Menu toggle

Boxster Running Costs

I

iankewley

New member
First Hi to everyone, I'm hoping to joint the fold very shortly!

After some spicy Visa bills in the past for sports cars, I wondered if you could run your eyes over these figures and tell me if they seem realistic:

For 20-22k worth of very low mileage, late model 3.2s (possibly 3.4?) over ownership of 3 years and 60k miles:
3 services, at approximately 1k, 1k and 1500
2x4 tyres at about 220 a pop
likely pads and disks for 800
likely clutch for 1500

The figures have come from forum trawling and comparative experience. I thought I had these sorts of costs well judged until I was shown an explicit breakdown of 2yrs with a Noble and the costs were horrifying for a 20k car.

While on the subject:

Lower mile 3.2 or higher mile 3.4?
Is the hardtop a must have?
Is there a definitive timeline of the model evolution so I can see when key mechanical changes took place?
Is there a key second-hand buying horror I need to read up on?

Thanks in advance, enjoying slowly making my way through the back forum

Ian

(Current: 350Z (staggeringly reliable), 92 500SL (sellotape and pliers required) Past: M3 (image issue), Legend (even bigger image issue), Esprit (Everything issue), various dull cars
 
The mods will probably kill me (please delete post if inappropriate) but there is a huge amount of info here incl a buyers guide post: www.boxa.net
 
Well a 3.4s should certainly be within your budget. In November I picked up a March 08 3.4s from an OPC for £25.5k with 24k miles, cruise and PASM so you should get one in budget from a trader or private. Can't help you with running cost yet!
 
Hi Just to give you an idea, my '07 3.4S is going in for its 4 yr (2nd) service in a couple of weeks and I've been quoted £1,100 by my local OPC, which I don't think is bad given it only needs a service every 2 years. You're a bit light on tyres, particularly if you go for N rated (Porsche approved) - my last set of Michelins cost c. £1.1k - £300+ for the rears and c. £250 for the fronts. That's for standard 18s, no doubt 19s will be dearer again. Thankfully (& fingers crossed) I've got no idea re pads,discs or clutch!! David
 
The mods will probably kill me (please delete post if inappropriate) but there is a huge amount of info here incl a buyers guide post: www.boxa.net
Click to expand...
On our way round now...[:D][:D][:D] I don't see a problem with a link to a buyer's guide myself. Even if it is on a different forum. [8|]
 
Thanks for the replies. I'm suprised there are no horror stories...but I suppose I shouldn't be. Porsches are probably the best built cars out there at the minute. I used to pull over on every 200+ mile journey at the half way point to refill the Esprit chargecooler and re-affix the gearstick with a plastic tie-wrap. I suspect those days will be long gone with the Boxster. I think the trick will be as ever to 'buy the best I can' and look after it. Hope to come back soon as an owner! Ian
 
To add to the above, I go for a 987 (3.4) S if at all possible - notably better performance on the road than a base model and each update has improved power and economy too. Servicing is generally cheaper, even at OPCs (approx £600 for a main service and £450 for a minor) and on later cars at elast is every 20k miles, not annual. Tyres are definitely more, particularly if you have 19 inch wheels - I recently got the rears on a 987 S done for just under £280 each, and that was after a lot of shopping around online. I would budget for the extended warranty too if you buy from an OPC or if the car still has some original warranty left - around £610 I think currently. A recent enquiry at Warranty Direct came back with a price of more than £700 for similar cover. However, if you've done even the slightest modification (eg. exhaust, ECU upgrade or trim) don't bother as Porsche probably won't pay out, even if it's unconnected. My experience of Porkers (my 3rd car now, two bought from new and the latest 2 years old) is that they aren't all that reliable actually and when things go wrong it could be horrrendously costly - I've had rear main seals go (on 2 cars), oxygen sensors, VTS (alarm system), stereo amp, gear linkage and a replacement engine. However, they are such fun to drive that I'm prepared to accept some unreliability.
 
I just picked up a boxster 3.4s with one owner and 27k for £19,995 (12/10) from a Landrover dealer. To be on the safe side i ran through an OPC for the 111 point check and they found £1500 of faults (oil leak and battery) which to their credit the landrover dealer covered. But the lesson for me was run it past an OPC if your not buying from one. In addition you can wait 3 months and pay for another check and then put a warranty on her if you want to. On the subject of previously owned cars I've had x 2 Mk V gti, sirocco, A3 2.0 tsi (dsg),E46 M3, 323 coupe, elise, accord type r, integra type r, merc c220, Mr2 and a few others I cant remember (or are wroth putting here!), the boxster is the best so far not just in how it drives and feel good factor. I cant recommend it high enough [:D]
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Posts made and opinions expressed are those of the individual forum members

Use of the Forum is subject to the Terms and Conditions

Disclaimer

The opinions expressed on this site are not necessarily those of the Club, who shall have no liability in respect of them or the accuracy of the content. The Club assumes no responsibility for any effects arising from errors or omissions.

Porsche Club Great Britain gives no warranties, guarantees or assurances and makes no representations or recommendations regarding any goods or services advertised on this site. It is the responsibility of visitors to satisfy themselves that goods and/or services supplied by any advertiser are bona fide and in no instance can the Porsche Club Great Britain be held responsible.

When responding to advertisements please ensure that you satisfy yourself of any applicable call charges on numbers not prefixed by usual "landline" STD Codes. Information can be obtained from the operator or the white pages. Before giving out ANY information regarding cars, or any other items for sale, please satisfy yourself that any potential purchaser is bona fide.

Directors of the Board of Porsche Club GB, Club Office Staff, Register Secretaries and Regional Organisers are often requested by Club members to provide information on matters connected with their cars and other matters referred to in the Club Rules. Such information, advice and assistance provided by such persons is given in good faith and is based on the personal experience and knowledge of the individual concerned.

Neither Porsche Club GB, nor any of the aforementioned, shall be under any liability in respect of any such information, advice or assistance given to members. Members are advised to consult qualified specialists for information, advice and assistance on matters connected with their cars at all times.

Porsche
Lockton
Pirelli
Officially approved
Oracle Finance
WEX Esso
Collecting Cars
Archant Dialogue
Back
Top