Other than Its the poor mans porsche, what are peoples thoughts on these?

Im half thinking of changing my car from all the hassle Ive had with it (see other thread, although car is 100% now).

Id only get the 3.2, as I cant see the 2.7 or 2.5 being too much fun really,.....as my Impreza is 430bhp so need something fun still. Was thinking of a 2002 or 2003 model. The 2003 would be better as its the facelift model, but they have higher mileage in my price range.

Pre-Facelift - http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/1024846.htm
Facelift - http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/1399081.htm

Going to hopefully test drive one tomorrow, although its a 2000 model and vastly over priced. I would like to get the feel for it though.

I think theyre ok looking.

No idea how they drive. Hopefully Ill be able to go from low price end cars to a 911 Turbo one day.

It would be a good car if youre using it for work etc and you need something reliable. But what is the servicing like over an impreza? What are the other costs like tyres and brakes?

How they would compare price wise with S2000 or a Z4? Think thats where Id be looking to spend my money on that kind of car.

Things like tyres, brakes, etc all seem around the same price mark. Well, I get the best parts I can for the impreza, but I suppose the same priced ones for the porsche may be at the lower end of the scale!?

Its funny I went on the owners website and asked what are the main problems etc, and the majority of the answers were....None!.......which was quite refreshing as when people go on to the Impreza owners and ask that, they are bombarded with how everything blows up etc  

Bigsoy, why would you choose them two over the Boxster? Ive been in a mates 3L Z4 and did like it actually, although not sure if its a bit girly? Not been in a S2000 to be honest.

Good cars, Mate is on his second after he got rid of the "Undrivable" 911.

Quote from: chrisdickoThings like tyres, brakes, etc all seem around the same price mark. Well, I get the best parts I can for the impreza, but I suppose the same priced ones for the porsche may be at the lower end of the scale!?

Its funny I went on the owners website and asked what are the main problems etc, and the majority of the answers were....None!.......which was quite refreshing as when people go on to the Impreza owners and ask that, they are bombarded with how everything blows up etc  

Bigsoy, why would you choose them two over the Boxster? Ive been in a mates 3L Z4 and did like it actually, although not sure if its a bit girly? Not been in a S2000 to be honest.

Looks for a hardtop Z4 if Im honest And thought S2000 had the best rep as a drivers car in that class?

Ill shut up though, cos what I really want is alpha-shaped  :wub:

Its funny since researching them, Ive read a few times that people have gone from Boxster to 911s then back to a Boxster!

If I could have afforded it, I would definitely get a 911 as they are quite iconic, but was surprised people do say the Boxster drives better than the 911. They will never be as fast obviously which is a shame.

I did a bit of looking into these a while back when I was more flush and half-seriously considering one. Things to look out for when buying are any leaks whatsoever, as the problem with the Boxster is parts and servicing costs because the engine has to come out for all but the most basic of servicing (I remember reading something like 1k per year for servicing overall). And it will cost you an arm and a leg at a dealership or specialist (no one wants a Porsche that isnt stamped accordingly). Other than that as you say there is no big issues. If you get a good one it should be a fantastic and trouble free drive.

S2000 and RX-8 are generally regarded as the best drivers cars for the money. The Boxster is a step and stretch more IMO.

Quote from: chrisdickoIts funny since researching them, Ive read a few times that people have gone from Boxster to 911s then back to a Boxster!

If I could have afforded it, I would definitely get a 911 as they are quite iconic, but was surprised people do say the Boxster drives better than the 911. They will never be as fast obviously which is a shame.

the guy I know had the 911 as it was the car he wanted as a kid, but after a year he got rid because it was useless for day-to-day driving.  The Boxster "just drives" and he said its softer so nicer to use as a main car.  His opinion of the 911 is its a great car for weekends and evenings, but for driving to work and running around town the Boxster wins hands down.  

Clockd yeah I thought that about servicing, but looking at a specialist service its around £250 for a minor and £400 for a major which isnt bad at all IMO. Ive heard there is a seal leak between the gearbox and engine, but inspecting this is quite hard.

Id need an everyday car for going to work a few miles away, but then would travel long distances...like Europe!

What sort of Skyline could you get?

Id look at the Z4. I think the 2L Z4 is girly but the 3.0L is not, well maybe a bit. But then a boxster is also in the same league imo

Id look at the S2000 too, Japanese and a lot of people say great drivers cars. But is quite girly too. meh, Id personally get a DMC Delorean.

Quote from: chrisdickoClockd yeah I thought that about servicing, but looking at a specialist service its around £250 for a minor and £400 for a major which isnt bad at all IMO. Ive heard there is a seal leak between the gearbox and engine, but inspecting this is quite hard.

Id need an everyday car for going to work a few miles away, but then would travel long distances...like Europe!

Thats the leak I was thinking off tbh - I know bugger all but like to retain what useful bits I can remember to avoid getting shafted when it comes to cars

Also bear in mind the consumable parts like tyres arnt cheap, brakes arnt that cheap I dont think... I remember SteveF had one and he mentioned it being pretty expensive. You seem to have done your homework on all that anyway. £400 is expensive in my book but Im a tightwad for these things :ducksarse:

Everyone I know that has tried an S2000 or owned one has said how good it was too, even as an everyday car, going back to the alternatives.

Isnt the S2000 supposed to have rather light steering and an engine that needs v high revs to get it going? If youve come from a tuned Impreza Id have thought the Honda a bit lacking in grunt compared to the Boxster.

The S2000s lack of low down power can be very frustrating.

Ive heard owners moaning about being out done by warm hatches if they have been caught out in the wrong gear.

I;ve killed one in my VVC Metro before.

Id still have one though!

SC430?

Look at the Standard spec list

QuoteStandard Equipment
245/40ZR18 Radial Tyres with 18x8JJ Aluminum Alloy Wheels & Decorative Wheel Covers
Spare Tyre (T145/70R17 106M)
4WD Double Wishbone Suspension
ABS with EBD (Electronic Brake-force Distribution)
Brake Assist
TRC (Traction Control System)
VSC (Vehicle Stability Control)
Stabilizer Bars (Front & Rear)

Solar Energy-Absorbing Green Tinted Windshield with In-Glass TV Antenna
Water-Repellant Side Safety Glass (Tempered) with UV Protection
Rear Safety Glass (Tempered) with UV Protection
Power Retractable Metal Roof
Twin Tip Exhaust with Diffuser
Auto-Leveling Projector Type Discharge Headlamps (Low Beams)
Front Fog Lamps (Yellow)
Heated Dual Color-keyed Power Retractable Door Mirrors with Reverse Gear Memory, Automatic Electrochromatic (EC) Glare Reduction, and Wide-View Driver Mirror
Fully Concealed Variable Intermittent Windshield Wipers with Mist Function
Auto-On/Auto-Off Headlamps
Rear Window Defogger With Timer

EMV (Electronic MultiVision) with DVD Voice Navigation
Triple Meter Cluster with Illumination Control
Tyre Pressure Warning Lamp
Power Tilt/Telescoping Steering Column with Automatic Tilt-Away & Return Memory
Cruise Control
Steering Wheel with Audio Control Switches
Foot-Operated Parking Brake
Multifunction Remote Keyless Entry
Front & Side-Impact Air Bag Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) for Driver and Front Passenger Seats
Wood-trimmed Shift Lever Knob & Genuine Leather-wrapped 3-Spoke Steering Wheel with Wood Trim
Wood-trimmed Panels and Interior Trim
Power Retractable Door Panels with Wood Trim (EMV & Audio)
Illuminated and Lockable Glove Compartment
Bi-level Center Console with Lockable Bottom Level
Key-Linked Power Door Locks with Speed-Sensing Automatic Activation, Anti-Lockout Prevention, and Impact-Sensing Door Lock Release System

Scuff Plate with Illuminated Soarer Logo
Genuine Leather Seat Covers and Trim (Black)
Genuine Leather Seat Covers and Trim (Saddle Tan)
8-way Power-Adjustable Seats (Driver and Front Passenger Seat)
Driving Position Memory System (Driver and Front Passenger Seat)
Power Lumbar Support (Driver and Front Passenger Seat)
Fore/Aft and Height-Adjustable Genuine Leather Front Headrests
Heated Seats with Independent Variable Temperature Control (Driver and Front Passenger Seat)
Tension Reducing Front Seatbelts with Pretensioners, Force Limiters & Illuminated Buckles
ELR 3-Point Seatbelts with Child Seat Automatic Locking Retractors (ALRs)

Soarer Super Live Sound System with AM/FM ETR (Electronically Tuned Radio)/MD/CD with 6-disc In-dash Changer and Nine Speakers
Automatic Climate Control with Independent Temperature Control
Push-button Style Heater Control Panel with Outside Temperature Display and Digital Quartz Clock
Micron Air Filter with Dust Control & Deodorizing Function
Trip Information
Theft Deterrent System with Engine Immobilizer, Free-wheel & Alarm
Combination Interior Light with Front Spotlights
Illuminated Entry System
Glove Compartment Lamp
Door Entry Illumination
High Mount Stop Lamp (Trunk Door)
Glare Reducing Automatic Electrochromatic (EC) Inside Mirror
Power-Assisted Variable-Assist Power Steering
Key-Linked One-Touch Power Windows with Pinch Protection
Dual Visors with Illuminated Vanity Mirrors
Dual Front Cup Holders
Door Pockets
Seatback Pockets
Coin Pocket
Illuminated Ashtray
Wind Deflector with Soarer Logo
Front Windshield De-icer