Fun summer car. Boxster S, S2000, 350Z or Z4M Coupe?
Discussion
I've been trying to decide what to replace my daily with for ages (2001 Grand Cherokee). I want to stick with 4WD but it doesn't have to be an SUV. However, I haven't really found anything that I prefer in budget. My Jeep is a Limited spec as well, so has all the bells and whistles which I like and there's nothing really wrong with it, so maybe I'll just keep it for now.
I do miss having a fast, good handling car though, so was thinking of finding one of the above for the summer. Which of the above would you recommend? They are all quick, RWD, 2 seaters but very different in character I think. A manual gearbox is essential but an open roof not so essential (in fact if I bought a 350Z, I've always preferred the look of the coupe). If I went for the Boxster, I would be looking at the first-gen (986?), as I prefer the styling! Which would be the most fun and which would be the nicest car to live with?
I do miss having a fast, good handling car though, so was thinking of finding one of the above for the summer. Which of the above would you recommend? They are all quick, RWD, 2 seaters but very different in character I think. A manual gearbox is essential but an open roof not so essential (in fact if I bought a 350Z, I've always preferred the look of the coupe). If I went for the Boxster, I would be looking at the first-gen (986?), as I prefer the styling! Which would be the most fun and which would be the nicest car to live with?
I'm on my 2nd 986 Boxster now which is a 2nd/3rd car. I haven't spent much time driving the other cars on your list but can recommend the Boxster. Mine gets used all year round but obviously much more in the summer. The last one acquitted itself well over 3000 miles across Alps and Dolomites and another similar trip is being planned for next year.
My 2p would be to say the 350Z probably falls too close to the GT side of a two seater to be a fun summer car. It's not as light and lithe as the Boxster and has a plump torque curve useful for making effortless 7/10ths progress, but push on and it's weight begins to be felt quite quickly. However, if I had any of the four in the garage, I'd be pretty happy, and there's definitely a lot to be said for sliding over a sill, into a two seater and heading out expressly for a drive.
Boxster S
All are great cars and you'll love them all, but the Boxster is generally regarded by most people to be better to drive than any of the others. Just buy carefully, as items like the RMS need to be considered. Also beware of unfriendly Porsche indies - I've yet to visit one that isn't full of tossers geared up to sell to tossers. They clearly couldn't quite work me out, walking in with a well spoken friendly manner and normal clothes wanting a £15-£20k Boxster S; at both dealerships I visited I was ignored and then saw designer clothed yobbos with greasy hair get served like they were lords. I bought an everyday comfort spec Lotus Elise in the end - which incidentally is the other car you should consider - what it lacks in comfort compared to the others it gains in being good to drive.
All are great cars and you'll love them all, but the Boxster is generally regarded by most people to be better to drive than any of the others. Just buy carefully, as items like the RMS need to be considered. Also beware of unfriendly Porsche indies - I've yet to visit one that isn't full of tossers geared up to sell to tossers. They clearly couldn't quite work me out, walking in with a well spoken friendly manner and normal clothes wanting a £15-£20k Boxster S; at both dealerships I visited I was ignored and then saw designer clothed yobbos with greasy hair get served like they were lords. I bought an everyday comfort spec Lotus Elise in the end - which incidentally is the other car you should consider - what it lacks in comfort compared to the others it gains in being good to drive.
edc said:
I'm on my 2nd 986 Boxster now which is a 2nd/3rd car. I haven't spent much time driving the other cars on your list but can recommend the Boxster. Mine gets used all year round but obviously much more in the summer. The last one acquitted itself well over 3000 miles across Alps and Dolomites and another similar trip is being planned for next year.
That sounds pretty awesome. I won't get to make that trip in mine because I live in Canada. Could go out to the Rockies though! Any engine problems with either of yours? How many miles had they both done?I have the 350Z convertible, I agree with the fact it isnt as good looking as the coupe, certainly with the roof up but I dont think anyone will confuse it with anything else, I like the looks.
I looked at Boxsters but the engine problems and relative age and mileage put me off, plus I find the looks a bit uninspiring, had just come from a 944 so wants all that fussed. Difficult finding a good one as well, too many autos and ones with weird interior colours.
S2000 I love but a bit too hardcore, wanted six cylinders and some low down torque.
Z4M is epic but was out of my budget, plus wanted a convertible, non M versions of the Z4 didnt really grab me, very nice but they are everywhere.
Google this "350z s2000 boxster m3 suzuka" and see a 350Z vs the others
350Z seems to match a Boxster S on track, doesnt handle quite the same but has a bit more power to even it up perhaps, Cab is a coupel of seconds down due to being heavier.
http://fastestlaps.com/tracks/vairano_handling_cou...
I looked at Boxsters but the engine problems and relative age and mileage put me off, plus I find the looks a bit uninspiring, had just come from a 944 so wants all that fussed. Difficult finding a good one as well, too many autos and ones with weird interior colours.
S2000 I love but a bit too hardcore, wanted six cylinders and some low down torque.
Z4M is epic but was out of my budget, plus wanted a convertible, non M versions of the Z4 didnt really grab me, very nice but they are everywhere.
Google this "350z s2000 boxster m3 suzuka" and see a 350Z vs the others
350Z seems to match a Boxster S on track, doesnt handle quite the same but has a bit more power to even it up perhaps, Cab is a coupel of seconds down due to being heavier.
http://fastestlaps.com/tracks/vairano_handling_cou...
Edited by J4CKO on Thursday 28th November 17:26
The Boxster is a great all rounder, nice to drive, smooth but very dated inside.
Go for the 265BHP version of the S which were the latest ones with glass rear screen and clear lights.
Z4M will be way faster in a straight line. I had a Z4 3.0 which was nice, but ride too hard.
S2000 Ive had too, basic, very sensitive to geometry and tyres. roofs rip behind the window, early cars plastic screens, stereo useless, and roof noisy but easy fixed with spacers on clips above the screen. Best looking though IMO
Go for the 265BHP version of the S which were the latest ones with glass rear screen and clear lights.
Z4M will be way faster in a straight line. I had a Z4 3.0 which was nice, but ride too hard.
S2000 Ive had too, basic, very sensitive to geometry and tyres. roofs rip behind the window, early cars plastic screens, stereo useless, and roof noisy but easy fixed with spacers on clips above the screen. Best looking though IMO
white_goodman said:
That sounds pretty awesome. I won't get to make that trip in mine because I live in Canada. Could go out to the Rockies though! Any engine problems with either of yours? How many miles had they both done?
I prefer the 986 over the 987, unless it is a later Sport Edition 987. I also prefer the 986 interior. First one had 58k on it when bought and finished up last month at 75k ish. There's some notes in my profile or if you PM me I can send you a link to a long thread/blog on it. The 550 is a 2004 and has come to me with 105k on the clock. Nothing done to it yet. he first one was lightly modified. I had no engine problems with the first one. It ran as sweet as can be. A geometry tweek and factory M030 sports suspension added and it is a great steer.They're all worthy cars in their own ways. Get some decent long test drives and see which you prefer. My experiences of them are as follows:
The 350Z is in no way a sports car; it feels like a GT or possibly a Muscle car.
The S2000 has perhaps the best four-pot engine ever put in a production road car, but the chassis can't live up to it. It's not bad but it's not as good to throw down a B-road as, for example, an MX5.
The Z4M is hugely characterful and has one of the best engines ever. Unfortunately, again the chassis just can't live up to the engine's promise - it's rides too firmly to ever really settle on typical British roads and never feels very precise to drive. Great fun to hurl around when you're in the mood, though.
The Boxster is the most common of these cars for a good reason - it most things well and nothing badly. However, it's not what you'd call an "exciting" car to drive in the same way that the BMW is; it just feels a bit too... aloof unless you're driving far closer to the limit than is safe on the public road and it's hugely engaging even if you are.
I'd probably go for a 986 Boxster S if it was the choice between those cars, but if it's a weekend toy I'd be looking for something a bit more driver-focussed than any of them if it was me.
The 350Z is in no way a sports car; it feels like a GT or possibly a Muscle car.
The S2000 has perhaps the best four-pot engine ever put in a production road car, but the chassis can't live up to it. It's not bad but it's not as good to throw down a B-road as, for example, an MX5.
The Z4M is hugely characterful and has one of the best engines ever. Unfortunately, again the chassis just can't live up to the engine's promise - it's rides too firmly to ever really settle on typical British roads and never feels very precise to drive. Great fun to hurl around when you're in the mood, though.
The Boxster is the most common of these cars for a good reason - it most things well and nothing badly. However, it's not what you'd call an "exciting" car to drive in the same way that the BMW is; it just feels a bit too... aloof unless you're driving far closer to the limit than is safe on the public road and it's hugely engaging even if you are.
I'd probably go for a 986 Boxster S if it was the choice between those cars, but if it's a weekend toy I'd be looking for something a bit more driver-focussed than any of them if it was me.
Iv driven all of them and for me it's Z4M hands down (hence I went and purchased one).
350z - slower, feels a lot heavier and generally are lot "lazier" than the Z4M, Boxster S and S2000. Generally tough cars, interior looks a bit dated and clutches tend to last 50/60k miles (it's not uncommon for them to go and it's about £600 parts and Labour). The boot isn't that practical due to the brace across the rear opening. Probably an unfair comparison due to price although petrol and running costs aren't far off an M from experience (a friend owned a 350z).
S2000 - the engine likes to be driven hard but it feels a bit sluggish when driven in a normal manner. Interior is fairly basic but in the right colour it looks presentable and they sound lovely with an induction kit.
Boxster S - I test drove one and whilst the interior was nice I was 50/50 about the external looks and prefer the Cayman. Whilst it feel compliant, nimble and quick I wouldn't say it was fast although I reckon it would pip the two above. Definitely would be my choice over the above but if I didn't get the M I would have opted for the S2000 due to price I reckon.
Z4M - marmite looks (which I like especially the rear). Coupe is arguable better looking but the sound with the roof down and an aftermarket exhaust (I have a H&S) made me opt for the roadster. Interior is a nice place especially with all the options and whilst it's not as compliant as the Boxster it's perfectly reasonable on the motorway (the seats are aupportive) although it can be crashy over bumps (I don't mind this). Sat-Nav is a bit dated, cup holders break, rear springs snap and rear brake lights crack fairly easily too. It's noticeably faster than any of the above especially when turning the traction off and whilst it does feel a bit ham fisted when pushing on I like the fact that it's a bit unpredictable. Tax is a bit of a pain at £500 and lots of the ones I come across when looking had seemingly been traded in as they were due a combination of tyres/servicing/brakes which is easily the best part of £2k if it all needs doing. Tyres last approx 20k miles a set, brake discs 40k+ and servicing is every 10-12k miles depending on how you drive it.
Test drive all of them.... the M is probably the most expensive to buy and run (Boxster S would be close) and I think it shows as I ended up looking at an 996 C4S, RS4 and E92 M3 but opted for the M still (mainly as it's far cheaper) but also as the performance, etc is closer to these if not practically the same.
350z - slower, feels a lot heavier and generally are lot "lazier" than the Z4M, Boxster S and S2000. Generally tough cars, interior looks a bit dated and clutches tend to last 50/60k miles (it's not uncommon for them to go and it's about £600 parts and Labour). The boot isn't that practical due to the brace across the rear opening. Probably an unfair comparison due to price although petrol and running costs aren't far off an M from experience (a friend owned a 350z).
S2000 - the engine likes to be driven hard but it feels a bit sluggish when driven in a normal manner. Interior is fairly basic but in the right colour it looks presentable and they sound lovely with an induction kit.
Boxster S - I test drove one and whilst the interior was nice I was 50/50 about the external looks and prefer the Cayman. Whilst it feel compliant, nimble and quick I wouldn't say it was fast although I reckon it would pip the two above. Definitely would be my choice over the above but if I didn't get the M I would have opted for the S2000 due to price I reckon.
Z4M - marmite looks (which I like especially the rear). Coupe is arguable better looking but the sound with the roof down and an aftermarket exhaust (I have a H&S) made me opt for the roadster. Interior is a nice place especially with all the options and whilst it's not as compliant as the Boxster it's perfectly reasonable on the motorway (the seats are aupportive) although it can be crashy over bumps (I don't mind this). Sat-Nav is a bit dated, cup holders break, rear springs snap and rear brake lights crack fairly easily too. It's noticeably faster than any of the above especially when turning the traction off and whilst it does feel a bit ham fisted when pushing on I like the fact that it's a bit unpredictable. Tax is a bit of a pain at £500 and lots of the ones I come across when looking had seemingly been traded in as they were due a combination of tyres/servicing/brakes which is easily the best part of £2k if it all needs doing. Tyres last approx 20k miles a set, brake discs 40k+ and servicing is every 10-12k miles depending on how you drive it.
Test drive all of them.... the M is probably the most expensive to buy and run (Boxster S would be close) and I think it shows as I ended up looking at an 996 C4S, RS4 and E92 M3 but opted for the M still (mainly as it's far cheaper) but also as the performance, etc is closer to these if not practically the same.
The Z4M Coupe seems a strange choice compared to the others, for various reasons the cheapest example is about £10,000 more expensive than the cheapest of your other selections. A 3.0i would be a better comparison.
Of the other choices I'd have the S2000 by far. It might not quite have the dynamics of the Boxster but it's so much better looking and should be significanly cheaper to run. I used to love the 350Z but it's a big, thirsty and starting to age badly in my opinion.
Of the other choices I'd have the S2000 by far. It might not quite have the dynamics of the Boxster but it's so much better looking and should be significanly cheaper to run. I used to love the 350Z but it's a big, thirsty and starting to age badly in my opinion.
kambites said:
Out of interest, why isn't the 370Z on the list, rather than the 350? It's a vastly superior car, IMO, and probably no more expensive than the BMW.
As per my post above it looks like the BMW is out of place in that list rather than the 350z. OP states he has a budget but doesn't say what, theres about £30,000 variation in the models he's suggested depending on model/age etc. No mention of runnings costs either, the Bosxter and 350Z in particular can really damage your wallet if you're not careful!I'm sure the 370Z is better but I always thought the 350 was a nicer looking car and if I can get a car that I prefer the looks of for less money, then why pay more? With regards to the Z4M being a more expensive car, I'm a bit more flexible on budget on this one. I would rather spend more and get the car that I really want and keep it for a long time rather than go for the cheaper option and regret it a couple of years down the time. When I was considering replacing the DD, I felt the price differential to get something newer that I liked of comparable spec was too great but then that would be a head over heart purchase. This would be a heart over head purchase!
Just had a look on Autotrader. I'm not in England but the price differential between a 2006 S2000 and a 2006 Z4M Coupe is not that huge. 350 and Boxster a little bit cheaper but not big enough to influence my decision. Will probably have to travel some considerable distance to track down some nice examples, which is why I'm trying to narrow down my choice first!
Similar position a couple of months ago and test drove nearly all that you are considering with the exception of the Z4M - that was out of budget but 3.0 was test driven
Purely down to personal preference but I preferred the Boxster S over the others and subsequently bought one
350Z was ok but didn't do anything that the others couldn't do better
S2000s felt very baggy at my price point of £7k
The Z4 just left me cold as I dslike the interior and exterior styling - I drove one hoping it would win me over but it didn't
The Boxster just ticked all the boxes for me and is probably the first car I have decided to leave standard as I'm struggling to see how it could be improved
Purely down to personal preference but I preferred the Boxster S over the others and subsequently bought one
350Z was ok but didn't do anything that the others couldn't do better
S2000s felt very baggy at my price point of £7k
The Z4 just left me cold as I dslike the interior and exterior styling - I drove one hoping it would win me over but it didn't
The Boxster just ticked all the boxes for me and is probably the first car I have decided to leave standard as I'm struggling to see how it could be improved
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