Help! Should it be a Boxster?

Impreza_Noobie · Apr 7, 2010

Hi guys

I will be in St. Andrews to study for my Masters degree on September this year.
I'm a Thai citizen who currently owns a 2003 STi. I will have to part from my car as soon as I leave my country and would certainly miss it a lot.

Therefore, I am contemplating buying a car once I arrive in Scotland. I have always been a big fan of 986 Boxster S and its price in the UK is rather affordable.

I would appreciate your answers based on these questions:

1. Due to their price similarities, why should I not purchase BMW E46 M3 or 2005 STi over the Porsche Boxster S 986?

2. Is a 986 Boxster S an 'attention-getter' or rarer when compared to the latter cars mentioned in the first question?

3. Are running costs adsurdly expensive on these Boxsters? I will look into facelifted 986 Boxster S and this should ultimately decrease future expenses.

Additional comments which may be relevant to my enquiries are welcomed!

Cheers

marlin · Apr 7, 2010

Boxster S without doubt, relatively cheap to run (considering performance) . Not a rare sight in the UK but what is (Zonda). Top down in Scotland on those roads nirvana [

]

thboxster · Apr 7, 2010

I've never driven the M3 that you refer to so cannot really compare the cars. I can say though that the Boxster is a real pleasure to drive, especially if you get a late 986 'S'. There's also nothing wrong with the 2.7, I had great fun with one of those too.

If I had to make the choice out of the 2, obviously i'm biased now, but even so i'd probably go the the Boxster as there's something of stigma attached with BMWs in the UK. I think it's shifting to Audi these days but there you are.

jojowales · Apr 7, 2010

These are chalk and cheese mate (do they have that saying in your country?) [

]

To me when you're sat in the BMW or the STi neither of them feel that special until you open them up. My Boxster on the other hand makes me smile all the time (roof up or down) and it's practical to boot, mine's giving me 30+ mpg on an average run and is generous on storage space when compared to other sports cars but that's the rub, it's a sports car! Can you live with a sports car, will you have secure parking, how much room do you need to carry the world around with you. Is it a great car? You bet! Does it suite your circumstances? Only you know that but best of luck with whatever you choose.

JJ

jdpef356 · Apr 8, 2010

ORIGINAL: jojowales

These are chalk and cheese mate (do they have that saying in your country?) []
JJ

Ah we say:-

Dim Sum (Steamed minced pork & prawn dumplings served with soy sauce) ant Khan Nom Pang Naa Mu Spiced minced pork on toast with sesame seeds, served with chilli/plum

One make you want to sit on two seat - de other make you want to sit on four seat all day.

So old Thai saying go 'Two seat better than four' - Its de Boxster then![

]

ach · Apr 8, 2010

Coming to this forum you would not expect too many calls for M3 or STi, wouldn't you[

]?

IMHO M3 is a great car, but when you drive it it's just another good car. Boxter being mid-engined gives completly different feelings. Very stable, very balanced a lot of joy to drive. It feels "lighter" and more playful.

On the other hand if you need practicality in everyday life (4 seats, more space) M3 can be a better choice.

jdpef356 · Apr 8, 2010

2. Is a 986 Boxster S an 'attention-getter' or rarer when compared to the latter cars mentioned in the first question?

The car (whatever your choice) only needs to get one persons attention and that is yours![&:]

unclewinks · Apr 8, 2010

Once you have owned a porsche they become an addiction,had 3 boxters great cars

thboxster · Apr 8, 2010

ORIGINAL: unclewinks

Once you have owned a porsche they become an addiction

How true.

Impreza_Noobie · Apr 8, 2010

I'm absolutely thrilled by friendly and informative comments from everyone; this clearly reflects the quality of Porsche club and its owners. My family had owned several Porsches in the past decades (993 Turbo, 928S, 968) and they looked fantastic albeit I was too young to drive at that time.

After considerable thoughts, I have ruled out the possibility of owning an M3 - I am convinced by the fact that it exudes unfavourable image to some. There are many positive and negative perceptions on the M3 but after asking around, I concluded that not many Non-M enthusiasts favour M3 owners.

I appreciate your comments, please keep them coming!

jdpef356 · Apr 9, 2010

Hi again

If its a 986 Boxster you're after you would in my opinion go a long way to beat the Spyder/Anniversary model.
Not only is this a limited edition It comes with lots of goodies, it has a bit more grunt, its lower, has a short shift, It is silver but stands out from the other Silvers since its paint (GT Silver) is not the run of the mill silver. Comes with special interior Brown or Dark Grey (I prefer the Grey) Take a look at the Porsche Press release. http://www.porsche.com/uk/aboutporsche/pressreleases/pcgb/pressreleases2003/?pool=uk&id=2003-11-21
The key to buying a Porsche to retain value is to find a neach in the market - the Anniversary model with just 1953 models does that.
Drive the Anniversary model (by the way it is of course the S model plus) and then drive the standard S and your choice will be made - mine was.
Manual or Tip - Manual does it for me - special exhaust fitted so you want to hear it now and again![8D]
You should be able to pick one up for between £15 and £20 but as ever if buying private PPI is not an option its a must!
I just love mine - I'm off to the AGM this weekend in mine - some 320 mile return journey - just take a look at the weather forecast - so its down with the hood and on with the speedster humps (not supplied as standard) but they do cover that bit I think Porsche did not quite get right (the hood showing when the tops down) and if need be you have those all important heated seats should you need them. You may well do all year round in Scotland! [

][

] Bose sound as standard, the list goes on - I think if you try you buy! [

] Whatever it is enjoy the buying experience and the Club - join in events both Regional and National to make the most of your membership[

].

Glyn · Apr 9, 2010

1 == You need to decide what you want a car for and what you want out of it, You are hardly going to get an unbiased opinion on any forum for a particular car as forum members will always say their choice of car is the best one - no one buys a car then says to the world "Im a moron for having this"

2== Attention getter - mmm -- perhaps you just want to stand by the car and look cool with the fake ray bans on and medalion - Yes they attract attention from the Chavs, those that appreciate a nice car, those that just like the Porsche badge and the police when driven sprightly, The car should be owned by those who actually like the car not those that want others to like the car and bask in reflected glory, Alternativly you could simply take a course of steroids to get a "he man" physique then mince around with shades on at night - it will get attention and you could save the cost of the car.

3== Not if you leave it parked up and simply stand by the car to impress, of course the running costs are higher than say a family saloon, In my opinion you are missing the point of the Boxster

Impreza_Noobie · Apr 9, 2010

ORIGINAL: Glyn

1 == You need to decide what you want a car for and what you want out of it, You are hardly going to get an unbiased opinion on any forum for a particular car as forum members will always say their choice of car is the best one - no one buys a car then says to the world "Im a moron for having this"

2== Attention getter - mmm -- perhaps you just want to stand by the car and look cool with the fake ray bans on and medalion - Yes they attract attention from the Chavs, those that appreciate a nice car, those that just like the Porsche badge and the police when driven sprightly, The car should be owned by those who actually like the car not those that want others to like the car and bask in reflected glory, Alternativly you could simply take a course of steroids to get a "he man" physique then mince around with shades on at night - it will get attention and you could save the cost of the car.

3== Not if you leave it parked up and simply stand by the car to impress, of course the running costs are higher than say a family saloon, In my opinion you are missing the point of the Boxster

Hi Glyn

Thanks for your input. Frankly, I simply adore all the marques mentioned in this thread and I completely agree that no owners would harrass their own preferences. Needless to say I have actually posted questions pertaining similar contexts in several forums - BMW, STi UK, and etc. - in a hope to minimise uncertainties and preconceptions.

The second question mainly affects my emotional influences when it comes to buying a car. As mentioned in prior paragraph, I love all 3 cars and would not mind owning or driving either one. However, I wanted to gain more insights on how people - presumably lovely UK citizens, like you, and so forth - percieve these cars.

Can you please clarify your answer to my third question? I think majority of potential Porsche buyers would have known, to a certain extent, that maintaining Boxsters will be more costly than servicing a family saloon. Maybe we should focus more on inputting constructive responses. I noticed that your answers are somewhat centralised on your interpretations of my second question; which was based on the attractiveness of the car. I would appreciate if you could expand your thoughts.

Your answer has raised my curiosity in consumer rights. Who has the right to judge that a person cannot purchase a car which suits his or her likings regardless of what the person demanded from the car? For example, a person may want to purchase a car which attracts passers-by and his peers. Is this preference considered wrong or inappropriate? Or perhaps it would violate the norms? Note that this demand is just one of the many preferences a person may have when buying a car.

Simply put, I wanted a car which not only I can truly appreciate but it can also be appreciated by others.

Cheers

spyderman · Apr 9, 2010

ORIGINAL: jdpef356

Drive the Anniversary model ... You should be able to pick one up for between £15 and £20 ...

Crikey John - I've heard of severe depreciation, but that's ridiculous!

I admit to having bought my 550 Anniversary primarily because of all the goodies it came with.

jojowales · Apr 9, 2010

This isn't a pi hiss take is it?

Or am I just being paranoid again [

]

Forgive me if I am.

Impreza_Noobie · Apr 9, 2010

ORIGINAL: jdpef356

Hi again

If its a 986 Boxster you're after you would in my opinion go a long way to beat the Spyder/Anniversary model.
Not only is this a limited edition It comes with lots of goodies, it has a bit more grunt, its lower, has a short shift, It is silver but stands out from the other Silvers since its paint (GT Silver) is not the run of the mill silver. Comes with special interior Brown or Dark Grey (I prefer the Grey) Take a look at the Porsche Press release. http://www.porsche.com/uk/aboutporsche/pressreleases/pcgb/pressreleases2003/?pool=uk&id=2003-11-21
The key to buying a Porsche to retain value is to find a neach in the market - the Anniversary model with just 1953 models does that.
Drive the Anniversary model (by the way it is of course the S model plus) and then drive the standard S and your choice will be made - mine was.
Manual or Tip - Manual does it for me - special exhaust fitted so you want to hear it now and again![8D]
You should be able to pick one up for between £15 and £20 but as ever if buying private PPI is not an option its a must!
I just love mine - I'm off to the AGM this weekend in mine - some 320 mile return journey - just take a look at the weather forecast - so its down with the hood and on with the speedster humps (not supplied as standard) but they do cover that bit I think Porsche did not quite get right (the hood showing when the tops down) and if need be you have those all important heated seats should you need them. You may well do all year round in Scotland! [][] Bose sound as standard, the list goes on - I think if you try you buy! [] Whatever it is enjoy the buying experience and the Club - join in events both Regional and National to make the most of your membership[].

I'm compeltely sold! If the price range doesn't exceed my budget I would seriously consider the Anniversary edition.
Thanks mate

jojowales · Apr 10, 2010

You don't half work funny hours over there in Thailand mate, what is it, six hours difference between here and there? You must have answered the last email about three o'clock in the morning! student life hey!

Impreza_Noobie · Apr 10, 2010

ORIGINAL: jojowales

You don't half work funny hours over there in Thailand mate, what is it, six hours difference between here and there? You must have answered the last email about three o'clock in the morning! student life hey!

Majority of Thais who live in capital city, Bangkok, are staying up - in fear of home invasions and trespassing by protestors. Few hours ago there were several explosions which can be heard from where I live; it was soon followed by loud reverberated bangs of live ammunitions. The past couple of days have been somewhat hectic. Our prime minister has been making national emergency broadcasts from day to night.

At this moment, our lively city doesn't sleep... literally. [

]

jojowales · Apr 10, 2010

Well I hope that you and your family stay safe. The troubles at the moment in your country makes choosing a car seem irrelevant but we all have the right to dream if nothing else.

jdpef356 · Apr 11, 2010

ORIGINAL: spyderman

ORIGINAL: jdpef356

Drive the Anniversary model ... You should be able to pick one up for between £15 and £20 ...

Click to expand...

Crikey John - I've heard of severe depreciation, but that's ridiculous!

I admit to having bought my 550 Anniversary primarily because of all the goodies it came with.