-speed yourself. A base Boxster with a 5-speed will virtually match a Boxster S Tiptronic. So not only are you are spending an additional $3,000 for this option, you are also negating the roughly $10,000 premium for the 3.2 liter engine, as far as acceleration goes.

    Subjectively, unless one has a physical handicap, I believe there should be no reason for anyone not to get the 6-speed in the Boxster S. I have heard the excuses that manuals are difficult in stop and go traffic. I don't buy that for a minute. My wife and I live in DC and if the 2005 MDX we purchased came with a 6-speed, she would have paid extra for it. It is the first vehicle either of us has ever owned with an automatic in 30+ years of driving. My youngest daughter could shift my Honda S2000 from 1st to 2nd and back from the passenger seat flawlessly at the age of 5. Granted, I operated the clutch and we never went more than about 15 mph.

    I'm am not on a mission to save the sports car world from automatic transmissions. But given that you had the foresight to post your question on Edmunds, I must respectfully and politely suggest you re-ask yourself the $3,000 (or, really, $13,000) question, "why"?
  • atwnsw1atwnsw1 Member Posts: 21
    Okay, after serious negotiations, I can buy the following from an individual:

    2004 S
    In Service Date 06/04
    5,000 Miles
    Tiptronic
    Metallic Paint
    Heateed Seats
    CD Console
    Wheel Caps w/ Crest
    Windstop
    MSRP $57,500

    Best Price Negotiated: $43,000 (Maybe $42,000 - Best Case Scenario)

    Do I pull the trigger?

    I would only buy an S, Tip, Metallic Paint if I bought a 987S which
    puts me in the 57K price range less any discount. That discount
    would still be over my budget which is already maxed at $43k.

    So, knowing that, what do you think?
  • designmandesignman Member Posts: 2,129
    Where did you take your car in for service, a Porsche dealer or the dealer where you bought it? Don’t even think of having it serviced by the latter. Also, if you are not seeing oil on the floor I would make sure that the person telling you this can be trusted, knows Porsches and is not just hitchhiking unscrupulously onto this known problem.

    The RMS problem although well-known and not uncommon is not said to be rampant. Nobody really knows the occurrence rate because Porsche is mum about it

    It should cost between $900-$1200 out-of-warranty at a Porsche dealer. Some owners have had it fixed without the problem returning. I have also heard of it re-occurring up to four times. I have also heard that Porsche will replace the engine as a matter of policy if the problem occurs three times under warranty. They will even cut some slack after warranty if it starts under warranty. I hope you have some left. If so don’t dawdle.

    Severity ranges from considerable oil depletion to puddles of oil on the garage floor to small drops on the floor to small leaks that don’t even make it to the floor. Some people with the less-severe problems who are not covered under warranty wait until the clutch needs replacement because it minimizes labor cost. I suggest going to rennlist.com or other dedicated enthusiast sites where this is frequently discussed. Needless to say, the car needs to be assessed and if necessary repaired by a bona fide Porsche professional.
  • designmandesignman Member Posts: 2,129
    That’s Blue Book private party price. It’s fair although the bargain hunter will do a lot better considering used Boxsters have taken depreciation hits and are sitting for extended lengths unsold. Depends on your desire and patience.
  • kyfdxkyfdx Moderator Posts: 235,200
    Ditto here...

    Also... if you really want a Tiptronic, that's great.. But, most don't... Bargain hard on that car, as the Porsche dealer will really knock it down on a trade offer..

    In other words, just remove that $3K from the original MSRP... The Tiptronic is worth less than the manual as a used car..

    regards,
    kyfdx

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  • jhuttojhutto Member Posts: 4
    Thanks. I took the car to the Posche dealer for his assessment of its integirty. He told me about the leak. I have till the end of August before warranty runs out. He will fix it for me while under warranty. If it recurs, I suppose I am on my own.
  • atwnsw1atwnsw1 Member Posts: 21
    I would like your input:

    The car had an MSRP of $71,000, asking $46,000

    2004 Boxster S
    Tiptronic
    Metallic Paint
    Full Leather
    Self Dim Mirrors & Rain Sensors
    Power Seat Package
    Bose sound package / windstop
    Xenon Headlights
    Heated Seats
    18" Wheels Turbo
    Porsche Crest
    Cruise control
    CD Changer
    Carbon Package
    2 1/2 Years "in service" date
    11,000 miles

    What is a fair price for me to buy it?

    Thanks

    Anthony
  • kyfdxkyfdx Moderator Posts: 235,200
    This would be a great post for Real World Trade-In Values

    You have a great description there.. Copy and paste your post... and be sure to add your location (city/state), and interior/exterior color.

    A professional can give you a good number..

    Are you sure about 2.5 years? That would mean a sale date of January, '03 for an '04 model...

    The two drawbacks I see are Tiptronic, and 2.5 years old....

    regards,
    kyfdx

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  • habitat1habitat1 Member Posts: 4,282
    Part of me wants to believe that (a) the car you describe actually had a $71k MSRP and (b) someone would actually pay $46k for it.

    I am contemplating a brand new 2005 Boxster S 6-speed with an MSRP of approximately $60,800 that includes most of the items you describe above, plus the new sport chrono package, sport seats and sport steering wheel, 19" Carrara S wheels and, most importantly 22 more horsepower, a noticably improved suspension and an infinitely better looking interior (and exterior). I can buy this car for about $4,500 off MSRP, or approximately $56,300.

    As both kyfdx and I have posted, the Tiptronic is a detriment, not an asset to the resale value of a Boxster S. Worse yet, it is a detriment to the performance and driving enjoyment of the vehicle itself. And I agree that the 2 1/2 year "in service" date makes no sense whatsoever. So, although I am hardly an expert at used car values, I think the first owner of this purported $71k vehicle got completely hosed and anyone who pays $46k for it now is getting seriously splashed.
  • mtv65mtv65 Member Posts: 45
    Looking at this car tonight - high mileage but with nice Techart kit and wheels. Mainly a weekend car so if everything checks out with the pre-purchase inspection...what should I offer for the car??

    Also, other issues such as maintenance as mentioned below in my email to the seller....
    ================================

    (his response)
    Hi Manny,

    I usually take the car to the dealer or Andial Racing in LA. I dont do service on the car myself so I cant answer your question regarding repair work. I believe I have the service receipts.

    Ethan.
    ================================

    (I wrote)
    Hey Ethan,

    Maybe sometime next week after work. Also, where do you take it for service? I'm a little worried about repair cost when the time comes. I've done basic maintenance on bmws (1997 328i and 2001 530i - still have both) and was wondering how hard it would be to work on the Boxster - engine bay is cramped. How hard/easy to do an oil change? or change plugs? or brake pads? Got any weblinks that can answer these ????'s. And speaking of service, I'm assuming you have records, right?? Sorry for the concerns......

    Thanks again,
    Manny

    Techart
  • atwnsw1atwnsw1 Member Posts: 21
    First, Let me say that you correctly caught my mistake on the in service date. It went in service on 11/03.

    As far as $71k MSRP, I have a copy of the original sticker and believe me, it is a shocker. I am guessing the dealership could have retired with the $$$ made on the options.

    I understand that the new '05 S is beautiful as I test drove one this past weekend but it is beyond my budget. So, while an '04 has some sacrifices, it includes so many bells & whistles, that I am still happy. Remember, this is a significant improvement over my '99 Tiptronic.

    While most Porsche lovers think that tiptronic is a "basterdization" of a true sports car, it is convenient and enjoyable.

    Finally, I offered $40k and am waiting for an answer.

    Thanks for the feedback.

    Anthony
  • kyfdxkyfdx Moderator Posts: 235,200
    Good luck with it.. That sounds like a great price, if you can get it..

    I'm not quite as surprised at the $71K MSRP... You can spend close to $9K just on leather, if you go all out.. Porsche option prices are just nuts...

    regards,
    kyfdx

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