Porsche Enthusiasts Club Forum

Hi there
We are looking at buying our first Porsche.
Our budget is about 9k, the car will be used for fun purposes not a daily drive. We would like to experience the odd track day and possibly a trip around the Nurburgring.
Can any of you fine people offer any advice on what we should be buying because at the moment we are looking at a Boxster 3.2s
What in particular should we be looking for when we view and test drive.
Any advice is more than welcome.
Many thanks.

With your budget and use in mind, I would probably recommend the following.

944 S2 - £4000 to £6000
944 Turbo - £6000 - £9000
968 - £6000 to £9000
Boxster S - £7000 to £10000

For the 944 and 968 options, you can get cabriolet versions for about £2k more than advertised.

I would say the 944 and 968 options for the ring, touring Europe or England etc. are probably more practical, offer excellent handling, performance and reliability, also they are less likely to suffer depreciation compared with the Boxster and as strange as it may sound, will be more robust.

I agree with Jon,

Having owned both a Boxster 3.2s, Porsche 911 3.2 and now a 968 for what you say i'd put the boxster last, 3.2 Carrera 2nd and the 968 1st.

I'm never convinced on taking any form of convertible on the track (without roll cage etc) is a good idea at all. Despite you aren't officially racing it's still too dangerous in my opinion. Boxsters are more expensive to run than a 944/968 also.

Get a well maintained 968 and you're laughing. Great cruiser, especially as it has quite a big boot! Great on track and everyone asks 'what Porsche is that'!!

You can pick up a nice 968 Sport well within your budget and leaving enough for a bit of work if required. On Any 944/968 check recent maintenance history, especially belts within the last 3-4 years. Might be worth getting an inspection if you are unsure.

this one is for sale by a guy who frequents the 968UK forum and certainly on paper looks like an all jobs done car.

http://pistonheads.co.uk/sales/4207536.htm

Good luck!

Umm a 944 owner & now a Boxster owner. I'm about to write an article on this for the club mag (good reason to become a member!) but these are my thoughts.

Boxster, cheap to run in terms of servicing. Mine has just had an OPC service for £330 or so with me providing oil for around £40.
This was a major so only one every two years, the minor which is the alternate is £250 or so.
It is VERY complex, multiple ECUs masses of relays & CANBUS for the wiring. It is also a pig to do anything yourself as it is all underneath. But assuming no IMS failure then this is all you'll need.
An S will be on 18" wheels so more expensive tyres. But this will be mileage & age dependent. No need for a car at this value to use N rated tyres so not too bad.
I've just done my first track day & hillclimb in mine & had no issues with no roof. They have built in rollbars which are obviously TUV certified. They are pretty lardy though so hard on brakes & tyres, especially for mine which is Tiptronic.

944, can be self maintained but expensive if you can't. Belts are a major issue. They need doing every 3 years & assuming you need say 50% or the idlers & tensioners replaced each time you're looking at around £160 in bits. Labour charge is typically around £200-£250 or so. If it needs the lot doing (tensioners, idlers, seals & Top hats) & a water pump then £450 in bits & £300-£500 assuming the water pump comes off OK. The 16V engines need a cam chain every 80K or so which is £200 or so. Clutch costs on both cars will be similar.
Generally fell more bombproof as regards build although drives as an older car. Steering on the 944 is quite heavy even with PAS which could be an issue for small lady drivers. Without PAS I found it too heavy.

Thanks guys!!
Think mrs Barney has her heart set on a Boxster.
Is my budget reasonable, and can I expect to get a decent Porsche for that?
There seems to be a lot of 3.2 S's for sale, all about the same price, other than service history is there anything to be looking out for??
Thanks

9K will get you a very good 3.2s, mine was £6,500 for a 2000 with pretty high spec. Mine had service history, not all OPC, 80K miles. Unique colour with all leather interior.

I was looking at blue Boxsters today Jim (not for me, for the wife - I'm not a huge fan). What do they call that blue?

Girly Girl Blue

It is Estoril blue, a BMW colour normally seen on M3s, it cost its previous owner £3,500 as colour specified by owner! It looks stunning in the metal & that & the interior sold us the car.

Could be worse, could be a resale silver Speedster

oh..is that what the colours called...i thought it was hairdresser blue!

Don't want to nit-pick, but....

I understand what Jim means, however the colour is not actually 'unique'. BMWs and other Porsches are available in this colour. A different adjective needs to be used to imply rarity rather than uniqueness.

I'm only being factual and I don't want a load of grief about it....

Bit like zermatt sliver is a vw colour.

Gentlemen you digress!!!!!
Please just tell me what car to buy that will give me that magical driving experience..

Truth is they're all good and you can make a case for all

If SWMBO likes the Boxster as well, one will do you fine as weekend toy. They are not bullet proof but great value for the money.

If you see any you like, link them on here and we will have a look with you.