Boxster buying advice please
Discussion
Got an Elise at the moment, which I'm keeping. But I want something a little more cosseting, occasionally. I want another soft top, but think the (flamesuit on) 996 Cab is too compromised (flame off). So that leaves the Boxster S. Am looking second-hand, at anything up to two years old.
Done the test drive etc., but can't answer the follwing
- is it worth paying up for an ’03 Boxster? Are the updates really that necessary?
- Sports suspension? is it liveable with day to day (I live in central London), and generally worth it. What's the approx retrofit cost?
- Sports zorst. Doesn't seem like a popular mod - why?
- Dealers. Is it worth buying paying the premium to get an OPC car? Which are the best dealers in and around London?
- What's the weight of Bose sound pack, and is it really that much better than higher spec Porker unit?
- Another other essential extras than leather, air, heated seats. Don't really see the need for PSM (tres macho), but is it valued in 2nd market?
Ta in advance & Merry Xmas
James
Done the test drive etc., but can't answer the follwing
- is it worth paying up for an ’03 Boxster? Are the updates really that necessary?
- Sports suspension? is it liveable with day to day (I live in central London), and generally worth it. What's the approx retrofit cost?
- Sports zorst. Doesn't seem like a popular mod - why?
- Dealers. Is it worth buying paying the premium to get an OPC car? Which are the best dealers in and around London?
- What's the weight of Bose sound pack, and is it really that much better than higher spec Porker unit?
- Another other essential extras than leather, air, heated seats. Don't really see the need for PSM (tres macho), but is it valued in 2nd market?
Ta in advance & Merry Xmas
James
Got an Elise at the moment, which I'm keeping. But I want something a little more cosseting, occasionally. I want another soft top, but think the (flamesuit on) 996 Cab is too compromised (flame off). So that leaves the Boxster S. Am looking second-hand, at anything up to two years old.
Done the test drive etc., but can't answer the follwing
- is it worth paying up for an ’03 Boxster? Are the updates really that necessary?
- Sports suspension? is it liveable with day to day (I live in central London), and generally worth it. What's the approx retrofit cost?
- Sports zorst. Doesn't seem like a popular mod - why?
- Dealers. Is it worth buying paying the premium to get an OPC car? Which are the best dealers in and around London?
- What's the weight of Bose sound pack, and is it really that much better than higher spec Porker unit?
- Another other essential extras than leather, air, heated seats. Don't really see the need for PSM (tres macho), but is it valued in 2nd market?
Ta in advance & Merry Xmas
James
James, Merry Christmas to you too sir. Excuse the cough and the fact I look like shit, but here goes:
- if you can afford 2003 MY, do it. You'll have a wait, but it will be worth it. The glass rear screen will be worth its weight in gold, and extra power is a nice to have I guess, and the other little accoutrements are nice. But expect anything above 4 months wait. Probably nearer six.
Don (that's his hook on here too) has a 2003. Expect him to chip in unless he's somewhere nice, chilling with some mulled wine.
Sports susp I don't know I'm afraid. It lowers the car which will undoubtedly help. Not heard any comments that it'll shake your teeth out though.
Sports exhaust - easy - it sounds nicer than standard. And that's it. No extra power. If that's what you want, afternarket beckons.
Dealers - get an OPC car if you're going secondhand. The warranty is worth it. Peace of mind and all that. No idea where in London, don't live there. Sorry !
Sound pack - try and hear the Bose if you can, because the standard fit (even with the upgrade) is rubbish - about the worst ICE I've ever heard.
PSM ? Well, my missus has slightly lost her S in nine months, and bless her, she does her best. A friend who has one without it and has never lost the car at all. Others swear by it. Personally, I'd spend my money elsewhere.
Best of luck. I'd sum it up in four words - you won't regret it.
Seasons greetings.
There are quite a few perfect spec Boxster threads on this forum to chase up.
If you go to www.porsche.com select uk & look for approved cars you will see those offered in London.I wouldn't expect any '03 Boxsters at OPC dealers for a while yet.
With respect to PSM I have it on a 996 & am very impressed with it,it doesn't get in the way much,you can still get wheelspin for example & you can swith it off.There was an unfortunate guy on here recently who wished he had specced it when he lost the back end of his Boxster causing a lot of damage.
It's personal preference but I would take PSM over a Bose system any day!
If you go to www.porsche.com select uk & look for approved cars you will see those offered in London.I wouldn't expect any '03 Boxsters at OPC dealers for a while yet.
With respect to PSM I have it on a 996 & am very impressed with it,it doesn't get in the way much,you can still get wheelspin for example & you can swith it off.There was an unfortunate guy on here recently who wished he had specced it when he lost the back end of his Boxster causing a lot of damage.
It's personal preference but I would take PSM over a Bose system any day!
Well. Greg certainly has my number. How could I possibly ignore a request like that! 
Glad to hear it. Magnificent car.
I wouldn't say that, myself. Butt-ugly? Well yes. I'd still have one though. 320bhp with the roof down. And four seats. Nice. Not sure about having the engine in the wrong place though....stick the 996 engine in my 'S' and I'd prefer that, mind...
Good man. Marvellous cars. I'm on my second. So far the ONLY car to which I have said, "Yes, Please. I'll have another one just like it, thanks..."
That wasn't enough? Live in the South? I'll take you out and scare the living daylights out of you. You'll buy one then. Err. On that front my track record is one sale (my old neighbour) and one failure (sb930turbo) who bought a 996 ... so that's not bad then
.
Yes and no. Its a faster car, no doubt about it. Marginally - but its definitely faster. Handling is identical. The heated glass rear window is BRILLIANT. So good, in fact, that I didn't bother with a hardtop for winter which I had on my last one.
I didn't get it on either of my cars. Some people swear by it. I would be VERY wary of specifying sports suspension and 18" wheels. Greg wouldn't have the 18" wheels - but I absolutely love 'em. They look great - and (IMHO) only affect the handling in a good way. Does stiffen the ride a little though - hence the warning about combining them with the Sports Suspension. Nic Doczi (NicD) who sometimes posts on here is the PCGB Register Secretary and would have access to larger numbers of owners experiences with this. Look his profile up and try 'mailing him.
Not sure if he'd agree with me...but hey?
Did'nt even know you could do it...
Because a loud exhaust means some tracks can't take you. That's a pain in the bum. My last Boxster S made a good noise anyway..once above 4Krpm. My new one (03 model) makes a GREAT noise..above 4Krpm. This means that motorway cruising and tootling around town is quiet, inoffensive and comfortable and a blast in the country is accompanied with a superb soundtrack.
But don't expect TVR levels of audible exitement.
Was in my opinion. Someone to yell at if it goes wrong. And they do look after you. Having said that PHers have had very good experiences with the best of the independents. I'm no expert on them I'm afraid.
I go to AFN. Chiswich, Guildford and Reading. I use the Guildford branch. Couldn't tell you if they're the best....they're the Porsche dealer near me.
Can't believe it weighs much more than the Porsche unit. The Porsche unit on 03 models is digital anyway. But as Greg says. Its a bit crap. But who cares? I got the additional Porsche sound pack which takes it from pointlessly awful to just about OK.
Get PSM. It costs a few hundred quid. Cheaper than loads of the "cosmetic" options and could save your life. Its not traction control - its a ton better than that. It has NEVER got in my way whilst I'be been having fun either. The car has more grip than you can shake a stick at ... but this means that if you stuff it up its going to go bigtime...and wouldn't a little electronic help be welcome?
I drive a Chimeara as well which has no such helpful options...so I'm not against a little raw and unassisted motoring...but this is going to be your everyday car (keeping the Elise for fun...? Yes?) so you'll be driving it on wet days after a hard day at work. DON'T TAKE THE RISK! GET PSM! GET PSM!
Oh.....and GET PSM!
And a Merry Christmas to you too. Enjoy whatever car you select. If you want to talk details on options I'd be glad to help...and don't forget to join the PCGB and take advantage of their expertise.
All the best...
Got an Elise at the moment, which I'm keeping.
Glad to hear it. Magnificent car.
But I want something a little more cosseting, occasionally. I want another soft top, but think the (flamesuit on) 996 Cab is too compromised (flame off).
I wouldn't say that, myself. Butt-ugly? Well yes. I'd still have one though. 320bhp with the roof down. And four seats. Nice. Not sure about having the engine in the wrong place though....stick the 996 engine in my 'S' and I'd prefer that, mind...
So that leaves the Boxster S. Am looking second-hand, at anything up to two years old.
Good man. Marvellous cars. I'm on my second. So far the ONLY car to which I have said, "Yes, Please. I'll have another one just like it, thanks..."
Done the test drive etc., but can't answer the follwing
That wasn't enough? Live in the South? I'll take you out and scare the living daylights out of you. You'll buy one then. Err. On that front my track record is one sale (my old neighbour) and one failure (sb930turbo) who bought a 996 ... so that's not bad then
.
- is it worth paying up for an ’03 Boxster? Are the updates really that necessary?
Yes and no. Its a faster car, no doubt about it. Marginally - but its definitely faster. Handling is identical. The heated glass rear window is BRILLIANT. So good, in fact, that I didn't bother with a hardtop for winter which I had on my last one.
- Sports suspension? is it liveable with day to day (I live in central London), and generally worth it.
I didn't get it on either of my cars. Some people swear by it. I would be VERY wary of specifying sports suspension and 18" wheels. Greg wouldn't have the 18" wheels - but I absolutely love 'em. They look great - and (IMHO) only affect the handling in a good way. Does stiffen the ride a little though - hence the warning about combining them with the Sports Suspension. Nic Doczi (NicD) who sometimes posts on here is the PCGB Register Secretary and would have access to larger numbers of owners experiences with this. Look his profile up and try 'mailing him.
Not sure if he'd agree with me...but hey?
What's the approx retrofit cost?
Did'nt even know you could do it...
- Sports zorst. Doesn't seem like a popular mod - why?
Because a loud exhaust means some tracks can't take you. That's a pain in the bum. My last Boxster S made a good noise anyway..once above 4Krpm. My new one (03 model) makes a GREAT noise..above 4Krpm. This means that motorway cruising and tootling around town is quiet, inoffensive and comfortable and a blast in the country is accompanied with a superb soundtrack.
But don't expect TVR levels of audible exitement.
- Dealers. Is it worth buying paying the premium to get an OPC car?
Was in my opinion. Someone to yell at if it goes wrong. And they do look after you. Having said that PHers have had very good experiences with the best of the independents. I'm no expert on them I'm afraid.
Which are the best dealers in and around London?
I go to AFN. Chiswich, Guildford and Reading. I use the Guildford branch. Couldn't tell you if they're the best....they're the Porsche dealer near me.
- What's the weight of Bose sound pack, and is it really that much better than higher spec Porker unit?
Can't believe it weighs much more than the Porsche unit. The Porsche unit on 03 models is digital anyway. But as Greg says. Its a bit crap. But who cares? I got the additional Porsche sound pack which takes it from pointlessly awful to just about OK.
- Another other essential extras than leather, air, heated seats. Don't really see the need for PSM (tres macho), but is it valued in 2nd market?
Get PSM. It costs a few hundred quid. Cheaper than loads of the "cosmetic" options and could save your life. Its not traction control - its a ton better than that. It has NEVER got in my way whilst I'be been having fun either. The car has more grip than you can shake a stick at ... but this means that if you stuff it up its going to go bigtime...and wouldn't a little electronic help be welcome?
I drive a Chimeara as well which has no such helpful options...so I'm not against a little raw and unassisted motoring...but this is going to be your everyday car (keeping the Elise for fun...? Yes?) so you'll be driving it on wet days after a hard day at work. DON'T TAKE THE RISK! GET PSM! GET PSM!
Oh.....and GET PSM!
Ta in advance & Merry Xmas
James
And a Merry Christmas to you too. Enjoy whatever car you select. If you want to talk details on options I'd be glad to help...and don't forget to join the PCGB and take advantage of their expertise.
All the best...
Cheers all. Don - you've made me decide the '03 was the one to go for. Just would have to stomach the depreciation (am a miser at heart).
Then I read the T350C review (thought running through head saying don't do it, don't do it).
Sod it, I'll have both.
In the real world, I'll let you know how I get on!
Then I read the T350C review (thought running through head saying don't do it, don't do it).
Sod it, I'll have both.
In the real world, I'll let you know how I get on!
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