29 replies to this topic

[RaisedOnPorsches]

Remember, all manual transmission 968s are 6 speeds. I do think that the 968 will be a future collectible. It has all the attributes for a collectible. We'll have to wait an see.

Thanks for the correction. Yeah, worrying about how potentially collectible a certain model is going to be is a moot point. I realize now that if I was really after that slant I'd be buying an 80s 911 carrera.

As it stands I am seriously leaning hard towards the Boxster. I've found a cherry little 1999 Boxster silver exterior/red & black interior with sport package and hardtop and 25k miles on it. It was recently dealer inspected and it is all within my budget. I'm young and have no plans for kids in the near future. So when is the better chance to own a 2-seater convertible?

I'll probably be making my final decision this weekend. I'll post a picture or two of my final selection.

-J

[94SilverCab]

Based on all of your posts and your list of requirements a Boxster would be a perfect choice for you.

Regards,

Jay

[mikeo]

Find me a Boxter for 15K and I'll agree. Right now they are far above his stated price ceiling.

Mike O

Based on all of your posts and your list of requirements a Boxster would be a perfect choice for you.

Regards,

Jay

[flash]

i can't imagine a boxster at that price being anything but a nightmare, and is likley the most expensive of the group - it is possibly the most fun of the bunch though - however, it has NO space, so again, not logical as a primary vehicle

while you can probably find a 968 at that price, and maybe even a screaming deal on a great car, i still wouldn't have it as a primary car - there are just too many chances of it being down for a period long enough for it to be a pain - parts are getting more and more scarce (lol - and i can't design replacements for all of them) good service is harder to come by - it requires more regular upkeep than the rest - not a good recipe for a primary vehicle

that's what took me to the bimmer - as i said, probably the least fun of the group, but the most practical is the bimmer

[biotechee]

I do believe that early Boxsters faced RMS issues. If you are serious about one, make sure you look into that a little more. And then buy the newest model / best condition one you can afford. My neighbor just traded in his '02- tried to sell it for a year. It was in cherry condition, but there was nothing unique about it (hey- it's a boxster- you generally see another one every day!). He took a huge loss on it (bought it used) by trading it in at a dealer. He said it was a fun car regardless.

I have to agree with Flash on this one- if your looking for something relatively *cheap* and reliable, the BMW may be a better choice. But as with any European vehicle, previous owner maintenance is key.

All things being equal, just about any Porsche will be more expensive to maintain than a BMW. Lemons notwithstanding....

There are quite a few 968 owners who drive their cars daily- even during the Winter in the Northeast (they're partially crazy!!! ). It's not unfeasibable by any means, but when they go down, they go down and you're without a car.

No matter what, get the car you want the most and have fun.

[PorscheDude]

Boxters start at $8k now. $10k boxters are pretty easy to find.

Get the 968 or BMW.

I am picking up a 95 525i touring (wagon) this weekend.

Edited by smokiemon968, 31 October 2008 - 03:48 AM.

[94SilverCab]

Cars.com lists 111 Boxsters at $13,000 or less.

[flash]

i'm not hashing on the boxster, and it's a great package for the buck - however, i think you have to look at the pricing just like you would at the 968 - look at the entire range - expect the same level of condition at the corresponding levels in that range - at the bottom of the range, you'll get mostly worn out cars - at the top, good ones

the other thing that would be an issue for most people is the cargo space, or complete lack thereof

it's also a 2 seater, which can be a pain if it's your primary car

not much chance of self repair, and limited to specialized shops only

not good factors when considering a primary car - much would be the same with a 968

the bimmer will not likely fail - when it does, it won't be down for long (usually same day) - shops everywhere - you could possibly get it certified pre-owned - tons of aftermarket stuff

boring but practical - that's why we got the M3 instead of the DB7

[PorscheDude]

Since I started searching for a BMW, I have noticed that since production levels are relatively high, parts are plentiful and relatively cheap.
And having owned a few in the past, they are fairly easy to work on.

Edited by smokiemon968, 31 October 2008 - 07:16 AM.

[Duckman]

I used to have a '93, E36 M3 and loved it. Great car. Lots of stuff available to trick the peformance just about anyway you like. Great ride, great handling, lots of get up and go.

I later had an '01 540i Sport that was an awesome car but I never really liked it as much as the M3. The M3 was an honest competitor to the 968 I now have.