Buying advice - unusual situation!
Discussion
Hi All,
Well i find myself in a slightly unusual situation. On June 18th it's the 40th birthday a friends most senior employee, and he's decided to buy him a boxster! Basically, said chap has yearned for one forever and mate doesnt reckon he'll ever actually get round to it....so this is kinda a major thankyou for all hid hard work etc. Anyway, he wants me to find and buy it as he thinks I have better contacts in this area.
Thing is, I'm not really a Porsche person....have driven a fair few and think they're supremely able but just don't ring my bell. As a result I have only reasonably sketchy knowledge on models etc.
I want a dark metallic blue one, and i think between 20 and 25k is a reaonable budget. What I'd much appreciate from you chaps is which model you'd chose given those broad criteria. He aint a P/Header really, and ultime ability is not as important, say, as good kit and reaonable mileage! Considring he's coming from a shopping stylee car any boxster is gonna feel pretty damn special! Things like "if you can, get a post 01 model cos they uprated the whojumaflip" would obviously be highly useful
all thoughts and suggestions appreciated. I live close to HR Owen in Hertfordshire and can get some decent discounts if that's the simplest way to go (which it may well be for a newbie)
cheers chaps,
Night
Well i find myself in a slightly unusual situation. On June 18th it's the 40th birthday a friends most senior employee, and he's decided to buy him a boxster! Basically, said chap has yearned for one forever and mate doesnt reckon he'll ever actually get round to it....so this is kinda a major thankyou for all hid hard work etc. Anyway, he wants me to find and buy it as he thinks I have better contacts in this area.
Thing is, I'm not really a Porsche person....have driven a fair few and think they're supremely able but just don't ring my bell. As a result I have only reasonably sketchy knowledge on models etc.
I want a dark metallic blue one, and i think between 20 and 25k is a reaonable budget. What I'd much appreciate from you chaps is which model you'd chose given those broad criteria. He aint a P/Header really, and ultime ability is not as important, say, as good kit and reaonable mileage! Considring he's coming from a shopping stylee car any boxster is gonna feel pretty damn special! Things like "if you can, get a post 01 model cos they uprated the whojumaflip" would obviously be highly useful
all thoughts and suggestions appreciated. I live close to HR Owen in Hertfordshire and can get some decent discounts if that's the simplest way to go (which it may well be for a newbie)
cheers chaps,
Night
forget the boxster get a 911 (996) instead
youll get one for the same money and if somone really wants the second best, and gets the real thing, well they will be over the moon im sure.
i noticed this on my searches, pretty special 911 C4 for less than 30 k and very high spec too.
www.pistonheads.co.uk/sales/75076.htm
you owe it to your friend to buy them the real deal rather than the boxster.
youll get one for the same money and if somone really wants the second best, and gets the real thing, well they will be over the moon im sure.
i noticed this on my searches, pretty special 911 C4 for less than 30 k and very high spec too.
www.pistonheads.co.uk/sales/75076.htm
you owe it to your friend to buy them the real deal rather than the boxster.
I disagree.
A nice Facelift 03 2.7 could be had for this money and there's plenty of choice around.
Very reliable.
Choice of goodie accessories.
Plenty fast enough.
Good economy.
Reasonable to insure.
No need to learn about 911 mischief in the handling department.
And arguably a better balanced and more exploitable car in less experienced hands. (Or is that saying the same thing twice ?)
A nice Facelift 03 2.7 could be had for this money and there's plenty of choice around.
Very reliable.
Choice of goodie accessories.
Plenty fast enough.
Good economy.
Reasonable to insure.
No need to learn about 911 mischief in the handling department.
And arguably a better balanced and more exploitable car in less experienced hands. (Or is that saying the same thing twice ?)
You are buying a car that will not be new, in fact in car terms it could potentially be approaching middle age. With that in mind make sure you buy a good example of what ever you choose and to enable that be a little more flexible than saying I want a dark blue one. The wider you cast your net the better the car you will find, and by better I also include value for money.
Don`t worry too much about the narrow minded views of people trying to sell you a 911 or some ultra knife edge handling car, you`ve already said the dude drives a shopping car, isn`t and never will be the next Nigel Mansell but just likes the thought of owning a convertible Porsche Boxster.
Your budget allows you a 2002 onwards face-lift Boxster which will have a heated glass rear screen and the 2.7 would probably be perfectly adequate (rather than the 3.2). By the sound of things both your budget and client mean a face lift 2.7 would be better than a pre-facelift 3.2. If you were spending £20k and wanting ultimate performance then things would be different but you are not.
In terms of options leather seats and air conditioning would ideally be on the list, other than that try not to form a shopping list of exact features remember you aren`t ordering a new car, be led by what`s out there at sensible money. There are a number of specialists who sell them, ourselves included, (click on my profile).
Hope that helps and good luck.
Henry
Don`t worry too much about the narrow minded views of people trying to sell you a 911 or some ultra knife edge handling car, you`ve already said the dude drives a shopping car, isn`t and never will be the next Nigel Mansell but just likes the thought of owning a convertible Porsche Boxster.
Your budget allows you a 2002 onwards face-lift Boxster which will have a heated glass rear screen and the 2.7 would probably be perfectly adequate (rather than the 3.2). By the sound of things both your budget and client mean a face lift 2.7 would be better than a pre-facelift 3.2. If you were spending £20k and wanting ultimate performance then things would be different but you are not.
In terms of options leather seats and air conditioning would ideally be on the list, other than that try not to form a shopping list of exact features remember you aren`t ordering a new car, be led by what`s out there at sensible money. There are a number of specialists who sell them, ourselves included, (click on my profile).
Hope that helps and good luck.
Henry
what Henry said, and also pop along to www.boxa.net for more informed advice.
I would opt for a facelifted 2.7 car. A local specialist near me (Surrey) has 2, one with 22k miles, one with a few more, both for £24,995, so your budget of up to £25k is fine. They also have a facelifted S for the same money, with 50k miles on it though, so if mileage isn't that important then the S obviously has a few more toys, larger engine, bigger brakes etc over a 2.7. The downside is higher insurance, running costs (tyres brakes, fuel etc)
I would imagine these examples are representitive accross the country, and there are plenty of used examples about.
Good luck !
R.
I would imagine these examples are representitive accross the country, and there are plenty of used examples about.
Good luck !
R.
nervous said:
i agree with gary. no-one wants to spend all that money on being second best. why have less than you can afford?
c'mon you guys, the stated budget is 20-25k, and the prospective owner has no prior porsche experience. it would be risky to get a 996 without an opc warranty and that will be well beyond the budget. in fact 20-25k is stretching it for any decent 996. whereas it will comfortably get a very good, late model, warrantied boxster.
I'd get him a manual Boxster S (even if it is a little older than the facelift 2.7) with an OPC pre warranty purchase inspection + the porsche warranty.
Also take a look at the PH Boxster classifieds to get an idea of prices. Just be mindful that most prvate sellers will be asking at least an extra few £k than the trade will be buying them in at.
www.pistonheads.com/sales/list.asp?p=1&s=126
DAZ
>> Edited by dazren on Thursday 4th May 22:41
Also take a look at the PH Boxster classifieds to get an idea of prices. Just be mindful that most prvate sellers will be asking at least an extra few £k than the trade will be buying them in at.
www.pistonheads.com/sales/list.asp?p=1&s=126
DAZ
>> Edited by dazren on Thursday 4th May 22:41
For his 1st Porsche, they guy would be over the moon with a 2.7 Boxter. I've driven one and it's a decent enough car, especially if he drives a normal car at the moment.
My mate has had 12 911's on the trot. He changes every 12 to 18 months. He currently has a 996TT. His brother drives a 3.2 Boxter but previously had a 2.7. The guy with the 911 said as an all-round car, he found the 2.7 better than the 3.2 or any of the 911's. He wasn't talking status, performance, price, handling, etc, just purely as an everyday decent car.
I have a 911 and it's by far the best car I have ever driven (although 355 comes a close 2nd
But if I could have a 2nd cabriolet, I would defo have a Boxter, albeit a 3.2, but that's just because I am used to driving quick cars.
You really can't go wrong with a 2.7 facelift. Very under rated car. IMHO.
And remember this car is being given to him as a thank you - i'm sure he'd be grateful!
My mate has had 12 911's on the trot. He changes every 12 to 18 months. He currently has a 996TT. His brother drives a 3.2 Boxter but previously had a 2.7. The guy with the 911 said as an all-round car, he found the 2.7 better than the 3.2 or any of the 911's. He wasn't talking status, performance, price, handling, etc, just purely as an everyday decent car.
I have a 911 and it's by far the best car I have ever driven (although 355 comes a close 2nd
But if I could have a 2nd cabriolet, I would defo have a Boxter, albeit a 3.2, but that's just because I am used to driving quick cars. You really can't go wrong with a 2.7 facelift. Very under rated car. IMHO.
And remember this car is being given to him as a thank you - i'm sure he'd be grateful!
I have to agree with several posters try and go for the following and keep it simple :
As a minimum
Nice 2.7
Rear Glass Screen
17 inch alloys
Leather interior
Air con / Climate
Official porsche centre 111 point check and 12 months porsche warranty ( A must )
And could i suggest the following dealers to try (no interest in any of them just good reputations) :
911 Virgin
Northway
Cridfords
The worry of getting into an older 996, 993 ( or a boxter without a warranty) could take the edge of your first porsche experience if he got into engine, rms , expensive running costs (which could cost more than his shopping car to put right)........ issues with interesting visits towards hedges
The other thing if you have been asked to help supply you want to supply something that will look after its self should anything go wrong and not cause any agro to you either
If he just wants to get into a soft top porsche keep it nice and simple and add a warranty
As a minimum
Nice 2.7
Rear Glass Screen
17 inch alloys
Leather interior
Air con / Climate
Official porsche centre 111 point check and 12 months porsche warranty ( A must )
And could i suggest the following dealers to try (no interest in any of them just good reputations) :
911 Virgin
Northway
Cridfords
The worry of getting into an older 996, 993 ( or a boxter without a warranty) could take the edge of your first porsche experience if he got into engine, rms , expensive running costs (which could cost more than his shopping car to put right)........ issues with interesting visits towards hedges
The other thing if you have been asked to help supply you want to supply something that will look after its self should anything go wrong and not cause any agro to you either
If he just wants to get into a soft top porsche keep it nice and simple and add a warranty
dazren said:
I'd get him a manual Boxster S (even if it is a little older than the facelift 2.7) with an OPC pre warranty purchase inspection + the porsche warranty.
...agree with all of this, but check that the lucky employee concerned actually wants a manual car. As he's currently driving a shopping trolley, he may be much happier with a tiptronic gearbox (automatic), especially as he's not really a petrolhead.
In the first instance, I would go down the OPC route. You will buy from them with the least risk and the best Warranty.
Why not call a few local(ish) OPCs, explain your situation, make it clear that you need the best value for money and see what they say. Then come back here for advice, if necessary.
OPCs are sometimes prepared to do good deals if they have too much stock or have too many part/exs coming in.
Why not call a few local(ish) OPCs, explain your situation, make it clear that you need the best value for money and see what they say. Then come back here for advice, if necessary.
OPCs are sometimes prepared to do good deals if they have too much stock or have too many part/exs coming in.
khushy said:
"Basically, said chap has yearned for one forever"
As this is the most important part of the original post - it has to be a Boxter!!!
Khushy
yes but 'yearned for one' what? a Porsche? which he may mean the classic shape of the 911 or does actually mean the Boxer or is it any porsche?
If he is that old then he may have a mental picture of the 911 in his head not a boxter. To be given any porsche would be fantastic and Im sure a Boxter would suit him down to the ground.
I would gently sound him out with some car mags to see which floats his boat and what colours trying not to give the game away.,
Hello All,
And thanks for the very excellent advice - exactly what I was looking for
Apparently he really wants a boxster specifically - not a porsche in general, so 911's out
Especial thanks to Henry and PhilB - perfectly clarified it.
I'm pretty sure I'll be going for a 2002ish model 2.7, with heated glass rear screen.
So - 5 weeks to find a nice blue one....it's so much mroe relaxing buying other people cars!! off to peruse 911virgin.com
cheers
Night
And thanks for the very excellent advice - exactly what I was looking for
Apparently he really wants a boxster specifically - not a porsche in general, so 911's out
Especial thanks to Henry and PhilB - perfectly clarified it.
I'm pretty sure I'll be going for a 2002ish model 2.7, with heated glass rear screen.
So - 5 weeks to find a nice blue one....it's so much mroe relaxing buying other people cars!! off to peruse 911virgin.com
cheers
Night
My advice, for what it's worth, is give the fella the money and let him choose his own.
The reason I say that is the 993 I bought had been given to the vendor as a gift in similar circumstances to the one you outline. He had always gone on about desiring a 911 and then got presented with this 993 as a surprise.
Naturally he was delighted, but confessed to me that he would never have bought one if he had the money. This was demonstrated clearly by the fact that he had managed to do only 7,000 miles in the car during the 5 years he owned it. The only reason he kept it so long was that he felt uncomfortable with the prospect of telling his benefactor that he was selling it.
He loved the car, but it just didn't fit in with his lifestyle/commitments etc.
So, give the fella the money, make it clear it is with his Porsche Boxter dream in mind, but it's for him to decide if he has bigger or different dreams he wants to use it for.
That way the recipient gets a real feelgood factor that his efforts are being rewarded. And if he wants to buy and older, cheaper Boxter and keep the remainder for insurance/service/running costs he can. And if he wants to donate the whole lot to the Third World to feed starving children, then he can do that instead.
The reason I say that is the 993 I bought had been given to the vendor as a gift in similar circumstances to the one you outline. He had always gone on about desiring a 911 and then got presented with this 993 as a surprise.
Naturally he was delighted, but confessed to me that he would never have bought one if he had the money. This was demonstrated clearly by the fact that he had managed to do only 7,000 miles in the car during the 5 years he owned it. The only reason he kept it so long was that he felt uncomfortable with the prospect of telling his benefactor that he was selling it.
He loved the car, but it just didn't fit in with his lifestyle/commitments etc.
So, give the fella the money, make it clear it is with his Porsche Boxter dream in mind, but it's for him to decide if he has bigger or different dreams he wants to use it for.
That way the recipient gets a real feelgood factor that his efforts are being rewarded. And if he wants to buy and older, cheaper Boxter and keep the remainder for insurance/service/running costs he can. And if he wants to donate the whole lot to the Third World to feed starving children, then he can do that instead.
Gassing Station | Porsche General | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff