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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".
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2022 Wrangler Sahara 4Xe, 2023 Toyota Tacoma SR 4WD
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:
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.
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
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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.
Thanks for any enlightenment
Guy
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.
Thanks for any info
Guy
Hope this helps you...
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!
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".
I'm stuck with Porsh...
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Now its $54,700
BB
I'm out of a Boxter until Spring I guess.
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.
I still want a boxster, though.
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 .....................
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.
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.
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.
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.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2022 Wrangler Sahara 4Xe, 2023 Toyota Tacoma SR 4WD
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!
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...
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.
I still think it's a good deal, but not as good as I had thought originally.
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??
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.
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
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.
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.