I need to get opinions on the base Boxster, not the upcoming revisioned model. There's a chance I may get a new or slightly used base Boxster. Of course I'd want the Boxster S, but it is quite more expensive.

What do you think of its handling, ride, drive, dependability, overall quality, etc. Thank you very much!

 

I've never owned either and haven't enjoyed enough seat time to make a qualified decision, but I'd have a tough time buying a base Boxster knowing that I could spend a little more to buy a Boxster S.

 

My cousin has a base Boxster, 2001 with the "Sport pkge" 17" wheels etc...
Its a nice ride, very different feel than the S, but does handle really nice. Doesnt have that "Ummphh" that the S has at the top of the tach. That was immediately noticeable! But has a host of nice features and there is a Huge aftermarket community! OH, and its got Lots of trunk space! Front and rear! Just keep in mind, parts and service tends to be pretty expensive on Porsches. Just check with your local dealer.

 

I haven't had any seat time in it personally, but by all acounts its a great car...handles great, refined...its probably one of the most underrated cars...especially since it sits in the shadow of big brother "S". Are you thinking of going with the 2.7L or the older 2.5L?

 

Here's my thoughts and one other boxster owner who also made the switch.

https://www.s2ki.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=248411

 

I've driven a base boxster once, and a Boxster S a few times. The 2.7L base boxster was nice, but the 5 speed is nowhere near as nice as the 6 speed in the S/911, also the brakes are substantially better on the S. That being said the base Boxster still delivers a wonderful sports car experience. The handling is tight, the engine is a bit torquier than the S2K (though not as revvy). The steering is still Porsche. Overall a fun car. Take a look at www.evoms.com to fix it up a bit.

 

Thanks for the link! But it is too brief. I'm looking for more insights from previous owners of the BASE Boxster.

The base Boxster is not a world apart from the Boxster S, is it? Thx!

 

This is a comparison of the Boxster S, not the base Boxster, to the S2000, but as you point out, other than the engine they're very similar: https://www.s2ki.com/forums/index.ph...c=153185&st=15

As someone else pointed out, I'd have a really hard time buying a base Boxster when you can get a very slightly used Boxster S for the same price. "Other than the engine" kind of glosses over a pretty major difference.

Steve

 

Back in early '03, I had a brief test drive in a base Box. I expressly wanted the base model, as it was in Honda's sights when they were developing the S2K in the late 1990s.

I loved the steering. The front wheels seemed especially quick and responsive to placement. Overall, the car seemed more solid and less "go-kart" like than the S2K.

Engine response seemed good and acceleration was strong. It pulled from idle all the way to 6200 rpm...didn't redline it because it was new, but that's one sweet engine. It was also cool hearing that unique Porsche engine note right behind me. If I owned one, I'd be revving it as much as I could.

Overall, the Boxster seemed more refined, but refinement's not what I wanted in a sports car. It retailed for $49,000 and I just felt the S2K met my needs for far less. It was a great experience though, and actually remains one of my favorite test drives. The Boxster's a great car...and I bet the Boxster S is a total gas.

 

There's no question the boxter is an excellent car.

I don't think there is anyone here who would take a base boxter over a S2000, though. Performance-wise, the S and boxter S are about the same. If you have to go base, get the 2.7L. The only thing really better about the boxter base is the name plate. You're paying a lot for that.

One negative to me is you can't easily work on a boxter. The mid engine layout makes it a hassle, especially with no lift. I just changed my oil on the S today, and let me say it was the easiest thing in the world.