So my wife has a Lexus RX330. Thinking about something smaller and funner.

How is a CPO Boxster as a DD? How is the maintenance? She likes a smooth and easy ride. We test drove a 2010 911 Carerra a few days ago, and she was impressed by its ride quality, even more so than my TL's which she often complains of its "bumpiness and rough ride." So suddenly the Boxster is coming up into the equation...

 

I have DD one for the past 2 years. It is a 2005 Base with manual transmission. I have had to change the oil 4 times. Replaced all tires (car has 42k on it). My only issue so far has been the top pushrods, but that was a $200 fix.

 

^Good to hear. Thanks.

 

I have a 06 Boxster S with 19" wheels and IMO it's a true spots car therefore rides a little sportier than say a Z4 or SLK.
In a Boxster, you will feel all the little bumps. Coming from a RX330 your wife will certainly feel the difference in a Boxster.

 

What is your wife's DD like? I have an 02 Boxster which I use for my DD (well, some of the time) and in some cases it is nice but in other cases...

A lot of short trips and getting in and of the car is a pain. The car is low and harder to get into and out of than my 996 Turbo.

The view out of the Boxster -- with the top up (and I never put the top down anymore, not for years anyway) -- is not as good as it is with my other car and with the traffic getting worse I find this shortcoming has me driving the 996 more often.

I like the Boxster cargo space. The rear trunk that is easy to drop stuff into and the front trunk is humungous compared to the Turbo's tiny front trunk (AWD and the front diff makes for a smaller front trunk).

The Boxster is easier to steer and generally to run around in. The 5-speed shifts like a hot knife through butter while the Turbo shifter requires deliberate action to shift and the Boxster front clearance is better so I do not have to be as concerned about banging the underneath of the car when entering/leaving steep driveways. The Turbo front air dam costs over $300 and I've replaced it once already admittedly in over 100K miles of driving.

My advice would be to suggest your wife test drive the Boxster and to test drive it and use it as DD. Get in and out of the car repeatedly. Consider how much cargo room there is and will this be sufficient for her needs.

I shop for two elderly parents, my sister and myself and the 996 just doesn't have the room to carry everything especially if I'm carrying a passenger. 'course my parents are too old and frail to get into and out of the Boxster so when I use that I have no passenger in the car and have the passenger seat to use for cargo but the Boxster has lots of cargo space nonetheless.

 

My wife has been DD a booster for the past year and so far we both love it. I do agree with the poster above about it being more of a pain to get into and out of. It doesn't seem to be an issue for my wife since she is 5'4", but I'm 6'1" so it's a little more challenging. Once I'm in the car, it just feels perfect. My wife drives it every day in Tampa traffic through down town and it does have a lot of trunk space between the front and back. More so than any other two seater I've looked at.

 

I think that the Boxster is a great daily driver. If your wife is concerned with comfort, choose one with 18" wheels (or even 17"s). My '05 Base has 19"s, but I test drove one with 17"s and the ride is much smoother and more comfortable.

 

I love my 08 cayman s as a DD. Car has a little over 33k miles, and I am the third owner. Just replaced the spark plugs and did an oil change. It is modded but it puts a smile on my face everytime I get into it!

 

1997-986 DD. 100 miles per day, 28+mpg. Cannot imagine a more fun way to commute. Perfect for me.

 

A PDK yes, a manual no. I love my manual Boxster, however, my Stronic S4 in day to day driving in traffic is the better choice. Weekend the S4 is parked. Winter? S4 and my GTI.