Wedding fund Porsche Boxster S - sshhh, she won't find out!

[Joe5y]

Hi all

Having been an avid reader of this forum over the years I've finally got myself a car that, in my mind at least, deserves to be written about.

My driving career to date has consisted of some truly terrible cars and we won't go in to that but equally I have owned some fabulously fun cars but never found them special enough to write about – Not going to bore you with them all but here are some picks:

Classic Mini


Fiat Uno Turbo MK1


Fiat Coupe 20v Turbo


Peugeot 306 GTi-6


Mazda Mx5 MK2 RS Edition


Anyway, this isn’t a ‘Car history’ thread. It’s about my recent purchase . . .

The Porsche Boxster S.

Like many, I have had my reservations about these cars but mainly from the stigma attached to them – “poor mans Porsche”. “Hair dressers car”. Etc etc). This was until I drove one at Thruxton on a driving day and I simply couldn’t believe how focused, energetic and wonderful it felt to drive. There began the hunt for my perfect Porsche on what turns out to be a wedding fund. In short - getting married in a year, setting the scene by buying a Tiffany ring resulting in the Fiance talking and booking a £20k-£30k day with a new house and babies to follow shortly. My time to buy was now so I released some £££'s from the wedding fund and Pistonheads, ebay and Autotrader took a battering.

I saw around 10 cars and found many (within my criteria and budget) to be ropey, unloved and uncared for. That was until I found this one. With FPSH, low miles, new tires, clutch, rear window and battery it had truly been loved – I’ll let the pictures do the talking.








Anyhow, all comments (and advice) welcome

Joe

[northandy]

I loved mine, and as soon as I have a garage will get another.

Check in the front radiator vents that they are clear of leaves and crap at the bottom (it rots the rads in there)

[lindrup119]

Cracking lurking, and a lovely collection of cars you've had as well.

[thatguy11]

Looks like a nice clean well looked after one! Nice find

[Usget]

What were the common issues with the ones which were ropey/unloved? I know very little about these but me and the girlfriend have just decided that we want one. We've found the same as you, that there seem to be some diamonds out there but they are swamped by very average and/or tatty ones.

[Joe5y]

northandy said:

Check in the front radiator vents that they are clear of leaves and crap at the bottom (it rots the rads in there)

Thank you. Although completely unaware that this was a problem it was one of the first things I did when I got it home and gave her a good clean. Not that she needed it, I just had a "I want to touch my new toy" moment.

[Joe5y]

Usget said:

What were the common issues with the ones which were ropey/unloved? I know very little about these but me and the girlfriend have just decided that we want one. We've found the same as you, that there seem to be some diamonds out there but they are swamped by very average and/or tatty ones.

Until last month I too knew little about these and set myself a goal of learning all I could before I saw my first car.

When viewing, its the age old story - you can tell a lot about a car from some of the basics.

Service history - has it been through Porsche or a well known Porsche garage? If not, why?


Tires - Do they match? I learnt that they're are some definite no no's on tire choice and you can find out a lot about the knowledge of its current owner by asking what tires he'd recommend (Michelin Pilot Sport are the ones to go for).


Roof - Not the best of designs by Porsche here but in short if the rear window hasn't been changed check for leaks. When it folds down, sometimes you have to get out to make sure that the plastic doesn't crease. (hasn't happened in my case but certainly worth checking).


Brakes - Just general up keep. Make sure they are in good condition.

Interior - They are well wearing sturdy things but general signs of neglect can show easily.


The main thing however that I came across is the overall appearance of the car, a car it seems doesn't like to wear its miles lightly. Dents, cracks and corroded wheels. I know its of no or little help me saying this but you can get a good feeling about a car from first glance. Mine is a used car with the odd thing here and there but overall I truly believe for its age and mileage it is in one of the best conditions around.

Someone that know's more than you about a Porsche Boxster S and is a genuine enthusiast will mean he has done the research and would have got himself a fabulous car in the first place - well that what I think anyhow.

Joe

[Dalto123]

It's a lovely example you've got yourself there, I'm particularly envious of the sport seats you've got - I think they look excellent. My Dad and I are on the look out for clear rear lamps like yours - really cleans up the back I think.

If ever you have the temptation to let it be a bit more 'vocal' I highly recommend you get the Hayward and Scott bypass done - This is the noise it's meant to make (and far cheaper than any other exhaust mod (Cost us less than £300 IIRC)

[Joe5y]

Dalto123 said:

It's a lovely example you've got yourself there, I'm particularly envious of the sport seats you've got - I think they look excellent. My Dad and I are on the look out for clear rear lamps like yours - really cleans up the back I think.

If ever you have the temptation to let it be a bit more 'vocal' I highly recommend you get the Hayward and Scott bypass done - This is the noise it's meant to make (and far cheaper than any other exhaust mod (Cost us less than £300 IIRC)

Thank you. Embarrassingly I had no idea that they were the sports seats. That said, they are mightily comfortable and supportive.

One thing that has surprised me is the sound of this thing, its infectious. Something I never thought I'd say about a Porsche. I'm yet to get under her and take a look but I've found a receipt from Porsche and fitted from new a "Performance exhaust pack" - no idea what this means but I'm going to get it on the ramp this weekend to replace all front bushes ready for a little trip to Paris in 2 weeks and I'll be poking, prodding and looking at the exhaust in detail.

[Dalto123]

Joe5y said:

Thank you. Embarrassingly I had no idea that they were the sports seats. That said, they are mightily comfortable and supportive.

One thing that has surprised me is the sound of this thing, its infectious. Something I never thought I'd say about a Porsche. I'm yet to get under her and take a look but I've found a receipt from Porsche and fitted from new a "Performance exhaust pack" - no idea what this means but I'm going to get it on the ramp this weekend to replace all front bushes ready for a little trip to Paris in 2 weeks and I'll be poking, prodding and looking at the exhaust in detail.

The noise is quite infectious. You get quite a lot (but not too much) in the cabin as it's mid engined. Funnily though, I was stood watching Dad thrash it down the pit straight at Donnington (circa 100mph in 3rd gear) and it didn't really make a noise at all - Although that was with a standard box.