I'm going to do it.
 

Well since forever I've wanted to own a P-Car. For the past like 10 years I've been all about Porsche's.

So a little less than a year ago I bought a 06 Nissan 350Z. At first I was extremely happy with it. Always debated whether it was better than the Boxster or Cayman. It had more power and cost a lot less. Well that was from a consumer's stand point.

Now that I've owned it and have driven it a total of 3k miles last year I learned I wasn't complacent with it's overall fit and finish. The interior parts had scratches all over them (maybe from a dog or something) and some of the paint was chipping away, both inside and out. So under warranty it was all fixed.

Now, since I've been in Japan I've focused on the prices for P-cars. They are falling fast. So now is my chance. I found an 05 Boxster for $19,990. Now I know there is a huge power difference between my car and the Boxster but the overall look of the Boxster to me is extremely appealing. I still have 3 1/2 half weeks before I return home so I'm searching now for a newer Boxster S, or Carrera 996. But when I do get home my Z is getting traded in. Hopefully I find just what I want.

sounds good...best of luck in your search...

my only advice is to drive a number of them before you pull the trigger

You'll be happy you did. Once you find the one, you'll realize that it's true, there is no substitute!

Good time to be in the market for a Porsche.

and 05 box for 19,900? how many miles... that is really cheap.

You won't regret the switch.
I had a '03 Z and '06 Z and sold them and bought a Boxster S.
A lot more refined, a lot better build quality, and just better in everything.

Funny Boxster is mentioned in the 350z wiki page:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/350z

"While David Swigg of Motor Trend said "With a competent driver at the wheel and the traction control switched off, many Boxster drivers would be hard-pressed to post better lap times than with this Z."[29] However, Jeremy Clarkson of Top Gear had mostly negative things to say about the car, giving it a C- or three points out of ten and referring to it as that Datsun with a Renault engine, despite the engine being a Nissan design begun in the early 1990s. Despite Clarkson's harsh criticism, Top Gear magazine later awarded the Nissan Designers with 2004 Top Gear Magazine Car of the year award.[30]

Automotive journalists tend to praise such features as the 350Z's value, performance, handling, and braking. Criticisms tend to be directed towards the grade of interior plastics, greater curb weight than its competitors, cabin ergonomics and engine refinement. Other reviews have criticised reflections of the back strut in the rear windows."

I'm with my second Porsche and there really isn't a substitute! Joe

being a dual porsche family here.....i say "JUST DO IT!" =)

good luck with your purchase! i think you'll be very pleased with your choice!

Yeah, yeah, yeah....but I'll bet the Z-car is a reasonable good daily driver for the average "Joe Six-pack." Never owned one, but it does have some reasonably good lines.

Of course, the P-car just better than everything and anything on the road. :)

Make certain you drive both the 987 and 996 before pulling the trigger on either...

Some need more comfort & some need more appeal & power so just get what you think will make you happy. Even if there is a $5,000 difference that pain will soon go away but the thought of "I should have" won't.....

Good Luck to you in your search,

You are right, Porsche prices are dropping like a rock, I got rid of my 996 just in time and leased a brand new Cayman S for $400/month less than what it leased for last year. You will not regret it and you'll never question yourself again LOL. Good luck!!!