So what don't you like about the Boxster? Options

[96conv]

I can't understand what folks don't like about the Boxster. Even the base 1997, 2.5L model is way quick and handles like a sports car should. I've had the hots for a 993 for a while now but the 2005 Boxster S has taken its place in my dreams. So, besides the stigma that it's a hairdresser's car, is there any other reason to dislike the Boxster? I wish I could afford it now but I'll have to settle for an '03 S next year.

[IronHillRestorations]

At least Zois hasn't chimed in with his usual response (didn't you know he's actually the secret universal concience of all things Porsche).

I've had a standard 2000 Boxster for over four years, and have very little to complain about.

I'll dispell most of the aruguements given.

Engine accessibility, not really a problem, especially considering you don't have to do anything to it! It's no 914, so it's not on jackstands two out of five years (IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/html/emoticons/biggrin.gif). All I've done to my Boxster is change the oil and brake fluid, and do some minor upgrades to convienence items. The oil change proceedure could be the easiest on any car I've owned. From a service standpoint it's really not any more difficult to work on than a 914.

The marketing issue has nothing to do with how the car drives and performs. Sure it pissed me off too, but after owning the car and living with it, I've let it go.

I live in rural TN, so I've only seen other Boxsters in Nashville, Memphis, and there's a couple in the closest (70k pop) town of any size. Quite honestly though I don't care about the "you see them all the time" thing. We had a Explorer and now have a family minivan, of which there are millions. So on one hand you are a snob if you've got a Pooorsh, but on the other hand you want a car that everyone covets? I got the car because I like it, I really don't care what anyone else thinks.

I too think the Boxster front clip on the 911 cheapend both cars and did nothing but "Japanese" Porsche. The Boxster was first though. Remember the hoopla when the first introduced the concept car? How many of us saw that car the first time and thought "woah, they are going to make a updated 914, cool I can't wait to get my hands on one, or my foot in one"??? Then (once again) the crack Porsche marketing staff stepped in it and dissed all 914 owners. So in a instant some of those guys who were foaming at the mouth over this car, got pissed at the car, for something the ad guys didn't do. The car is still the new 914.

The production model was really close to the concept car, not like most concept cars we see. That look is the appeal of the Boxster, Porsche just took the thing too far by sticking the Boxster nose on the 911. Side by side the Boxster is still a better looking car than the 996, or the 996 cabriolet for that matter.

I've never had a car that's got enough power. I built a 3.0 914 and it was scary fast with loads of torque and power, but more power would have been better. I also know that a Boxster with too much power is an easier drive than a 914 with too much power. Just like a 2.0 914-4 it's a excellent package, just alot better, newer, more refined package. Most of the people that gripe about the Boxster not having enough power don't own one.

If all the people that gripe about the Boxster would live with one for a week, they would change thier opinion. I wonder too, how many of those who gripe the loudest, secretly wish they had the resources to own one.

The only gripe I've got is probably valuation, which isn't a real issue anyway, as I plan to keep my Boxster for a very long time, and at some point in the future will do to it what I do with 914's (put a 911 engine in it). As we all know newer cars aren't the best "investment" if you are looking for a monetary return. Again I didn't buy my Boxster with any thought about future resale value.

Some of the arguments about the "raw sports car"? Try and find a new car that doesn't have alot of bells and whistles. They just aren't out there in mass produced cars. We have all come to expect certain things in new cars. If a $40k plus car didn't have some of these things, the detractors would be saying "it doesn't even have blah, blah blah". There isn't one mass produced sports car that doesn't have all the little "bells and whistles". Sure you can get a Elise in "raw form", try and live with one of those for a week on the road - HAH!!

If you are looking to get a Boxster, run don't walk to your nearest dealer and get the newest highest power Boxster you can afford. You'll love it. It has great heat, great A/C, doesn't leak, and has two trunks that (like a 914) hold alot of stuff. The more you live with it the more you'll think "this is a new 914". Don't worry about what anyone else thinks.

Sorry for the BW, end of rant!