Some basic boxster questions

[jeff m]

Hi
I'm a visitor from another forum.
A few quesis
Does it have a galvanised body?
I'm thinking of getting one (a tip) as a summer daily driver.
I know I'm going to get some flack re the tip, but my wife has never driven a manual.
Who has a tiptronic, any real regrets? do you find you are getting through a lot of brake pads? Does the tip take the regular red stuff.
I shall probably try to buy private with a PPI, although I really like the silver so may have to go the dealer route. (Black is nice, but they do need a lot of dusting!)
I have read quite a few threads here so I am aware of the 99s and also aware of having to check the soft top operation for getting slow.

I asume the S is well worth the price difference.

Cheers Jeff
(Brit in New Jersey)

[Don]

Tip is a bit slower - I've never driven one but I do know satisfied owners. If the tip will suit your driving and its the way to ensure the wife is happy with the purchase I wouldn't let it put you off.

Yes the 'S' is worth the upgrade - its a good deal quicker. Differing model years have various power outputs but year-by-year the 'S' has had between 30 and 40 more bhp. The first 'S' model had 252bhp, mine (MY03) has 260bhp the anniversary edition had about 266bhp. Once you get into a 987S its 280bhp.

I used to live in New Jersey myself - lovely state despite the "horrid" industrial bit you see when you land in Newark. From what I remember the roads aren't too wonderful: I'd avoid the "sports suspension" on older models - if buying a 987 I'd definitly choose PASM (Active Suspension) - which can deliver sports suspension hardness when required and also a more suppliant ride when not pressing on.

I used to live on Lake Hopatcong. Are you based anywhere around there? Lovely and hot in the summer - the Box will be in its element then. Not sure I'd use it much in the winter, though. If you do definitely get a hardtop - I would never advise anyone to get one here in the UK - but from what I remember of the snowfall you'd be mad not to where you are.

Oh - do you generally change "tires" for the winter? I'd consider a second set of wheels and some proper winter tyres if you plan on using at all...light, RWD not so good in the ice. DEFINITELY get PSM (Stability Management).

I've owned Boxster S's for the last five years - wonderful cars. You won't regret getting one.

[jeff m]

Hi Don,
Thanks for the reply, some good info, just what I needed.

I had to "yahoo" for Lake Hopatcong, as the name was not familiar to me. It's 2 hrs 20 mins north of me, I'm way south, the roads here are not too bad except for the **** railway crossings.
If I want bad roads I just have to cross over into PA! (Pennsalvania)
The suspension info is very useful as I did not know that some did not have adj. suspension. That will definately affect my purchase.

I would store it for the snowy months, it's just not practical here, I don't think anybody here has a sports type car as their only car.
Thanks
Jeff

[Don]

jeff m said:

The suspension info is very useful as I did not know that some did not have adj. suspension. That will definately affect my purchase.

The 986 Boxster and Boxster S could come from the factory fitted with regular suspension or "sports suspension" which firms up the ride. It isn't "adjustable" sadly - like some racecar/sportscar setups. It is simply lowered and hardened up - good for trackdays and smooth German autobahns. You pay for it in ride quality. It is generally considered a bad idea to combine "sports suspension" with the optional 18" rims for example.

The 987 Boxster and Boxster S can be fitted with an optional electronically adjustable suspension (PASM) which is computer controlled. When I test drove the new car I was very, very impressed - despite that I'm keeping my 986S for now...


Whichever car you choose you won't regret it. Brilliant.