Buying a 3.2s....should I??!

[Guest]

Been trawling the net for a few months looking at 3.2S Boxsters, never owned a Porsche before but always promised myself one.
Today I spotted one that seems ideal for me, seal grey, 53 plate, lowish miles and a hardtop which is something I really wanted.
The spec isnt that great, parking sensors, wind deflector, 18" GT3 style wheels etc nothing much really but looks like a very clean example, they are looking for 18k. Fair price?
The trade in on my present car is pretty awful (no surprise) and its rapidly losing money every month whereas the porsche should be a bit more bouyant?
I am torn between buying this one or hanging on until maybe March where they will probably be cheaper but my present car will be worth even less!
The porsche will be my only car, I work offshore so it will be parked up for 2 weeks at a time not getting used which should keep the mileage down.
What are they like to use everyday? The luggage space doesnt seem too bad for a mid engine car.
I am used to running cars with awful MPG figures but what would I expect to see out of a 3.2 that will get driven reasonably quickly most of the time, (I live in the country with some amazing roads!!)
Are they as reliable as I have heard?
Any help gratefully appreciated.

Colin.

 

[spyderman]

ORIGINAL: Col

The porsche will be my only car, I work offshore so it will be parked up for 2 weeks at a time not getting used which should keep the mileage down.

You might like to consider a battery conditioner to make sure it doesn't drain too much while its garaged.

What are they like to use everyday? The luggage space doesnt seem too bad for a mid engine car.

I bought mine with the intention of using it most days to commute (not a huge distance), but it won't be coming out in snow and especially not if they're going to salt the roads. It would be suitable for the week's shop, in terms of storage space, but I won't be doing that either because of all the dings my other car has picked up on that job!

I am used to running cars with awful MPG figures but what would I expect to see out of a 3.2 that will get driven reasonably quickly most of the time, (I live in the country with some amazing roads!!)

You might manage a 27 mpg average.

Are they as reliable as I have heard?

Only if they don't go wrong! Some owners have years of trouble-free use; others have had replacement engines.

 

[Monty2]

Hi Col,
had various commuter cars and travel 30k a year swopped a 3 series beemer for a 986S on an 03 plate this april just been in for service having done 10k. I have a spirited x country drive to the A1 followed by 60 miles of pretty constant 70mph ish and back again at the end of the day on the odd occasion I've managed to get the roof down. I am returning 33 to 34 mpg constantly my mini cooper 1600 only managed 38mpg on the same run and wasn't as much fun. I borrowed a 2.7 Cayman 5 speed for a couple of weeks and didn't get any more mpg than my 3.2. This is my second Boxster S and really makes a good daily drive. Agree with spyderman get yourself a battery conditioner if you will be laying up for a couple of weeks regularly. I think 18K is about on the money for the year and good condition, does it come with warranty?

Paul

 

[jdpef356]

The spec isnt that great

Its all down to your preference what colour etc. Don't forget a PPI if its a private sale!
Having driven the various engine size variants I knew what I wanted. 3.2 manual 6 speed.
I then asked someone who had owned a Boxster for a long while if they could only have one option what would it be.
HEATED SEATS. Then purchased a car.
That proved to be very sound advice - although we had a Hardtop etc it was just to tempting to drop the hood on a bright frosty
morning and head off - so add heated seats to the top of your list.

 

[colinbythesea]

Had my 2.7 for a few months now. I didn't know if convertible motoring was for me but find the hood is always down unless its raining. We went out yesterday in the howling rain and I felt quite closed in with the roof up. So depending n your thoughts maybe a hardtop isn't such a big deal if a better car is available without one. MY 2.7 did nearly 40MPG when I first had it, only seem to be able to manage 30-35 now since I am used to it but that's better than my 1.6 Focus Auto.

 

[Black80XSA]

Bought a second hand hardtop for my old 986 - was useful in the winter for its greater comfort (quieter on motorway) and the big rear window. However, its was a pain to store for 7-8 months of the year, not easy to get off and back on if you fancy a drive in the winter with the top down on a dry day, and the softtop in my opinion was in no better shape for having been folder for 4 months.

Price seems a bit high in the curren climate too, unless thats a delaer price.

 

[Boxster72]

I bought a 2005 Boxster S about a month or so back. This is my only car and I commute about a 100 mile round trip to work - only having to do this twice a week though (sometimes three).

I am delighted with the car for this, averaging about 28 mpg (always commute at night, so empty roads!) and I'm not hanging around.

The car is perfect for all the questions/reasons you have. I had a TT prior to this and was a little unsure of the soft-top for everyday use, but all is great. Luggage space was also an issue as I have to get a large suitcase and another largish case in for every commute too, one at each end does the job.

As for reliability, haven't had it long, but so far so good!

So yeh, go on, get it! You only live once and you'll be driving a lentil & tree bark powered car in felt shoes in the near future if it all carries on the way it seems to be!

James

 

[Guest]

Thanks for all the advice! Well I've provisionally bought the car this morning, the garage is a few hours away so travelling down next wednesday to see it. As long as they are happy with my trade-in and I am happy with the porker it will be a done deal and I will be driving back upto Scotland in it [].
The next 5 days are going to drag in!

Colin.

 

[jason]

ORIGINAL: Col

Thanks for all the advice! Well I've provisionally bought the car this morning, the garage is a few hours away so travelling down next wednesday to see it. As long as they are happy with my trade-in and I am happy with the porker it will be a done deal and I will be driving back upto Scotland in it [].
The next 5 days are going to drag in!

Colin.

Was coming on here to give you loads of advice but if you've already done the deal all I will say is that if you don't get it professionally inspected then it will be YOUR fault if it costs you a small fortune in repairs and preventative maintenance when you get it...just because something looks clean and shiny doesn't mean its faultless.

For real peace of mind get someone to properly inspect it.

When Porsches go wrong (AND THEY DO!) they can get quite costly...