Vx220 to Boxster S
Discussion
Hello Everyone
This is my first post so be gentle.
I've just ordered a Boxster S. This will be my first ever Porsche. I've always liked the looks of the Boxster ( especially from the front and rear ) but I test drove the 2.7 and the S and totally loved them.
The S had the 19" wheels and suffered because of it I thought..look nice but spoiled the ride.
I still have my Vx220 and will never hear a word against it as it has been a superb car to own. I live in Liverpool and have seen only 2 in the three years I have had it. I think if it had been badged with a more prestigious marque I would have seen many more.
I know this topic has been covered recently, but the spec of my S is :
Full Leather
Metalic black
heated seats
wind deflector
Sound pack plus
Sports Steering wheel
Anything else essential to have or to leave out?
Any comments or chat welcome.
Graham
This is my first post so be gentle.
I've just ordered a Boxster S. This will be my first ever Porsche. I've always liked the looks of the Boxster ( especially from the front and rear ) but I test drove the 2.7 and the S and totally loved them.
The S had the 19" wheels and suffered because of it I thought..look nice but spoiled the ride.
I still have my Vx220 and will never hear a word against it as it has been a superb car to own. I live in Liverpool and have seen only 2 in the three years I have had it. I think if it had been badged with a more prestigious marque I would have seen many more.
I know this topic has been covered recently, but the spec of my S is :
Full Leather
Metalic black
heated seats
wind deflector
Sound pack plus
Sports Steering wheel
Anything else essential to have or to leave out?
Any comments or chat welcome.
Graham
Hi Graham, I've just got my S (Grappenhall so not far from you) and I love it. Previously had a Chim 400 which whilst awesome, things fell off!
The 'essential' spec IMHO, is as follows;
-Decent alloys (18in Carreras on mine)
-Wind deflector/bose
-Full leather
-Nice colour combo
-Tracker!!! otherwise you'll need to fit for insurance
Nice to have;
-PSM
-Litronic
-Heated seats
-Embossed head restraints
-Aluminium pack
-Hardtop possibly
I think I've remembered tham all. Got them all on mine which is nice.
How much as you looking to spend & are you using a dealer?
Regards,
lee
The 'essential' spec IMHO, is as follows;
-Decent alloys (18in Carreras on mine)
-Wind deflector/bose
-Full leather
-Nice colour combo
-Tracker!!! otherwise you'll need to fit for insurance
Nice to have;
-PSM
-Litronic
-Heated seats
-Embossed head restraints
-Aluminium pack
-Hardtop possibly
I think I've remembered tham all. Got them all on mine which is nice.
How much as you looking to spend & are you using a dealer?
Regards,
lee
[quote=stouffer]Hi Graham, I've just got my S (Grappenhall so not far from you) and I love it. Previously had a Chim 400 which whilst awesome, things fell off!
Hi Lee,
I notice you have changed from a Chim 400 to a Boxster S, And I find myself in the same situation as you were obviously in, deciding whether to make the same move.
I have had my Chim for over two years and although its proved pretty reliable, i feel its time to change.
I tried this last year and purchased a new S2000,but after only a few weeks found it almost irritating to drive, with its total lack of performance at lower revs, it needed to be above 6k before things really started happening,which soon lost its appeal.
I sold it and fortunately still had the TVR so basically back to square one.
However after the passing of time I find myself looking at the Boxster S as my next car, and wonder if you are happy with the performance of yours after your Chim, especially the lower rpm performance, which is in abundance in the TVR, which makes it so nice to drive. Any other advice you or anyone reading this would be greatly appriciated.
Many Thanks
Peter.
Hi Lee,
I notice you have changed from a Chim 400 to a Boxster S, And I find myself in the same situation as you were obviously in, deciding whether to make the same move.
I have had my Chim for over two years and although its proved pretty reliable, i feel its time to change.
I tried this last year and purchased a new S2000,but after only a few weeks found it almost irritating to drive, with its total lack of performance at lower revs, it needed to be above 6k before things really started happening,which soon lost its appeal.
I sold it and fortunately still had the TVR so basically back to square one.
However after the passing of time I find myself looking at the Boxster S as my next car, and wonder if you are happy with the performance of yours after your Chim, especially the lower rpm performance, which is in abundance in the TVR, which makes it so nice to drive. Any other advice you or anyone reading this would be greatly appriciated.
Many Thanks
Peter.
Peter: I have a Chim 450 and a Boxster S and drive both regularly.
To be honest - their straight line performance is not that different. Yes the Chim is slightly quicker - if you've got a 400 then you might find its virtually identical.
The Porsche is very nicely screwed together and is a modern, mass-market, luxury car as well as a fine handling sports car. Stuff like lights in both boots working reliably and so on - whilst not being much slower.
The Porsche has a more go than the S2000 at lower revs (I test drove an S2000 - which BTW I liked very much) but just like the S2000 really requires you to get things into a higher rev range before all hell breaks loose as it were. In the Boxster S's case about 4Krpm see things stirring nicely.
Its somewhere between the S2000 and the Chimaera basically.
With the new 987 out the 986 Boxsters are about to become a performance bargain. Look out for a well priced car and you'll be happy.
BUT. In no way expect the exclusivity of the TVR. Also do not expect the noise - the exhaust note is lovely but its subdued in comparison.
To be honest - their straight line performance is not that different. Yes the Chim is slightly quicker - if you've got a 400 then you might find its virtually identical.
The Porsche is very nicely screwed together and is a modern, mass-market, luxury car as well as a fine handling sports car. Stuff like lights in both boots working reliably and so on - whilst not being much slower.
The Porsche has a more go than the S2000 at lower revs (I test drove an S2000 - which BTW I liked very much) but just like the S2000 really requires you to get things into a higher rev range before all hell breaks loose as it were. In the Boxster S's case about 4Krpm see things stirring nicely.
Its somewhere between the S2000 and the Chimaera basically.
With the new 987 out the 986 Boxsters are about to become a performance bargain. Look out for a well priced car and you'll be happy.
BUT. In no way expect the exclusivity of the TVR. Also do not expect the noise - the exhaust note is lovely but its subdued in comparison.
Thanks Don
What a dilemma you must have every time you open the garage door,
I have been looking around at private sales in Autotrader and on ebay and there seems to be a few X and Y reg cars which appear quite nice with good spec for around 20k to 23k. which is about my budget, but I may try and sell the TVR first, as this would release some more cash to get a later,or lower mileage car with more goodies.
I know there is more risk involved buying privately,but there does appear to be a big difference when compared to OPC dealers,which to be honest, I would begrudge paying a big premium If I could see nothing in return. I will just have to be very careful, and walk away from anything that I am not totally happy with.
What a dilemma you must have every time you open the garage door,
I have been looking around at private sales in Autotrader and on ebay and there seems to be a few X and Y reg cars which appear quite nice with good spec for around 20k to 23k. which is about my budget, but I may try and sell the TVR first, as this would release some more cash to get a later,or lower mileage car with more goodies.
I know there is more risk involved buying privately,but there does appear to be a big difference when compared to OPC dealers,which to be honest, I would begrudge paying a big premium If I could see nothing in return. I will just have to be very careful, and walk away from anything that I am not totally happy with.
A difficult one really Don. Nothing sounds like the TVR and the the 'straight line' performance is exceptional. I stress the words, straight line.
Point 2 point I think the Boxster S is quicker, handles better and all in all, a better all round car.
The S sounds pretty good aswell, particularly above 4K rpm.
I miss the TVR 'family' and people actually let you out of junctions. People r not so friendly towards the Porsche driver although early days so hard to be balanced on this one.
Personally I'm glad I had the TVR but would find it hard to go back to the build quality and leaking roof.
Good luck, regards
lee
Point 2 point I think the Boxster S is quicker, handles better and all in all, a better all round car.
The S sounds pretty good aswell, particularly above 4K rpm.
I miss the TVR 'family' and people actually let you out of junctions. People r not so friendly towards the Porsche driver although early days so hard to be balanced on this one.
Personally I'm glad I had the TVR but would find it hard to go back to the build quality and leaking roof.
Good luck, regards
lee
Hi -
I drive an S (see profile)
I have pretty much every optional extra, even down to Porsche logos in the headrests.
My favourite 3 things?
- Satnav & Phone system = brilliant
- Bose Sound = very very impressive
- Leather Sports seats = keep you in place round the bends.
(Mine also has litronics, PCM, heated seats, 6 cd changer... you name it)
I drive an S (see profile)
I have pretty much every optional extra, even down to Porsche logos in the headrests.
My favourite 3 things?
- Satnav & Phone system = brilliant
- Bose Sound = very very impressive
- Leather Sports seats = keep you in place round the bends.
(Mine also has litronics, PCM, heated seats, 6 cd changer... you name it)
Hi
Interesting to see you have a VX220 and are going for a boxster, I have been considering doing the reverse, as I have had my 2.5 Boxster for over three years and fancy a change although I am finding it hard to match the looks of a boxster but I like the Vx220 but wonder if I will miss the practicality of the Boxster.
Are you selling your Vx and if so what are the good and bad points.
Regards
Paul
Interesting to see you have a VX220 and are going for a boxster, I have been considering doing the reverse, as I have had my 2.5 Boxster for over three years and fancy a change although I am finding it hard to match the looks of a boxster but I like the Vx220 but wonder if I will miss the practicality of the Boxster.
Are you selling your Vx and if so what are the good and bad points.
Regards
Paul
Hi Paul
Yes I will be selling the VX, a bit nearer to springtime.
There are so many good points to the VX:
I think the VX is a stunning looking car ( in honesty the boxster looks a little bland in comparison )a real head turner.
The engine is very torquey allowing you to drive at "Granny pace" or like the Stig.
Low running costs.
Rarity factor, unless you live in Milton Keynes.
Pretty good back storage space..full load at Tescos if you're careful.
Very communicative steering and sublime handling.
Good build quality in the later models..about 2002 onwards.
You feel like your driving a proper race car...lower car than the boxster.
Bad Points: In reality very few.
Mainly
Very high sills making entry/exit an aquired skill.
Bit stripped out and basic inside..very few creature comforts.
Could be waring on a long run..seats supportive but quite hard.
Due to lack of air con, can be a bit of a nightmare in wet conditions at night, as the windscreen tends to mist up quite a bit.
May not have quite the "image factor" that you may be used to with your Boxster...if thats important to you.
Why am I changing?...guess I've always liked the look of the boxster..and now with the upgraded power etc, seems like a good time to change.
Graham
Yes I will be selling the VX, a bit nearer to springtime.
There are so many good points to the VX:
I think the VX is a stunning looking car ( in honesty the boxster looks a little bland in comparison )a real head turner.
The engine is very torquey allowing you to drive at "Granny pace" or like the Stig.
Low running costs.
Rarity factor, unless you live in Milton Keynes.
Pretty good back storage space..full load at Tescos if you're careful.
Very communicative steering and sublime handling.
Good build quality in the later models..about 2002 onwards.
You feel like your driving a proper race car...lower car than the boxster.
Bad Points: In reality very few.
Mainly
Very high sills making entry/exit an aquired skill.
Bit stripped out and basic inside..very few creature comforts.
Could be waring on a long run..seats supportive but quite hard.
Due to lack of air con, can be a bit of a nightmare in wet conditions at night, as the windscreen tends to mist up quite a bit.
May not have quite the "image factor" that you may be used to with your Boxster...if thats important to you.
Why am I changing?...guess I've always liked the look of the boxster..and now with the upgraded power etc, seems like a good time to change.
Graham
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