Thats right, not a fan at all of the whole line of cars they produce...thats just me.

 

Get the Porsche only if it's a Boxster S, and if the difference in purchase price/maintenance don't really matter to you. I drove an 07 Cayman S, and if the Boxster S feels remotely similar, there's no question about it. The Porsche felt more solid, had a smoother motor, etc. The ZR only looks good with the top down IMO.

 

Making an appt to test drive a few ZR's tomorrow at a local dealer. They will be 6sp MT.

Hopefully I like the ZR's because the value is hard to deny.

 

I like ZRs better. Get it.

 

up to this day i've still never really warmed up to the boxster. i prefer caymans and 911's but that's not what you're looking at. if you're still interested in the 350z vert then go for it. it's reliable but just keep the top up as much as possible.

 

My goal is to keep the top down as much as possible except when the car is not being used!

 

Still undecided! I know $40K for an 09 Boxster S is not happening so I am trying to decide the best bang for the buck in the 18-22K range. That gets an 02-03 Boxster S with 35-45k miles that will need $2500 in work immediately to upgrade the IMS issue, or an 06-07 low mile one owner Z which from what I can tell is pretty much maintenance free.

 

i was in the same position between a used 2005 boxter s 40k & new 350zr 2008 both 65000 euro = i went for new ZR 2008 and no regret it .it has it's own driving style sound alot better and the best' it's full Japanese - best motors engineer knowledge in the world ..

 

I guess it comes down to economics. If you want to save some cash, get the 07-08 ZR. If you love the P-car vert (which you already know the performance and owning experience of a P-car) get the P-car.

I do like the Porsche Boxster S braking and handling, but the service and the added cost of owning a used one keeps me out of a P-car. Good luck on your decision.

 

The other car that recently made my maybe list is an 05/06/07 350 SLK Benz. Didn't realize how much they came down from their original MSRP. Under $30K is doable for an SLK.

 

Get the SLK 55! You will love the torque and V-8 sound with the top down! My pops has one and it is a blast to drive. I think you can get one for the same price as the similar mileage Boxster S.

 

I'd need to go newer and a 350SLK. The SLK 55 is incredible but I want a manual transmission. I think if I go the SLK 350 route, it could be a long wait for a blk/blk 6sp manual. I'm still amazed at what $30K will get you these days.

 

I hear ya about having a manual tranny, Slk55 does not shift as fast (up or down) as a manual would. But you have gobs of torque in every gear. Plus the car only weighs 3100 lbs approx.

 

Tough decisions for under 30K....Boxster S (doubtful), 350 ZR (07 low mile) or 06/07 350SLK. Hard to compare the MB and the Z but I am trying to figure out best bang for the buck.

 

Decision has been made....just bought an 05 Boxster S.

 

Lets see it.

 

+10000000000000000000000000 from the post above.

Boxster? cmon man, unless it comes w a bluetooth and a pony tail.

My friends roll some pretty hard cars, and ID say that if you want to stay around 20-30k your best for a weekend play car is a Lotus Elise or the Z.. that Boxster is NOT a Porsche, it feels NOTHING like even an older 996. the difference is night and day.

SO with that being the case, the 350z has nothing on a 996 or 997 either, but theres a killer price diff.. you can get a 996 for 30-40 all day long tho w reasonable miles.. boxster? Pay the same expense for parts but start w a far lamer car.. its truly the Miata of Stuttgart.
This is of course all just my opinion, but Ive been in all of em and it was in fact my best friends 997 that made me decide to start working on my Z again.. and my other pal has the Elise and a 996 turbo. Both sick, and at auctions were seriously cheap.

SLK.. um, well.. I guess i should add that im 6'4" and 240 lbs... and I guess all these cars are faaaar too small for me anyways.

 

oh snap didnt evesee yor post, well... guess you'll see.
IM sure your purchase will be fun etc etc.. but mark my words.. now youre gonna start hanging w the Kraut crowd and you will be out of that Boxster in no time.. haha. I promise you.. I can almost garauntee you ll seel it and get a 996 now.. I give you a year... and btw at least this gives you someting cool to continue to look fwd to!

 

Chiming in a little late but I think you made the right choice with the Boxster.

I'm in the car business and have driven a lot of great cars. Highlights include Ford GT, Viper, numerous Corvettes, and BMW's.

I traded in a base 06 Boxster tip a couple years back and the car amazed me. It was the first Porsche I had ever driven and was impressed with the car's overall feel. Perfect steering, nice handling, and a decent ride quality for a sports car. Compared to the Z, the Boxster feels more polished. At almost 6'3" it was very uncomfortable in the little Boxster but a lot of fun to drive.

I see you live in the Philly burbs. Can I get some wheel time in your new toy?

 

I've had some fun cars in the past and started with a 280zx 21 years ago as my first car.

I've had 3 previous Boxster cars and loved every one of them. I don't really care what other people say about Boxster cars, all the comments come from people who have never owned one or driven one for a decent amount of time. It's not about wanting a 911, could have done that. Hell, if it is all about what other people think I would have kept my Ferrari 360. I actually sold my 05 S Boxster to get the Ferrari and now and going back to the Boxster S.

I wanted a fun convert car and the Boxster S fit the bill for me.