348 vs Boxster

Author
Discussion

Raks

Original Poster:

1,868 posts

256 months

Sunday 16th March 2003
quotequote all
Hey there guys,

Pretty soon now will be getting myself a wonderful 20k odd job after spending close to 25k on my degree!

First 'proper' motor i want to get is a nice sportscar, as i miss the handling and ability of the scoob.

Wondering about getting an early 97/98 Boxster. Handling, ability and tuning possibilites.
Then, whilst browsing through Autotrader, I found that some 348's can be had for just over 20k

What would you choose/suggest and why? Oh, would also be used as a DAILY DRIVER, so what would you do??

Just to add, the clown face is there as I just realised how much of a muppet I am for spending that much on my degree

castex

4,935 posts

272 months

Tuesday 18th March 2003
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The ferrari will cost a lot more to run, but is quicker, much better-looking in my opinion, much rarer, and is clearly not a girl's car.
BTW, having read intersection last night, the boxster is right up there in the list of gayest cars - as voted by some camp frenchies recently. This may or may not affect your decision!

bebbesen

2,913 posts

280 months

Tuesday 18th March 2003
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Raks,

there's no comparison. Budget wise the Porker makes sense I guess as you may end up spending a bit on a used 348 in due course. But performance, looks and everything else in the universe you care to mention do NOT compare with a 348. Go for it if you can - you won't regret. That first drive back home after collecting it will settle your mind....

You still coming on Saturday night? Looks like I may have a seat for you.

Brian

Raks

Original Poster:

1,868 posts

256 months

Tuesday 18th March 2003
quotequote all
Hey guys,

Yeah, I've been reading the thread that the Porsche dudes have been posting too as I thought I would be fair and place the thread in both places.

As I would have expected, there has been one overall theme;

Porsche lot: Think with your head
Ferrari lot: Think with your heart

I do however fall into the latter bracket much easier... so to this point, it looks like the 348..

anyone else care to elaborate?

ps. Bebs, posted to the run thread, so whats going on anyways?

clubsport

7,257 posts

257 months

Tuesday 18th March 2003
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Do it then,,,if you don't you will never be happy with the car you are driving...

craigw

12,248 posts

281 months

Tuesday 18th March 2003
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drive as many as you can Raks, I looked at over 20 when I bought mine & they were all very different. Get as late as you can afford. Pay a specialist to look over any private purchases. Macari have one at the moment email me if u r interested, I may be able to help. I wouldnt worry about mileage or non main dealer servicing either.(provided a specialist has looked after it)

trackdemon

12,149 posts

260 months

Tuesday 18th March 2003
quotequote all

Hey there guys,

Pretty soon now will be getting myself a wonderful 20k odd job


One obvious question springs to mind though: how will you buy, insure and maintain a 348 on 20k odd a year?
Dont mean to be a wet blanket, but it doesn't sound enough to run a Ferrari...

456mgt

2,504 posts

265 months

Tuesday 18th March 2003
quotequote all

trackdemon said:

Hey there guys,

Pretty soon now will be getting myself a wonderful 20k odd job


One obvious question springs to mind though: how will you buy, insure and maintain a 348 on 20k odd a year?
Dont mean to be a wet blanket, but it doesn't sound enough to run a Ferrari...

[bankmanagermode] I agree. Thought the same thing when I stopped being a student and got my first job- it sounds like a lot of money but it soon goes. If you're dead set on it, I'd see how you get on living on your new salary before you add the Ferrari into the mix. If you find you have a good disposable income at the end of every month then fine, otherwise.... [/bankmanagermode]

craigw

12,248 posts

281 months

Tuesday 18th March 2003
quotequote all
you'd be gutted if it was sat there on the drive paying for insurance etc if something goes wrong & you cant afford to fix it.

dougt

120 posts

264 months

Tuesday 18th March 2003
quotequote all
I have to agree regarding the costs, unfortunately I think you will find it a serious strain to run a 348.

You could save a fair bit of cash by going for a lhd 328. The 308 / 328 series have transverse engines which don't have to come out to do the belts, so the service bills aren't quite so bad (about 2/3rds I think). Downside is more age related problems, and rust (sad but true). It'll still cost 2 or 3 times as much as a boxter to run though.

Whatever you do decide on, good luck !

JH280774

21 posts

254 months

Tuesday 18th March 2003
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Raks,

Really go for the 348! I have an early 348tb with Tubi test pipes, Tubi Exhaust (from Manu of course!), K&N air filters and spacers which update the car to GTB/GTS specs!
I really love the car. After all it´s perhaps something else as daily driver: This means lot´s of service all 10000km which means lot´s of money to pay....
Nevertheless I owned a 911 Carrera coupe (993). This car was also very nice and much more trouble free than the 348. Still I sold the 911 after some time. If you drive a Ferrari you just don´t need a Porsche anymore.
Well with the Boxster it is even an easier choice: Take the Ferrari!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!





Con saluti cordialissimi,
Jens Haller

Raks

Original Poster:

1,868 posts

256 months

Thursday 20th March 2003
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Money isn't too much of the issue... as I said earlier, will be living with my parents as this is what I intend to do for the rest of my life, but it will be my house (thats all sorted).
sorry if you don't understand the living with the parents thing, its more about my religion then anything else.

Also, the 20k is not the only income. I'm also in the process of setting up an import company as something to run in the background. This will be a joint venture between me and a friend of mine. Importing sports, luxury and exotica from the continent. This adds a few more hundred at the start and hopefully more in the future

Oh, don't fancy the MX5 as I had one for a weekend on loan from a friend. He had the newer shape, so the most up to date one. Just didn't quite like the feel of the car. Like the back end slip though!!

ps. In case you didn't figure it, I'm very picky!

mrsd

1,502 posts

252 months

Thursday 20th March 2003
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I'm impressed with your initiative but [mummode]wouldn't it be better to start with something a bit easier than a Ferrari [/mummode]

[businesswomanmode]What if you're struggling with the business and the car's off the road when you've got a meeting with the bank manager? You'll find your overdraft facility evaporates pdq.(the response to this might be 'I don't need one'-you will) Your business will probably be fine, but it might not, and as for running it in the background often the fastest way of throwing your main income away[/businesswomanmode]

V. negative I know, but you can't always have everything all at once and good things come to those who wait. And work bloody hard.

[enthusiastmode]Ignore me, listen to them. But don't come back crying if you bite off more than you can chew[/enthusiastmode]

Hates_

778 posts

252 months

Thursday 20th March 2003
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Raks said:Also, the 20k is not the only income. I'm also in the process of setting up an import company as something to run in the background. This will be a joint venture between me and a friend of mine. Importing sports, luxury and exotica from the continent. This adds a few more hundred at the start and hopefully more in the future
Just remember tax issues on money you make. On 20K you'll already be taking a hit on tax, and then your company you'll have to take the hit of employers/employee NI. Plus costs of running your business, accountant fees. Even crappy things like paying 100 quid just to submit a 5 page form to Companies House

I think most people would be stretched running anything like a Boxster on less then 30K a year. I'm un-sure on your purchase method for the car. If you were paying cash out right then I say go for it. If you were thinking of finance, I'd advise you to think twice

I do commend you on your drive and ambitions.

I mean even just the 3K hit of insurance a year is a lot. I'm unsure of the take home amount from 20K, but I imagine it's approx £1110. After insurance that only leaves you with approx £900 to live on. Which leaves enough for a great car, but no the life style to go with it



>> Edited by Hates_ on Thursday 20th March 16:13

Raks

Original Poster:

1,868 posts

256 months

Thursday 20th March 2003
quotequote all
you forget, the import co is a secondary income. i'm still to continue a normal job during the day.

Oh, how life is to be fun, but then, how can we afford the things we want. With sweat and perseverance.

Hates_

778 posts

252 months

Thursday 20th March 2003
quotequote all

Raks said: you forget, the import co is a secondary income. i'm still to continue a normal job during the day.


Get the Ferrari then.

Raks

Original Poster:

1,868 posts

256 months

Thursday 20th March 2003
quotequote all
Insurance isnt too much of a problem either.
Have a friend who ALWAYS gets me a good deal, and often helps with friends and relatives of mine.
He saved an ex of mine, close to £600 for her first policy!

Just had a thought actually, are there advantages to be had by running a new Boxster through the company accounts, or just purchasing a used one for private use?
Oh yeh, the Ferrari is only on the situation of running a shoddy £1k car alongisde to bare the normal grunt of wear and tear usage.

Hates_

778 posts

252 months

Thursday 20th March 2003
quotequote all

Raks said: Insurance isnt too much of a problem either.
Have a friend who ALWAYS gets me a good deal

Just had a thought actually, are there advantages to be had by running a new Boxster through the company accounts, or just purchasing a used one for private use?
If your accountant is good he might be able to write it off (or part of it) as a deductable expense. Saving you a far chunk of cash on taxes!

Any chance of a good deal for me on my insurance?

(Note: I am not an expert on company taxes, thats what I pay my accountant for!)



>> Edited by Hates_ on Thursday 20th March 17:27

Raks

Original Poster:

1,868 posts

256 months

Thursday 20th March 2003
quotequote all
Ahh, H, do you have your own comp then? How difficult was it to setup the firm? As in, legailities wise with all the necessary paperwork.

With regards to insurance, drop me an email with your details, as in DOB, NCB, car, area, and how much u currently pay, and I'll call my mate and see what he can organise.

This is of course welcome to all, as the more I do for him, the more he does for me!!

frostie

428 posts

274 months

Thursday 20th March 2003
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Raks,

Don't wish to dampen your undoubted desire & ambition but running a Ferrari is seriously expensive. At a minimum you should budget 3k a year and that does not include insurance or fuel.

My 355 over the two's years of ownership including petrol & insurance doing around 5k miles per annum cost me about 11k ie 5.5k/year. On 20k even with your second income it sounds suicidal to me.

And of course these figures assume you have the money to buy the car in the first place ie no finance.

I personally think even a Boxter would be out of the question.

As has already been stated your best approach is to buy something sensible for the first year or so and see how things pan out before making such a financial commitment. I did the same when I first got to a position where performance cars were a possibility ( contracting). Drove a VW Polo 1.3 for a year before purchasing my first TVR.

Frostie