£30-40k, two seats, convertible, for trackdays and touring
Discussion
C70R said:
Crudeoink said:
C70R said:
Ok, let's say for argument's sake that I was to consider a Boxster.
Which one should I look at? Which is the most reliable? Where's the value-for-money sweet spot? Or is it just a case of buying the newest one I can?
I'd be looking at 987 Spyders and 981 GTS. Which one should I look at? Which is the most reliable? Where's the value-for-money sweet spot? Or is it just a case of buying the newest one I can?
Edited by C70R on Thursday 14th September 08:34
For your budget, you’ll get a nice S, with the options important to you. Reliable, quick, supple, glorious noise etc.
This is, unfortunately, how I thought this conversation would end up.
I probably need to go and drive one of these Boxsters to see what the fuss is about, but I just don't find myself lusting after them in the same way that I do an Alfa or Alpine. That plays such a big part of the drive to change for me, that I'd find it tough to sink so much money into something that's 'very competent'.
I probably need to go and drive one of these Boxsters to see what the fuss is about, but I just don't find myself lusting after them in the same way that I do an Alfa or Alpine. That plays such a big part of the drive to change for me, that I'd find it tough to sink so much money into something that's 'very competent'.
It's interesting that if you compromise on a coupe it opens up 3 great options - 4C, Alpine and Evora. I don't care for convertibles but I defo want a manual box, which I'm always sad about that it rules out the 4C and Alpine. I'm also not a big fan of turbos but I'd compromise on that if these two cars had manual options.
Not sure the 4C will be roomier than an Elise? Might need to check if you haven't already.
Not sure the 4C will be roomier than an Elise? Might need to check if you haven't already.
C70R said:
This is, unfortunately, how I thought this conversation would end up.
I probably need to go and drive one of these Boxsters to see what the fuss is about, but I just don't find myself lusting after them in the same way that I do an Alfa or Alpine. That plays such a big part of the drive to change for me, that I'd find it tough to sink so much money into something that's 'very competent'.
Yeh you do. I probably need to go and drive one of these Boxsters to see what the fuss is about, but I just don't find myself lusting after them in the same way that I do an Alfa or Alpine. That plays such a big part of the drive to change for me, that I'd find it tough to sink so much money into something that's 'very competent'.
I understand the Alpine - it’s lightweight philosophy and all that, but it isn’t a convertible as you said. It’s not for me for a handful of reasons, but it does what it does well.
The 4C on the other hand, doesn’t do anything as well as either the 981 or the Alpine. Personal opinion, but I found it a hefty led down.
I am biased as a 981 Cayman owner, but a 981 with the right options takes some beating. Yes, it’s ultra competent, but that’s a good thing. Chassis, engine, noise, handling, comfort, practicality… it excels in all of these areas.
I have an S, but there is a compelling argument for a base model, because you can wring it out more.
FYI they’re very sensitive to wheel geometry. A good setup by someone knowledgeable should be one of the first things you do with it.
It made a huge difference when I got mine done. It was good before, but..
I had a Boxster 987 S as my daily driver and it really is the right answer. Probably better on track and for touring than the Z4.
However, a purchase with that budget needs to satisfy head and heart. If you dream of the Alfa just wait a few months as sports car prices are on the downturn.
However, a purchase with that budget needs to satisfy head and heart. If you dream of the Alfa just wait a few months as sports car prices are on the downturn.
jamesbilluk said:
I would see what 4C prices do as well,
I used to have a 987 Boxster RS60, a competent car, but it never felt as much as event like the 4C spider did, that looked and felt like a mini super car, and having the carbon on display.
You've encapsulated my feelings perfectly.I used to have a 987 Boxster RS60, a competent car, but it never felt as much as event like the 4C spider did, that looked and felt like a mini super car, and having the carbon on display.
C70R said:
SFTWend said:
I had a Boxster 987 S as my daily driver and it really is the right answer. Probably better on track and for touring than the Z4.
Surely at 5-6x the cost it absolutely must be!But yes give the Boxster a run out, I tried a Cayman 981 and found it a bit meh, but then I was in a VX220T as my fun car at the time which unfortunately the safe comfy 981 isnt going to get close to. I am sure its a great daily option though (as most Porsches are). I guess your reluctance is a bit like mine around Boxsters, is that they are everywhere. I love having something different and quirky that isn't engineered to within an inch of its life.
coldel said:
C70R said:
SFTWend said:
I had a Boxster 987 S as my daily driver and it really is the right answer. Probably better on track and for touring than the Z4.
Surely at 5-6x the cost it absolutely must be!But yes give the Boxster a run out, I tried a Cayman 981 and found it a bit meh, but then I was in a VX220T as my fun car at the time which unfortunately the safe comfy 981 isnt going to get close to. I am sure its a great daily option though (as most Porsches are). I guess your reluctance is a bit like mine around Boxsters, is that they are everywhere. I love having something different and quirky that isn't engineered to within an inch of its life.
I do always like seeing them out on the roads though, and I do remember properly lusting after the Cayman when it first came out as well. Everyone does seem to say that if you want fun from a car then generally front engine/rwd is the way to go, because as a general rule mid or rear engine/rwd doesn't offer the same kind of thrills in comparison.
I guess that something like the Cayman/Boxster come into their own on a track in fairness, whereas on the road they probably don't reward/thrill you enough perhaps? I've never driven the Cayman/Boxster though, so I'm just going from what I've read over the years about them that's all.
My old boss she had a 911 and I remember we had a little tear through the countryside after a work event when I had my NA VX220.
She commented how easy it was to drive one even though she isnt by any means a great driver, they are the supercar that your normal folk can jump into a drive fast, because they are so engineered and controlled - whereas my VX was talking all the time giving me brain overload lol she was probably adjusting the radio channel and having a little sing song as she drove along!
She commented how easy it was to drive one even though she isnt by any means a great driver, they are the supercar that your normal folk can jump into a drive fast, because they are so engineered and controlled - whereas my VX was talking all the time giving me brain overload lol she was probably adjusting the radio channel and having a little sing song as she drove along!
coldel said:
C70R said:
SFTWend said:
I had a Boxster 987 S as my daily driver and it really is the right answer. Probably better on track and for touring than the Z4.
Surely at 5-6x the cost it absolutely must be!But yes give the Boxster a run out, I tried a Cayman 981 and found it a bit meh, but then I was in a VX220T as my fun car at the time which unfortunately the safe comfy 981 isnt going to get close to. I am sure its a great daily option though (as most Porsches are). I guess your reluctance is a bit like mine around Boxsters, is that they are everywhere. I love having something different and quirky that isn't engineered to within an inch of its life.
Boxster meets the brief very well, but it wont have the character of something Italian.
4C would be great fun, providing the suspension mods have been done, but I don't see it being either a robust track tool or very practical for touring.
I'm not sure there is anything that doesn't require some compromise and maybe keeping the Z4 until it dies makes most sense. Especially in the short term with the way the market is likely to go for sports cars in this budget.
coldel said:
My old boss she had a 911 and I remember we had a little tear through the countryside after a work event when I had my NA VX220.
She commented how easy it was to drive one even though she isnt by any means a great driver, they are the supercar that your normal folk can jump into a drive fast, because they are so engineered and controlled - whereas my VX was talking all the time giving me brain overload lol she was probably adjusting the radio channel and having a little sing song as she drove along!
She commented how easy it was to drive one even though she isnt by any means a great driver, they are the supercar that your normal folk can jump into a drive fast, because they are so engineered and controlled - whereas my VX was talking all the time giving me brain overload lol she was probably adjusting the radio channel and having a little sing song as she drove along!
Looks better, sounds better, faster, more practical, more comfortable, more reliable..
Depends what you want, I suppose.
Royal Jelly said:
coldel said:
My old boss she had a 911 and I remember we had a little tear through the countryside after a work event when I had my NA VX220.
She commented how easy it was to drive one even though she isnt by any means a great driver, they are the supercar that your normal folk can jump into a drive fast, because they are so engineered and controlled - whereas my VX was talking all the time giving me brain overload lol she was probably adjusting the radio channel and having a little sing song as she drove along!
She commented how easy it was to drive one even though she isnt by any means a great driver, they are the supercar that your normal folk can jump into a drive fast, because they are so engineered and controlled - whereas my VX was talking all the time giving me brain overload lol she was probably adjusting the radio channel and having a little sing song as she drove along!
Looks better, sounds better, faster, more practical, more comfortable, more reliable..
Depends what you want, I suppose.
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