Thinking of entering the world of Porsche
Discussion
Hi There
I'm after some advice. Currently I have a 4.0l Marcos Mantara which I use for weekends and holidays, and for commuting I have a 16V Corrado. I have recently entered the train of thought to sell both of these and have one car that will give me the best of both worlds, although it won't be as lary as the Marcos, it needs to be special and I think a Boxster is it. I spent a long time wondering about 964s but came to the conclusion that I should have something newer and perhaps not so scary maintenance costs for a car that I will be using everyday to get me to work and back, in all weathers - as well as a serious sports car with a decent heritage.
I am thinking about a bog standard 2.5 or maybe even better a 2.7 (might have to be LHD to be affordable). I don't think I can run to an 'S', although that would be nice.
My questions are, would a Boxster satisfy a) being anything like as much fun to drive as a Marcos b) reliable and useable everyday and c) what are they like to run and maintain.
I appreciate that it is a Porsche, so I don't expect many things are cheap.
How much could I get a decent 2.5 for? How much for a 2.7? Is LHD a good idea (doesn't bother me really, especially if it knocks 5 grand off the sale price.
Thanks in advance
Ben
I'm after some advice. Currently I have a 4.0l Marcos Mantara which I use for weekends and holidays, and for commuting I have a 16V Corrado. I have recently entered the train of thought to sell both of these and have one car that will give me the best of both worlds, although it won't be as lary as the Marcos, it needs to be special and I think a Boxster is it. I spent a long time wondering about 964s but came to the conclusion that I should have something newer and perhaps not so scary maintenance costs for a car that I will be using everyday to get me to work and back, in all weathers - as well as a serious sports car with a decent heritage.
I am thinking about a bog standard 2.5 or maybe even better a 2.7 (might have to be LHD to be affordable). I don't think I can run to an 'S', although that would be nice.
My questions are, would a Boxster satisfy a) being anything like as much fun to drive as a Marcos b) reliable and useable everyday and c) what are they like to run and maintain.
I appreciate that it is a Porsche, so I don't expect many things are cheap.
How much could I get a decent 2.5 for? How much for a 2.7? Is LHD a good idea (doesn't bother me really, especially if it knocks 5 grand off the sale price.
Thanks in advance
Ben
Hi Ben,
Lots of previous debate on this in the forums so worth doing a search for a full range of opinions. I have a 2.7 as my only car and provided you're not carrying more than one passenger it's an ideal everyday sports car. There are good 2.7s going in the low £20k bracket and it's worth looking at these over a 2.5. Look at several examples as spec and condition vary tremendously. History is important too. I'd prefer RHD for practicality/resale purposes but it's up to you.
Gavin
Lots of previous debate on this in the forums so worth doing a search for a full range of opinions. I have a 2.7 as my only car and provided you're not carrying more than one passenger it's an ideal everyday sports car. There are good 2.7s going in the low £20k bracket and it's worth looking at these over a 2.5. Look at several examples as spec and condition vary tremendously. History is important too. I'd prefer RHD for practicality/resale purposes but it's up to you.
Gavin
Reliable, 100%. Everyday car? I use mine for company work. They are really well made and have a feel of quality.
I've never been in a Marcos, but I would imagine they lack the "rawness" but they make up for it in being sublime handlers.
I would go for a 2.5 RHD over a 2.7LHD personally as overtaking on the crowded roads is tricky enough already
Three of my mates have had them too and the only trouble is one worn track rod end.
Recommended.
I've never been in a Marcos, but I would imagine they lack the "rawness" but they make up for it in being sublime handlers.
I would go for a 2.5 RHD over a 2.7LHD personally as overtaking on the crowded roads is tricky enough already
Three of my mates have had them too and the only trouble is one worn track rod end.
Recommended.
Thanks for the responses. So, is there much difference/advantage in going for a newer 2.7 over a 2.5? Performance wise there doesn't seem much difference? What sort of money am I looking at on a per annum basis in servicing costs?
The Marcos is indeed a raw car, very much fun, but then that's why it's my second car!
The Marcos is indeed a raw car, very much fun, but then that's why it's my second car!
I've had my 2.5 for about 18 months now, not had a single thing wrong with it! Although it does need a new clutch - these tend to last between 40-60k, mines done 42k - going to cost £5-600 
Maintenance wise If you go to specialist its not going to break the bank! The Big service coming in at around £300-£350 where you would be paying £6-700 at a Porsche centre!
Other things to look for are Oil Leaks, this could be the Rear Main Seal (RMS) This seems to be a common fault with a few Boxsters and can cost around £600+ to fix (Porsche do some on Good Will as long as they have FPSH) But in the long run FPSH is going to cost you more! And the good will is not always offered!
Alot more info/Buying advice can be found on Boxa.net and Porsche-1.net.
I personally would go for a 2.5 RHD over a 2.7 LHD, there is not a great deal of difference in power and you (as someone mentioned above) will have a more clearer vision to over take in a RHD (this will make up for the less power!) Also LHD don't seem to sell on as well as RHD.
A good late low mileage 2.5 can be got for around £19k!
Also it may be worth having the car inspected, do this through a Porsche Center or Specialist not through the RAC/AA.
Maintenance wise If you go to specialist its not going to break the bank! The Big service coming in at around £300-£350 where you would be paying £6-700 at a Porsche centre!
Other things to look for are Oil Leaks, this could be the Rear Main Seal (RMS) This seems to be a common fault with a few Boxsters and can cost around £600+ to fix (Porsche do some on Good Will as long as they have FPSH) But in the long run FPSH is going to cost you more! And the good will is not always offered!
Alot more info/Buying advice can be found on Boxa.net and Porsche-1.net.
I personally would go for a 2.5 RHD over a 2.7 LHD, there is not a great deal of difference in power and you (as someone mentioned above) will have a more clearer vision to over take in a RHD (this will make up for the less power!) Also LHD don't seem to sell on as well as RHD.
A good late low mileage 2.5 can be got for around £19k!
Also it may be worth having the car inspected, do this through a Porsche Center or Specialist not through the RAC/AA.
I dont own a porsche but late next year or so i do wish to start looking for one. From what ive read your better going for the 2.5, it seems that its cheaper to run and own. For the price of a 2.7 (here in Oz anyway) you could pick up a latter 2.5 saving on wear, esp if its going to be your everyday car
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