The more I think about which second car to get the more I wonder how the Z compares to the Boxster S. I've had a Boxster and 2 Boxster S cars and did really like them. I need to be budget minded (and might be answering my own questions here) and need a reliable fun MT convert. I don't want a BMW 3 series, or an older Benz but rather a newer lower mile car.

I've had the Boxster S before and really enjoyed the car. It was reliable, never had a issue, etc and was a complete blast to drive. Never even looked at a 350Z up close yet but I like the convert, reliability and the prices seem to be reasonable.

Here is what I am wondering. Assuming an 07 350Z with under 25K miles can be had for slightly under $20K (I might be dreaming) but to get an 05 Boxster S with similar miles will be $30-33K. Is the Boxster S worth $10-13K more than a Z? I don't want an older high mile S just to get a Boxster.

Any thoughts on the two cars. I'm a conservative driver, will keep the car stock, might upgrade a stereo component or two and will only drive the car on nice days. Probably looking at about 7-12K miles per year on the car.

Thanks again for the advice and comments.

John

 

It's a Z forum, so I'd bet most people would say go for the Z. I would, a Z will beat a Boxster anyway, and I like mine. LOL, not sure if that even helps, but I just dont like the Boxster, or any Porsche for that matter. A Z is cheaper to upgrade and maintain in the end!

 

an 07 with 35k miles can be bought for $20k, prolly even less if you search for a month or so. Personally i picked the Z, mainly because it was faster, but also felt very connected with the car from the first test drive. When i got in the boxter i just felt out of place and knew it wasnt for me.

 

90 percent of our members chose a 350Z over other sports cars. That's just an estimate based on personal observation.

 

My best recommendation would be to test drive a 350 and see how you like it for yourself. I think youll enjoy it, but everyone has different tastes. good luck

 

Well, the Boxster is kind of a girls car. Which is why my wife is considering buying one. It was a fun car to drive, however, I prefer my Z.

 

Are you getting the convertible Z?? Cause that's pretty hideous with the top up.

 

I drove a Boxter S while thinking to replace my Z. I still have my Z.

 

Completely disagree, but I only had my top up twice this year and only for an hour or two.

 

I would go for the Boxter S any day. Porsches are fabulous machines.

 

So you don't like the looks and performance of the 911 turbo or twin turbo. You'd take a Z over a porsche 911, really?

Z is way cheaper to maintain. When I had my 99 997, it cost me a $1k everytime I went to the dealer (general maintenance). Definately a no go on the boxster though (girly car). The Caymen and the 911 series are just plain sick.

 

Depends on usage, if you are a track day person Boxster S is much better than vert Z.

Both are fun, If I had to do over I would own a Cayman S.

 

Needs to be a convert. Stopped by a dealer and checked out 4 different Z's ranging from an 05 to 08 with several 09's on the lot as well. I'll admit, I didn't love the the Z initially but did not go on a test drive yet. A couple of things....first thing I noticed is the paint on the front brow, hood and spoiler was pretty trashed on all of the preowned Zs. Is that common? Sat in the car for a while and it felt very "Japanese" to me, nothing like a German or Italian car but the Z has it's own feel. Not sure I like how much the tuner crowd likes this car. Am I too old for this car at 37?

As for the Porsche....I've had 4 Boxster cars and one Cayenne S. All were great, no issues at all. I put 20K miles on 2 of the Boxster cars and had no issues at all. I'm tempted to look 05+ Boxster S but a low mile well cared for car is about $30K+. Not sure I can justify double the price of an 07 Z Roadster for the Boxster.

 

https://my350z.com/forum/search.php?searchid=12529021

 

Agreed if the extra budget isn't much of a concern. Maintenance on the P-car will also certainly be more, but anyone saying get the Z over the P-car hasn't driven one.

I got my wife an 07' Z Roadster over a Porsche (996 convert) but am having second thoughts (though the extra few thousand in my pocket is nice).

One more note: Nissan service SUCKS *****, and they are very tight on taking blame for any warranty item. It's the reason I will never buy a new Nissan - ever.

 

The thing I can't ignore is the price difference. It would an 05 Boxster S with 30K miles for $30K or an 07 Z with less than 20K miles for under $20K. I'm a bottom fisher and look for wholesale prices. Saw an 07 Z with 73K miles, a few major door dings, chipped front spoiler and obvious lousy body work done to front driverside fender and they were asking $23,500. Those miles, bodywork,dents and chipped paint....I say it's not worth more than about $17. Not that I am interested in that car. No way. Have my eye on an 07 ZR, 12K miles but I think 18K...call me crazy as the seller is asking 24,900. Economy is crummy, there are a ton of used Z's on the market and winter is fast approaching here in the Philly burbs.

 

Joining the chorus here, but drive the z. Do your best to ignore the badge on the hood. Time and again I prefer the driving experience of my Z over several other higher dollar/prestige sports cars. That said, never met a Porsche I didn't enjoy...

 

While Porsche's are great, its still a Boxster. Never really liked them. Economy Porsche with Non-Economy maintenance prices.

 

Most Z owners are going bang-for-buck, so it can't really be enjoyed driven conservatively or left stock...imho.If you can't get over how "japanese" the Z is, then get another Porsche Boxster S. You'll enjoy it more in the long run.

 

Used Cayman 30K
NR GT Aero Kit 3K
Vivid Power Kit 340 WHP 2,400

Track Car!