New member - boxster advice please

[omega]

Hello everyone thank you for taking the time to read this. I'm new to the forum and have never owned a Porsche before. I'm looking at a 2007 Boxster 3.4s (295 bhp I believe). It looks like good value for money at 16k when compared to a similar spec 911.

My question is - what do people really think about them? The opinion from people who don't really know about cars is that the boxster is the Poor man's Porsche. However, to my mind the boxster was designed from scratch to be a sports car whereas the 911 was modified, adapted and progressively engineered to overcome the engine position. Add to this the fact that the boxster is a convertible and probably cheaper to run than a 911.

I'm 43 so not a boy racer. Any help/opinions would be very welcome. Thank you

[omega]

Should have said......it's an automatic (triptronic)

[tr7v8]

Hi Omega & Welcome

As a Boxster owner albeit an earlier 986 one but Tiptronic. Do I regard it as a poor mans 911, no, it is an excellent convertible in its own right. The only time I question mine is did I do the right thing having a tip, or should I have bought a manual? Occasionally it would be useful to be able to carry a rear seat passenger but this is rare.

As for what you're looking at don't assume it will be massively cheaper than a 911 to run. Fuel will be about the same as will be servicing costs. Tyres will be cheaper as they are slightly narrower. If you're concerned about costs then a slightly older 986 Boxster gets cheaper servicing at an OPC (Official Porsche Centre), mine costs £295 for a minor & £395 for a major service at 12 & 24K respectively. Against this a 987 (and a later 986) will be longer service intervals & also being newer should need less doing to them.

[Sean Smallman]

Forget the poor mans nonsense and buy what you like the look and feel of.

If you see any cars you like, pop up a link if you have any questions. Lots of cars to choose from out there with good equipment and service history.

[JasonGibson]

Hi Omega

That fact that you are asking these questions means you've yet to drive one

Go and test drive one to get a feel for it before looking at the ones that you fancy, you won't be disappointed
After all it's a well balanced reasonably powered sports car and it's also a Porsche.
As young boys we all dreamed of owning a Porsche, some of us finally did but many never will.

Your first is special but be warned it probably won't be your last.
My 71 yr old stepdad just got his first, a 2002 2.7 Boxster and he can't stop smiling or taking it out for a drive.

What is your location ?
You can pop along to a meeting at your local region, the members are all very friendly and will give you plenty advice .
I'm sure someone will take you out for a spin too

[omega]

Thank you all for your comments. The car I am looking at is on eBay item number 281299982199

I'm in Glossop derbyshire - And you are right.....I haven't driven one before. I've found a local Porsche specialist - the service costs are very reasonable and the insurance isn't as high as I was expecting!!!

[JasonGibson]

Looks nice to me

Liking the light interior

It looks to be around the same money as other similar cars from dealers
Start with a cheeky bid though

[Sean Smallman]

If this is a weekend/holiday toy and garaged you should be paying around £400 for fully comp insurance with breakdown cover as a Club member.

[WazzerM]

I pay £295 with A-Plan

Nice car!!

[Spot]

I'm new to all of this too, and agree totally with the previous comments. I've just taken the plunge by buying a 2005 2.7 Boxster. Making the decision took a while, but I can honestly say that I haven't stopped smiling since the day I got it.
Take one out for a drive, then see what you think about the 'poor mans Porsche' comments. They seem to be made by people who have never driven one!
Good luck.

[omega]

....................£397 fully comp - servicing is the same cost as the Cayman!!!!

[JasonGibson]

What ya waiting for ?

I expect to see photos by the weekend

[omega]

Thanks for the encouragement Steve take care

[omega]

Sorry.....I mean Jason (don't know where I got Steve from!!!!!)

[JasonGibson]

Did ya buy it ?