NeilW
New member
Only just over 24 hours of ownership under my belt and I'm feeling the need to post to say how delighted I am with the Boxster.
Taking a step back for a moment, a couple of months ago I was contemplating selling both the 964 and the 944, adding some money, and buying a 996 GT3. The two downsides to this plan were having to say goodbye to the 964 and using the GT3 as all-year-round transport.
I decided against this but knew that it was time to swap the 944 for something else. This was my third 944, and much as I hate to be negative about them as they were my entry into Porsche and I've had many good times, I never really bonded with the S2.
When looking at Boxsters there was the obvious question about which type/model/year to go for. Because I didn't know how much I was going to like them I didn't want to stretch finances too far, but equally didn't want to go too cheap and risk buying a problem car that would sour the experience.
In the end I saw a late 2003 2.7 advertised at a Honda dealership, went to see it, had a test drive, did the due diligence on paperwork, and struck a deal. I've gone into this with my eyes open as I must have read almost every word on the internet about the reported engine failures. The car has had regular servicing and has 54K on the clock, so I'm hoping it's going to last. If it doesn't then I'll just have to put my hand in my pocket. I had an engine failure on a previous 944 and the 964 isn't exactly low maintenance so I'm prepared.
The photo I've attached is from the Autotrader advert as I haven't had time to take any myself! You know how it goes, new car equals obligatory test rides for friends and family.[
] It's not exactly a chore!
But back to the experience itself, this car is such a joy to drive. Nicely weighted, precise controls with great feel and feedback. Rock solid road holding, sharp turn-in, great balance, and a nice soundtrack at the upper end of the rev range. I was half expecting a flimsy feel after much talk about mass production and cheap materials but not a bit of it. The feel of the structure/body is one of absolute solidity and the interior seems well built. The dash, while perhaps lacking in dials (why no oil pressure?), is well laid out and easy to read. The storage capacity using both boots and numerous cubby holes must be huge.
In short, I wish I'd bought one years ago! No previous car has gotten under my skin so quickly. As an everyday, all occasion car why would you want anything else?! I know many of you will be smiling at the noob who has only just discovered what you have known for some time, but rest assured if the ownership experience continues in this vein then I will be evangelising the Boxster whenever I can!
I've only spotted one fault so far and this is a slight rattle from the rear. Not in time with the engine, sounds very much like an exhaust or heat shield (he hopes [&:]). I had a quick look underneath and there is a nut missing from the heatshield that separates the boot floor from the exhaust so this will be my starting point.
Thinking ahead, the car is on its original clutch, which I'm guessing may be in its twilight years (though it feels fine). Has anyone upgraded their IMS bearing with one of the non-Porsche alternatives as this is something I would likely want to do when the clutch expires?
I wonder what the 'S' is like to drive. I'm guessing fairly similar but with the fat torque curve of my 964?
Taking a step back for a moment, a couple of months ago I was contemplating selling both the 964 and the 944, adding some money, and buying a 996 GT3. The two downsides to this plan were having to say goodbye to the 964 and using the GT3 as all-year-round transport.
I decided against this but knew that it was time to swap the 944 for something else. This was my third 944, and much as I hate to be negative about them as they were my entry into Porsche and I've had many good times, I never really bonded with the S2.
When looking at Boxsters there was the obvious question about which type/model/year to go for. Because I didn't know how much I was going to like them I didn't want to stretch finances too far, but equally didn't want to go too cheap and risk buying a problem car that would sour the experience.
In the end I saw a late 2003 2.7 advertised at a Honda dealership, went to see it, had a test drive, did the due diligence on paperwork, and struck a deal. I've gone into this with my eyes open as I must have read almost every word on the internet about the reported engine failures. The car has had regular servicing and has 54K on the clock, so I'm hoping it's going to last. If it doesn't then I'll just have to put my hand in my pocket. I had an engine failure on a previous 944 and the 964 isn't exactly low maintenance so I'm prepared.
The photo I've attached is from the Autotrader advert as I haven't had time to take any myself! You know how it goes, new car equals obligatory test rides for friends and family.[
] It's not exactly a chore!But back to the experience itself, this car is such a joy to drive. Nicely weighted, precise controls with great feel and feedback. Rock solid road holding, sharp turn-in, great balance, and a nice soundtrack at the upper end of the rev range. I was half expecting a flimsy feel after much talk about mass production and cheap materials but not a bit of it. The feel of the structure/body is one of absolute solidity and the interior seems well built. The dash, while perhaps lacking in dials (why no oil pressure?), is well laid out and easy to read. The storage capacity using both boots and numerous cubby holes must be huge.
In short, I wish I'd bought one years ago! No previous car has gotten under my skin so quickly. As an everyday, all occasion car why would you want anything else?! I know many of you will be smiling at the noob who has only just discovered what you have known for some time, but rest assured if the ownership experience continues in this vein then I will be evangelising the Boxster whenever I can!
I've only spotted one fault so far and this is a slight rattle from the rear. Not in time with the engine, sounds very much like an exhaust or heat shield (he hopes [&:]). I had a quick look underneath and there is a nut missing from the heatshield that separates the boot floor from the exhaust so this will be my starting point.
Thinking ahead, the car is on its original clutch, which I'm guessing may be in its twilight years (though it feels fine). Has anyone upgraded their IMS bearing with one of the non-Porsche alternatives as this is something I would likely want to do when the clutch expires?
I wonder what the 'S' is like to drive. I'm guessing fairly similar but with the fat torque curve of my 964?
