Buying a Boxster - what spec to go for?
Discussion
Hello all,
Some advice on buying a 'Porsche Approved' Boxster would be greatly appreciated.
In the next few weeks I will be buying an 05 or 55 plate 2.7 from a UK Porsche main dealer.
I know what colour I want (silver or seal grey). The wheels must be 18" and the interior at least half leather.
Could anyone tell me...
1. Are there any optional extras I should consider as essentials, i.e. things that I would kick myself about later if I don't buy or things that would affect the resale value / ease of selling?
2. Will there be much room for haggling or in your experience do you pay the windscreen price at a main dealer? There does seem to be quite a bit of variation between the dealers (e.g. a Boxster will 11k miles £1,000 CHEAPER than a same colour / spec model at another main dealer with 26k miles!)
3. Do the Porsche main dealers take trade-ins (I have a nearly new BMW 1 series) and does anyone have any eperience of how good a deal you get offered?
4. I'm an old git so insurance won't be a problem. But I would be interested in your advice on servicing and running costs. I will be doing 10k a year and will want the car serviced at a main dealer. The car I buy will have just been serviced with around 10,000 to 15,000 miles. What do you reckon I should budget each year for servicing?
5. I love my Ipod and have searched the Interweb for advice on ipod connectivity (e.g. through the Dension kit). Howevever, it appears that there isn't a solution for Boxsters after 2003, unless the head unit is replaced? I live in an area with rubbish radio reception so those Itrip things that tune the ipod into a radio frequency will be no good for me.
That's about it - any help greatly appreciated!
Some advice on buying a 'Porsche Approved' Boxster would be greatly appreciated.
In the next few weeks I will be buying an 05 or 55 plate 2.7 from a UK Porsche main dealer.
I know what colour I want (silver or seal grey). The wheels must be 18" and the interior at least half leather.
Could anyone tell me...
1. Are there any optional extras I should consider as essentials, i.e. things that I would kick myself about later if I don't buy or things that would affect the resale value / ease of selling?
2. Will there be much room for haggling or in your experience do you pay the windscreen price at a main dealer? There does seem to be quite a bit of variation between the dealers (e.g. a Boxster will 11k miles £1,000 CHEAPER than a same colour / spec model at another main dealer with 26k miles!)
3. Do the Porsche main dealers take trade-ins (I have a nearly new BMW 1 series) and does anyone have any eperience of how good a deal you get offered?
4. I'm an old git so insurance won't be a problem. But I would be interested in your advice on servicing and running costs. I will be doing 10k a year and will want the car serviced at a main dealer. The car I buy will have just been serviced with around 10,000 to 15,000 miles. What do you reckon I should budget each year for servicing?
5. I love my Ipod and have searched the Interweb for advice on ipod connectivity (e.g. through the Dension kit). Howevever, it appears that there isn't a solution for Boxsters after 2003, unless the head unit is replaced? I live in an area with rubbish radio reception so those Itrip things that tune the ipod into a radio frequency will be no good for me.
That's about it - any help greatly appreciated!
5.
Itrip works better if your radio reception is rubbish! Best to borrow one from a friend and try it, if you are going to consider it.
I think there are ipod cable solutions for the boxster you're looking at now, but with a big waiting list - hopefully someone with a bit more knowledge will be along shortly.
Air con (although its probably standard on an 987) and heated seats, as they extend the time you can run with the top down, after that its really down to personal preference. Remember that there are some huge differences in the spec level of cars, we spent 8k on options for the other half's car, some people will have only spent 2k there are even peope who spend over 10k so just check to see what you are getting for your money.
Richard.
Richard.
monkeytaylor said:
Hello all,
Some advice on buying a 'Porsche Approved' Boxster would be greatly appreciated.
In the next few weeks I will be buying an 05 or 55 plate 2.7 from a UK Porsche main dealer.
I know what colour I want (silver or seal grey). The wheels must be 18" and the interior at least half leather.
Could anyone tell me...
1. Are there any optional extras I should consider as essentials, i.e. things that I would kick myself about later if I don't buy or things that would affect the resale value / ease of selling?
2. Will there be much room for haggling or in your experience do you pay the windscreen price at a main dealer? There does seem to be quite a bit of variation between the dealers (e.g. a Boxster will 11k miles £1,000 CHEAPER than a same colour / spec model at another main dealer with 26k miles!)
3. Do the Porsche main dealers take trade-ins (I have a nearly new BMW 1 series) and does anyone have any eperience of how good a deal you get offered?
4. I'm an old git so insurance won't be a problem. But I would be interested in your advice on servicing and running costs. I will be doing 10k a year and will want the car serviced at a main dealer. The car I buy will have just been serviced with around 10,000 to 15,000 miles. What do you reckon I should budget each year for servicing?
5. I love my Ipod and have searched the Interweb for advice on ipod connectivity (e.g. through the Dension kit). Howevever, it appears that there isn't a solution for Boxsters after 2003, unless the head unit is replaced? I live in an area with rubbish radio reception so those Itrip things that tune the ipod into a radio frequency will be no good for me.
That's about it - any help greatly appreciated!
Some advice on buying a 'Porsche Approved' Boxster would be greatly appreciated.
In the next few weeks I will be buying an 05 or 55 plate 2.7 from a UK Porsche main dealer.
I know what colour I want (silver or seal grey). The wheels must be 18" and the interior at least half leather.
Could anyone tell me...
1. Are there any optional extras I should consider as essentials, i.e. things that I would kick myself about later if I don't buy or things that would affect the resale value / ease of selling?
2. Will there be much room for haggling or in your experience do you pay the windscreen price at a main dealer? There does seem to be quite a bit of variation between the dealers (e.g. a Boxster will 11k miles £1,000 CHEAPER than a same colour / spec model at another main dealer with 26k miles!)
3. Do the Porsche main dealers take trade-ins (I have a nearly new BMW 1 series) and does anyone have any eperience of how good a deal you get offered?
4. I'm an old git so insurance won't be a problem. But I would be interested in your advice on servicing and running costs. I will be doing 10k a year and will want the car serviced at a main dealer. The car I buy will have just been serviced with around 10,000 to 15,000 miles. What do you reckon I should budget each year for servicing?
5. I love my Ipod and have searched the Interweb for advice on ipod connectivity (e.g. through the Dension kit). Howevever, it appears that there isn't a solution for Boxsters after 2003, unless the head unit is replaced? I live in an area with rubbish radio reception so those Itrip things that tune the ipod into a radio frequency will be no good for me.
That's about it - any help greatly appreciated!
1. Agree about heated seats and air con (surely standard!), very important on a drop top IMO. There seems to be a huge variance on specs of boxsters as some are bought as daily drivers and some are bought as weekend toys. Nice to have is sat nav (i wouldn't buy a car without it now and makes it easier to sell etc), def 18s as you say, also the xenon lights are great as is full leather interior and bose but none of these are essentials, park assist and tel module are also good to have.
2. Hardly any room for haggling I am afraid, Porsche dealers don't really discount, especially not on a nearly new car. You may be able to get a free Porsche driving day or somehting similar thrown in though. Shop around between dealers for best price.
3. Yes, they will take anything!
4. Not that much, I think servicing intervals are 20k miles or 2 yrs now, tyres will be a bigger factor, depending on how you drive. Should also get around 26-30mpg.
5. Pass!
Edited by Thorny on Wednesday 16th May 10:32
richad027 said:
Air con (although its probably standard on an 987) and heated seats, as they extend the time you can run with the top down, after that its really down to personal preference. Remember that there are some huge differences in the spec level of cars, we spent 8k on options for the other half's car, some people will have only spent 2k there are even peope who spend over 10k so just check to see what you are getting for your money.
Richard.
Richard.
I'd agree with that. Make sure you understand the Porsche spec and option list very well. Many things you might consider as standard on such a car are in fact options that come at hefty prices. I spent close to 12k on options on my old Boxster S to make it the car I really wanted. And within a few days I considered all these options as indispensible, with the leather clad sun visors being maybe the only exception.
hobo said:
The only spec you need to know is to get the 3.2 (or 3.4 now) not the 2.7
wondered how long it would take before somebody saying that....he wants a 2.7 because unlike some he isnt bothered about getting to 100mph 1.5 secs quicker. I have drove many 3.2's and the difference between the two in everyday driving is hardly noticeable maybe in other surroundings it could change. The 3.4 is considerably quicker though..
Edited by toenheel on Wednesday 16th May 12:34
I have an 05 2.7 and its great. I had a pragmatic approach when ordering mine, no extravangances just what I thought was essential, West London OPC were very good also.
Sound pack (essential)
Climate control upgrade, a/c is std.. (essential)
Wind Deflector (essential)
Sport Seats (more comfort than std seats)
19's (essential, IMHO new model looks bulkier than the old and looks crap without these)
Black with black.
I havent got heated seats, they give you piles; before you ask I havent got piles!!!
By the way its just been serviced, if you have a spare £28.5k its yours.
Sound pack (essential)
Climate control upgrade, a/c is std.. (essential)
Wind Deflector (essential)
Sport Seats (more comfort than std seats)
19's (essential, IMHO new model looks bulkier than the old and looks crap without these)
Black with black.
I havent got heated seats, they give you piles; before you ask I havent got piles!!!
By the way its just been serviced, if you have a spare £28.5k its yours.
Arctic Silver
19" Carrera S Wheels
Painted Wheel Centres
Full Leather (Black)
Adaptive Sports Seats
Park Assist
Wind Deflector
Storage Box
Sports Chrono Package
Centre Console In Exterior Colour
Floor Mats
Additional Leather Bits & Pieces
CD Autochanger
Door Entry Guards
Roll Over Bar In Exterior Colour
19" Carrera S Wheels
Painted Wheel Centres
Full Leather (Black)
Adaptive Sports Seats
Park Assist
Wind Deflector
Storage Box
Sports Chrono Package
Centre Console In Exterior Colour
Floor Mats
Additional Leather Bits & Pieces
CD Autochanger
Door Entry Guards
Roll Over Bar In Exterior Colour
After having owned a couple of 987's and recently being given one as a loan car by my OPC I'd say that heated seats are a must so that you can enjoy top down motoring on lovely crisp and clear days all year round. It's susrprising how many people don't bother with this option but it is very worthwhile IMHO. Both my cars had the sound package upgrade and I'd read on forums that the Bose wasn't worth the money. The loan car I drove had it and I have to say the difference is night and day. You can actually hear the stereo clearly with the top down at motorway speeds. You simply can't say the same of the sound package upgrade so Bose would be near the top of my list next time round. Full leather is nice but not essential - I had it on my first car which had an ocean blue interior and the leather dash was much nicer than the blue plastic one. My current car has black partial leather and the black plastic of the dash looks fine. If you are buying used then the best advice is to find one with a whole host of options fitted and haggle hard. The OPC's rarely pay more for highly spec'ed cars that they take in as part exchanges so you should be able to get them down in price if you wait until the end of a month when they may be keener to do a deal to make their monthly sales figures look better and hit targets.
I bought a 2nd hand boxster last summer so had similar issues.
I did want a facelift one, because I thought the glass rear window would make a big difference - I ended up getting a pre facelift S, it was just in amazing condition and a year down the line the plastic rear window is no big deal.
What would I like extra that I don't have? Rear parking sensors would be nice, the vis when parking isn't great. Heated seats I do miss from my BMW, I'd like those too. The upgraded sound system is good - but I'd like the option with the subwoofer and rear speakers (you can retro fit all that for about 750 quid). I'd like the computer as well, just to feed my geeky side.
What are nice options that I have? A full leather interior, with all the trimmings such as roll hoops, etc. is very nice - it does make it feel special. Sports seats were a must for me - just check you fit into them well. Xenon lights are great. Wind deflector is worth it.
Sat nav wouldn't matter to me - plenty very good 3rd party systems that are probably better anyway.
For the ipod I changed my header unit to a Panasonic one. Full integration and very fast (the denison isn't great). You just lose the nice integrated looks of the factory unit.
"2. Will there be much room for haggling or in your experience do you pay the windscreen price at a main dealer?"
We got £1450 off screen price in November from OPC.
Options,
Seat heaters most used option.
Climate, great (is it standard?)
Parking sensors good as rear vis not so good.
Full leather very nice.
Sat nav (though critisided)is good enough if your not keen on the after-market stick on screen stuff.
Enjoy.
DW
We got £1450 off screen price in November from OPC.
Options,
Seat heaters most used option.
Climate, great (is it standard?)
Parking sensors good as rear vis not so good.
Full leather very nice.
Sat nav (though critisided)is good enough if your not keen on the after-market stick on screen stuff.
Enjoy.
DW
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