987 Boxster as first exotic?

I hope to migrate to the 360/430 forums one day, but what do people think about the 987 Boxster as a first "exotic" car? We've got an off-street car park, and live in an ok area. I'd be getting a 2005-ish car, non-s-model, in manual. My only other porsche experience was my bosses carrera gt back in 2003, I've never actually driven a porsche myself, but would love to become an owner.

Has anyone else started their exotic collection with a Boxster?

 

I didn't start with a Boxster (started with a 308) but think the Boxster is great. I have a 2005 non s and love it. It's quick enough to be fun without getting thrown in jail. I also like it because I drive it a lot. I'm not worried leaving it parked like I am the the Ferrari, so I'm more likely to drive it to the store or dinner.

 

I wouldn't necessarily call it "exotic", but I did get into foreign sports cars with a new '07 Cayman S. It was a great introduction and left me seeking an even rawer drive -- and by modern standards, a lightly optioned CS is pretty raw!

There are some well-known and potentially expensive maintenance issues to look out for, but that will be the case with practically any older sports car from across the pond. Educate yourself, take some time and caution with selecting THE car, and get a knowledgeable mech to inspect all areas before you buy.

Overall, they are fun, safe, and reliable cars that are hard to go wrong with!

 

I also have a '07 Cayman S I use for everyday use along with track days and long trips. Terrific car but not exotic by any means.

There are engine failure problems in Porsches from about 2001-05. They settled a class action lawsuit on it. You can learn more at Planet-9 Porsche Cayman | Boxster | 911

Dave

 

I had a 2005 box S... Great fun with a nice sound and great handling. Mine was bullet proof for 4 years. The only down side is the snobby attitude the Boxsters are for secretaries crowd will give you. In fact I just bought a 2013 981 S as an everyday car and I love it.

 

Had a 2002 S. Miss it every day. Very forgiving car, easy enough to work on and lots of fun to drive. Prices are very low on the early Boxsters. Good value for money.

Just don't read the Porsche forums. You'd swear they are all ticking time bombs.

 

I had a 1998 for 7 years. Actually traded it in on an NSX after 3 years, then 2.5month's later we missed the Boxster so much we bought the same one back! (Kept the NSX of course) we now have a 2008 Boxster and it is just fantastic. It's the best car for the money bar-none. Very reliable!

 

I don't think you can go wrong with a 987-series Boxster. I've driven the base version and other than the new 981-series Boxster S (which is astonishingly good) it may be the best handling car I've driven, with ample power for normal road use. Porsche service is very good, and if the certified preowned program is available in NZ I think you'd be in good hands if you went that route.

BUT -- if you can make do without the convertible top, I'd look into a 993 coupe (manual gearbox only). First, very fun to drive. Second, more exotic with the classic air-cooled engine that sounds like nothing else on the road -- loud, but in the right way. Third, very reliable for daily use if you want -- I had a '96 and it was beautifully built in a way Ferrari hasn't figured out how to do. Fourth, prices are either steady or rising, and I think you'd easily be able to trade one directly for a basic Ferrari 360 in a few years, as 360 prices decline.**


** But I had a 993 and I think its proportions and air-cooled coolness would make me take it over a 360. Even Porsche hasn't quite recaptured the magic of the air-cooled era... but I digress.

 

My first exotic(ish) car was a 987 S in Atlas Gray... Really enjoyed the car and never had a problem with it- had it for about a year and upgraded to my current 997S in Guards Red.

The Boxster was a terrifically fun car to drive, and was easy on the wallet. Definitely recommend it.

 

Bullfighter, you need to get yourself back in a 993 again, I can hear you pining for a 993 everytime you post something about the 993. Your Speedster is gorgeous though!

 

So, is a Boxster an "exotic"????

 

I would say it is a good sports car, but not an exotic. Heck, I don't even think a turbo qualifies as an exotic. There's just too many of them running around. However, I think a GT3 or GT2 does qualify.

 

One thing I do know--NZ has great roads for sports cars. It's no wonder the country has produced racers way out of proportion to its tiny population. I'd love to spend a month or two there in a Ferrari, even driving on the wrong side of the road.

Dave

 

Come to Honolulu and with all our potholes, you'll either be a great Solo2 driver or a Baja contender. lol

Now, back to the OP. If you are using an off street car park in an ok area, maybe you should look at a Cayman. That way you don't need to worry about someone cutting your roof when it is parked out of your sight.

 

The settlement was for 2001-2005 but the IMS problem affected all M96 based engines (Boxster, 911, cayman) from 1999-2008(or 2009....forget which)

 

From what I've read I believe they fixed the issue on the 2009MY and forward.

 

On one forum at least, they claim the M97 was in use beginning around 2007. I'm not an expert on the matter.

Dave

 

Great call on the 993. I miss my 964 911 cab and I am thinking of adding a 993 cab for a fun weekend classic car.