| Author | Message | ||
| Fred (I Luv 4REs) (Iluv4res)
Junior Member Username: Iluv4res Post Number: 237 Registered: 8-2002 |
Nebula....No issues here. Alternate opinions are what makes the world interesting. If everyone had the same tastes, it would get boring!!! However, I would recommend test driving the Boxster. Best in an autocross situation. You will soon find out what the smile on my face looks like!!! BTW,,,, pedal is definitely pushed down! | ||
| Nebula Class (Nebulaclass)
New member Username: Nebulaclass Post Number: 8 Registered: 11-2002 |
Hey Fred....I apologize if I hityour new purchase. I may have come across as an a-hole, and it wasn't intended. The only thing that matter is that you like it, and fromyour last post, it seems as though you are more than satisfied! Keep mashing the pedal and enjoy the hell out of it!  | ||
| Fred (I Luv 4REs) (Iluv4res)
Junior Member Username: Iluv4res Post Number: 234 Registered: 8-2002 |
Well, after owning it a week, I still like it. I put over 400 miles on it!! To all you doubters.....It's definitely not an F-car. Nor does it have gobs of V-8 power. Not as 'retro' as the TT. Not as ??? as the s2000. Doesn't have the MB star. BUT......It accelerates well, loves the highway, loves twisties, handles like it's on rails, brakes like bubblegum & super glue, sounds great, looks classy yet sporty and, to be a little shallow, it is a Porsche. Plus....Bonus here.....I have a permagrin smile when I stomp on the pedal on the right!!! | ||
| Joseph (Mojo)
Junior Member Username: Mojo Post Number: 138 Registered: 9-2002 |
Hey Fred I bought a Porsche 924 in 1988. I remember the feeling today, Im sure your feeling it now!! Bottom line after all these facts and opinions is the feeling the car gives you!! So enjoy. Mojo | ||
| Hubert Otlik (Hugh)
Member Username: Hugh Post Number: 344 Registered: 1-2002 |
>>The main thing I disliked about the Boxster (sorry for the typo) was the lack of grunt. Handling was fine, but nothing that I would spend 40K on. The Boxster S felt a little snazzier, but again, nothing I would spend 55K on. They just felt, well, blah.<< Well put. You're opinon, but now I know you're not just blowin' smoke, as it goes. I don't agree on the dollar issue, but thats me. Also, neither felt 'blah' to me, again, your opinion. >>The 996 911, while very refined and smooth, felt nearly the same as my 99 Cobra. Now, beat the crap out of the car on a track and the 911's superior handling will rear its head, but I don't spend too much time on the track and I don't see that spending 70K for a 911 was warranted for me.<< You're right, I personally, like the '99 cobras too and especially the saleens', drove an s281, but just had to many experiences w/ lack luster reliability and manufacture forethought (lack therof) to commit to one. >>The 996 911 Turbo, on the other hand, is a totally different machine. I'm a Ferrari fanatic, and have never like Porsche based on stupid personal biases (I think it's because of the F40/959 battles of 15 year ago). Anyways, when I did drive the 911 Turbo, I was floored. I have never felt a rush like that, and I don't think I will again. It was truly amazing, and I cannot knock the car. Simply fantastic.<< I'm a ferrari fanatic as well, but I'm also a car nut; I love tracking my car, and getting to taste other cars in their natural 'habitat' if you will, so I really delve into every and all; if a car is fantastic, it's fantastic, period, regardless of the emblem on the hood. Case in point, at Fridays track day at buttonwillow, I drover a '91 Nissan 180sx w/ a swapped in SR20DET motor; absoloutly fantastic to drive, best fun I had all day, and the car looked like •••• (spray painted flat black), didn't have any interior, and was absoloutly amazing; linear power delivery, meaty mid range, etc. cars are amzaing, really. About the 911 TT you're spot on, my experience as well; however, some may argue that the 993TT gave a harder kick under boost, but at this point it's splitting hairs really. >>Other than the 911 Turbo, I'm just not a Porsche guy. I had driven the hell out of many Boxster and Boxter Ss, and when I drove a TT, I was amazed at how much more enjoyable a car it was. Granted, the S may beat it in braking, handling, and accelleration, but keep in mind that the Honda S2000 beats the Boxster in accelleration from 0 - 60. Have you ever driven an S2000? Unless you are lofting about at 9000rpms, the car feels like a Civic.<< Yah, 'magazine racing' is great, but at the end of the day 'driver feel' should win out, followed by brand loyaty issues, et al. Regarding the s2000 v. boxster, see my previous post, however, the car has a 'decent' amount of torque, it's just that many big bore driver jump into them and percieve them to be flat, but as honda's go, it's got a decent amount of tug; on the track and the street. Bang for buck, it beats the boxster, hands down, you're right, but it won't beat the boxster s. >>To me, the TT was more fun to drive, and I love the interior styling much more than the bland 911/Boxster interior. Yeah, dash styling may be pointless in terms of performance, but I like something nifty to look at, and the TT's interior beat the Boxster hands down.<< Again, you're opinion, but validated. I, personally, find the TT unattractive (too many lines, buldges, and not enough flow to the car) but find the DTM TT's to be very menacing looking, but that's me. >>And if we want to haggle over reliability issues, then why are we fans of Ferraris? ;) Although Fords, and ALL domestics, were lacking in reliability in the past, today's offerings are much more inline with what customers expect. Judging Ford's reliablility on 20 year old models is like judging Ferrari's styling based on the 308 GT4 (which I love, BTW.)<< I agree, to a point, but the recalls I mentioned we're from '90's cars, not 20 year old models. Regarding Ferrari reliability, ask 20 people about it, and you'll get 20 answers, each from it's own individual school of thought. >>But like I said, these are my opinions, and I'm just a guy in college with a POS Fiat. If he's happy with his purchase, that's all that matters, right?<< Hey, I've got a Honda. | ||
| Nebula Class (Nebulaclass)
New member Username: Nebulaclass Post Number: 5 Registered: 11-2002 |
The main thing I disliked about the Boxster (sorry for the typo) was the lack of grunt. Handling was fine, but nothing that I would spend 40K on. The Boxster S felt a little snazzier, but again, nothing I would spend 55K on. They just felt, well, blah. The 996 911, while very refined and smooth, felt nearly the same as my 99 Cobra. Now, beat the crap out of the car on a track and the 911's superior handling will rear its head, but I don't spend too much time on the track and I don't see that spending 70K for a 911 was warranted for me. The 996 911 Turbo, on the other hand, is a totally different machine. I'm a Ferrari fanatic, and have never like Porsche based on stupid personal biases (I think it's because of the F40/959 battles of 15 year ago). Anyways, when I did drive the 911 Turbo, I was floored. I have never felt a rush like that, and I don't think I will again. It was truly amazing, and I cannot knock the car. Simply fantastic. Other than the 911 Turbo, I'm just not a Porsche guy. I had driven the hell out of many Boxster and Boxter Ss, and when I drove a TT, I was amazed at how much more enjoyable a car it was. Granted, the S may beat it in braking, handling, and accelleration, but keep in mind that the Honda S2000 beats the Boxster in accelleration from 0 - 60. Have you ever driven an S2000? Unless you are lofting about at 9000rpms, the car feels like a Civic. To me, the TT was more fun to drive, and I love the interior styling much more than the bland 911/Boxster interior. Yeah, dash styling may be pointless in terms of performance, but I like something nifty to look at, and the TT's interior beat the Boxster hands down. And if we want to haggle over reliability issues, then why are we fans of Ferraris? ;) Although Fords, and ALL domestics, were lacking in reliability in the past, today's offerings are much more inline with what customers expect. Judging Ford's reliablility on 20 year old models is like judging Ferrari's styling based on the 308 GT4 (which I love, BTW.) But like I said, these are my opinions, and I'm just a guy in college with a POS Fiat. If he's happy with his purchase, that's all that matters, right? | ||
| Hubert Otlik (Hugh)
Member Username: Hugh Post Number: 343 Registered: 1-2002 |
>>I've driven both Boxter variants, 993 and 996 911's and 911 Turbos. I've also driven the TTs and I happen to like them more.<< And what about these particular cars don't you like? >>But each person has different views, and I'm not trying to say the guy made a bad choice. It sure as hell beats the car I'm driving!<< Doesn't matter what you drive, but airing unsupported opinions; approaches speaking in ignorance to the facts. >>And knock Fords all you want. I owned and drove a 99 Cobra for three years and put 50k on it without a single problem. All I needed was oil and tire changes. During my tenure as a Ferrari/Porshce salesman, I never saw one Porsche that required as little maintenance as the Cobra. And I'm sorry you dislike the styling; I happen to think it's a good looking car.<< I spent the better part of my high school years working on cars at a local garage/oil change; of all the the cars that came in, the Fords, empirically: leaked, smoked, rattled, etc. as much if not more then their related domestic kin. Also, the previous generation of 5.0's had a dipstick/oil pan screw up from the factory that gave you a bogus oil reading. Not to mention the various recalls on mustangs; cooling fan bearing, inner/outer hood panels, fuel rail (fire hazard), cobra r ball joint/LCA's, air bag recall's, intake manifold heater nipple, etc. The boxster? Two; tiptronic transmission sleeves and ignition switch. This is what has been published on the boxster since '97. Thr facts, I believe, speak for themselves. Also, 50K miles in 3 years, that's not exactly high milage, to me at least, however, the new edition of c&d or r&t has a long term updtae on a boxster s, 15000 miles; trouble free, totally! Reference (recalls): http://209.58.136.120/srch.htm >>Opinions are opninion! No need to get your panties in a twist! ;)<< And, I'm not wearing panties, in the laundry today, just wearing my teddy. BTW, it's boxSter not boxter. | ||
| RichardVassil (Richardv)
New member Username: Richardv Post Number: 46 Registered: 11-2002 |
This is why they decided to paint cars different colors. People wanted more than black. Enjoy what you buy, it is your choice. Alot of good stuff out there these days and everyone has different needs. Rick | ||
| Nebula Class (Nebulaclass)
New member Username: Nebulaclass Post Number: 3 Registered: 11-2002 |
I've driven both Boxter variants, 993 and 996 911's and 911 Turbos. I've also driven the TTs and I happen to like them more. But each person has different views, and I'm not trying to say the guy made a bad choice. It sure as hell beats the car I'm driving! And knock Fords all you want. I owned and drove a 99 Cobra for three years and put 50k on it without a single problem. All I needed was oil and tire changes. During my tenure as a Ferrari/Porshce salesman, I never saw one Porsche that required as little maintenance as the Cobra. And I'm sorry you dislike the styling; I happen to think it's a good looking car. Opinions are opninion! No need to get your panties in a twist! ;) | ||
| martin J weiner,M.D. (Mw360)
Member Username: Mw360 Post Number: 691 Registered: 5-2001 |
BEFORE a guy buys a particular car all comments,criticisms etc are appropriate. AFTER he buys the car negativity is inappropriate. Enjoy your Boxster,Fred.. | ||
| Hubert Otlik (Hugh)
Member Username: Hugh Post Number: 342 Registered: 1-2002 |
>>I really dislike the Porsche Boxter. 911 for that matter, as well.<< Have you driven either? If so which vintage boxster and which 911/993/996? >>The S isn't too bad, but the Audi TT is a much better car in terms of handling, quickness, and overall feel, and it's nearly 10 - 15K less.<< The TT is NO way better than boxster s, period. The exerpt below is from a comparison b/w the tt 1.8t and the boxster, not S, and the tow were matched 0-60 @ 6.2sec; however, that was from '99-'00, the '03 boxster S would eat the TT alive; 0-60, braking, handling, lateral g's, etc., the boxster took first place b/w a comparison of the z3, merc, and tt. Per c&d: -------------------------------------------------- Audi TT Quattro Roadster Highs: Unbeatable attentiongetter, gorgeous interior detailing, high dollar-value index. Lows: Excess pork compromises performance, sluggish throttle response, leaky convertible top. The Verdict: A visual stunner that doesn�t quite measure up in the world of decreasing radius and high lateral g. Porsche Boxster: Highs: No-fear handling, superb brakes, increased power. Lows: Seat comfort marginal in long stints, cheap-looking interior details, ropy shifter. The Verdict: A very modest power upgrade sends the Boxster to the head of the class. ------------------------------------------------- reference: http://www.caranddriver.com/xp/Caranddriver/comparisontests/2000/August/200008_comparisontest_fanzy.xml?&page=1 And, w/ regard to the TT's better 'all around' value, have you seen this site yet? http://www.myaudittsucks.com/ >>The 2003 Cobra, for 35K, is another fine choice. 390hp and TQ, 4 wheel independant (SLA rear, unlike ANY Porsche), and reliably as hell.<< Ford? Reliability? An honest oxymoron. OH, and the 'styling' of the new mustangs; I'd rather not. >>Regardless, though, I'm sure you like the car, and I hope you enjoy it! Don't get me wrong, I wouldn't kick it out of my garage if I found it there tomorrow!<< | ||
| Mark (Study)
Member Username: Study Post Number: 350 Registered: 10-2001 |
I never liked the P-cars, but now that I'm down here on South Beach...sipping my drink and watching the beautiful girls walk by... I've noticed that the best little run-around for these crowed beach streets seems to be the boxter. It has to be a rag-top and the new BMW M4 is very dissapointing when you see the car in person. Nissan's Z drop-top is due out in Feb 2003 and $30k for 290hp I might look into that... but the boxter is worth brushing up on. | ||
| Nebula Class (Nebulaclass)
New member Username: Nebulaclass Post Number: 1 Registered: 11-2002 |
I really dislike the Porsche Boxter. 911 for that matter, as well. The S isn't too bad, but the Audi TT is a much better car in terms of handling, quickness, and overall feel, and it's nearly 10 - 15K less. The 2003 Cobra, for 35K, is another fine choice. 390hp and TQ, 4 wheel independant (SLA rear, unlike ANY Porsche), and reliably as hell. Regardless, though, I'm sure you like the car, and I hope you enjoy it! Don't get me wrong, I wouldn't kick it out of my garage if I found it there tomorrow! | ||
| stu cordova (Balataboy)
Member Username: Balataboy Post Number: 296 Registered: 4-2001 |
Mark, I had a 2000 and it was pretty much trouble free. The only thing I became aware of while I was shopping was that the first two years (97 & 98) were prone to develop oil leaks the were requiring engine replacment by Porsche. On one visit to the local dealer, they had 3 such engines in stock, ready for a replacement under warranty. Also, those first two years had a much shorter warranty -which would now be expired - so be aware! I would definetly buy one that still had the Porsche warranty in effect. I think it's 4 years/50k on '99's and newer. There were also small HP increases each year, but not enough to make a significant difference, IMO. Good luck! | ||
| Brent Lachelt (Brent_lachelt)
New member Username: Brent_lachelt Post Number: 35 Registered: 4-2002 |
Fred, My 67 year old mom just retired and bought a 2001 Boxter S with the tiptronic. Incredible car, handles very nicely. Everyone in the family was excited except dad. He drives a Cadillac. Enjoy your car! | ||
| Mark (Study)
Member Username: Study Post Number: 349 Registered: 10-2001 |
What do you look-out for when shopping for the Boxter? What kind of problems did these cars have over the years? | ||
| Taek-Ho Kwon (Stickanddice)
Junior Member Username: Stickanddice Post Number: 65 Registered: 11-2002 |
I have a Porsche C4 Cabrio and every time I take it in for something I get a Boxster for a loaner car. They are fantastic cars. Makes you wonder if the cabrio Carreras are worth that much more. Interesting that you say the S2000 is not exciting though. My wife's coworker has one and I swapped my Corvette with the S2000 for a week because he wanted to see how the C5 Corvette drove. I thought the S2000 was exhilarating. Like a motorbike on four wheels (and I have owned three sportsbikes). The sound is tremendous considering it's a little four banger. The short shift is very satisfying and crisp. The fit and finish will not compare to the Boxster because it is a minimalist car (in the modern sense, mind you). I found the S2000 to be more fun than the Boxster, albeit as a daily driver, the Boxster puts the little Honda to shame. | ||
| stu cordova (Balataboy)
Member Username: Balataboy Post Number: 292 Registered: 4-2001 |
Fred, I had one as well...very impressive car. I've had a few different Porsches and I'll admit, they are a very nice car. It would definitely be my driver if I wasn't such a idiot for Ferrari! Enjoy!!! | ||
| Fred (I Luv 4REs) (Iluv4res)
Junior Member Username: Iluv4res Post Number: 233 Registered: 8-2002 |
I agree about the steering column only being in/out adjustable instead of up/down. Makes getting in and out tough until you get used to it. Pedal feel is good in my opinion. The clutch is, like all cars, a pain in the daily commute, but I wouldn't ever get the Triptronic. I compared it to the s2000. The s2000 is a Honda so reliability and repairs would be more reasonable. However, it's a Honda.....not exciting. This car handles sooooo awesome!! It's like a rocket powered go-cart!!! Solid feel to it as well. | ||
| Hubert Otlik (Hugh)
Member Username: Hugh Post Number: 337 Registered: 1-2002 |
Fred- I went looking at boxster's just this past weekend. Drove both an '03 boxster and S; the boxster was suprisingly quick, 225 hp 5 speed, and the interior appointments we're very nice; the S was amazing, the throttle response in both cars was fantastic, but the S, bigger bore, and ~ 30 more horses and torque, had great pull in nearly any gear, throughout the powerband. The size of the cars interior is quite suprising in context to it's all around 'compactness'; the boxster, both versions, felt very roomy inside, and I actually felt very comfortable. This compared to my buddies s2000 that I borrowed for the weekend, felt very clausterphobic w/ the top up, not so in the boxster. Only two gripes about the porsche's, the steering column doesn't tilt, but does periscope, and the pedal position felt a bit awkward for heel/toe, the gas pedal felt too far away, but that could have been the shoes I was wearing. Anyway, sounds like you got a fantastic car (the options sound great!)! Pick up this months excellence, they have a project boxster and they review the m030 suspension package and 18 inch wheels (which they prefer in terms of handling). Congrats. | ||
| Matt Lemus (Mlemus)
Member Username: Mlemus Post Number: 672 Registered: 8-2002 |
I drove one for a week as a loner while the f-car was in the shop. I drove it like I stole it and I agree about the handling. I was a blast. | ||
| Fred (I Luv 4REs) (Iluv4res)
Junior Member Username: Iluv4res Post Number: 230 Registered: 8-2002 |
The 97' that I bought came from the factory with a bit over 200 hp. Mine has some modifications that add some more power, but I don't know for sure how much. It seems to go pretty well, plus it sounds great. The new ones have about 225, with the "S" model offering about 260. Definitely not F-car fast, but plenty to have some fun!!! Yes, it seems to handle like it's on rails. For slower, autocross type racing, it seems better than the F-car. The brakes are absolutely f'ing amazing. Oh, I have red-painted calipers that look nice too!!! | ||
| Lawrence Coppari (Lawrence)
Member Username: Lawrence Post Number: 409 Registered: 4-2002 |
They are very forgiving with regard to handling. Porsche brakes are among the best anywhere. Enjoy. | ||
| TomD (Tifosi)
Intermediate Member Username: Tifosi Post Number: 1897 Registered: 9-2001 |
good luck with it, what is the hp on those? | ||
| Fred (I Luv 4REs) (Iluv4res)
Junior Member Username: Iluv4res Post Number: 229 Registered: 8-2002 |
Well, I decided to buy another car. Since I wanted something sporty, practical, nice and MUCH cheaper than another F-car, I bought a used Porsche Boxter yesterday. Details: 1997 Porsche Boxter, Silver/Black, Aero-kit, 18" rims, exhaust, k&n filter, throttle body, one owner, only 9,500 miles. Yes, only 9,500 miles. Definitely not as fast as an F-car. Nor does it attract the attention (good and bad). But, it is a pretty nice, fun car to drive. |