New to Porsche. Buying a Boxster

[pat bryant]

Dear All,

I have just joined the club and, although not an owner yet, have determined to buy a Boxster of some type with a budget of £5 to £10k. I know this must have been asked before but I would be most grateful for any guidance or views members might share on the usual sort of questions; even the unusual, ie things I had never thought of but would save me making a bad choice.
So...
3.2 or 2.7 ? I am 61 years old so, although not immune from the lure of power, may find the 2.7 adequate ( I have driven the 3.2 and found it really exciting/frightening) and without 'booting' it know these cars are very well mannered. Are running costs, insurance, road tax etc very different between the two? This will be my retirement present, driven by self and wife, so manly leisure driving.

Is self servicing an option? Are service parts reasonable cost-wise

Are there any things to really walk away from? For instance: I recently viewed a 2004 3.2 that the seller said had had a new engine at 75k (current mileage 135k); all documented but not clear why the original had failed. Considering this I wonder if it is wise to go for a low mileage vehicle that may be waiting to go 'bang'.

Trade or private? I think I know how this works but does anyone have any useful comments.

Does any member want to sell me a car? I live a few miles to the west of Stafford.

At the end of the day I know it is my choice but I would be most grateful for any views and wisdom the membership would like to share.

Sincerely,

Pat Bryant

 

[rob.kellock]

Hello and welcome to the forum.

The Boxster is a great car but at that age and stage there are various potential issues that may be expensive to fix.

Just apply the basic rules - condition, history, recent maintenance, mileage. Take your time, half the fun is in the looking!

Definitely keep an eye on the members for sale section here, ideally find a well loved example from a club member perhaps looking to change to a 987 model?

Also head down to your local PCGB monthly meeting - someone is bound to have a nice example of one to use as a benchmark, chat to the members and take advantage of the local knowledge.

 

[Fred Hindle]

Agree with everything that Rob has typed. IMHO go for the 3.2, just that little bit extra when you need it. Servicing the engine is best left to a garage (plenty of good independants out there).
Sorry but mine is not for sale.
Enjoy the hunt.

Cheers,

 

[PORKA]

Hi,
Talk to Tracy Wilkins - Boxster Register Secretary and Cliff Wilkins her assistant they have owned a variety of Porsches including many Boxsters and Tracy currently has one of the latest. There's also Tony Ruggles of Carrera Engineering, their technical guy on 01992 892333

 

[vitesse]

Look at this:-
http://www.specialistvehiclepreparations.com/porsche-racing-cars-for sale/boxster-s-grey/

 

[pat bryant]

Dear All,

Thanks for the advice. My search continues, and I still can't decide on the 'S' question but notice if I bust the bank an 05/06 2.7 offers 240 BHP. I can already feel myself getting a bit 'power crazy' but then why not, it is a Porsche I'm buying after all.

Best,

Pat Bryant

 

[Motorhead]

Pat,

One thing to bear in mind is that S-versions often have a better spec (more expensive options fitted) than the standard cars and represent better value for money, but I'm sure that you'll find the performance of the 2.7 more than adequate for your purposes. The only time I get the opportunity to safely unleash the power of my Gen2 Cayman S is on the track..!

I'd agree with what others have said here but would add that it's worthwhile spending a few hundred pounds on a vehicle inspection by a recognised Porsche Independent prior to purchase.

Good luck with your search.

Jeff