2007 Porsche Boxster

[Jay01]

I am interested in replacing my Mazda MX-5 with a new Porsche Boxster.
Anyone has experience with this car? (handling, safety, performance etc.) How is it compared to the MX-5?

What is the best way to get one which can save the most money (without going through major hassle).

Thanks!

[cipher]

I am interested in replacing my Mazda MX-5 with a new Porsche Boxster.
Anyone has experience with this car? (handling, safety, performance etc.) How is it compared to the MX-5?

What is the best way to get one which can save the most money (without going through major hassle).

Thanks!


Do you really have to ask if a $60K+/245+HP car will handle/perform better than $30K/166HP car? Especially a Porsche?

[Neb]

haha, that is a big step up. I dont think you will be able to compare those 2 cars. The porsche will be alot of fun to drive, more so than the Mx5, but it does cost twice as much.

[mdc]

I can't comment on the 07, but I have driven an 05 a lot ... I also have some seat time in a 04 Miata

That being sad, the Miata is a lot more "fun" to drive than the Boxster ... the Miata feels like an extension of your body. The handling feels better, the engine (while not a powerhouse on paper) feels good in that car ... it is like driving a go kart

That being said, the Boxster is a great car ... The handling is very balanced, the engine is so nice and the interior is miles and miles ahead of the Miata

If we are talking about which car I would rather have for autocrossing or a weekend fun car, I would take the Miata ... as a daily driver, hands down the Boxster is the way better car. More comfortable, more useable power in all RPMs, better gearbox and clutch, better everything ...

[Spray]

Get the best of both worlds in an s2000 :D

Boxster is a nice car...that being said I'd never, ever ever buy one new.

So many better cars you can get..like a Mallet Solstice.

[mdc]

the S2000 is a horrible daily driver ... I wouldn't touch one with a 10 foot poll.

Both the Miata and Boxster outhandle the S2000 and the S2000 has nothing for power below 5500rpm ... I don't know about you, but in city driving, 5500rpm is not where I usually like to be

The S2000 is way overpriced for what you actually get

[Quick_lude]

the S2000 is a horrible daily driver ... I wouldn't touch one with a 10 foot poll.

Both the Miata and Boxster outhandle the S2000 and the S2000 has nothing for power below 5500rpm ... I don't know about you, but in city driving, 5500rpm is not where I usually like to be

The S2000 is way overpriced for what you actually get
Lol.. how can the S2000 be a horrible daily driver compared to the other two rodsters? The S is larger than the Miata, has a bigger trunk, more interior space and a power folding top vs manual. Have you ever driven an S2000, especially the model with the 2.2L engine? You don't need to be at 5500 rpm for city driving .. lol.. I usually shift in the 3-4K range and that's enough to keep up with traffic. And don't tell me that the Miata or Boxster outhandle it.. if anything it's a toss up. If you compare it to the Miata it might seem overpriced but when compared to the Porsche, it's good value, especially considering the low maintenance costs and very good reliability.

Just in case my opinion seems biased since I own one :D, check out Britain's Top Gear survey, the S2000 has won the 1st place award three years running, as the most satisfying car to own.

"You don't see many of these on the road but when you do, the driver's always wearing a smug grin, thanks to this sports car's unbeatable combination of screaming performance, rock-solid reliability and built-in individuality.

Again the S2000 shows that a highly tuned car doesn't have to be a headache to live with, even one with an engine capable of wanging right round to 8,900rpm. In fact, the only areas it scores just less than top marks in are practicality and the, at times, scary handling"

[DISH]

I'd take a M3 convertible over the boxster.

Or go non convertible and pick up a base 911

[mudmojo]

You sound like a marketing guy?! ;)

Regarding the 2.2 S2000, I certainly don't call a 1/4 mile time of 14 flat (C&D May 06) "screaming performance" but a mental picture of molasses does come to mind. On the track the S2000 is a monster (relatively speaking again) but guess it really depends on where one personally obtains value from a road registered car. Every one is different. If you love it, that's all that matters as you're paying the bills. 3 years running is a good title though keep in mind that

Top Gear looked at factors such as build quality, craftsmanship, driving experience, ownership costs, customer care. Not everyone cares about these things equally and the UK demographics is different from those of the North American demographic.

To the OP, just drive the cars and go with what you can live with or more importantly what you can't live without. Oh and when you are mocking up your budget for the Porsche, be honest with yourself about the affordability of it because no one is going to suffer but yourself if you get the #'s wrong. :)

[aquariaguy]

Go post in a real car forum for porsche and mx5. Don't come here and expect real comments lol
I would get the M3 over the Porsche.

[bobbings]

s2000 is really hard to drive if you are not experienced, its one of the hardest car to handle

but his question is not about an s2000, it about the boxster.
if you are rich enough to drive a boxster in the summer and buy another car in the winter, go and buy it, you get class, you get envious looks from ppl and you get a good handling car

id say go for the bmw 3-series coupe, thats a nice car

[McLaren]

if you are rich enough to drive a boxster in the summer and buy another car in the winter, go and buy it, you get class, you get envious looks from ppl and you get a good handling car

I doubt you get envious looks from 911 owners, would be more like 'psssft couldn't afford a real porsche eh"

[warpdrive]

Compared to the MX-5. The Boxster will feel more composed and more refined when you start to push it, and reach higher speeds with less drama (and make really nice noises in the process). The MX-5 is still going to be more fun at lower speeds and around town due to its light weight and short wheelbase.

I'm not sure that a Boxster is more "fun" than a MX-5 overall. The Boxster is a far better cruising car, the ride isn't as jittery, the body is stiffer, and it eats up rough roads better while still giving you a good sense of the road. Like the MX-5 it is also really easy to drive, more so than the S2000 which feels more like a MX-5 on steroids.

The thing that always scared me from considering one is the maintenance costs which are even more pronounced due to the engine positioning.

[bobbings]

I doubt you get envious looks from 911 owners, would be more like 'psssft couldn't afford a real porsche eh"

i doubt that too but a porsche is a porsche, not the average car you see on the road, what you're saying is like, a billionaire looking down on a millionaire, theyre still rich when compared to the average guy/girl, id b happy with a porsche, just like id be happy being a millionaire

[actng]

Do you really have to ask if a $60K+/245+HP car will handle/perform better than $30K/166HP car? Especially a Porsche?

uhhh you can't be more wrong.

the porsche boxter is the bottom of the product line which means they took something successful (carrera) and tried to replicate it by cutting corners. the boxter sucks more than a 1.8T.

the mx-5 on the other hand is probably mazda's best car. it is carefully engineered and the handling is exceptional. the only thing missing is a little bit of oomph but that's nothing a supercharger/turbocharger can't take care of (or the mazdaspeed mx5).

[rogerrabbit168]

if i can afford it, i would go with the boxster, since i can't, the mx-5 is on my list of a potential car to get, especially for 2007 a hartop convertible is available

as for the S2000, a buddy of mine had one, end up selling it

[actng]

as for the S2000, a buddy of mine had one, end up selling it

S2000 is like a one night stand. More like a hardcore prostitute. You have some rough sex with her and then you get rid of her.

Think twice before buying a used S2000. Don't believe me? Go a race track this summer and see how many times you hear a S2000 bounce off the rev limiter.

[bobbings]

well, an s2000 is a pimp car, its a HONDA! lol too bad its only SOHC...

[Quick_lude]

S2000 is like a one night stand. More like a hardcore prostitute. You have some rough sex with her and then you get rid of her.

Think twice before buying a used S2000. Don't believe me? Go a race track this summer and see how many times you hear a S2000 bounce off the rev limiter.
Lol.. Are you saying the Miata's I see at Solo events and parking lots don't get driven hard? Plenty people race their Porsche's too..
In the end, they are all sporty/sports cars and they all should be driven hard to fully enjoy them. I know I do. :D

Personally I would only get a Boxster S, the decreased performance of the base model would not be offset by the "status" of owning a Porsche.
Don't forget, parts and maintenance for the Porsche will not be cheap, especially if you drive it hard or track it.

[bobbings]

S2000 is like a one night stand. More like a hardcore prostitute. You have some rough sex with her and then you get rid of her.

Think twice before buying a used S2000. Don't believe me? Go a race track this summer and see how many times you hear a S2000 bounce off the rev limiter.

i dunno about a one night stand, but being a car enthusiast, i'd have more than just a one night stand with an s2000, everyday would be a one night stand with that car! lol its sexy!

[actng]

i dunno about a one night stand, but being a car enthusiast, i'd have more than just a one night stand with an s2000, everyday would be a one night stand with that car! lol its sexy!

the "one night stand" is not literally "one night". i don't know of a S2000 owner who has kept theirs for more than 1 year or two. They get it, drive the **** out of it, and then sell it.

porsche owners / mx5 owners don't necessarily do that. whereas s2000 owners for sure would. that is just my experience and observation.

[Quick_lude]

the "one night stand" is not literally "one night". i don't know of a S2000 owner who has kept theirs for more than 1 year or two. They get it, drive the **** out of it, and then sell it.

porsche owners / mx5 owners don't necessarily do that. whereas s2000 owners for sure would. that is just my experience and observation.
You would fail statistics for sure. :) I've had my S since 04 and I'm planning to keep it for as long as I can, or until I need to move on. I know plenty of people that have owned one since 2000.
Your own experience is just that, your own. It doesn't "for sure" dictate the behaviour of all S2000 owners.

[bobbings]

the "one night stand" is not literally "one night". i don't know of a S2000 owner who has kept theirs for more than 1 year or two. They get it, drive the **** out of it, and then sell it.

porsche owners / mx5 owners don't necessarily do that. whereas s2000 owners for sure would. that is just my experience and observation.

of course i know what u mean when u say one night stand, i didnt take it literally... i just dont agree with your analogy of the s2000 to a one night stand, if i had that car, id keep it, its a HONDA! lol reliable muthatrucka! LOL

[bobbings]

well, an s2000 is a pimp car, its a HONDA! lol too bad its only SOHC...

i stand corrected, it use to be a SOHC? now its a DOHC lol nice...

[actng]

You would fail statistics for sure. :) I've had my S since 04 and I'm planning to keep it for as long as I can, or until I need to move on. I know plenty of people that have owned one since 2000.
Your own experience is just that, your own. It doesn't "for sure" dictate the behaviour of all S2000 owners.


are you trying to convince me that any given S2000 on the market right now has never hit the rev limiter? has yours?

[rdtx2002]

well, an s2000 is a pimp car, its a HONDA! lol too bad its only SOHC...

the F22Ca and the F20c are both DOHC engines.. i dunno where you are getting that the S2000 had a SOHC engine

[realestateguy]

I'm on my second miata (2002 SE). Great fun. :cheesygri

[Quick_lude]

are you trying to convince me that any given S2000 on the market right now has never hit the rev limiter? has yours?
No, I was referring to this:
"They get it, drive the **** out of it, and then sell it.

porsche owners / mx5 owners don't necessarily do that. whereas s2000 owners for sure would. that is just my experience and observation"

How can you say that owners of the S "for sure" would buy it, drive the sheit out of it and sell it only based on your exeprience? You're alleging a truth based on a small section of the ownership that you know, personally I know plenty of owners including me that have kept the S for 2,3, and up to seven years.

Also, as I posted above, plenty of people race their Miata's and Porsches too, be it at the track or at the local autocross where Miata's are in abundance.

They are all sports cars and are driven as such, you can't generalize.

[bobbings]

we're totally off-topic now eh? lol

[actng]

They are all sports cars and are driven as such, you can't generalize.

I can't generalize? Sure I can. Here are some more.

S2000s are primarily bought for racing. Very few people take a brand new MX-5 to go autocross. Most MX-5s at autocrosses are mature cars. A lot of Porsche Boxsters are bought for impressing girls.

Therefore, dun buy used S2000s unless you're familiar with the car's history or you're comfortable with a raped car.

[rdtx2002]

i can see this thread going downhill fast

[actng]

I can't generalize? Sure I can. Here are some more.

S2000s are primarily bought for racing. Very few people take a brand new MX-5 to go autocross. Most MX-5s at autocrosses are mature cars. A lot of Porsche Boxsters are bought for impressing girls.

Therefore, dun buy used S2000s unless you're familiar with the car's history or you're comfortable with a raped car.


and the porsche's RX8s MX5s I've seen at the track? They're there for show more than go. They're babying the cars around the tracks - I went to kick some of them off the track.

[moosehead]

I am interested in replacing my Mazda MX-5 with a new Porsche Boxster.
Anyone has experience with this car? (handling, safety, performance etc.) How is it compared to the MX-5?

What is the best way to get one which can save the most money (without going through major hassle).

Thanks!

Can't comment on the 07 boxster but I own a 99 boxster. The cars is a lot of fun. I just use it for summer driving, I've got another car for winter. The boxsters built solidily. I drive it pretty hard and haven't had any issues. The car has been surprisingly cheap to maintain. I was expecting it to be worse. The only things I have done are regular maintenance and replace a wheel bearing on one of the front wheels. I don't bother going to the dealer for maintenance. I've been going to G-Tek. Their service has been great.

I test drove a miata before I picked up the boxster. For me the difference was night and day. I don't want to knock the miata's, they're good cars also. Take them both for test drives and judge it for yourself

[lookn_4_deals]

My friend and I test drove a Porsche Boxter 2006, bmw z4, s2000 and lexus sc430 last year. All are in the same price range. The porsche is a smooth drive but more of a cruising car. The s2000 is very responsive and a bit difficult to drive. The Bmw is a fun drive and has a nicer interior I think than the porsche. The lexus had the nicest interior but is a 4 seater and guzzles gas like crazy. My friend bought the porsche and i bought the z4 and neither of us regret it. I wouldn't put a miata in the same class as an s2000 or porsche.

[Jay01]

I love my Miata and it is the best car I have ever owned (since it is my first car~). Unfortunately it gets a little old and I think it is time for a change, and I don't want to replace a Miata with...well...a Miata.

What are other good options for other sport cars that cost equal or less than a Boxster? How much will be the maintenance and insurance cost I should expect?

[radeonboy]

the S2000 is a horrible daily driver ... I wouldn't touch one with a 10 foot poll.

Both the Miata and Boxster outhandle the S2000 and the S2000 has nothing for power below 5500rpm ... I don't know about you, but in city driving, 5500rpm is not where I usually like to be

The S2000 is way overpriced for what you actually get

i really hope you have had real world experience with the s2000 and not just from Gran Turismo. Horrible daily driver? thats pushing fanboy territory. :cry:

Anyone who wants to learn how to drive must be able to at least drive/master an S2000 of all cars. If you can't handle an FWD S2000 then I really dont know what to say to you >:( thats sad

[FD3S]

i really hope you have had real world experience with the s2000 and not just from Gran Turismo. Horrible daily driver? thats pushing fanboy territory. :cry:

Anyone who wants to learn how to drive must be able to at least drive/master an S2000 of all cars. If you can't handle an FWD S2000 then I really dont know what to say to you >:( thats sad

wtf?....a s2k is a fwd?

[radeonboy]

wtf?....a s2k is a fwd?

oops. stupid keyboard. i must have hit the f instead of r. after all, its soo close together :D :D

[Rsquad911]

Have you considered the Cayman S?

S2000 AP2 > Boxster
S2000AP2< = Boxster S
Cayman S > then S2000 and Boxster S

Mind you I'm not comparing 1/4 mile times. This is an overall thing.

Both cars handle super well. S2000 is a light weight balanced car. Boxster mid engine 50/50 weight balanced car.

Which would be safer in an accident? Most likely the Boxster. Germans have safety pretty much down to an art.

I've driven all these cars (friend's cars in our team)
If money were no object Cayman or Boxster S. Doesn't matter which is faster or which performs better... You're buying the name and the prestige that comes with it.

Best bang for your buck? S2000 AP2 hands down.

[demha88]

ewwww boxsters are nasty looking, it doesnt deserve to be called a porsche, rather "I can't afford a real one so i bought this". dude pick up an e46 m3 or an s4, the s2000 and boxster are girrl cars, srsly. how can you feel like man in something so tiny and weird looking. unless the op is a girl, then by all means go ahead, but thats just my opinion. :D

[Quick_lude]

dude pick up an e46 m3 or an s4, the s2000 and boxster are girrl cars, srsly. how can you feel like man in something so tiny and weird looking.

Lol.. Seriously, how old are you, 16? Do you know what a roadster is and it's purpose? Lol..

[airodus]

get the boxster if you want a nice car. get the miata if you want a driving experience. only get an s2k if you are already deaf.

the boxster is superior in many ways to the miata (quality, composure, etc...), except for "fun" factor. the miata, imho is one of the most enjoyable driving experiences you will ever find. and i'm not just saying that it is good for a mazda, or good for a roadster or good for a 30k car. i mean of all the cars ever built in the whole wide world, it rates as one of the top in terms of sheer driving experience. the fact that you can find something like this in a 30k package is a boon to those who want to have fun on the cheap.

don't get an s2k (since it has come up so many times). there are some people who are able to put up with it, but the majority of the population cannot. the 2.2L engine is a little more tolerable than the 2.0L, but both are extremely noisy and difficult to drive on the road (good on the track, lousy on the road). frankly when i am cruising around in traffic, i don't want to have to wring my engine out just to keep any semblance of torque available.

[V A N Q U I S H]

I doubt you get envious looks from 911 owners, would be more like 'psssft couldn't afford a real porsche eh"

bah if I had the money for a 911 I'd still go for the Boxter, the 911 is great but I wouldn't be able to handle it, I need something more tame, and the Boxter would be great for a daily summer driver.

[anycee]

The obvious option is to turbo your miata = p

[Phr3sh]

dont get a brand new porsche, you will be able to get a sweet used one for the same price

[actng]

bah if I had the money for a 911 I'd still go for the Boxter, the 911 is great but I wouldn't be able to handle it, I need something more tame, and the Boxter would be great for a daily summer driver.

you must be a girl. OMGHI2U. a/s/l?

...else u are gay. 911>Boxter anyday. It shouldn't even be discussed.

[V A N Q U I S H]

you must be a girl. OMGHI2U. a/s/l?

...else u are gay. 911>Boxter anyday. It shouldn't even be discussed.

LOL for a daily driver, and I'm speaking realistically, I don't ever want to own a car which I'm afraid to take out of the driveway, maybe rent, but not own.

[Anessa]

ewwww boxsters are nasty looking, it doesnt deserve to be called a porsche, rather "I can't afford a real one so i bought this". dude pick up an e46 m3 or an s4, the s2000 and boxster are girrl cars, srsly. how can you feel like man in something so tiny and weird looking. unless the op is a girl, then by all means go ahead, but thats just my opinion. :D

Hmmm, I don't see many girls driving either the Boxster or S2000. Just because Devon Aoki's character had a pink one in 2F2F doesn't make it a woman's car.

[actng]

LOL for a daily driver, and I'm speaking realistically, I don't ever want to own a car which I'm afraid to take out of the driveway, maybe rent, but not own.

then u r not rich enough to own said car if u are afraid to take it out.

My parents were always talking about being afraid of driving a $100,000+ car. "Some people's condo cost less!"

Guess what happened when the car was scratched? "Meh. Take it to the body shop when you have time..."

[jetway1212]

LOL for a daily driver, and I'm speaking realistically, I don't ever want to own a car which I'm afraid to take out of the driveway, maybe rent, but not own.

So your definition of "have enough money" is to just enough to buy the car? Gee i dont get ppl these days.

When someone say they can afford the car that doesnt mean their bank acct has only $114K LOL

Its like those ppl who drive a Eclass yet wear China/India clothes (from China town or India town LOL) . Seriously come on.

[jetway1212]

back to the topic,

I dont think Boxster is a big upgrade from MX-5. Sure its a big jump in the money but that car is not that spectacular over the MX5.

I would get the M3 convert, or the NSX, or the new Corvette Z06.

[raptorfan]

you must be a girl. OMGHI2U. a/s/l?

...else u are gay. 911>Boxter anyday. It shouldn't even be discussed.


Is this my husband? :D

[tk416]

I've got an AP1 S2K and have to tell you that it's a blast. All the people that are bitching and whining about torque and what not have not driven the car. Yes it has a low torque #, So what? It's very managable as a daily driver. The noise is something to get used to , but as long as you know it's not a Lexus the engine is fantastic to hear. Nothing like a 9K redline.

I ended up Dynamating the car and it made a big difference. But at the same time, it's a friggin sports car, supposed to sound like one.

My dad's got a boxter so I feel I can speak on both cars. Maintenance on the Porsche is a *****, fun to drive is the same, gas is better with the S2K as long as your not in Vtec all day and insurance is reasonable.

I'd go with the S2K unless you're the type of guy that wants to say you drive a "Porsche". It's the best bang for the buck car out there and is a proven winner in all editorials featuring these tyoes of cars. Plus its a Honda.

[johnwayne]

Its like those ppl who drive a Eclass yet wear China/India clothes (from China town or India town LOL) . Seriously come on.

What the hell are you talking about?

[SkeptiKal12]

Money no object, out of that selection there is no reason not to get the 07 Boxster S (like the previous post, I personally would prefer a Cayman S for a bit more). Offers much more then what is listed on paper.

I've test driven a 2003 Porsche Carrera in the middle of winter and had zero problems 'containing' it on my spirited drive. At similar speeds it would probably be easier to lose control of a Kia then a Porsche, regardless of conditions.

Some of the points about the S2000 are also ridiculous. Generally you don't buy an S2000 as an only car solution. In all other instances you know what you are getting into (raw, high revving, 'performance' oriented convertible meant for the track). Thats like me buying a Moped and complaining it doesn't seat all my friends.

[johnwayne]

Money no object, out of that selection there is no reason not to get the 07 Boxster S (like the previous post, I personally would prefer a Cayman S for a bit more). Offers much more then what is listed on paper.

I've test driven a 2003 Porsche Carrera in the middle of winter and had zero problems 'containing' it on my spirited drive. At similar speeds it would probably be easier to lose control of a Kia then a Porsche, regardless of conditions.

Some of the points about the S2000 are also ridiculous. Generally you don't buy an S2000 as an only car solution. In all other instances you know what you are getting into (raw, high revving, 'performance' oriented convertible meant for the track). Thats like me buying a Moped and complaining it doesn't seat all my friends.

-Generally, you don't buy a porsche boxter as an only car solution as well.
-Though the boxter is not a high revving car, but it is a performance oriented convertible constructed as a track car first, city driving car second.

[SkeptiKal12]

-Generally, you don't buy a porsche boxter as an only car solution as well.
-Though the boxter is not a high revving car, but it is a performance oriented convertible constructed as a track car first, city driving car second.

Or a miata.

All the cars listed are not 'only car' solutions. But out of them all, I'd feel more comfortable driving the boxster everyday as opposed to the other choices (again money no object).

[mudmojo]

I was watching the Sopranos two nights ago and they had this conversation about Boxsters!

One guy said "No offense but your uncle's Boxster is a Porsche with panties!".

[DBOi]

I doubt you get envious looks from 911 owners, would be more like 'psssft couldn't afford a real porsche eh"

Thats what i had always thought too

thanks for making me laugh


After reading alot of articles on the boxster:
i can truly say it is a nice piece of engineering.
It can also be driven in winter time, don't know if u want all that salt touching the car.
Newer Porsches have a cayman engine, and I bet only a couple of people on this board can handle power of a Boxster

[bobbings]

honestly, a porsche is a porsche, whether it is a boxster or not. if i were to drive it, i'm not driving it out to impress some punk kid or some young dude on the road. i'm sure with a porsche boxster, i'll be able to pick up some girls no problem.

[imnew]

So, after reading all these comments...

What did the OP buy?? Show us what you got...