2.5 Boxster, would you?

[andy-xr]

They're starting to get into the 4's now for something reasonably well looked after. I daresay there's cheaper, but that's probably not something to really want to aim for.

I used to think nothing less than the 3.2 would do, took once out a good few years ago. The dealer sales guy took me on a trip that used third quite a lot and we went from about 15 mph to something naughty.

Not thinking of it as a daily, just idling musing about possibly wondering about the bid I'm placing on ebay

[billzeebub]

People who slate Boxsters have rarely driven one. Even the 2.5 has a lot to recommend it. There will be some good ones out there around £4k, as well as some abused tat. I don't have much experience of the 2.5, but a mate has had the 2.7 from new in 2002 and it has been like a wood burning stove, albeit a pretty quick one! Likewise a colleague at work. I would personally save another couple of grand for the 2.7, but if that's not practical for your circumstances then a well maintained 2.5 is a good place to be. I always prefer to put my money in at purchase with older cars rather than constantly chasing issues around a 'bargain'..

[Debaser]

Friend of mine had a 2.5 years ago and absolutely loved it. Who cares that it's not the fastest car in the world?

[Stelvio1]

Bargain basement prices for a rather competent car

[Chrisw666]

Yes, I'd prefer a much later car but if a good 2.5 came up at the right price I see no reason why not.

People who slate them focus on power and a Boxster is about more than speed, you can enjoy the handling and the noises without needing a 3.2.

[robsa]

Definitely, I don't imagine for a minute that just because it isn't the 3.2 you're not going to find it a fantastic drive. I would deffo consider one if I was shoping for a £4k sportscar...

[carreauchompeur]

The only thing I've heard about Boxsters is that they can be a little bit too competent around corners, etc, meaning less fun?

I don't know- The only contact I've had is a brief test drive in a 3.2S, which was certainly exciting in the wet... But a bit of a dog of a car, sadly.

On the whole, I think they are a fantastic buy at current prices.

[Chrisw666]

They are competent but that depends how you measure fun, if being smooth is your thing they're great but there are easier cars to slide around in for sure.

[poshboy]

Nt bad little cars, stick to the manual 2.5 as the auto saps the little power on offer. Not a bad noise with the roof down and bargain sports car, still a Porsche for used Focus money!

[crispyshark]

But the 3.2 with the sports exhaust sounds sooooooooo good......take out a loan young man;) you won't regret it especially when you hit your first clear tunnel!

[mattcov]

Id agree with sticking to the manual if its the 2.5, but realistically the 3.2S cant be much more expensive now and theyre normally better spec'd, also better brakes etc as standard.

[Zyp]

I've always thought the 3.2 is for the head stylist, whereas the 2.5 is for the apprentice stylist.

What do you want to be - in charge or taking orders?

[Matt UK]

I think it's a great idea.

A clean and tidy vanilla spec 2.5 with a manual box, small wheels and good history sounds very nice.

Dark blue paint, gingercators and an enthusiast seller who was not afraid to spend out in the right areas would make it hard to resist.

[MC Bodge]

I would.

Too much is made of car performance stats. It really isn't going to be too slow for anything.

I reckon that a cheap Boxster with decent mechanical bits and on 16" wheels would be a great car for using and not worrying too much about.

Having said that, an MX5 is possibly a better budget buy, without the badge.

Edited by MC Bodge on Thursday 31st January 21:58

[furrywoolyhatuk]

Dare I ask how much servicing and spare parts go for?

[MC Bodge]

furrywoolyhatuk said:

Dare I ask how much servicing and spare parts go for?

More than for an MX5? But a *good* one possibly won't need that much in the way of work. Is an oil change a simple DIY or an engine-out job? What about a cam belt? or is it a chain?

I'm all for an under-dog (although I'm not convinced that a 2.5 is going to be too slow for mine, or many other people's, needs). Reading this thread yesterday has stirred an interest

An MX5 is a more likely proposition for me though...

Edited by MC Bodge on Friday 1st February 12:17

[*Al*]

I had a 2.5 manual a few years back, loved it! These are now serious bargains.

[300bhp/ton]

andy-xr said:

They're starting to get into the 4's now for something reasonably well looked after. I daresay there's cheaper, but that's probably not something to really want to aim for.

I used to think nothing less than the 3.2 would do, took once out a good few years ago. The dealer sales guy took me on a trip that used third quite a lot and we went from about 15 mph to something naughty.

Not thinking of it as a daily, just idling musing about possibly wondering about the bid I'm placing on ebay

The way I'd look at it is, the 2.5 still makes what 200'ish hp. So that's more than any MX-5 of similar price and no less than most other "sporting" cars of this value, be it a hot hatch or some sort of sports coupe.

Sure there may be faster more powerful Boxsters, but the 2.5 is still a fast, fun and valid performance car.

[Kitchski]

They're well-balanced and grip well, but the engine sounds cack and I can't stand the interiors.

As people have mentioned, speed isn't paramount. But they are slow

[300bhp/ton]

crispyshark said:

But the 3.2 with the sports exhaust sounds sooooooooo good......take out a loan young man;) you won't regret it especially when you hit your first clear tunnel!

As they are the same engine, does a 3.2 really sound significantly different?