dallison

Well i am getting that bug to get a sporty car of some sort for nice days that i can enjoy.

My 3 choices are
01-02 boxster/boxster s
00+ s2000
350z

I am loking to possibly get something with under 60-70k miles. Also i would untimately stay under 14k.

I have always wanted a porsche and this would be a great starter porsche to a 996 or 997 in a few years. I know there are some problems with the rms and bad motors, but i guess that is the chance you take.

the s2000 obviously is going to have the honda reliability and won't be as expensive to repair.

the 350 z was just thrown in there b/c they are pretty cheap but fun.


tha insurance is about the same on the s2k and boxster.


the other option is to buy a g35 coupe and replace my aging es300. This option would have me owning 3 cars instead of 4, so the costs.


Thoughts?

oh and :ibgmsaysipickthes2kbecauseiamcheap:

juniorbean

iTrader: (5)

Having driven or been driven in every one listed, I'd pick the Boxter. Yes it's a Porsche, and yes it's the "entry level" Porsche. But, it's also one of the quickest Porsche's through the slalom behind the Carrera GT.

And while they may be a dime a dozen... a small amount of money can change the appearance to make it stand out a bit.

juniorbean

iTrader: (5)

Oh, and I'd pony up the few thousand extra and get a 2003 or newer. Glass rear window, glove box, and less problems...

iTimmy

I really like both the 986 Boxster S and the AP1/AP2 S2000, I don't dislike the 350z, but don't think I would seriously consider it as a weekend toy on the same level as the others.

The S2k is the obvious choice for an affordable and reliable fun to drive car. I love mine, when the sun is shining it is a blast to drive, even when the sun isn't shining it is a blast to drive. It's engaging to drive on back roads, but mild enough navigate city driving if you have to. But a weekend car isn't always about affordable, reliable or even what makes the most sense, it is a decision based on passion.

You know about the problems with the Boxster, and while I do like the 986 I don't think I would seriously consider touching one that is pre-03 - the earlier the Boxster the less good all around they are, cheaper materials, more problems etc... Some of the problems have no reasonable solution and can be extremely costly to repair. If money is a factor I would not go for a used boxster, if you end up needing and engine, a factory installed engine will cost as much as the car did.

I don't know what the "right" choice for you is, but $14k is much better spent on a Honda then a P-car, you are going to get a lot more, affordable, car for your money.

dallison

there was a 02 or 03 s at a jersey toyota dealer. it was 15k with 45k miles, but i think it was a tip.

GreenMonster

s2k's are cheap

The Boxster will be a little more expensive to maintain (especially if something breaks), but as long as you don't get anything before 2001 you should be all set (early boxsters and 996's had rms issues). Oh, get a Boxster S and not a base 986, and like JB said, the improvement on the 2003's and above are worth the premium you'll pay if it''s in your budget...

I like "researching" different cars, and while I've always wanted a porsche, a honda is probably a more dependable and conservative choice.

If you buy a Porsche, any Porsche, make sure you get a PPI (pre-purchase inspection) by a shop that specialized in that model. It might cost a couple hundred bucks, but if it stops you from buying a pcar that needs major work, it could save you thousands... If you do buy a pcar, you want to make sure you get a good one...

With an s2k, there's less to worry about pre-purchase as there's less to go wrong with 'em, and when things do, it's cheaper to fix.

GreenMonster

Yeah, the cheaper ones are usually tips... Not much of a market for used tips.

GreenMonster

Cheap would be a mid 90's miata... a ton of fun in the sun for under $5K.

AznX TL

ap1 s2k!
nothing like shifting at 9k.
http://videos.streetfire.net/video/F...-vs_159518.htm i love this video.

iTimmy

I agree that s2k's, as a whole are cheaper to own/operate then a similarly priced P-car. Though I think it is deceiving to say they are "cheap" to repair, some items are required some what often and others are pretty expensive, or more expensive then one would expect. Basic maintenance is typical Honda, but certain items, like the rear dif. need fairly regular service, it is also a known weak link in the drivetrain. I thought a clutch would be a piece of cake on a RWD car like this, apparently it is not, while not exceptionally difficult, it is probably not something for most weekend warriors, at a dealership it is probably a 1200-1500 job. Then again the clutches on these cars seem to be very durable and only if abused to they go earlier then 100k miles.

Having worked on both P-cars and S2000's I would rather to basic maintenance on a P-car then a S2000 any day, everything is just "better." That said, with the exception of oil changes and rear dif. fluid changes, the S2000 will need less maintenance, oil changes on both are very simple.

CLpower

boxster S is the most well balanced car I have ever driven in my life!!!!!!

dallison

it seems like clutch replacement on both cars are around the same price. I woud most def get a ppi on the boxster like gm says.

The wife says that if i get the s2000, that i may not be happy until i get the boxster. but who knows, maybe the 2sk will put a grin on my face also......

CGTSX2004

iTrader: (1)

Try the Cayman S. That will really blow you away.

CGTSX2004

iTrader: (1)

In all honesty, I got a chance to "own" a Boxster for a couple months while I was selling it for my fiancee's cousin and while it has a lot of faults, it was still a phenomenally fun car to drive. I seriously considered buying it to replace the Miata that we have, but the cheapskate in me won out.

The cars are not perfect and they generally have issues, but damn are they fun to drive. Find a friend who will let you borrow one for a day and see how you really feel about owning it. And keep in mind that "minor" repairs on the Boxster, due to the positioning of the engine, can often come with a not so minor price tag.

vas25tl

I totally agree with your statement. It would be A BLAST TO OWN!!! BUT then the repairs and maintenance kick in.

mrsteve

iTrader: (1)

Outside of your price range (super low mileage) but

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Cars-...3A1|240%3A1308

What does an extended or third-party warranty typically run?

mrsteve

iTrader: (1)

I think it comes down to looks and what kind of deal you can find. Let's forget the 350Z.

The Porsche and the S2000 will each offer similar performance numbers. If you could find a good deal then I'd go Porsche but I don't know if you'll be able to find a '03+ Boxster S for your $14k budget.

is300eater

Boxster S

Dr. Colorado

Boxter S. When you're doing the PPI, the dealership can run a scan checking for overrev's. You'll get a printout with the ignitions and range of rpms hit by the prior owner. Due diligence FTW!

Sarlacc

I had fun driving my uncles regular Boxster manual. That was about 5 years ago.

GreenMonster

Oh, I missed the $14k budget limit...

You can't even get a decent AP2 for that price, and forget about a decent Boxster S.... Well, unless you go with something with high mileage... and I wouldn't buy a Boxster with over 100K miles, but that's just me...

I vote for a AP1 (2002, 2003 w/ rear glass window) with low miles now...

iTimmy

Price not being a factor, the Porsche is the winner, then again if a 08 Boxster S cost the same as my S2k that's what I would be driving, sadly, the Boxster is literally twice the cost new. A $14k Porsche is a potentially dangerous(financially) proposition.

juniorbean

iTrader: (5)

Extended Warranty FTW!!

My neighbors had a Boxster (2001) and had an extended warranty. They bought it for around $3k. Anything that popped up, right to the dealer, and they would have their choice of a loaner (typically either a Cayenne or Cayman) when they brought it in.

FWIW, they had it ~2 years and I believe it went in only 1 or 2 times for repairs... all small things. Other times were only for regular maintenance...

nokiaman

I vote for S2K as well.

Dr. Colorado

Yeah, the new p-cars are pretty solid. My 997s will be 2 years old this june and so far i only needed to reflash the engine blower and change a carbon filter. The past 13 months have been issue-free.

dallison

there are a few 01-02's that are in that price range

i'm trying to buy when the market is down

CLpower

driven one, didn't get to throw it around like the boxster unfortunately

iTimmy

987's and 997's are across the board more durable and reliable then their predecessors. The few 997's that I had coming in experienced no unusual problems, outside of needing tires more frequently then "normal" cars.

mrsteve

iTrader: (1)

You should certainly be able to get a '02-'03 for $14k

dallison

Dr. Colorado

Porsche recently has been pretty thorough in R&D and in think this translates into better product on the road. According to my dealership, the PDKs so far have been problem-free and in contradistinction to the GTR, launch control won't violate your warranty

https://acurazine.com/forums/showthr...=709952&page=2

mrmako

Boxster/Cayman FTW.

I mean, the S2000 is nice, but to have a car so naturally balanced. Just do the due diligence in research and you'll find a good one.

DaveS221

iTrader: (1)

get the s2k man. u can make it faster than the 350 or boxter in the long run and it will last FOR the long run! 350's are too common, and as many people have said the upkeep and reliability on a porsche is rediculous. most of the people on here are saying porsche but think about it, most of the credibility is in the name. the s2k will do the exact same things the porsche will if not better!!! if u go with the s2k you WON'T regret it! unless ur insurance goes crazy, then u might.

Dem1K

iTrader: (1)

my gf's step-dad has an '03 boxster-s, and DAMN is it a fun car! It's not the fastest thing on the road, but it drives amazingly well

Danil ACE

Don't get the S2000 unless you have comprehensive insurance to help you when your seats get stolen and your top is slashed...

dallison

always have comp

AznX TL

he wont have a problem with that in central pa, he could probably even leave his car unlocked and no one will touch it.

phil2

I would still do it though

mrsteve

iTrader: (1)

Check the for sale section of S2ki.com. You'll find your best deals there.

dallison

we really don't hear of many stolen cars, but it happens.



i don't know, this is a tough choice. I have driven an o2 tip and want to drive a 5 speed to make a good decision against the s2000