Anyone here own a Porsche Boxter ? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

drbrandini · #1 04-23-2004, 09:23 AM

I would like to get some feedback on the boxster. Suprising to me from all the reviews I've read it's a great car. The only real complaint I've read is on the original purchase price. Just curious if any of you own one and can comment on the vehicle and it's cost to maintain.

blackmercedes · #2 04-23-2004, 09:33 AM

An ex-collegue and close friend of mine has one. Compared to earlier 911 models, it's operating costs and build quality are pretty good, but he's had quite a few expensive problems. Mostly to do with the top, which has been frustrating.

He also liked to wrench on his previous 86 Carrera, but the Boxster has NO DIY capability at all. The engine and bits are enclosed in a "capsule" under the car and can only be accessed from underneath.

Non-S models are not very quick and don't have any street cred beyond being a Porsche. An S2000, SLK32, or C5 will spank it pretty hard.

However, with some of the 18" Cup wheels they are still, in my opinion, good looking cars.

drbrandini · #3 04-23-2004, 10:01 AM

Whow...No DIY capabilities, I guess that pretty much excludes buyers like us....since we thrive on changing the plugs a feeling like we saved some bucks.

I had not heard of the top issues. You would think a company like porsche with nearly every model available in a conv. would have the vinyl top manufacturing down to a science.

Thanks for the info!

G-Benz · #4 04-23-2004, 10:32 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by blackmercedes
...the Boxster has NO DIY capability at all. The engine and bits are enclosed in a "capsule" under the car and can only be accessed from underneath...

Has a small trunk area in the rear and an panel underneath (like the aero panels on the MBs).

Anything more than an oil change requires dropping the motor!

Wonder if they use quick-release engine mounts and fasteners?

drbrandini · #5 04-23-2004, 10:49 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by G-Benz

Anything more than an oil change requires dropping the motor!

Sounds expensive

blackmercedes · #6 04-23-2004, 12:53 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by drbrandini
Sounds expensive

Everythings relative. Porsche service seems cheap compared to true exotics like a Ferrari, but are VERY expensive compared to Mercedes. People think MB's are expensive to maintain, which is plain wrong. A Porsche CAN be, if you are not adept at looking after it yourself.

Example? Taking an air-cooled 911 turbo to the dealer for a major service (have no idea about the newer ones) can set you back $3K+ without much work. And that has no allowance for things like brakes.

The Boxster suffers from the same $100+ hourly Porsche mechanic rate and NO design attention to future service requirements. Parts are pricey and the dealer assumes you have a trust fund.

Consumer Reports rates them quite high, but the PCA folks I know don't think of them as very robust cars. When it comes ot Porsche cars, I still love the 87-91 air cooled cars with G50 trannies and "old fashioned" cooling systems. They are pretty simple compared to newer cars, have TONS of style, are built like a W126 in many ways, and howling fun to drive. The aspro cars are the best for long term ownership, though not as fast or flashy as the turbo.

But, the Boxster is newer and they don't hold their value like a 911, so a used one can be a good deal. Many were leased on subvented leases, so there is a supply of them, unlike superb 911's. Of course, California has the most of them, boy they got a host of them. (Apologies to Frank Zappa...)

Here's a 1970's trivia test. Anyone recall Frank's "Sheik Yerbootie" album and the songs? Still make me howl!

drbrandini · #7 04-23-2004, 01:03 PM

didn't he name his son Wonder bread...or something like that???

#8 04-23-2004, 01:16 PM

A friend of mine has one, a non-"S" model. It looks good and its quick, but not crazy fast. Another friends 944 non-turbo actually feels faster.

The Boxster handles great but rides extremely rough, and the seats are slim. I like them, and used ones are dropping down in price to what is realistic for more people, like 25-30K. My friend paid 38K I think. The car totally fits my friend's image, though.

I would consider the 968 convertibles-still expensive to maintain but cheaper than a Boxster, much cheaper to obtain and quite good looking. A lot of people hate the 68, though.

jcyuhn · #9 04-23-2004, 01:41 PM

Dweezil and Moon-Unit, I think. That reminds me, I need to go floss...

Emmerich · #10 04-23-2004, 02:24 PM

I have owned a Porsche Turbo and getting the repirs done is no more expensive than a MB. My Jeep dealer is a huge ripoff joint. Parts are worse than the German cars.

I have driven a Boxtser and it has no guts. Just like a 968, a weak 4 cylinder that you need to keep around 6000RPM to make it feel like a car. My 911 Turbo was awesome and second to that in the guts department is my 6.9. When you hit the pedal, things happen.

All repairs will be expensive with quality work being done. Problem seems to be the newer cars have so many flimsy things break. MB has terrible quality control on the new cars. I assume Porsche is a bit the same way.

If I had a Boxster, I would put in the supercharger, its only about 5 grand. If I had to pick one to buy I would get the Ruf Boxster. big chunk of change but I imagine an incredible car.

PHAEDRUS242 · #11 04-23-2004, 05:47 PM

Working for a dealership that carries both Porsche and MB, the newer Porsches should not even be compared to the new MB's in terms of reliability. Cars are SO much simpler electronically speaking. The rear main seals leak on pretty much all of their cars and the airbag systems are a little fickle, but otherwise, they are incredibley robust cars that love to be driven. the boxters (even the S) have no real "power" to speak of, but are fun cars to toss around. The 911's have chassis engineering that make even an AMG prepped MB seem flimsy (it is a purpose built sports car though, and rides NOTICABLY rougher). Labor rates are very high (we charge $40.00 an hour more for Porsche than MB) but parts seem to be pretty reasonable (a subjective observation). Definately not for everyone, but a great car in and of its own right.