2003 boxster s advice

[D7PNY]

Currently selling my fast road/track spec westfield to free up some cash for a business opportunity but hoping to be in the market for a weekend toy again pretty soon.

Would like something more usable than the westfield but that I can still do the occasional track day/sprint.

Front runners have been: TVR Chimaera (chassis worries me!) and vx220/elise (but a little tight on space for me @ 6ft 4). Since then, the wife has suggested a boxster.

A car that she will like/drive is quite appealing as it will feel less of a selfish hobby then!

Been looking at 2003 3.2S (260) models and seems a huge amount of car for the money.

I've been reading up on the various engine issues which have slightly put me off. Are these simply internet scare mongering or should I be worried every time I turn the key? Bearing in mind I would be driving it as Porsche intended

Cheers,

Dave

[dank]

I have a lovely calypso red vx220 for sale, owned for 7 years, very very good condition, PM if interested!

[spyderman8]

If you can find one, get a 986 with the M030 sports suspension - was standard on all the 550 Anniversary variants that were made in 2004. Makes the Boxster even better on track.

[AlR26]

I've just bought almost the very car you are interested in!

There was a recent class action law suit in the US which suggested from Porsche's figures that 1% of the double row and 8% of the single row bearings would fail (AFAIK neither mileage nor the time were specified for the failure to occur over). BUT... from what the specialists say they dont see anything like that kind of skew. If you wanted peace of mind, there are a variety of stronger bearings that can be put in (LN engineering or Pelican), which are both lifed at 50k miles.

I have a fairly pragmatic view in that it will either happen or it wont. If/when the clutch needs changed, I will probably also change the bearing.

[AlR26]

Oh and potentially easing the worry... Some people have suggested that getting regular hard use does the bearing good as it is kept lubricated.

[edh]

check you can fit in one first...

I have a '00 Boxster S and at 5' 10" have the seat adjusted right down and back. Can't see how a 6'4" driver would fit (unless I've missed something and my driver's seat is on blocks..)

[FarQue]

I'm 6'4" & fitted in our old 986s ok. Not loads of room, but ok. Depends, I think, on your proportions.

They are great cars for the money!

[SilverPorker]

FarQue said:

I'm 6'4" & fitted in our old 986s ok. Not loads of room, but ok. Depends, I think, on your proportions.

They are great cars for the money!

I have a 2004 Boxster S 550 Spyder. I'm 6' and it is very tight in the cabin, but just about okay for me. I think it's the hard back sports seats in my car that rob the space. You should definitely try both the standard and sports seats to make sure you pick a car that suits your body shape/ size.

[D7PNY]

Cheers guys,

Just at the ideas stage just now and to be honest hadn't even thought about space issues being a fairly 'normal' car.

Will need to go get my bum in a seat to try it out.

Cheers,

Dave

[Beanoir]

I'm 6'2" and I had no problems at all in my 986S and also now in my dad's 986S (facelift). Neither had the sports seats but I can honestly say I think there is room to spare for me too.

If you're a heavy set kinda guy then yu might find the seats a bit tight, especially the sports seats if specced.

My Cayman has the sports seats and I find them just the right side of snug for me and i'm a pretty slim guy!

[edh]

Mine has the sports seats so maybe that's it?

They are quite tight - OK for me but would't suit any powerfully built company directors

[Beanoir]

edh said:

Mine has the sports seats so maybe that's it?

They are quite tight - OK for me but would't suit any powerfully built company directors

HA!! You can't drive Pork with a goatee either

[edh]

Beanoir said:

HA!! You can't drive Pork with a goatee either

best stick mine in the classifieds then....