New to the porsche world! Boxster buying advice?

[whitelockben]

Hi guys,

I've just been taking a general look around the forum and seen some pretty good stuff. I currently own an MG TF, and after having had the enjoyment from it I am looking for a replacement.

I have been looking at some 97 - 99 (2.5) Boxsters and really fancy one now! Just I have a few questions.

I am going to need to take out a small loan to buy the boxster, altohugh that doesnt bother me. What does is my insurance. Because I am young my insurance is £1000 more than my TF would be which was already at a pretty high price!

I am a DIYer when it come to all my car work! Every thing from brakes to servicing etc. I have also decided that the car will not be my daily drive like the TF was as the train services available are really good!

I am just curious if people could give me a rough idea at what is involved with regards to running costs of a boxster covering roughly around 10K miles a year? (Not so much mpg related)

I also do the ocasional 500mile round trip, its a pretty much all motorway journey and was just looking for a rough idea of what MPG a 2.5 would return being drive carefully at motorway speed?

Thanks in advanced

Ben

 

[sbloxxy]

Hello Ben and welcome to the forum,

Servicing costs will be a bit higher than your MG - although filters etc are relatively cheap, the correct oil isn't. The first thing to do, is to avoid using an Official Porsche Centre if possible: most parts are available from one of the many independent suppliers at a fraction of the price. Tyres will be more expensive though I suspect you will pay no more for fuel - my Boxster 3.2S averages around 26-28mpg with 32mpg+ on a steady run.
When things go wrong, they can be a bit more expensive than a 'normal' car: suspension parts for example can be expensive and they are most likely to be one of the first issues you encounter. Your best bet is to try and buy a good one right from the outset.Check tyres are ok, listen out for unusual suspension squeaks or knocks and make sure it drives nice and straight - the list is endless but be choosy -its a buyers market right now.
On the plus side, if you think your MG is good, you are going to think you've died and gone to motoring heaven when you drive a Boxster- just a wonderful quality car to drive.
Don't be afraid to ask as many questions as you want in the run up to buying - there's always someone here who will be able to help.
Good luck,
Steve

 

[bryno]

Welcome Ben,
Lots of good info in this forum. Read the "Ultimate Buyers Guide by Peter Morgan for the Porsche Boxster & Boxster S ISBN 0-9549990-02" available from the club. There are other websites such as BoXa.net and Rennsport also try this one http://members.lycos.co.uk/piperboxster/index.htm.
I don't know what your budget is but looking at what you say in your post its less tha £10k. This area could be a minefield so look at loads of cars especially the service history and condition a well used properly maintained car is probably a better bet than a low use patchily maintained one. In the current climate there are many bargains as well as cars of dubious quality out there. Don't discount an early S, take your time and you should get a godd one.
Good Luck

 

[whitelockben]

Thanks verfy much for all of the advice. I am going to wait til the winter is out of the way until I buy, but this means I will also have time to get a bit more money together for it.

Thank you again. Hope to be on here soon posting pictures of my new car!!