Should I...advice please

[VinnieP]

Help. I am seriously toying with the idea of buying a new Boxster S. Up to now, I was thinking about a second hand Ferrari but recently have become a bit more sensible (sad, old) So, the reason for the change is reliability, ease of use/ownership, all the boring stuff.

My question is; Are they really THAT reliable, reading between lines and hearing stories like "Porsche keep reliability problems quiet" just makes me wonder.

What do you think?

[BliarOut]

My Boxster 2.5 is five years old. Only problem I have had is is the roof switch when I first got it second hand. It resolved itself before I got it to the dealer and I put it down to lack of use. Other than that, faultless!

[spiraldep]

My 3-year old 2.7 has not posed any problems other than the RMS (several threads on this topic elsewhere in these forums) which Porsche will fix if you push them. If you're concerned about reliability buy from an OPC who will supply a 1-year warranty. Good luck!

[gavstrad]

I've had a Boxster S for 4 years now and completed 45000miles in it. Apart from regular servicing and tyres, I have had very little extra costs involved.

To give you an idea:
Minor service around £375 and major no more than £500
New disks and pads all round 10000 miles ago - £800

It has just been the best car I have ever owned! It starts on the first turn of the key and then I smile every time I drive it!

Just asking, but what Ferrari were you thinking about? What about a nice 996???

[VinnieP]

Thankyou for the replies so far....all seem reassuring...please keep 'em coming.

The Ferarri I was thinking about was a very late 328, then, I know, totaly different, a 456, then I started getting really carried away! But too many bad things regarding costs etc. have brought me back down to earth.

Yes, I have thought about a 996 or 993, may still be an option but, I just fancy something new for a change with, hopefully, no hassles.....do like the 993/996 cabriolets though but a Boxster does seem the correct choice.

Again. more opinions/advice please.

[gavstrad]

You won't regret it...

I’d be very interested to hear your verdict on the car when you get it... I assume you would be getting the new model which is out at the end of November?

[Don]

My last two Boxsters both suffered reliability problems. My second one went on the back of a low loader FOUR times back my OPC.

All fixed under warranty - no complaints - other than they didn't cotton on to the fact that a faulty exhaust was knackering lambda sensors until AFTER it had gone wrong several times over.

However - the cars have NEVER let me down such that I couldn't get home. And my current BoxS (now that the teething problems are sorted) is ultra-reliable.

So good, in fact, I've decided to keep it rather than replace it. Read into that what you will - but I'm also taking out an extended warranty...

Get the BoxS. Really. Be realistic about reliability and it won't piss you off.

If you get an older Ferrari, although utterly wonderful, you are taking you financial well-being into both hands...

By repute the new ones are pretty good...but still need expensive love and attention all too often...

[VinnieP]

I'll wait till I see one in the flesh but, I'm 90% sure I will be going for one and yes, it will be an 'S'. Just tried the Porsche configurator thing but it still has the old one, shame, they have a link for the new but...(I fancy either silver, black or dark blue with that sort of dark brown leather)

Yes, Ferarris are getting better but, at that price they bloody well should be! I still wouldn't care but the cost of anything would just be too much. I want to enjoy the car not work just to keep it going...shame really. Being of Italian decent, it's always been THE CAR but now that I could have one, be it second hand, I've got cold feet....getting sensible again....I've turned into an old git! Never mind.

[Jolley]

Check out details of the new one here:

www.porsche.com/wheresportbegins/pcgb.asp

[sghosley]

I bought a new Boxster S last October and it is the best car I've ever owned. As another member said, "It just puts a smile on your face everytime you drive it."
Totally reliable go for it!

[soir]

I bought a 2.5 about 2/half months ago - I bought from a sole trader. Had full RAC inspection and took out gold cover with warranty direct.

Since had to pay for:
geometry re-alignment (£220)
New Tyres £450.00)
RMS!!! £800.00
rear pads/disks
lambda sensors

Total cost thus far approx £2200.00
RAC & Warranty Direct - both won't pay anythign towards!?!

If I did it again - I'd get an indepenedent porsche specialist to check the car - may even pay for a service on it. and get porsche warranty.

Still love the car though!