The truth about owning a Boxster S (Porsche Boxster S3.2)

Member Name: gaffer

Product:	Porsche Boxster S3.2
Date:	28/01/07 (4501 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Large Saving Over 911, but a better car, Better than Sex!

Disadvantages: Jealouse freaks at junctions!

Okay lets set the record straight. This is the best sports car in the world, its not a poormans porsche, the 996 model 911 was developed from the boxsters chassis, and infact the Boxster S is infact a detuned 911 with engine in the correct place. Its a cheaper car, but in reality its a better car. The 911 is an icon and I know many 911 owners will disagree, but then they have never driven a Boxster S 3.2 (03 year onwards). Yes the early cars where not so quick with a 2.5 but if you want great driver with good performance and only have a small budget this was still the best choice. I purchased a 7,000 mls used 03 model Boxster S, it looked lovely in Silver with navy blue interior and hood, the carrera alloys and the face lift they gave it (Clear lamps and reshape of bumpers, oh yes and glove box) made this the best looking boxster to date, infact I still prefer this look over the new one. This car has all the abliity of the 911 and will infact beat the entry level and next model up of the 911 around a track. I can confirm that it will exceed the 168mph that is stated in the book, I can confirm that when driven normally it returns better fuel consumption than my E-class 320 does, I can confirm that it is also practical for 2 people to go away for a weekend as its got the fron and rear boots, okay the rear being shallow and you may have to purchase another type of travel bag, but it really is good for space when you consider it was not designed for this. Looking at the mechanics, its bullet proof, early ones suffered with oil leaks on the rearmains, but this was sorted out, the brake discs can corrode if you dont use the car for some time, but this will happen to any car. Talking of brakes, the braking system designed for the boxster was then used in the 911, the real only difference, is the rear outer panels, the roof, and the fact the 911 has the engine hanging over the rear, dont get me wrong the days of the rear end going in another direction some how have gone as the 911 of late can handle well and look at what the basic 911 done on the isle man on top gear when raced over 2 miles on twisty roads in the rain, it beat the BMW M6 and ASTON MARTIN, both of which where more powerfull and more expensive, but it did not just beat them, it beat them by 6 seconds!!! that is a large amount, and Jeremy "I Hate Porsche" Clarkson, did not comment, as it proved like little hamster as always said, and its true, Porsche know how to make racing cars, they know how to put that power down onto the tarmac, and this reflects in the Boxster S, I have eaten, Scoobies that have had £7,000 upgrades on them, and when the owner found out the Boxster S was a standard factory car he was very upset, and when you point out that after so many miles the Scooby with its 2ltr and large turbo will one day just snap, the Porsche on the other hand with no turbo, is so refined and designed to last will see you right for many many years, even if you do give it a pasting now and then. Driving wise its a dream, you will not drive another car that is so involving and you feel completley attached, you think motorway driving is boring, beleive me take a Boxster S up a motorway and your soon change your mind. I do not mean that you have to drive fast, you just stay in 6th, but the pull without changing gear is fantastic, this engine is so flexiable it makes you fall in love with the car alone. Drop her down a notch or two and with the roof up you just get the deep roar that I or no one on the planet can explain, you have to experience it, with the roof down you get a completely different noise, its like two cars in one, but I assure you the worst thing you can do is go and try for yourself if you do not have any means of paying for one, as I can tell you once you have driven one you will want one, thats a fact. Those that tell you they tried a Boxster S but thought it was rubbish and not worth the money are simpley talking pooh, they probably did not have the dosh to buy it. Forget all the talk about its a hairdressers car, thats nonsense, that was brought on by jealous freaks, and also 911 owners who did not like the fact that something new and better came out the Porsche Factory!!

If you have always wanted a Porsche and you think that you could never afford one, your wrong, you can put down a small deposit and the Porsche finance rates are very competive, infact I was very impressed with the deal I got. You only have to buy the first half if you want and if you intend to buy this and keep it your be happy to pay the last half on when say your 3years are up, or choose another, as your come out okay as this car retains 75% of its value at worst 68%. Okay you need to have the bookd stamped and keep it in good order and a few thousand miles extra on the clock will mean a drop in value as with any super car and I call it a super car as in reality its bordering this league, mls on the clock do greatly effect its price, so if your going to use it everyday and buying second hand you may as well by a cheaper one with more mls than a low mls example and turn it into a higher mls car. As for buying I reccomend now as I originally could not wait for a new one, do not buy one any younger than 3yrs old, its then going to hold its price better, if you want buy a new one thats fine and if you can afford it then great, but if you are not so flush just buy from a porsche specialist or even a warrantied car from auction, go along to Porsche and get a £750 warranty for the year, i doubt your need it but if you did this is the same identical warranty you get with a new porsche and I believe you can have this upto the car has reached the age of 9yrs (check as it maybe more)
So in my opinion, if you have 20-27K for one, go for a 03 model onwards 3.2 S in met paint, full leather, carrera alloys, climate/aircon. Crests in head rest nice touch if there there, oh the colour coded centre is a good touch too, as for Bose sound thats a waste of money, your want to hear the car not the bose system, as it is the bose gear is all overated hype anyhow, the main thing is make sure the original paper label is still on the underside of the front bonnet and has not looked like its been masked around or refitted. Check all door and bonnet lines and look down the car standing from the front, just make sure its not been around a lamp post. The only other thing is if its comming up to 48K mls its due a big expensive service. Tyres are not cheap either, your look around £500 for two rear tyres, but once you own it your swallow this simply as its great fun and your want to use it when ever you can. I sold mine to buy another house, but I am comming up 40yrs old in just under 2yrs and on my 40th I am collecting another one from the dealer, this time it will be a 3yr old one as I stated it looks the most sensible time to get one, as its not old but at its lowest price and from this age onwards, holds it value the best. Some will disagree with my review, but I bet you they have never drove one, go on have a go, but remember you need the funds as its better than sex, and your want one.

Bad points. People spit in it if you leave the roof down, people give you funny looks as if you have just gone in there house and pissed on there kids, not many will let you out a junction..... reasons for this.... I think maybe you have something they have not, if you can live with this, then enjoy!

Summary: If you can afford £20K upwards go and buy one!

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