I posted this in the '997 forum too. I hope that's alright. Not sure where I'd get any responses.

Newbie to the site and to the reality of my 1st Pcar. It’s intimidating to ask, but I’dappreciate some feedback. Usual questions (I’ve searched the forums) with slight twist. Classic middle age want. Had more American muscle cars in the past, but NOTHING fun in the past 20 years, except my (now) ex. She’s gone and looking for a new “woman.”

Self imposed limits include budget (started at 30k but will stretch to mid 40’s if I must), never owned a convertible so I want one (girlslike it too), prefer a man trans (although I hear a new PDK is cool too). Weekends only for fun in the sun, Carolina country roads and fantasy up the Blue Ridge. Tracking is unknown at this time. My only track experiences were in a straight line, a quarter of a mile at a time. I am too old for a streetlight to streetlight car. Want a dependable distance driver.

My budget steers me to an 08 ‘ish Box S (under 20m miles) maybe buy a warranty, or an 06-07 ‘ish 911 base (more miles) for $10k more, or lastly a ’10 Box S with a few years left on the factory warranty for the same money. With the Boxster’s, I can get the“S,” HID lights, a few other things. It seems the nicer options on a 911 push me out of my comfort zone pricewise. This is a cash only purchase. Oh, and at 6’1” and 225, I am not really considering the base Box with the 2.7 motor. It’ll be weird not seeing my engine or turning my own wrenches if I go with the mid engine machine!

Concerns are long term reliability, fun to drive, holding value if I (have to) sell. I’m looking to avoid the big depreciation hit and big buck repairs (aren’t we all). I’m a small biz guy, regular working stiff (hence “Atypical” Porsche buyer) and this will be a long term, maybe once in a lifetime purchase. A PPI is a given! Thanks for your patience in reading this and any experiences you can share.

 

Hope this gets a reply...my situation exactly.

Watching intently...

 

The only real answer to this question is to test drive both and see what you prefer. The porsches probably won't feel as fast as prev muscle cars. Not sure what you had or specs tho. The 911 will get you porsche badge with the classic name. The boxster will get you a fun sports car, save you cash and is a great car for twisty country road drives. Be sure you want a convertible. They are fun. If you get one make sure you get heated seats with it. I didn't have it on mine ...was a mistake. I ended up switching back to coupe and love it but there are times I miss the drop top just a little. You will feel more cramped in a boxster probably less so in a 911. Again tho try both, see how you like the handling feel and sitting feel....

 

The logic behind my reply is based on your price point . In the mid 40's one is comparing the last generation Boxster to the last generation 911. Now it's true that the age and mileage also come into play but hands down the 911 is the better car .

 

If you haven't driven the cars (Boxster, Cayman or 911)... def go test drive them if you can. That said, I bought my car (2008 Boxster S) in 2009 without ever driven a Porsche before. I knew I wanted a convertible, the mid-engine layout and wanted one since 2003. So, when the right car came along... I just went for it. I think I'm a atypical - most ppl will test drive and compare, etc.
As mentioned, if you want a fun, toss-able car... there is nothing better than the Boxster and Cayman. If convertible is on your check list... that leaves the Boxster. It's not the flashy-est car and it's not a 911... but a lot of enthusiasts who buy the Boxster buy it for the driving experience - with the top down, you are basically driving a go-kart with some nice creature comfort. You can take the Boxster on long trips (I take mine up to Blue Ridge Boxster Summit every May - 800miles each way) without feeling like I got beat up by the roads. With the top up, the cabin stays pretty quite for the radio and have conversations at normal volume. With the top down... you get fully immersed in the driving experience... exhaust and engine noise behind your ears... it's simply awesome. Esp. if you're driving through Blue Ridge and two-lane back roads. The top goes down/up in about 12 seconds each way, with push of a button.

In terms of reliability... majority of the boxsters on the road are trouble free. If you're looking at 08 and later... you'll be fine. I'm not going to hide this, but you'll probably read about IMS issues with the Boxster, Caymans and 911's in your research. Porsches made a lot of these cars and the % affected appear to be relatively small.

With respect to maintenance, most routine stuff is relatively straight forward. Oil change, air filter change, brake pads/rotor change, accessories belt change... or you can find a local Porsche mechanic to do them. Naturally, Porsche dealers will be more expensive. E.g., a DIY oil change is around $70 ($60 for 9qts of syn oil and $10 for oil filter) in parts... indy shop charges ~$120, and dealer typically charges $180 - $200 for oil change.

And don't believe everything you hear that a 911 is better. :P Porsche isn't building cars without flaws (whether a 911, Boxster/Cayman, Panny or Pepper). And they didn't get to be the most profitable car company by selling lots of cars to only Porsche enthusiasts. So, I will agree the 911 is better, than Boxster, at holding the resale value. If you plan to sell in near term... you may want to consider the 911. If you plan to keep the car... resale doesn't really matter much.

 

I beg to disagree, your first Porsche is seldom your last.
Maybe it's just me.

As to the car, Porsches are expensive to feed and keep, consider that when establishing your purchase budget. If you have an indie tech that you trust, that should save you 30$'s an hour in labor.

Also, join your local PCA in advance of your purchase and hang around a few meetings and track events. You'll find a quality car and they won't steer you wrong.

 

Thank you for the responses. I will take your comments under advisement. I have driven (not much though) both 911's and a couple of Boxsters. This will continue to be a tough decision.

 

Excellent advice from lithium1330. I'll add the financially obvious, to wit, if you are aiming at something around an '08 Boxster, then others have already kindly taken the depreciation hit for you. Seems to me that leaves you with the really tough (and personal) call of which you like driving more--Boxster or 911. There is, functionally, no wrong choice to be made. Boxster (and Cayman) are both simply brilliant drivers. 911...well, there really isn't any substitute. There just isn't, and no amount of fervent boosterism and flag-waving from the very sincere and well-intentioned Boxster/Cayman ranks is ever going to change that.


Hey, you've already made the fatal decision (Porsche). All that remains is picking your poison. As Yrralis1 pointed out, "once in a lifetime" ? Good luck with that !!


Enjoy the ride.

 

My 2 cents. I have owned a 2010 911. Get the Boxster. I have a 2013 981, Boxster, it a better car then the last generation 911(my opinion). I have the S but the base Boxster is a good driving car as well. Go for a 2013 981 Boxster base. There are a few out there going for under $50,000. I have seen them on autotrader for around $48,000.