RE: Porsche Boxster

[cnjohnson_uk]

I have to say that a month a go I was not going to have another Boxster even though I quite fancied upgrading next year to a new Boxster S.

But, as my Boxster has now got nicely run in I am starting to love it to pieces and it's one of the few cars I have ever had that has not had an overambitous manufacturers claimed MPG. The only small niggle I have is a squeak from behind the drivers hear when the hood is raised (any recommendations for a cure would be welcome)

So I have to say that yes I think I will have a nicely specced Boxster S, maybe even a Boxster S coupe when it is finally announced.

[xxplod]

This is most interesting. I have a S2 Elise 111S, and I drove the new 2.7 Boxster on Saturday. Came away impressed overall. CVP - know exactly what you mean re: the steering, but I reached the same conclusion. Short of stepping in to a Caterham you are not going to match the Elise for steering feedback etc....

The only real criticism if you could call it that, was that the 2.7 didn't feel desperately quick. Not slow by any means, but I thought a bit more oomph was needed. Salesman said I should drive the 'S' and I will definately take him up on that.

I've been advised that an order placed today should see a car arrive circa May '05.

Incidentally, I drove the 3.0L Z4 today. Nice car, I liked it's looks, cracking engine and gearbox. But it's ride was abysmal. Very fussy, crashy ride with a real tendency to "tram-line" along uneven roads. You ended up almost fighting it, which with steering that was adequate but not as responsive as the Boxster and nowhere near an Elise meant it wasn't confidence inspiring. I fiddled with the 'Sport' button - I couldn't feel that it made a jot of difference. Hand on heart the Elise is more comfortable to drive. Shame really and quite surprising from a marque such as BMW. I can see why demand for Z4s has dropped which is reflected in the used prices.

[cnjohnson_uk]

xxplod - know what you mean about the Z4 tramlining. The car I drove was fitted with the larger wheels (18 inch I believe) and it was awful.

I also have heard the same story about the S v 2.7 and that there is quite a difference.

[johnny senna]

cnjohnson_uk said:

I have to say that a month a go I was not going to have another Boxster even though I quite fancied upgrading next year to a new Boxster S. But, as my Boxster has now got nicely run in I am starting to love it to pieces and it's one of the few cars I have ever had that has not had an overambitous manufacturers claimed MPG. The only small niggle I have is a squeak from behind the drivers hear when the hood is raised (any recommendations for a cure would be welcome) So I have to say that yes I think I will have a nicely specced Boxster S, maybe even a Boxster S coupe when it is finally announced.

Sometimes this is a case of having to grease the "hood pins" which are hidden in the hood level with your ears I am told. When I had your problem I asked on various Boxster forums what to do about it, and that's what someone advised.

However, it is far more likely that the noise is from the hood seal rubbing against the glass. There is a product by BMW called "rubber care" which comes in a spray which is useful for this. If you clean the glass at the top (normal soap and water) then spray some "rubber care" into the hood on the rubber where the glass slides in, the rattles disappear.

The problem is worse in wet weather I have found. You need to be doing the above every week to keep the car sqeak-free.

Also, make sure it isn't the top of the seat rubbing on the roll-over hoop.

[cnjohnson_uk]

Interestring what u say about wet weather as I am pretty convinced it is worse when raining. In fact the first time it appeared was when we had an awful downpour.

Thanks for the advice

[johnny senna]

cnjohnson_uk said:

Interestring what u say about wet weather as I am pretty convinced it is worse when raining. In fact the first time it appeared was when we had an awful downpour. Thanks for the advice

No worries.

[anniesdad]

Xxplod,

Re: the Z4.

You might find that this is partly due to the low profile run-flat tyres, I believe on standard tyres, the ride is improved, but not to the extent that it's better than a Boxster.

[xxplod]

Anniesdad - I did discuss this with the salesman. The one I drove did have the 18" rims but he didn't seem to think the rim size made a great deal of difference. But either way, you're right it still won't be as good as the Boxster.

[Andy Ha]

I bought a Boxster for my wife and have had a terrible experience with it. Bought it second hand from a main dealer so that I didn't get stuck with an expensive lemon, for this I expected to pay a premium and had no grumble with that. The vehicle has done 38,000 miles I have had it 11 months during that time it has had a new rear wheel bearing two new front track rod ends. three oil leaks (engine out to fix) stalks to onboard computer replaced because it fell off. I have been told that bushes in rear suspension are in need of replacement.I then found out that the vehicle was C36. I went to part ex it for a new one and found it had lost 11,000 in 11 months. I'll just run that by you again a loss of 11,000 on a second hand one in 11months. I feel therefore that there are a few myths to be broken about Porsche. The build quality is a myth,( I have had five Discoveries and the Porsche has been in the garage more than them all put toghether!) the story about residuals is a myth.If you buy one and don't expect it to be build any better than run of the mill vehicles and are prepared to lose a fortune on it then buy one. Would I reccommend one I sure would. I should hate this vehicle with a passion I should loathe its unreliability and horrendous depreciation, but I love it.Of course I'll get another but this time my eyes will be wide open. Just a small aside regarding the handling, it will lose the back end if pushed