What I love & hate about my Boxster

[wgerola]

I figured I'd share my thoughts and hear what you guys think about some of these items.

Here's my quick background:

I bought my 2001 Boxster S in 2007 (paid $28K, had 22K miles), owned it for a month, then sold it to my friend because it just wasn't for me. He's owned it for 5 years and was ready to get rid of it, so I took it back paid $6K, has 81K miles). Now I'm finding out again why I'm ready to get rid of it again. But there are reasons I don't want to:

What I love:

Exterior looks

The car really looks great in profile. It's such a good looking car, especially with nice wheels. With the top down, it really stands out from most cars out there. With the exception of the headlights, it really is a looker.

Handling

Flawless handling and grip that goes on forever. You really can't go wrong here - whether you're a great driver, or not so great.

Build Quality/Reliability

I've owned many BMWs, and the Porsche is so much better built. The brakes aren't over-boosted on the Boxster (as they are on BMWs, to give the impression that the brakes are powerful), the steering is precise, etc. It's very reliable, having far fewer problems than any BMW I've owned. In fact, the Boxster regularly receive high reliability ratings in Consumer Reports.

Livability

This is an easy car to live with everyday. It's quiet, smooth, comfortable, reliable, good trunk - in short, all the things you need to drive this thing everyday. I guess this is why many are used as daily drivers and have high miles.

What I hate:

Interior

There's something that's Fisher Price 'My First Interior' about this car. They really took a chance with the organic shapes and it didn't work out so well. The interior switches, layout, etc., just looks poorly designed, ugly, cheap, etc. Since this is your most direct and regular interface with the car, it really gets me down on the car. Am I the only one who feels this way?

Engine

The engine is very linear, with lots of low end torque. It's not very peaky, which means it's not fun to rev. When I first sold my Boxster in 2007, I ended up buying a Honda S2000, which is the definition of peaky - it loved to be revved; it is one of the most fun engines I've driven. The Boxster just isn't like that. Not that it's not powerful, but it just isn't exciting. I fear this is what electric cars may one day be.

Handling

What? On the hate list too? Well, because it's mid-engine and there's so much grip, this isn't a car for sliding around in; I've always loved sliding the tail out on cars. Witness the number of auto shows that show the test drivers drifting the cars sideways - not the fastest way around a track, but certainly the most fun. Unfortunately, that's not really possible on the Boxster. When you're sliding in the Boxster, it usually means you're in trouble. As I said, that's a good and bad thing.

So here I am again, after a few weeks, deciding whether to keep it. Of course, the price was so good, it's justified keeping it just because it's such a deal. But clearly the love so many of you have for your cars is justified. Perhaps I just need to hear your musings on the subject. What do you all say?

[mikefocke]

To each his own. Your preferences are right for you.

[Directioneng]

I guess you have to weigh up the pros and cons.

GO....... Boxster S.

[1dmurrray]

Nothing's perfect; but for $6K, I don't see how you could go wrong with that one. Although it is heresy, I actually like the headlights from that era. A Honda S2000 impressed me the other day; kept up with my 996 until 3rd gear.

[CA_Boxster]

Interesting list. If you flip it upside down you pretty much have the reverse list of pros & cons of what people describe about why they really like Boxsters from the handling to the linearity of the engine, livability and build quality, then acceptance of the functional simple interior and good looks. Maybe just not a car that fits what you like to drive.

[deptotpr]

I love my Boxster everyday, until I have to replace something. A headlight corner trim piece for $66.50...really?

http://www.pelicanparts.com/cgi-bin/smart/more_info.cgi?pn=996-631-035-00-M100&catalog_description=Headlight%20Corner%20Trim%20%28Amber%29%20Left%20NOTE%3A%20Only%20for%20cars%20w%2Fo%20Headlight%20Washers%2E%2C%20Boxster%20thru%20%27%30%32%20with%20Halogen%20Headlight%20%20

[jccash]

I'll give you $7,000.00 for it. Very nice looking car. LOL

[guzerone]

De-snorkel and $130 ebay headers will make the engine peaky and a joy to rev (4.0 bar FPR and underdrive pulley help too).