boxster s vs honda s2000

Guest · Apr 17, 2008

Hi all, i have a honda s2000 (2000) and its been a real bad car, no end of faults and if i'm honest it isn't very fast, i am tempted with a similar age boxster s and i wonder what they are like in relation to the s2000. do they suffer many problems, are they expensive to run etc?

SteveW14 · Apr 18, 2008

Own a 2002 s and it's been as good as gold since I bought it, like all cars there are certain things to take in to account and it would be worth doing a search on the threads as I am sure there were ones started recently that should cover most of the things to be aware of.

If you find a good one I am sure you wouldn't regret it, and and S should be a fair bit quicker than your S2000 too![

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Guest · Apr 18, 2008

I use to own a 2003 s2k and now drive a 2.7 987 Boxster.

My s2000 was a fantastic car which I use to use every day. I still have fond memories of it and must admit still miss that car despite now owning the Porsche. The s2k is the type of car you can't help thrashing every time you drive it and I use to get a real kick from hitting the VTEC at 6000rpm which I miss from the boxster.

I did find the s2000 quite tiring on a long trip though and this is where the Boxster really kicks the s into touch. The Boxster is a far more comfortable every day car and although I dont find it as thrilling to drive as the s2000 use to be, I do feel more comfortable in it and safer.

The Boxster is still a fantastic car and even in 2.7 form quick enough for me. I guess I grew out of the s2000 and wanted something more civilised.

Go for the Boxter S and enjoy [

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Guest · Apr 19, 2008

I have had alot of problems with my S2000 to be fair and when it hits vtec i feel it doesn't really do much. However getting back to the boxster, i love it but i am a bit worried about the heads cracking, i have heard a few stories from dealers and specialists

SteveW14 · Apr 19, 2008

ORIGINAL: nashby

I have had alot of problems with my S2000 to be fair and when it hits vtec i feel it doesn't really do much. However getting back to the boxster, i love it but i am a bit worried about the heads cracking, i have heard a few stories from dealers and specialists

Heads cracking?

Not aware of any common issues with this, what age / mileage are you looking at.

Apart from the obvious wear and tear items the only common thing to look out for as far as I am aware is any RMS issues.

Guest · Apr 19, 2008

Im looking at cars around the 2001 age, i have spoken to a couple of specialists about them getting advice and they have said the heads can crack,

robbosliding · Apr 19, 2008

I'd forget the cracking heads thing. I had a 2.5 Boxster previously and despite have some faults ('99 car) it was very good to drive, fantastic handling and robust build quality and thrilling engine notes throughout the rev range.
You should get what you pay for if you shop carefully, I bought a mid priced boxster so had to correct a few things. They are reliable but have certain charactertristic faults, RMS (£580 to replace at an indie) and cracking header bottles, same sort of price.
On the front of cracking heads its not something I've heard of and likewise what I have heard abot the S2000 is they are bullet proof and very reliable. Yours may have been a bit of a lemon, its certainly not a typical story. I test drove a new S2000 prior to buying my 911 (it was a good excuse to test drive lots of sports cars!) and I really really liked it. So much so that I believe pound for pound the S2000 was the better car........but that was in comparison to a '99 72k 2.5cc car. The 3.2 is a whole different ball game. My Boxster followed a MR2 turbo. I don't think it was any quicker but the difference in handling set the two apart. Don't let the head thing put you off. I suggest you go to a OPC or indie and get some warranty with it to negate any concerns, the Boxsters are great cars but I do have a soft spot for the S2000!

Guest · Apr 20, 2008

My honda was a one owner car (woman) it had done 34000 miles when i bought it and full honda history, the rear diff went because honda put the wrong oil in it although they wont admit it, the clutch makes a bad noise, the timing chain tensioner went on it, its not very powerfull, it rattles, and the brake calipers are sticking

SteveW14 · Apr 20, 2008

Sounds like you dropped on a bad one.

Regarding reliability of Boxster, like I said I haven't had any issues with mine the only things that have needed doing were wear and tear items such as brakes, air filter, etc. Having done a bit of research I have found these all easy enough to do myself, this forum proving to be a source of really good advice.

As long as you get any prosepctive purchase properly checked out you shouldn't have too many worries.

Also as I said before, I think in terms of real world speed you should find it quicker, as you will be a bit up on power but also the Boxster S has 50% more torque than an S2000.

Dapster · Apr 21, 2008

The Boxster will be quicker than an S2000 as there is so much torque you have to work less hard to go quickly. Additionally, the Box has sublime and predictable handling - from what I have read the S2000 is a bit edgy at the limit so you probably wouldn't push it on the public road.

Guest · Apr 23, 2008

Thats good, i like torque cars, so you all think i am worried about nothing re the cracking heads, it seems odd that some dealers and specialist's have mentioned it. Would be sods law if i get one and they do crack, expensive bill i bet. It is also harder to do the job as its an engine out job isn't it

ianfiat · Apr 24, 2008

Are you sure they didn't mean a cracked (coolant) header tank ?

Guest · Apr 24, 2008

yes cracked heads

JCB.. · Apr 24, 2008

ORIGINAL: nashby

yes cracked heads

I've been RegSec or his assistant for 7 years and I have never heard of a single instance of a cracked head.

Guest · Apr 24, 2008

well that makes me feel better because i really want a boxster s, i am also worried about that main shaft bearing issue, was it main shaft?

SteveW14 · Apr 24, 2008

I think you may mean the Intermediate Shaft/bearing, there is a nice long thread on this one, seems to be a bit of a difference of opinion as to whether the numbers are significant or not.

Personally my approach is to try and pick the best example you can (getting it checked out), maintain it properly and if something unfortunate should happen then deal with it when it does. Main thing is to enjoy the car and not to be constantly paranoid about what could go wrong.

If you are really worried you could take out a years Porsche warranty on it, think it costs ~£900 and would need to pass a 111 point check (think this costs extra). Expensive, but would give you peace of mind.

http://www.porscheclubgbforum.com/tm.asp?m=328555

daro911 · Apr 24, 2008

ORIGINAL: nashby

well that makes me feel better because i really want a boxster s, i am also worried about that main shaft bearing issue, was it main shaft?

nashby stop worrying I have owned Boxsters and been around the flavour since 1997 and for every dog of an example out there for sale there are 1000's of fantastic, reliable, well looked after cars begging for a new home. So whilst you are still pondering the odd ifs & buts negatives you have heard about remind yourself of how great a drive / car the Boxster was and still is in year 12 of production [

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http://www.porscheclubgbforum.com/tm.asp?m=370394
"In fact, just like the Boxster S, the RS60 Spyder is one of the best drivers' cars that money can buy."

Guest · Apr 24, 2008

Yes i guess you are right, i am just worried that if an engine did kick the bucket i would end up with a hell of a bill. Any other engine i could fix myself, bmw etc but i get the feeling the porsche is a bit more difficult to rectify, having said that i still want one, i drove a 2.7 a while back then bought the s2000 but always wished i had gone boxster, now i want the S

robbosliding · Apr 24, 2008

Nick, I understand your concerns and reservations but I think you may be worrying about problems that may never happen. Every manufacturer & model has a horror story to tell but Boxsters are known to be well built and reliable. Granted they have their common faults, header bottles, RMS sometimes but little else really, the odd niff naff like any other car. As long as you get what you pay for I doubt you will have anything to worry about. If you are concerned go to a good indie (see my thread OPC verses Indie......911 Sport Lincs) or OPC and get one with some warranty. Your outlay may be slightly more than a private sale but the saving should you have an unfortunate problem will be off set plus the reassurance it brings. I relate to your concerns but buy the car and enjoy it. But do buy from a reliable source or have Peter Morgan or similar look at a private one, it is worth the investment long term.