Boxster or 993

[Guest]

l've posted this in the the 993 forum and now want to get opinion from the Boxster side although it may be a bit of a daft question but I'm a bit of a daft person.

Hoping to buy a Porsche in the next 6-18mths. Mainly thought about a Boxster but having done a fair bit of research I don't lke the potential problems with RMS, Intermediate shaft, Cylinder liners, clutches, damper issues etc so have also thought about maybe a 993.

Whatever I chose will have to be run on a budget but I've got a got indy near me and access to full workshop facilities at my mates VW/Audi specialist for work I could do myself. Would consider have a runabout for the commuting chores too.

Don't really want to spend £900 a year on a warranty but will ensure the car is a good one and then look to keep it that way using an indy.

Lastly my budget would be £20-25K max so maybe thats not quite enough so there's every chance I just need to realise I can't afford to run a Porsche even if I have the money to buy one.

The 993 guys were very helpful and understandably came down on the side of the 993. So it's over to you folks all help/advice appreciated.

cheers

Kev

 

[Black80XSA]

If its a daily driver then the boxster is the more modern and practical choice - two boots, mid engined, newer etc etc.

For something special for the weekend then the 993 is maybe a bit more favourable.

Remember though that the 993 will be 12 years old typically, and the running costs and parts are coincident with its £65k new price tag. A lot of parts are widely available through indi and parts suppliers for both models, but 993 prices for servicing and non routine parts will be higher. No coolant system to worry about though !! Similar budget will get you a 3-4 year old Boxster, maybe even a 987 series 2.7 buying privately. You can't get a decent warranty on a 993 either if you wanted some security.

Real world driving performance differences are miniscule - you have the option of top down with the Boxster of course !!

 

[JCB..]

ORIGINAL: ktf

Mainly thought about a Boxster but having done a fair bit of research I don't lke the potential problems with RMS, Intermediate shaft, Cylinder liners, clutches, damper issues etc so have also thought about maybe a 993.

Clutches and dampers?

 

[Dylan1]

my dad used to give good advice and told me only to buy cars used that i could(just!)afford to buy new.in other words if you couldnt afford to run it then dont buy it-the box was about half the cost (or less)of a 993 when they were new and so the 993 will even with an indi be much more costly to maintain.25k will get you (just)into a 987 2.7 privately which should be a far better daily bet.
993 is beautiful though!

 

[Guest]

ORIGINAL: JCB..

ORIGINAL: ktf

Mainly thought about a Boxster but having done a fair bit of research I don't lke the potential problems with RMS, Intermediate shaft, Cylinder liners, clutches, damper issues etc so have also thought about maybe a 993.

Clutches and dampers?

I only mention them as Ive seen several posts on forums where clutches need replacing - heard 80k is good - and seen other posts on premature damper failure. Can see no reason for clutches to fail before 100k nowadays especially with the torque that many cars have to cope with (even my modded Golf TDi with 330 lb ft which is driven hard and has the standard 130bhp clutch and similar when I had a modded S3, approx 280bhp/ 280 lb ft - the golf clutch is still in good condition when checked during a recent service at Star Performance - used them for years and are an excellent VW/Audi indy in case anyone has one as a daily driver).


Anyway anymore advice appreciated

Kev

 

[Guest]

Any more contributions ? The 911 guys gave me 14 replies in a day so come guys don't let the Boxster side down[]

Kev

 

[Rodney Naghar]

Do you need the rear seats?
Do you want a convertible?
Will you be using it every day or just as a weekend car?
How many miles will you be using it for a year and for how long do you intend to keep it?
What are your priorities...modern up to date spec, low depreciation, reliability, image, looks, comfort etc?
Have you driven either?

 

[JCB..]

ORIGINAL: ktf

Any more contributions ? The 911 guys gave me 14 replies in a day so come guys don't let the Boxster side down[]
Kev

You thought about a 993 you're already tainted! []

 

[Ian Mills]

Start by deciding what you really want, everyday modern Porsche driving experience with the benefit of a convertible with 2 boots or an older "classic" Porsche which you only use on high days and holidays.
I must say it seems perverse to worry about reliability on a 3 year old car more than on a 12 year old one.
I am on my 3rd Boxster and I don't recognise the problems you are worrying about, I started with a '98 2.5 which I ran for 2 years and 20k miles, no problems just great fun and satisfaction. This was followed by a '01 3.2S I kept this for 3 years and 32k miles during which time the battery died and I also replaced the discs and pads, a simple DIY task. As a precaution I had the clutch changed at 48k miles prior to selling the car to my brother. I now have a '07 3.4 S, simply they just get better! I have bought all the cars from OPCs and have always renewed the Porsche warranty. My advice is buy the newest 2.7 Boxster that you can afford.

Ian Mills

 

[Guest]

No contest, Boxter every time, no more expensive to maintain the a V6 Mondao best drive ever ( other than a cayman perhaps). I have covered over 100,000 miles in boxters with never a single mecanical problem. As an asside on model and price I am just about to trade in my 2 year old boxter 3.2 S in with 34,000 miles on the clock for £25,500 ( cost £47,800 ) on Jan 1st 06. So there are good cars out there to be had. True it has 34,000 on the clock but I would rurther buy a porsche thats been used and serviced regularley than a toy that spends it life in a garage only to come out once a week to be looked at and run to the shops for a bit of posing, I am sure these are the cars that later in life suffer bearing seal problems etc. On the other hand you are looking at what their owners see as the last of the real Porsches ( I say what a load of Bol@/.~#S that statement is) that will regardless of what you are told will cost far more to run than a Boxter. Remember 993 engines break too. I get 25.5 MPG general running around and 31 MPG on a run. Not bad for a very high performance 3.2 ltr sports car. So far is has cost me just one service, and two rear tyres total about £500 for two year trouble free most enjoyable ( better that sex) motoring. As I say no contest.
Rodney P.S the sex bit you can drive all day with the hood down without falling asleep!!

 

[Steve Brookes]

Your budget is not enought to get a 993 without any issues IMO. If running costs are a major concern for you then you will be safer with a boxster. They are chalk and cheese to drive but both are brilliant fun. I was going to chop in my boxster for a 993 but decided to keep it and add a 964 for the weekends. Best motoring decision I ever made becasue I now have the best of both worlds. []

 

[rich mich]

I WOULD GO FOR THE BOXSTER ,MORE MODERN,YOU SHOULD BE ABLE TO GET A LATE 2.7 986 FOR ABOUT 24K ( I HAVE OWNED MY S FOR 17 MONTHS AND 12K WITH LITTLE OR NO PROBLEMS I BOUGHT IT FOR A WEEKEND TOY[] AND I TEND TO USE IT MORE IN THE WEEK BECAUSE IT IS A GREAT DRIVE,PRACTICAL ,ETC )

Richard
Boxster S( 02my)
Focus Tdci(07my) (daily driver)
mk4 XR3I cab (project car)

 

[ubertub]

What a tough decision you've asked yourself to make. If you buy a 993 you will be driving around looking at Boxsters and thinking, Phew! That was close. If you buy a Boxster you will end up driving around looking at 993s thinking what could have been*
If your budget isn't upto buying an equally presented car in both stakes, how about a 964 (joke! don't even think about putting a lot of miles on one of those if servicing cost is a worry)


* could have been driving a decent car!
* could have been paying through the nose for repairs - not that they ever need any.
* Relax Boxster folk. I'm only joking!

Wear a blind-fold until you're in the Boxster and you'll never want a 993, but if you want a car to look at too...
I'm not making any friends here am I?

 

[Guest]

thats more like it [] big thanks for the advice and info.

I've still got plenty time to make a choice as I'm planning on buying in the next 6-18mths if all goes well - although I think the more I deliberate the harder the choice becomes.

The rear seats are pretty irrelevant even though my son will just fit - He's 10 but my daughter is tall and 14.
Hard top/Soft top - not fussed either way but do prefer the looks of the Boxster over a 911 cabby.
Everyday car or weekender? I work 3 days a week so have choices either way depending on what I get.

My main concerns are over running costs as £900/yr for a warranty is a lot to me on top of servicing/insurance/consumables. I simply can't afford that as I have too many other commitments such as mortgage/bills/kids tutor - many of you have been there I'm sure.
The good thing is that any runabout costs virtually nil to run as I get a lot of free work done at Star Performance as I maintain their website. My wife has an Aygo so thats really cheap - 90bhp/tonne, never breaks down, 50mpg, £120 insurance and £35/yr tax - good laugh too as it sounds like a little 3 cylinder race car, in fact Tiff N reckoned it sounded like half a 911 engine []

Utbertub, I am the kind of person who, if driving a Boxster would look on with envy at a 993 coming the other way - luckily that would be a rare occurance as the local one I used to see was kev993 from here and he has just gone over to the 'red' side.

so all in all I am in a bit of a dilema - a good one though. I'll keep checking out info and try to help out on the forum where I can. Many thanks for all the help and advice and if anyone wants to put in their 2p worth then carry on as I'm thick skinned. []

Kev

 

[ubertub]

KTF:
If £900/year is a worry I am concerned about 993 ownership. I can't speak for Boxsters but a 993 will eat £900 for breakfast if ANYTHING goes wrong. A friend of mine paid a monthly fee to Hartech (I think) and this covered labour and maybe some parts? and he felt this was a very sound investment. I chose the pay-as-you-go route and I have spent a lot on my car, and I know what it's like on a budget. Perhaps have a chat to Specialists like 9Meister (who look after mine like it's their own) and built servicing into your budget. I can't help feeling you'll soon be in financial bother if your heart rules your head... as it must be doing if you wnt a Porsche and not a Saab or something.
Where abouts are you? If you are in North Yorks you can have a test drive of mine... but don't bend it!

Best of luck.

 

[Guest]

Hi All,
A newbie here so be gentle folks! Always wanted a Boxster but what with family etc etc was always driving practical cars. However.............. recently bought a pristine Silver Boxter 986 (R reg) with a glorious 24,000 miles on the clock. Not driven by previous owner and stayed in a garage, bodywork awesome and OK no heated seats or other modern car bits BUT whow well worth the wait. I now enloy doing house visits, intend to use it daily and have a grin from ear to ear. Planning a yearly service tomorrow so hopefully no nasty surprises (I got a mechanic to check it over) and hopefully get the OBC activated.
Qucik question please, can you retrospectively fit heated seats or the TC system in a 986 motor?
Cheers.
Duncan

 

[ach]

Having owned Boxter and than 993 I think I can also say a few words...
With both Porsches I can say that if you go for a used car market - the most important is to chose the right car... If you got it right - you will basically spend as much money on your Porsche as you like or can (we all treat them like a toys somehow...). I did not find servicing costs for 993 much higher than for a Boxter. And 993 is absolutely OK as a daily runner... Both cars are great to drive, but they are very different... I am sure you will like them both. If to put looks aside, what I like more in 993 is that it has more volume inside (it is not just practical... this is more a feeling you have when you seat in the car).
So once again - just find the right car and you will not regret, but with Boxter I would not go for the car which is older than 3-4 years.

Good luck

 

[Guest]

Thanks for the other guys,

Ubertub, your a gent but I'm up in Fife, just north of Edinburgh (where I work). A few years back I drove a 993 C4S, think it belonged to a guy called Paul Ingram, think he moved onto an F355 or 360. The Hartech scheme covers any repairs inc parts and Gold Level Servicing - Boxster about £55/mth and 993 about £65. Now think about the savings when it covers the services and it could be well worth the 500mile trip (not so if somethings broke though)

Ach, it's good to hear from someone whos done both and you seem to have confirmed what I have researched (and hoped would be right). Any car I've bought has always taken me time to get a right one and I'm happy to travel - even when I got the current cheapo Golf TDi I was all over from the far north of Scotland down to Hartlepool as they were all scratched and fecked. The one I bought was only 20 miles away in Perth and had already been remapped, SS exhaust and I put coilovers, 2pc Momo 18s and S3 brakes on it. For a Golf it looks good and drives well but all in all no more than a daily driver.

So I'll need to keep saving and in the mean time I'll try to get out and have a drive of each car - I don't think I could really lose whichever I buy. Maybe need to look at joining the club and attending a few meets/track events too.

BTW Welcome to the forum Jollybodger - I'll new myself but the guys have been really helpful and seem to be a great bunch.

cheers

Kev

 

[kitchens]

Just to keep you up to speed Paul Ingram ( Inkyboy ) has had a Ferrari and a Lambo and now has a 993 TT You mentioned Kevin 993 he has just sold his took a bit of time mind you and as you said is on the red side F355 .I have had both the 993 and Boxsters currenty in a 987 the two cars are completly differant the 993 will possible cost more in service and running but in the long run will loose very little in depreciation wheras the boxsters are in free fall .If you are in it for the long haul the 993 is bullet proof and ten years from now with a good service record will still get £20 +k for them
IMO The Boxster is by far a more modern car and can out peform a 993 on the twisty stuff on straight line the 993 has it ,good luck with your choice ,come along to one of the Edinburgh meetings at the Dakota 1st Thursday of the month ,do not need to be a owner to come along

Brian

 

[Guest]

ORIGINAL: kitchens

Just to keep you up to speed Paul Ingram ( Inkyboy ) has had a Ferrari and a Lambo and now has a 993 TT You mentioned Kevin 993 he has just sold his took a bit of time mind you and as you said is on the red side F355 .I have had both the 993 and Boxsters currenty in a 987 the two cars are completly differant the 993 will possible cost more in service and running but in the long run will loose very little in depreciation wheras the boxsters are in free fall .If you are in it for the long haul the 993 is bullet proof and ten years from now with a good service record will still get £20 +k for them
IMO The Boxster is by far a more modern car and can out peform a 993 on the twisty stuff on straight line the 993 has it ,good luck with your choice ,come along to one of the Edinburgh meetings at the Dakota 1st Thursday of the month ,do not need to be a owner to come along

Brian

Hey Brian,

Thanks for the update. I only spoke with Paul on a few occasions at meets/shows due to having a mutual friend in the Corrado Club. The first time I met Paul, he let me drive his C4S, what a guy!
Kevin993 - I've know Kev for almost 20 years as he was my old boss - we tend to joke that he can afford the cars but I can do the driving []
His 355 is nice but then I loved his C2S, even liked his BMW M3. He looks after them extremely well and has been great helping me with what I want to buy as I know I can trust him implicitly.

So is it the Dakota on the south side of the Forth Bridge and what time?

Kev