Asking about moving from an mx5 to a boxster
Discussion
Are they really in the same group?
Would it be possible to compare a standard NC mx5 with a Porsche Boxster?
If you had an mx5 that are basically happy with would you be mad to consider a Boxster.
Is it just a given it is the same as it is also a 2 seater small car? Or would it be insanely more expensive to run and would it be a disappointment to own verses the reality? Or is a decent upgrade that you shouldn't hesitant about? Or is it just a totally different experience and its stupid to compare simply because they are just 2 seater cars?
Would it be possible to compare a standard NC mx5 with a Porsche Boxster?
If you had an mx5 that are basically happy with would you be mad to consider a Boxster.
Is it just a given it is the same as it is also a 2 seater small car? Or would it be insanely more expensive to run and would it be a disappointment to own verses the reality? Or is a decent upgrade that you shouldn't hesitant about? Or is it just a totally different experience and its stupid to compare simply because they are just 2 seater cars?
having run a Mk1 mx5 then an S2000 then a 996c4 i'd say its all about how much maintenance you can do yourself and if you have a decent Porsche specialist nearby.
obviously the 996 is not the same as the boxster but I suspect running it would involve similar costs and the drive train layout is similar (my one was a c4 but I did test drive a few c2's before I bought it
Costs like insurance, tax and fuel will need to be looked at (Insurance can be weird on porkers, last time I renewed on the 996 I owned it was £200 Fc for the year !!)
My 996 was very easy to to basic stuff on like brakes etc but engine stuff I left to a local specialist.
driving wise they are very different, remember its mid / rear engine RWD rather then front engine RWD.
Set yourself a budget and have a good look at what's out there.
obviously the 996 is not the same as the boxster but I suspect running it would involve similar costs and the drive train layout is similar (my one was a c4 but I did test drive a few c2's before I bought it
Costs like insurance, tax and fuel will need to be looked at (Insurance can be weird on porkers, last time I renewed on the 996 I owned it was £200 Fc for the year !!)
My 996 was very easy to to basic stuff on like brakes etc but engine stuff I left to a local specialist.
driving wise they are very different, remember its mid / rear engine RWD rather then front engine RWD.
Set yourself a budget and have a good look at what's out there.
Edited by mobile chicane22 on Tuesday 9th December 12:50
I wouldn't class them as the same group; sure they are both 2 seater roadsters but the boxer is a couple rungs up in terms of dynamics and engineering (speaking as someone who had a 2.0 NC, then a 3.0 Z4 and was considering a move to a Porsche before I ended up moving overseas).
But from what I understood they are pretty straightforward to work on if you're competent with the tools.
But from what I understood they are pretty straightforward to work on if you're competent with the tools.
I had a 987 Boxster S 3.2 for a couple of years, plus I briefly owned two MX5s.
The Boxster is brilliant, sounds amazing and handles very well. When I bought my 987 in 2023 I had a load of remedial work done at a local specialist after a post purchase inspection and after that it didn't need anything till it was sadly written off in March.
The Boxster is brilliant, sounds amazing and handles very well. When I bought my 987 in 2023 I had a load of remedial work done at a local specialist after a post purchase inspection and after that it didn't need anything till it was sadly written off in March.
They are different for sure.
The MX5 is the classic front engine RWD with you sat on the rear axle giving that Pendulum effect with a pivot about your ankles. It will go Ok if peddled well and will be a cheap and engaging fun car that can also do mileage and commuting.
The Boxster with it's mid engine layout is a different feel, pivoting about your hips. It will probably punch and feel faster and will make cross country progress easier......will it be as engaging and more fun.......well that is down to your personal views.
I have no idea of the relative models and costs you are considering, but i would be tempted to try the boxster and if it is not for you there will always be another MX5 to purchase.
The MX5 is the classic front engine RWD with you sat on the rear axle giving that Pendulum effect with a pivot about your ankles. It will go Ok if peddled well and will be a cheap and engaging fun car that can also do mileage and commuting.
The Boxster with it's mid engine layout is a different feel, pivoting about your hips. It will probably punch and feel faster and will make cross country progress easier......will it be as engaging and more fun.......well that is down to your personal views.
I have no idea of the relative models and costs you are considering, but i would be tempted to try the boxster and if it is not for you there will always be another MX5 to purchase.
Once you're in a convertible you're in a convertible. Buying a more expensive one doesn't change the concept.
On the other hand, once you're in a mid-engine car you're in a mid-engine car. A completely different concept from a front-engine car.
So driving a mid-engine convertible is a significantly different experience than driving a front-engine convertible.
Separately, a 3-litre 6-pot will drive differently than a 2-litre 4-pot. (And a 4-pot turbo Boxster would be different again.)
On the other hand, once you're in a mid-engine car you're in a mid-engine car. A completely different concept from a front-engine car.
So driving a mid-engine convertible is a significantly different experience than driving a front-engine convertible.
Separately, a 3-litre 6-pot will drive differently than a 2-litre 4-pot. (And a 4-pot turbo Boxster would be different again.)
I think just be mindful that the MX5 is really quite a basic machine, easy to work on, parts generally cheaper and easier to get hold of. Rust aside on early ones they are great for whacking tonnes of mileage on an unstressed engine.
Early Boxsters have a list as long as your arm of stuff you want to ensure have been remedied / checked because if you dont big bills await, its a Porsche after all.
As others have said, driving dynamics are very different - I've had a few Z4s and a couple of VX220s and despite the two seat convertible layout they couldn't have been any different.
Early Boxsters have a list as long as your arm of stuff you want to ensure have been remedied / checked because if you dont big bills await, its a Porsche after all.
As others have said, driving dynamics are very different - I've had a few Z4s and a couple of VX220s and despite the two seat convertible layout they couldn't have been any different.
The0perator said:
Are they really in the same group?
Would it be possible to compare a standard NC mx5 with a Porsche Boxster?
If you had an mx5 that are basically happy with would you be mad to consider a Boxster.
Is it just a given it is the same as it is also a 2 seater small car? Or would it be insanely more expensive to run and would it be a disappointment to own verses the reality? Or is a decent upgrade that you shouldn't hesitant about? Or is it just a totally different experience and its stupid to compare simply because they are just 2 seater cars?
I would agree with others that they offer two different experiences. There’s no denying the added dimension that the flat 6 & mid-engine configuration brings and the Porsche is likely technically ‘better’. That doesn’t necessarily = more fun though and not to mention the considerably different running & maintenance costs (particularly if not DIY’ing). Would it be possible to compare a standard NC mx5 with a Porsche Boxster?
If you had an mx5 that are basically happy with would you be mad to consider a Boxster.
Is it just a given it is the same as it is also a 2 seater small car? Or would it be insanely more expensive to run and would it be a disappointment to own verses the reality? Or is a decent upgrade that you shouldn't hesitant about? Or is it just a totally different experience and its stupid to compare simply because they are just 2 seater cars?
Given neither car is crazy money I would be trying to have a period of ownership overlap between the two if possible, you might find you gravitate more towards one over the other as to which you prefer, once the initial honeymoon period is over. Or probably you’ll like them both
Having had 2 Caymans and now a GR86 I think it’s a similar comparison - the Caymans were very capable, the GR86 is more fun.
Did exactly this 25 years ago; had a MX5 SE 1.8, first brand new car, first 2 seater, and first convertible, and loved it - but wanted more so bought a 986 Boxster S and didn't look back
But... serveral Porsches, and many other performance cars, later I found they were now too quick to enjoy on the public road and missed the lightness so I'm back where I started... and another 1999 MX5 SE.... though have to admit I've had Rocketeer do their thing... but have a 1994 Mk1 MX5 at on the drive as a project when i finally give up work....
But... serveral Porsches, and many other performance cars, later I found they were now too quick to enjoy on the public road and missed the lightness so I'm back where I started... and another 1999 MX5 SE.... though have to admit I've had Rocketeer do their thing... but have a 1994 Mk1 MX5 at on the drive as a project when i finally give up work....
I went from an MX5 to a Boxster S and then 18 months later back to an MX5. Cross country and on track the Boxster is just in a different league. I kept each of these as occasional use toys and I used to do quite a few track days. The MX5s cost little to keep in consumables. Even really hard use the brakes and tyres didn't cost much. In contrast the brakes (S used same as 996) and tyres on the Boxster made track fun expensive. Servicing even a specialist was much pricier too.
I think they're a different proposition.
I've had my mx5 ND2 for 18 months now and it's a great car. At the time I bought it I was torn between the mx5 and a 987.2 Boxster 2.9 which was similar money. I never got to drive the Porsche but did have a good look at one. Ultimately I decided on the Mazda as it was 10 years newer and had much less mileage. My car is used daily and lives outside so needs to be reliable. I wanted to be able to get in it and drive it without worry and that has been the way it's been. Its a fun car which feels like an old school sports car with the reliability and running costs of a much newer supermini.
The Porsche would definitely feel more special though. Depends on how you'll use it and how much the running costs will bother you if things go wrong.
I do often look at the 981 as a next step but I'm not sure I can justify it and I do worry about cost. The mx5 just gets on with the job with minimal fuss. It's pretty unique in terms of bang for buck.
I've had my mx5 ND2 for 18 months now and it's a great car. At the time I bought it I was torn between the mx5 and a 987.2 Boxster 2.9 which was similar money. I never got to drive the Porsche but did have a good look at one. Ultimately I decided on the Mazda as it was 10 years newer and had much less mileage. My car is used daily and lives outside so needs to be reliable. I wanted to be able to get in it and drive it without worry and that has been the way it's been. Its a fun car which feels like an old school sports car with the reliability and running costs of a much newer supermini.
The Porsche would definitely feel more special though. Depends on how you'll use it and how much the running costs will bother you if things go wrong.
I do often look at the 981 as a next step but I'm not sure I can justify it and I do worry about cost. The mx5 just gets on with the job with minimal fuss. It's pretty unique in terms of bang for buck.
Most will have been run on a shoestring as the costs of keeping them tip top are high.
I have looked at them myself for years, a gem may pop up now and again but they are few and far between.
Suit people who do all their own work really, parts can be expensive though.
A strange car for me as a 911 fan which sounds dumb but I cant bring myself to love them for some reason.
I have looked at them myself for years, a gem may pop up now and again but they are few and far between.
Suit people who do all their own work really, parts can be expensive though.
A strange car for me as a 911 fan which sounds dumb but I cant bring myself to love them for some reason.
Belle427 said:
Most will have been run on a shoestring as the costs of keeping them tip top are high.
I have looked at them myself for years, a gem may pop up now and again but they are few and far between.
Suit people who do all their own work really, parts can be expensive though.
A strange car for me as a 911 fan which sounds dumb but I cant bring myself to love them for some reason.
911 would be excellent - but out of budget sadly.I have looked at them myself for years, a gem may pop up now and again but they are few and far between.
Suit people who do all their own work really, parts can be expensive though.
A strange car for me as a 911 fan which sounds dumb but I cant bring myself to love them for some reason.
Its interesting that most people have come to a similar conclusion, and I thank your for your input.
In the past few years I've run:
NA MX5
NB MX-5
MR-2
986 Boxster
NA MX5
NC MX5
Lotus Elise
BMW M Roadster
987 Boxster S
All of which have been driven hard, commuted in, gone on track, done tours in, maintained, repaired, and modified by myself.So its fair to say I have some experience in the 'cheaper-ish' 2 seat sports car options.
A few things are crucial - are you going to / able to, work on it yourself? A large amount of the 'Boxsters are ruinous' stories are from people buying a 5 grand car and then taking to a 'Porsche specialist' and being surprised when they walk away with a 5 grand bill.
They are just cars. They are, in many way, much easier to work on than an NC MX-5 - the engineering and material quality is much higher, for instance. They dont rust. They are generally very solid mechanically. Tyres, brakes, suspension etc is all quite heavy duty and will do big miles if looked after.
Parts will be more than an MX-5 - mostly. But not outrageous. BNMW parts prices are worse than Porsche, in my experience. There are, just like MX-5s, millions of places you can get bits from. Lots, and lots, and lots of information online about maintenance and how to repair and diagnose.
Life is too short to wonder. If you fancy one, get one. Buy carefully, there are thousands of them out there. Enjoy.
A 6 cylinder, mid engined, 2 to 300 horsepower open top car with legendarily good steering and chassis feel, that makes fundamentally the same noise as every 6 cylinder GT car Porsche have ever made?
The Boxster, and an earlier, cheaper 986 Boxster much like the Silver one pictured above, is one of the all time motoring bargains in the UK, we are very luck that we can buy these for 5 grand!
NA MX5
NB MX-5
MR-2
986 Boxster
NA MX5
NC MX5
Lotus Elise
BMW M Roadster
987 Boxster S
All of which have been driven hard, commuted in, gone on track, done tours in, maintained, repaired, and modified by myself.So its fair to say I have some experience in the 'cheaper-ish' 2 seat sports car options.
A few things are crucial - are you going to / able to, work on it yourself? A large amount of the 'Boxsters are ruinous' stories are from people buying a 5 grand car and then taking to a 'Porsche specialist' and being surprised when they walk away with a 5 grand bill.
They are just cars. They are, in many way, much easier to work on than an NC MX-5 - the engineering and material quality is much higher, for instance. They dont rust. They are generally very solid mechanically. Tyres, brakes, suspension etc is all quite heavy duty and will do big miles if looked after.
Parts will be more than an MX-5 - mostly. But not outrageous. BNMW parts prices are worse than Porsche, in my experience. There are, just like MX-5s, millions of places you can get bits from. Lots, and lots, and lots of information online about maintenance and how to repair and diagnose.
Life is too short to wonder. If you fancy one, get one. Buy carefully, there are thousands of them out there. Enjoy.
A 6 cylinder, mid engined, 2 to 300 horsepower open top car with legendarily good steering and chassis feel, that makes fundamentally the same noise as every 6 cylinder GT car Porsche have ever made?
The Boxster, and an earlier, cheaper 986 Boxster much like the Silver one pictured above, is one of the all time motoring bargains in the UK, we are very luck that we can buy these for 5 grand!
Edited by snotrag on Wednesday 10th December 10:10
Not really doing that much myself I also lack a garage so it will live outside all year.
I work from home, but it will be my only car.. so reliability is needed. sounds like it is doable unless I am unlucky. I expect its IMS that I have to check out but otherwise, keep on top of the servicing then I am hopefully going to have a good time
I work from home, but it will be my only car.. so reliability is needed. sounds like it is doable unless I am unlucky. I expect its IMS that I have to check out but otherwise, keep on top of the servicing then I am hopefully going to have a good time
I had this exact same stick or twist dilemma 20 years ago, even with cash ready for the presumed Boxster purchase. I stuck with the 5.
The Boxster is more feel good, practical and has a great engine, but it is less involving on a B road than something 400kg lighter.
I'd suggest an MR2 or Elise for mid-engined fun. Then again, we all have our itches and a Boxster is a fabulous itch.
The Boxster is more feel good, practical and has a great engine, but it is less involving on a B road than something 400kg lighter.
I'd suggest an MR2 or Elise for mid-engined fun. Then again, we all have our itches and a Boxster is a fabulous itch.
Boxster is a better car to drive, MX5 is a better car to own.
I had a 1.8 NC, it just worked, cost pennies to run.
I had a 987.1 S. Despite being low mileage and well maintained, it cost a lot to service. There's always something that needs replacing. The interior quality was pretty shocking too, with "soft touch" coatings peeling off, and bits of trim that made the car feel like it was 10 years older. Horribly outdated satnav/infotainment. Then there's the constant fear of an expensive failure.
Given a fixed budget, I'd go for the Mazda
I had a 1.8 NC, it just worked, cost pennies to run.
I had a 987.1 S. Despite being low mileage and well maintained, it cost a lot to service. There's always something that needs replacing. The interior quality was pretty shocking too, with "soft touch" coatings peeling off, and bits of trim that made the car feel like it was 10 years older. Horribly outdated satnav/infotainment. Then there's the constant fear of an expensive failure.
Given a fixed budget, I'd go for the Mazda
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