964 vs. Boxster running cost?

[axels]

Looking for your collective wisdom here:

I'm currently running a MY03 Boxster and very happy with it - accumulated on the order of 70k miles in 4 years of motoring all over Europe.

I'm now thinking about swapping this for a 964 targa (rwd) on the points of:

- classic shape of the 964
- always liked the huge wraparound rear window
- 2 extra (emergency)seats
- will be an almost 1:1 swap pricewise (give or take a few...)

While I understand that 10 years between models will mean the Boxster is more refined, what would I be looking at as far as running cost is concerned?

Also looking for a verdict on how livable a 964 targa is as a daily driver?

Thanks for your feedback

Axel

[lemon yella rs]

biggest difference will be in servicing costs, other running costs probably similar, tyres fuel etc. The 964 requires quite a bit more work at service time especially 12k intervals which require valve clearance checks on the 64 which incur higher costs due to labour rather than parts alone. Get in touch with a good independant for quotes.

[robh964]

Axel

6k service round about £150
12k service r/o £300
24k service r/o £500 (but haven't paid for one of these yet!!)

All from my independant not OPC.

Get between 24-28 mpg when tottling around, this drops somewhat when the right foot becomes heavy.

Rob

[DiscoColin]

My parents used to have a 964 Targa (89 on a G plate) and I had driven it a fair bit before they offloaded it. As a daily driver it wouldn't be my choice. Handling is sublime on smooth roads, a little harsh on poor surfaces (in perspective I honestly find my 996GT3 to be better for ride quality, and that is a fair bit firmer than your Boxter). The offset footwell is a nightmare and makes the car very cramped (small people with small shoes will have less of an issue than I though). While great fun on the open road (feel through the steering is astonishing) I would hate to get caught in traffic in one.

Running costs - some people have them for years without any sign of a major bill. Ours needed to be rewired (think it was about 2 grand) amoungst a number of other hefty items (even distributer caps were surprisingly pricey). Then it developed a worstening oil leak and the man from JZM say : engine rebuild time, would cost lots. They sold it on cheap to a dealer as it was starting to feel like a money pit and mum broke her foot (very nasty tripple fracture - metalwork required and she likely wouldn't be able to drive it again for years if at all). They are both in their 60s and just weren't enjoying the car like they used to either.

Bottom line - provided that you get a good one and can live with the tiring nature of driving one in heavy traffic and get on okay with the driving position : fantastic car. However, as a daily driver there is huge scope for you to end up wishing you had a tidy Boxter with a reassuring waranty.

[DiscoColin]

...Oh - the rear seats are only for children and really small people. My sister in law is about 5'2" and just about fit. Other than that they are just some very handy and usable extra luggage space.

[911addict]

A 911 targa (ie.pre 964) is a better buy, and should be cheaper to maintain, but it is purer - if you like a bit of raw. I had one for 4 years as a daily driver- brilliant!

[axels]

Thanks for your feedback re cost & usability - looks like some more thought needs to be put into this and I need to sit in one to get a better feel re the driving position.

911addict said:

A 911 targa (ie.pre 964) is a better buy, and should be cheaper to maintain, but it is purer - if you like a bit of raw. I had one for 4 years as a daily driver- brilliant!

Good point actually - they are appr. 5k cheaper and have more of a classic appeal. The raw part though will need extra convincing power with the Mrs since even if it's my primary vehicle she will obviously be driving as well on the odd occasion.