2.5 2.7 or 3.2?

[andymarsden1]

its time for another car for my mum and i have "forced"(as if you would ever need to!) her into getting a boxter.

after speaking to several people in the club it has become apparent that people share very different views on each model. I personally like the 2.5 because it has the same (or allmost) steering wheel and other bits as the 993. However i have been told that the 2.7 is far better for the same money. She says that 2.5 should be plenty of power but if the 2.7 is a better car then maybee that's the one to go for, appaently 3.2 is too big for her but its supposed to be the most economical. I would like to know what your opinions are on each car to find what is the best for her.

12,000 to 16,000 is the budget.

cheers,

Andy

 

[thboxster]

I can ony comment on the 2.7/3.2 as i've never owned a 2.5.

As far as fuel economy goes I used to get about 32mpg from my 2.7 but only get 28 in my 3.2. There is a slight difference in that these are 986/987 respectively.

In my opinion, taking into account the cash available and the reasons for buying it I would actually try and find a reasonaly spec'd 2.7. My last one was absolutely great and it sold last year for around 20k. At the time it was only 3 years old and had relatively low mileage.

You should be able to get something of this caliber for close to your top end. This way you'd get a good car at a young age for small money.

 

[JCB..]

ORIGINAL: andymarsden1

its time for another car for my mum and i have "forced" her into getting a boxter.

after speaking to several people in the club it has become apparent that people share very different views on each model. I personally like the 2.5 because it has the same (or allmost) steering wheel and other bits as the 993. However i have been told that the 2.7 is far better for the same money. She says that 2.5 should be plenty of power but if the 2.7 is a better car then maybee that's the one to go for, appaently 3.2 is too big for her but its supposed to be the most economical. I would like to know what your opinions are on each car to find what is the best for her.

12,000 to 16,000 is the budget.

cheers,

Andy

Andy a few observations..

3.2 most economical? Complete nonsense.
All three are the same external size.
The steering wheel was the same on early 2.7's - it's so ugly most people got the 3 spoke as an option - I did!

I'd suggest you follow standard procedure and go for the latest model with the lowest mileage that falls in your budget bracket.

I'd also let her decide if it were my mum.

JCB..

 

[andymarsden1]

3.2 most economical? Complete nonsense.

Im only going on what i've been told

The steering wheel was the same on early 2.7's - it's so ugly most people got the 3 spoke as an option - I did!

We have it in the 993 and personally my mum and myself think it looks just as good as the 3 spoke, plus it ties in with the other car. besides thats not the question

I'd also let her decide if it were my mum.

Im doing some research for her. It is her money remember, its not as if im going to walk off with a bankers draft one day and come back with a car and say your having this is it?[>:]

Andy

 

[Dapster]

I'd be suprised if you'd find a 3.2 you'd be happy for your mum to drive at £16k. They exist, but would be high miles, suspect history or not in the best shape. You'll get a really nice 2.5 but my advise would be to go for a really well looked after 2.7 - around an X or Y reg with 35 - 50k and a cast iron history and a few nice toys would be what you'll get. Forget the steering wheel distraction, concentrate on the fact that the 2.7 is a much better buy, and you'll get the 99 MY improvements too (electronic lid releases, alu trim on gear lever and door handles etc).

 

[daro911]

ORIGINAL: Dapster

my advise would be to go for a really well looked after 2.7 - around an X or Y reg with 35 - 50k and a cast iron history and a few nice toys would be what you'll get. Forget the steering wheel distraction, concentrate on the fact that the 2.7 is a much better buy (electronic lid releases, alu trim on gear lever and door handles etc).

Dappula is 100% spot on ... go for a really nice 2.7 there are 1000's of great examples out there for the picking and although the 2.5's are excellent cars the newer you buy the greater number of improvements you get with each MY. The differences in materials used and dozens of minor unseen mods you get on a 2.7 make it the one to get IMO. Good luck with the fun of tracking down the best sports car in its class []

 

[oliver]

We've had two 2.5s and two 3.2Ss[8D].

But, for your mum, I'd recommend seeking out a really nice 2.7.

 

[andymarsden1]

ok, well she allready has a 2.5 to go look at next week and im currently finding a couple of 2.7's too. What everyone has said has confirmed what i allready suspected really, does anyone think milage is a big problem, surely if its well looked after then it should be fine. I know that motorway miles are more preferable to those done in stop start in traffic. What would the major things to look for on a 2.7 then?

Andy

 

[JCB..]

ORIGINAL: andymarsden1

3.2 most economical? Complete nonsense.

Im only going on what i've been told

The steering wheel was the same on early 2.7's - it's so ugly most people got the 3 spoke as an option - I did!

We have it in the 993 and personally my mum and myself think it looks just as good as the 3 spoke, plus it ties in with the other car. besides thats not the question

I'd also let her decide if it were my mum.

Im doing some research for her. It is her money remember, its not as if im going to walk off with a bankers draft one day and come back with a car and say your having this is it?[>:]

Andy

Andy you asked for opinions sorry if you didn't like them. [8D]

 

[Claire]

Other than power, there have been improvements during the life of the boxster.
If you are loooking for a 2.7 then post september 2002 will have a glass rear screen rather than plastic and a glove box and improvements to the roof to make it quieter.
As has been said always go for the best you can afford so go for the latest example you can find which you can afford.
3.2 to 2.7 the main difference is power so if your mum has no requirement for lots of power then a 2.7 should be sufficent.

 

[Dapster]

If you are loooking for a 2.7 then post september 2002 will have a glass rear screen rather than plastic and a glove box and improvements to the roof to make it quieter.

True but you won't get a facelift 2.7 for less than £16k. You really are looking at something in the '99 - '01 zone.

 

[Rob Edwards]

Hi Andy
I agree with Dapster's comments - the 2.5 is a great car in it's own right, but your budget should net 2.7's without much problem.
I would go for the 2.7 over the 2.5 as it offers a torquier engine and of course a greater turn of speed. It sounds to me like outright speed isn't a predominant requirement for your mum, so she would'nt really miss the extra ponies in the 3.2S anyway.
Isn't it a testimony to the evergreen talents of the Boxster that whichever model you choose, disappointment won't be on the cards![]
Usual caveats apply - get it checked by a good independent or better still an OPC inspection and then take out that warranty for real peace of mind.
See the FAQ's for some good inspection points and niggles to watch for.
Good luck hunting - I always find the anticipation almost as good as the ownership!
Rob

 

[dawn lang]

You're always going to get a range of opinions when you ask this sort of question but if I were in your mums position i'd be looking at a 2.7 with reasonable mileage and a full history either at an OPC or at a specialists (pre facelift).

That way you get a slightly more modern interior, a bit more power but not too much and if you want to you can always have a hood replacement put on the car to give yourself the glass rear screen. Some of the boys on Boxa have been talking about glass screen roof replacements starting at £695.00!

Good luck - and I know your mum will enjoy the boxster - whatever variant she ends up buying.

[]

(P.S I really noticed the difference in fuel consumption going from a 2.7 to a 3.2 - the Optimax station was frequented way too often with the S but it was fun and i'll defo be getting another S!)