Buying advice needed on Boxster S please!!!!!

[spada01]

Hi,

I've set my heart on a Boxster S ever since I drove one in 2002 and was quite in awe of teh performance, handling and relative refinement. Anyway, I've now saved up the money to get one with a budget of 20-25k. I'm looking for:

Year: 2001/maybe 2002
Colour: Dark Grey/Dark blue (unsure about silver)
Mileage: Upto 40k
Manual gearbox
Essential options:
Heated seats (probably leather) for winter hood down driving

Aim to own for approx 3 years.

At 6ft 5, I have a problem with height and believe the seat was lowered at soem point. Does anyone know what year?

Basically, I'm looking for advice on what options people feel are worth getting to help with resale and also any buying advice on what to check/avoid and I'm very interested in people's opinions on colour. I like dark blue, but have read on Yahoo buyers guide that this is a hard colour to sell and that red/silver are the most popular.

Any advice is greatly appreciated!

Many thanks,
Graham

[softinthehead]

ok, i'll bite, but let me climb on my first. Its your BLOODY DREAM CAR. who gives a flying F about which options will affect resale in three years time. Porsches are expensive. they lose money (yeah ok some dont 993RS993GT2 996GT3RS yahdehyahdeyah). they are also brilliant fun, rewarding and give huge pride of ownership. Buy the car you want because you want it, not because you hope some other bugger will want it 3 years down the line. its not an ISA. or a house in a good area near a nice school. its sports car. buy. drive. enjoy

[che6mw]

Have to agree with above and extend the comment on options to the colour too.

I think you'll find colour preference will change over time. Silver is very popular at the moment but a lot of people I know wouldn't consider silver again for their next car as it has become too popular and common. So choosing a colour today for resale in 3 years time won't necessarily do you any favours! And I can't honestly believe red is more popular than blue or black. Look at autotrader or the classifieds here - a hell of a lot more blue/black cars to white/red/yellow/green ones. That could be because they aren't selling (!) but most likely because blue and black are far more popular colours.

Choose the car YOU want. We only live once!

[porkernut]

I know this also covers the 2.7 as well as 3.2 "S", but hope it is of use............

BOXSTER EVOLUTION
Porsche are renowned for evolving their car’s, just look at the 911’s 40 years of evolution, & the Boxster is following the same route. All the variants from 1996 through to the latest new model launched in autumn 2004 use the same basic design, so lets take a look at the evolution of the range. (note-MY refers to Porsche model years which generally run Sept-July).
1996-(UK-1997MY)- launch of the all new 2.5 litre 204bhp Boxster 986
1999-(UK-2000MY) uprated 2.7 litre model unveiled with 220bhp & E-gear electronic throttle, the interior quality was also upgraded & POSIPS side impact protection became standard.
The new “S” is unveiled, at last a Boxster with attitude! The new 3.2 litre S countered one of the few area’s that the press had criticized, the performance! Now the Boxster had enough straight line speed to keep most performance car’s honest & the package was further fine tuned making the new model one of (if not THE) best value cars in Porsches range. Here is a summary of the extras the new model features over the standard car……
The new S featured an increased capacity to 3179cc’s giving 252bhp .
A new six speed close ration gearbox.
. Fine tuned suspension settings including an additional lateral tie rod at the rear. Improved induction roar.
17 inch wheels as standard.
More powerful/uprated ventilated & cross-drilled braking system (as per the 911)
Extra roof insulation.
Air-conditioning.
An uprated alarm system.
Three spoke sports steering wheel
Lower center consul with “S” decal.
Silver dials, with alloy bezels, alloy door handle grips, BoxsterS kick plates,
New three part front grill for additional cooling.
Titanium surround on the windscreen & painted side vents, twin exhaust pipes & rear S logo.
2001MY- further “tweaks” included electronic release of front & rear boots, this was also now possible via the remote control, a surprisingly practical upgrade.
2002- (UK-2003MY) MINOR FACELIFT
The major benefit was the introduction of a new heated glass rear screen to replace the horrible plastic item
There was also a minor power increase in power (2.7-228bhp- S-260bhp) & both cars gained the new VarioCam plus system (for improved in gear pick-up) & an uprated motronic engine management system. The “S” also received some chassis improvements, aimed at further improving it’s agility. New wheel design’s reduced unsprung weight further adding to both models chassis performance and the optional 18 inch Carrera wheels also look superb on the car. Both cars featured a new exhaust system with improved sound & new tail pipes. Other features were improved aerodynamics, new look front & rear aprons, larger flush/painted side intakes & a re-styled rear spoiler. New clear style lenses, front & rear, further freshened & modernized the looks. The facelift model also benefited from an upgraded interior with the addition of a glove box, cup holders & upgraded interior touches, the CDR23-CD radio was also now standard. There was also an improvement in refinement thanks to improvement’s in roof insulation, plus a new range of colours & options.
2004MY- 550 special edition S... features the following extra spec as standard
Special exterior & interior colour options. Uprated engine to 266 bhp, 18 inch “painted” Carrera wheels, 10mm lowered suspension, short shift kit, PSM, litronic lights, full leather interior, special 550 touches including chromed logo’s, OBC, heated seats, silver rear & center consul’s & roll over bars, wheel spacers, sound pack & more!
Nov 2004 - 2005MY- NEW MODEL 987 series BOXSTER launched

OPTIONS
Standard stereo crap, so look for DSP, sound pack, Bose. (multi Cd an extra!)
Standard plastic dash horrible in any colour but black, full leather very nice, avoid light colours that mark!
18 inch wheels a must for looks (less adjustable)
Windstop (an extra!)
otherwise its just "stuff" heated seats , cruise, PSM, extra cabin touches etc etc.

Edited by porkernut on Sunday 16th July 09:51

[scruffy101]

porkernut said:

I know this also covers the 2.7 as well as 3.2 "S", but hope it is of use............

BOXSTER EVOLUTION
Porsche are renowned for evolving their car’s, just look at the 911’s 40 years of evolution, & the Boxster is following the same route. All the variants from 1996 through to the latest new model launched in autumn 2004 use the same basic design, so lets take a look at the evolution of the range. (note-MY refers to Porsche model years which generally run Sept-July).
1996-(UK-1997MY)- launch of the all new 2.5 litre 204bhp Boxster 986
1999-(UK-2000MY) uprated 2.7 litre model unveiled with 220bhp & E-gear electronic throttle, the interior quality was also upgraded & POSIPS side impact protection became standard.
The new “S” is unveiled, at last a Boxster with attitude! The new 3.2 litre S countered one of the few area’s that the press had criticized, the performance! Now the Boxster had enough straight line speed to keep most performance car’s honest & the package was further fine tuned making the new model one of (if not THE) best value cars in Porsches range. Here is a summary of the extras the new model features over the standard car……
The new S featured an increased capacity to 3179cc’s giving 252bhp .
A new six speed close ration gearbox.
. Fine tuned suspension settings including an additional lateral tie rod at the rear. Improved induction roar.
17 inch wheels as standard.
More powerful/uprated ventilated & cross-drilled braking system (as per the 911)
Extra roof insulation.
Air-conditioning.
An uprated alarm system.
Three spoke sports steering wheel
Lower center consul with “S” decal.
Silver dials, with alloy bezels, alloy door handle grips, BoxsterS kick plates,
New three part front grill for additional cooling.
Titanium surround on the windscreen & painted side vents, twin exhaust pipes & rear S logo.
2001MY- further “tweaks” included electronic release of front & rear boots, this was also now possible via the remote control, a surprisingly practical upgrade.
2002- (UK-2003MY) MINOR FACELIFT
The major benefit was the introduction of a new heated glass rear screen to replace the horrible plastic item
There was also a minor power increase in power (2.7-228bhp- S-260bhp) & both cars gained the new VarioCam plus system (for improved in gear pick-up) & an uprated motronic engine management system. The “S” also received some chassis improvements, aimed at further improving it’s agility. New wheel design’s reduced unsprung weight further adding to both models chassis performance and the optional 18 inch Carrera wheels also look superb on the car. Both cars featured a new exhaust system with improved sound & new tail pipes. Other features were improved aerodynamics, new look front & rear aprons, larger flush/painted side intakes & a re-styled rear spoiler. New clear style lenses, front & rear, further freshened & modernized the looks. The facelift model also benefited from an upgraded interior with the addition of a glove box, cup holders & upgraded interior touches, the CDR23-CD radio was also now standard. There was also an improvement in refinement thanks to improvement’s in roof insulation, plus a new range of colours & options.
2004MY- 550 special edition S... features the following extra spec as standard
Special exterior & interior colour options. Uprated engine to 266 bhp, 18 inch “painted” Carrera wheels, 10mm lowered suspension, short shift kit, PSM, litronic lights, full leather interior, special 550 touches including chromed logo’s, OBC, heated seats, silver rear & center consul’s & roll over bars, wheel spacers, sound pack & more!
Nov 2004 - 2005MY- NEW MODEL 987 series BOXSTER launched

OPTIONS
Standard stereo crap, so look for DSP, sound pack, Bose. (multi Cd an extra!)
Standard plastic dash horrible in any colour but black, full leather very nice, avoid light colours that mark!
18 inch wheels a must for looks (less adjustable)
Windstop (an extra!)
otherwise its just "stuff" heated seats , cruise, PSM, extra cabin touches etc etc.

Edited by porkernut on Sunday 16th July 09:51

These last items are the best options ,especially the stereo.My car cost £38,000 new and has a tape player!!!Dark colurs are popular but when they chip(which they do a lot) the undercoat is gleaming white so you can see it a mile off.Anyway the main point is get the car you love and do not worry too much about resale ,they are a great car and if you like it someone else will when you sell it.Enjoy it especially on gorgeous days like today,i am off to the beach to burn my nose.

[spada01]

Hi,

Many thanks for the replies guys and extra thanks to porkernut for the excellent run down on model years and changes!

It's not a dream car but I am very, very tight with money and it's taken a long time to get myself to commit 20 odd k to a car! Dark blue is my preference and hopefully teh more subtle colour will attract less vandalism.

Have any of you tall folks had experience of teh seat heights or know when teh height changed? I've had a few cars in teh past where the headroom seems okay on a long test drive, but in day to day driving has been too little. 6ft 5 and sports cars isn't the ideal combo!

Thanks,
Graham

[grant3]

spada01 said:

Hi,

Many thanks for the replies guys and extra thanks to porkernut for the excellent run down on model years and changes!

It's not a dream car but I am very, very tight with money and it's taken a long time to get myself to commit 20 odd k to a car! Dark blue is my preference and hopefully teh more subtle colour will attract less vandalism.

Have any of you tall folks had experience of teh seat heights or know when teh height changed? I've had a few cars in teh past where the headroom seems okay on a long test drive, but in day to day driving has been too little. 6ft 5 and sports cars isn't the ideal combo!

Thanks,
Graham

I'm 6ft 2 & headroom is fine, but you will have problems with the wheel fouling on your knees as it only adjusts for reach with no rake! Also the taller you are the more your head sticks into the airsteam, be prepared for extra "ruffling"!!!

[Rum Runner]

My mate had a early boxster S and it was good, bought a new one and sold it after 7000 mile / 11 months had nothing but problems and got stung £10,000 the hassle of it all when he sold it . Not my idea of fun or good budgeting but each to there own.
Save a few more quid and get a 911 club sport and watch it go up instead of down in value if the car is a major investment to .
Lets put it another way go drive a Honda S2000 minter for say £18,000, and a mint late TVR Chimaera for £14,000- £15,000 ( yes they are reliable , oh and my minter cost less than my mate lost on his boxster,and you can service it yourself ), or Nissan 350z then drive the boxster .You will think why am i paying all that extra . Only if you are interested in flashing the keys at your local wine bar .
Shop around and drive some different stuff would be my advise or old school porker.

Edited by Rum Runner on Monday 17th July 20:24

Edited by Rum Runner on Monday 17th July 20:38

[porkernut]

Sorry Rum runner, you have been on too much of the dark nectar!
The Boxster is a fabulous drivers car & without doubt the best all rounder for the money, 100% fact, it certainly isn't just about key kudos!
Having said that the 350Z cab,TVR & S 2000 are all good cars, you pay your money & take your choice, so if you prefer those good on you enjoy!

[RobM77]

Don't go anywhere near either of the independant Porsche specialists that I visited, unless you are carrying a stink bomb

[scruffy101]

Rum Runner said:

My mate had a early boxster S and it was good, bought a new one and sold it after 7000 mile / 11 months had nothing but problems and got stung £10,000 the hassle of it all when he sold it . Not my idea of fun or good budgeting but each to there own.
Save a few more quid and get a 911 club sport and watch it go up instead of down in value if the car is a major investment to .
Lets put it another way go drive a Honda S2000 minter for say £18,000, and a mint late TVR Chimaera for £14,000- £15,000 ( yes they are reliable , oh and my minter cost less than my mate lost on his boxster,and you can service it yourself ), or Nissan 350z then drive the boxster .You will think why am i paying all that extra . Only if you are interested in flashing the keys at your local wine bar .
Shop around and drive some different stuff would be my advise or old school porker.

Edited by Rum Runner on Monday 17th July 20:24

Edited by Rum Runner on Monday 17th July 20:38

You could go this route, I did .I bought a 911 carrera ,it was very old fashioned and hard work as an everyday car,the s 2000 is great as long as you floor it everywhere and the 350z will be doing wheel spins outside your local takeaway within two years.The boxster is class and will be a class act for many years to come.

[RobM77]

I've driven the S2000, 350Z and Boxster S and would like to comment on the above. The S2000 was a very good car, and beautifully built, but lacked the sharpness, fluidity of handling and feedback that the Boxster has - in short, I felt that the Boxster was more of a driver's car than the S2000. The Boxster engine also feels much stronger and I prefer the way the larger 6 cyclinder engine works compared with the smaller 4 cylinder unit in the S2000. The 350Z went like the Boxster in a straight line, but sadly had over heavy dead steering with little feel and a ridiculous drive by wire jumpy throttle with a totally unnatural action. The interior of the 350Z was also very Toys 'r' Us. The Boxster is, in my opinion, the driver's choice out of the three and worth the extra money. As many of you know, my own personal preference is for an Elise, as the controls aren't assisted and it is much lighter and more efficient, but of course the Elise appeals to a very different market. I've driven a fair few cars in this price bracket and know the original poster quite well - the Boxtser is definately the car for him.

[scruffy101]

RobM77 said:

I've driven the S2000, 350Z and Boxster S and would like to comment on the above. The S2000 was a very good car, and beautifully built, but lacked the sharpness, fluidity of handling and feedback that the Boxster has - in short, I felt that the Boxster was more of a driver's car than the S2000. The Boxster engine also feels much stronger and I prefer the way the larger 6 cyclinder engine works compared with the smaller 4 cylinder unit in the S2000. The 350Z went like the Boxster in a straight line, but sadly had over heavy dead steering with little feel and a ridiculous drive by wire jumpy throttle with a totally unnatural action. The interior of the 350Z was also very Toys 'r' Us. The Boxster is, in my opinion, the driver's choice out of the three and worth the extra money. As many of you know, my own personal preference is for an Elise, as the controls aren't assisted and it is much lighter and more efficient, but of course the Elise appeals to a very different market. I've driven a fair few cars in this price bracket and know the original poster quite well - the Boxtser is definately the car for him.

This is very well written and sums up what i was crudely writing about.I was offered an elise as a part ex on my carrera,i was tempted but bottled it and got the boxster s

[phild]

For 20 to 25k you might want to consider a 2003 or later higher mileage car.

For example I was recently offered 18.5k for my 2003 Boxster S with 50k at an OPC and I'm guessing 22.5k is pretty much what I would expect to get for it privately.

For that you get a car which although has higher mileage will probably have had its pads and discs done as well as maybe clutch as well as the expensive 48k service (£850 not including oil).

If it has a full history and Porsche warranty there is little extra risk and wether it has 30k or 50k it will proably need the front respraying and a couple of wheels refurbing to get it to a standard that you will be happy with.

Whatever you choose I am sure you will be very happy. I am....

[nervous]

spada01 said:

It's not a dream car but I am very, very tight with money and it's taken a long time to get myself to commit 20 odd k to a car! Dark blue is my preference and hopefully teh more subtle colour will attract less vandalism.


Graham

man, you worry way too much.

i humbly suggest that the porker is not the car for you. if you want something depreciation proof, dont buy a car.

if youre going to buy a porsche, please buy it to enjoy it. if its only going to stress you out, then itll be the least wise 20k anyone has ever spent. and i know my way around wasting money.

[RobM77]

nervous said:

spada01 said:

It's not a dream car but I am very, very tight with money and it's taken a long time to get myself to commit 20 odd k to a car! Dark blue is my preference and hopefully teh more subtle colour will attract less vandalism.


Graham

man, you worry way too much.

i humbly suggest that the porker is not the car for you. if you want something depreciation proof, dont buy a car.

if youre going to buy a porsche, please buy it to enjoy it. if its only going to stress you out, then itll be the least wise 20k anyone has ever spent. and i know my way around wasting money.

The way I approach these things financially is to work out how much I'll lose on the car over 3 years, the servicing, the petrol, insurance etc and then calculate a 'per month' figure. That was there aren't any nasty surprises and financially, but crucially also psychologically I am ready for the ownership experience. Always works for me and I don't get upset when I sell it on or pick the car up from a service.

For example: Caterham R300 with 3,000 miles on the clock: value now £21,000, value in three years time: £21,000. Insurance for a year with Caterham approved insurance: £233 (includes four track days). Servicing: £300 a year. Parts: one wheel bearing (that's all I went through in three years). Repairs: none - built better and more reliable than any of the above cars. Total monthly cost: £45 (cheaper than joining a gym). This is of course just an example, I'm not trying to tempt you into buying the best (and fortuitously the cheapest to run) car in the world!

[X15 JEB]

Its simple really... Buying any high-end sports car is financially not the wisest move so you'll just have to live with that.

However, stop worrying about resale values etc. Porsche is a very prestigious make and if you've found a car you like, chances are somebody else will like it when you come to sell. Buy what is right for you and screw what others think.

The cars are for driving so: Buy it. Drive it. Love it.