What to do......

[Rockape403]

Hi I'm from across the page on the SC forum.

Lisa (the Mrs.) and I are discussing getting a Boxster. It would have to be an early pre-face lift one. I quite like the special red interior, does it wear well and has anybody got one...are you bored of the red yet?

Any tips or help on what to look for and what bits and pieces I want on it would be great.

Thanks in advance.

 

[Andrew Killington]

Hi Richie
do you mean Boxster red? if so, and just my personal opinion, I'm not that keen - the ones that I have seen seem to go more orange/brownish with age.
as for add ons the 1 thing you can't do without is the old wind deflector!
Andrew

 

[Rockape403]

Thank you for your reply. I thought the Boxster Special Red was a kinda burnt orange anyway....which is the colour I like! Just worried I might (Lisa is worried) get bored of it and should go for black or tan.

Thanks for the advice on the wind deflector. If the car doesn't have one can the be added?

 

[oliver]

My wife has had three Boxsters since 1997 - all with the special Boxster Red full leather. And I've got a 996 with the same interior.

Colours are very personal, but we have several other cars with the ubiquitous black and grey interiors, so we find the red really fresh and uplifting in the Boxster and 996. It is very robust and doesn't show dirt or marks and contrasts nicely with a range of exterior colours.

PS Heated seats are fantastic on the Boxster. Combined with the wind deflector, they quadruple the number of times you can use it with the roof down.

 

[Dapster]

I think that climate, 17" alloys and metallic are essential if you ever want to sell the car on. Further than that, the sound upgrade is a good buy but while anything else is desireable, I would suggest it is not essential.

 

[Mark_Bennett]

As you are in Crawley (and therefore surrounded by unlit roads at night), I would recommend trying to get a car with the Litronic headlights. They are brilliant (literally[]) when you are out and about in the country in the dark. (London dwellers who never venture out of the suburbs at night will not need these).

A wind deflector can be added after if you find a rare car without it. It will require a couple of clips to be fitted to the roll-bar (which needs drilling - and it is a harder steel than standard as it is a safety item). You can get your OPC to do it, or risk your own drill-bits and marking your roll bar by doing it yourself[:'(])

 

[TopBear]

My May 03 Boxster S is available to buy with full Boxster Red leather and Seal Grey mettalic paint, if your interested?
Here is the advert for it... http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/detail.asp?i=29260

13,000 miles. May 2003 Porsche Boxster S (Facelift 260bhp)
Seal Grey/Black Roof
18" Sport Design Alloys
Full Boxster Red Leather
Porsche Sound Package (CDR-23)
CD-Storage console
Aluminium Painted Centre Console
Aluminium Painted Roll Bars
Wind Deflector
Porsche colour crested wheel centre caps
Boxster Rear Speaker Kit
OBC
2 new rear Michelin Pilot Sport N1's recently

 

[Rockape403]

Thanks for all the advice guys.

The one I have my eye on is at a OPC. It is Arctic Silver with Special Red Leather, has climate, has aluminium pack, has a wind deflector and 17 inch alloys.

It is a 'T' 99 with 39k on the clock and is up for £23,500. It is however only a 2.5. Any thoughts on that?

Thanks again.

 

[Yoda]

I bought a Boxster S a couple of years ago and tried different options. I found the 2.7 a noticeable improvemet over the 2.5 and now the price difference isn't that great. I opted for the S in the end, brought out the best in the car and made it huge fun if you can stretch the budget. I found 17 inch wheels good performance/ride quality compromise but 18s look better.

As for colour, buy what you like unless resale is very high on your list. Personally, Boxster red interior is one of the few colours I would never have but thats a personal choice.

If you are buying from a dealer and paying a premium, make sure that the car is really that good and you are not paying over the odds for the warranty. Lots of good cars to choose from and Porsche warranty can be added to cars with FPSH after an inspection from the Porsche network.

 

[Rockape403]

Thanks for the advice Yoda.

The red interior is just so different and would only be found in a proper sports car and I like that feeling. The silver - as silver always sells well. I am driving a 2.5 and then a 2.7 on Sunday at my local OPC, so I will be able to gauge the difference then. Largley my descision will be down to budget as I have my 911SC, which I really want to keep and the fact that my wife is expensive to keep and they won't trade her in!

 

[Dapster]

Apart from the obvious engine change from the 2.5 to the 2.7, there was also a significant step up in cabin material quality and finish with the update. You'll notice the 3 spoke sports steering wheel, the alu trim on the gear knob and door handles, the electric lid releases and other touches that don't look like much but definitely improve the experience. As suggested above, buy the very latest car you can afford. If that means a higher milage 2.7 vs a low mileage 2.5, then it'll be worth it. As you will obviously know with the SC, a well looked after Porker will go on for a long time.