Boxster S or 996 Facelift?

[Guest]

Hi all,

I'm new here and very green behind the ears regarding Porsche ownership. I would very much appreciate your thoughts on what model of Porsche I should purchase.
I've decided after years of BMW ownership that I want a Porsche, present car being a 02 M3 convertible SMG.
So, I"m faced with a dilema looking at cars around the 34k price.
Of my experience so far, I have the option of either 05 Boxster S with around 10k, or a 01/02 Facelift 996 with around 40k, what's it to be?
My own thoughts are the 996 is going to be very expensive to service and maintain but.............I might get golf clubs in the rear seat. In all honesty, my heart is set on the Boxster S, I would just like some conformation from you guys that already own them.
I'm looking so much forward to getting behind the wheel of a porker.
Many thanks in advance
Mike

 

[channella]

Mike,

In my fantasy garage the 911 is always after the Boxster. The 911 is a very fine car, but the Boxster's mid-engine configuration makes the handling sweet, and its fun to drive. Besides that its roof comes down, and importantly it was designed that way i.e. not a coupe first.

 

[edgiee]

I haven't driven a 996 but the Boxster is a joy to drive and own.
Carrying golf clubs in a Boxster is no problem. I can get a mid-size bag plus a full set of clubs in the rear boot. With a full size bag the drivers need to be taken out first.

 

[juliany27]

How on earth are you going to get your golf clubs to the course if there are no drivers in your Boxster [] [] []?

I have driven and owned a Boxster and a 996 cabriolet. Have a test drive in both; they are very different cars, and then make up your mind.

 

[marlin]

Was a 911 die hard until test driving a Boxster S 987, its no contest as per Clarkson 90% 911 for 50% of the price. Don't waste any time thinking about it get the Boxster S you will not be disappointed. My son has a 996 911 Turbo which is the dogs things, but so bloody fast you need the reactions of a race driver to go to the supermarket. The evidence about the Boxster is overwhelming check the motor mags. Unless you have pots of money, then its the 911 all the way, so thats been no help then[]

 

[jimso]

I'm loving every minute of my Boxster S. It's my first Porker and to be honest, in cash terms, there was no way that I could have gone for anything other than the Box because i wanted a fairly recent car. A late 2002 face lifeted model as it happens.
For years I had my heart set on a 911 and when I first started to look, out of necessity, at a Boxster, I initially thought of it as a mega compromise. When I did the research, as I'm sure we all have, it couldn't be further from the truth.
The Boxster is a superb car in its own right. Looks good, sounds good and is in my view every inch a Porsche.
Don't hesitate. It's pure pleasure!
Mind you, Mot later today. I might have a different view by this evening... [&:]

 

[Bandit]

I have recently purchased a Boxster 997S, having moved from an Audi TT. I had similar thoughts to yours, however after driving both, it was the Boxster which did it for me. The car just wants to be driven.... It takes me back to my early motorbike days when I would go out for a ride just for the hell of it. Whichever you choose there is something special about owning and driving a Porsche.........

 

[jimso]

ORIGINAL: jimso
Mind you, Mot later today. I might have a different view by this evening...

Update: Passed MoT with flying colours! Even more strongly recommended! [8D]

 

[Robin M]

I love 911s and the modern ones are not tail happy. However for a really balanced car on a track day the Boxster and I guess the Cayman are the best handling. A 911 will always be quicker in a straight line but... the cheaper owning experience will nearly always be the Boxster.

 

[Dapster]

As you're not going to be driving on the limit all day long, you will probably make your mind up on what your heart says after driving them both. I tried a mint facelift 996 C2 and a slightly tired C4S prior to the 987 and while I thought that I really wanted a 911, I just couldn't think of a reason why I wanted one over a 987. In "S" guise, the 987 is every bit as quick, sounds nicer, has a more modern cockpit, lots of modern touches etc etc. I can understand why the 911 is such a draw, but it wasn't for me. Also, I was going through this nearly 2 years ago and the facelift 996's were in the high 40's so a brand new 987 S was actually cheaper - no contest. The current pricing structure makes the decision more difficult.

 

[daro911]

Have owned 5 x 911's and been crazy about each and every single one of them. No longer requiring a 2+2 set up and fancying a full on roadster again I bought my first Boxster in early 97. Fast forward 9 years and 5 Boxsters later [8D] and for me its a no brainer 911's are brilliant pieces of motoring kit but IMO the Boxster especially in latest format 987 "S" is even more brilliant as it delivers equal on road thrills but for so much less money than a 997 Cabrio!

I have often discussed this with people in the know at Porsche Cars and the bottom line is simple ... The 911 is and always was a triumph over flawed engineering principles where as the Boxster / Cayman are the result of a clean sheet of paper design and many years of sports car making which resulted in perfect sports cars from day one and at a price to make any 911 owner [] []

 

[Guest]

Thanks for all that replied.
I'm delighted to say that I am the proud new owner of a 05, 987 Boxster S, seal grey, 19" wheels and sat nav.
Based on opinions expressed here, I plumped for the Boxster over the 911.
Compared to the M3 convertible, the Boxster surpasses it in every department.
Once again thanks to all.
Rgds
Mike

 

[marlin]

Congrats, you will not be dissapointed, and can always have several holidays with the saved cash[]

 

[Helen Goff]

have owned both, service costs are much the same, for me out of your two options,the Boxster wins as its:
a) cheaper to buy
b) has two boots
c)is better balanced for throwing around tracks+country lanes
d) is smaller so fits into my garage with room to spare.

 

[okellyt]

hameseek

Well done - Seal Grey is the way to go (same colour as mine) - having driven both I'd have the 987S every time over a 911 Cabriolet. its a much sweeter handling car and almost every bit as fast as a 996 Cabrio.

5 years of boxster ownership and loved every minute

My excuse for changing to the 997 is about the need for four seats in the enar future and an unwillingness to go for the big 4X4

Enjoy!

Tom