Hello. I'm new to this board. I'm usually on audiworld as I currently drive an Audi TT quattro coupe with extensive modifications.

I REALLY want a convertible. I have narrowed it down to either:

New S2000 with a rear spoiler, front chin spoiler, side strakes, rear seat storage pocket, and 6 disc CD changer. It is priced with the accessories at $36,004 (car is at MSRP). It is silver with the red interior.

OR:

Used 1999 silver Boxster with low mileage for $36,675

I'm worried more about things like the fit and finish, and the rear view when the top is up. Also how hard is the cover to install when the top is down? Is it even worth using? I know the car has great handling and power, so I don't want to hear about how the Boxster is slower or whatever.

Thanks for your help with this.

-Jenner

 

Jenner,
Have you driven both cars? If not, that should be your first priority as both cars are vastly different. The fit and finish on both cars is excellent. The biggest drawbacks on the S2000 are the stereo (easily fixable) and the rear window. You will hear alot of complaints about the plastic rear window in the S2000. I have no complaints, I'm pretty 'anal' (for lack of a better word) when it comes to car care so mine is always clean and well maintained. The boot cover isn't worth using in my opinion unless you're planning a long day of top down driving. It is, however, pretty easy to install (takes less than 5 minutes). It really boils down to which car you like best and to determine that you need to drive both cars. Keep in mind the S2000 will get faster (much faster) as it breaks in. Also keep this in mind, I live in Florida and here I see a ton of Boxsters everyday, occassionally I'll spot another S.

 

I have no complaints about the fit and finish on my car. The rear view when the top is up is probably similar to that of the Boxster, since they both have plastic windows and the blind spot appears to be about the same from the exterior view. I use a tonneau cover when the top is down to cover my interior and it is very easy to use and cost less than $60. Regarding the accessories, it would be less expensive if you could find a stripped version of the car and purchase (from this board's sponsors) and install the accessories you mentioned yourself.

 

You're kidding, right?

 

S2000 Driver, were you replying to me?

Derryck, I've driven the boxster, should drive the S2000 next week or the week after.

I loved the chain belts and the induction resonance from the boxster engine. I loved how in the high rmps the engine sings, and the in the low you hear the exhaust. I also think it helps that the engine is sitting right behind your head! I also love how the boxsters top is auto covered. So simple and nice. No cover to deal with(or take up trunk space).

As for the stereo, I am an audiophile(both car and home) and I have a sweet stereo in my TT now, but I have a feeling that with the top down, and the high rpm song of the s2000, I won't use the stereo very much. I don't think a car is the best audio environment, nevermind a convertible.

Hopkinton, I don't WANT those accessories, but since the dealer isn't marking up the MSRP at all, I don't think I would mind them. I really have to see this car in person to see if I even like these parts. I have found other dealers in my area, so I could get one without, but they might mark up the MSRP and in the end it would be the same.

To all:

I guess I should have pointed out what this car will be used for. It will be driven 99% of the time with the top down on nice days(1% for getting caught in rain or whatever). I may bring it to the race track, as I've run my TT at Lime Rock and Watkins Glen, but since my TT is already setup for this and a coupe(doesn't have to deal with roll bar issues) I would probably continue to drive the TT at the track. I will use the TT for rain/snow driving, or when I need room to carry stuff(the hatchback is pretty big esp. with the rear seats down).

Do you think the car looks funny/ugly without the cover over the top when it's down? Is the push button start good or bad? Is the key fob cheap? Does the car need to cool down after a hard run or can I just turn it off(with my turbo in the TT I usually let it idle for 1-2 min after a sprited drive).

What about tire options. I noticed the stock tires seem small. Right now I have 18x8.5" rims with 235/40/18 rubber on the TT. That combined with all wheel drive means all the power gets to the ground, but then again, I can't have fun and do a burn out The Audi is so much fun against a mustang or similar RWD car driven by a punk kid in the rain. They just don't know what hit them as they spin their wheels in the low traction environment. This leads me to another point. With the 50/50 weight and high power rear end, will the s2000 be twitchy? What I mean is with the TT, it's heavy and all wheel drive, so I can corner hard and I don't worry about the back breaking out if I get on the brakes in a corner. What does the s2000 do in this situation?

Thanks for your replys. I look forward to learning more about the S2000.

-Jenner

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Jenner
[B]S2000 Driver, were you replying to me?


...I guess I should have pointed out what this car will be used for. It will be driven 99% of the time with the top down on nice days(1% for getting caught in rain or whatever)....

 

I guess you missed the point that I will be driving my Audi TT on rainy days, and obviously in the winter. The days that I do drive the S2000 will be sunny top down days, so the top will be up very little. My whole reason for wanting another sports car is to have a convertible. I love the wind in my face, and the sounds and smells that come with top down driving.

 

Jenner-

there is a pretty good thread going on right now about an S vs a Boxster S. You might want to check that out.

Having owned a Miata prior to my S, I recommend that you put the cover on the top whenever it is down. I have only owned my car about three weeks and I can get the cover on or off in less than 2 minutes without rushing. If I have another person helping, it can be done in less than a minute. I am sure that if I rushed it, I could get it off in about 30 seconds with help from another.

The top cover really helps fight the effects of the elements on the very expensive to replace convertible top and window. Trust me, use it.

I can't help you with the questions re: the wheels and tires. Honda engineered this car to perform at a world class level with the small 16' wheels on it. I have heard and read in more than one place that doing a +1 or +2 wheel/tire combo. on the S actually hurts performance. The larger wheels are heavier and the bigger tires are harder to warm up. Given the low torque/high hp nature of the Honda, this also typically hurts acceleration. On the other hand, may people (including folks on this forum) have done +1 or +2 setups and they look beautiful.

I just think that Honda has really done a remarkable job of producing a complete and more importantly balanced car. Don't mess with success. Just my opinion.

I will also recommend that you take a good long look at long term ownership costs. The Boxster (in fact all Porsche cars) are very expensive to own. You have to have service done at the dealership (or you void the warranty) and the cost of a simple oil change (because the car has to be put up to get at the engine) is astronomical. Add to that the higher cost of entry (keep in mind you are talking about a used car vs. a new one), insurance, etc. the $'s start to add up.

Finally, do not pay over MSRP and do not accept additional options that you don't want. The fact is that right now is a fantastic time to buy an S. It is before summer, the economy is wavering, and most dealerships have been backing away from gouging.

I bought a 2001 silver/red with front spoiler and rear spoiler installed by the dealership for $32,740. I know at least two dealerships here in S. CA that are asking MSRP. Don't pad the pockets of these greedy bastards!

Good luck.

 

In case you haven't noticed, S2000 Driver has S2000 myopia.

To give a Boxster(S) owners view on a Honda Board:

Honda Summary
Pros:
- Great acceleration
- Great Handling
- Honda Quality
- Great Exterior Looks
- Race-car functional interior (switches close at hand)
Cons:
- Lack of low-end torque; gotta love to rev, all the time
- Very limited storage
- Spartan interior (which some like)
- Depending on your outlook, name-brand recognition is either a good thing or a bad thing. But Porsche wins the "status" points, either way.

Boxster (I assume non-S)
Pros:
- Good acceleration
- Great Handling
- Two trunks (reasonable capacity)
- Porsche Quality (Initial Quality Top 10 in JD Power)
- Porsche Club of America: Depending on your local group, these folks offer an endless array of events to attend, from happy hours to autoX's. Also, this club keeps marque interest and loyalty high, which helps with...
- Resale value; may drop at first, but will flatten out fairly high compared to most cars
- Low end torque better than S2000, even on non-S (from what I have read)
- Great Exterior Looks
- Top storage is simple and hassle-free
Cons:
- Not as fast as S2000 in pure acceleration
- S2000 is better raw, race car; edgier
- Repair costs higher, no doubt
- Some people don't like the interior. Others do.
- Some folks think all Porsche owners are snobs and will treat all Porsche owners with disdain. Who is the snob in that situation? Of course, some Porsche owners are indeed snobs (gasp!)
- Stock stereo (even upgraded Porsche one) is mediocre

I am sure I left some pros and cons out for both sides (which the boarders will no doubt point out quickly).

Lucky you, you get to choose. Drive both, enjoy, and appreciate the fact you have the luxury to make the choice between 2 great cars. I really don't think you can go wrong if you keep each car's limitations in mind.

PS You do not have to get all service done at a dealer, I don't believe. They aren't going to void your warranty if someone else changes your oil (at least, not that I have heard).


[Edited by BoxsterBoy on 04-12-2001 at 02:07 PM]

 

One of my co-workers was the Regional Manager for Porsche Credit in a past life (about three years ago). Things may have changed in the interim, but at that time you warranty was voided by having any mechanic other than a factory certified mechanic perform the factory specified maintenance and/or repairs. Without a doubt, you can find factory certified Porsche technicians who have left the dealerships and have their own shops. They are probably a less expensive alternative, but I think it is reasonable to assume that they are still much more expensive than having a S2K worked on.

Of course, some folks say that you get what you pay for. I think that's a good adage but there are exceptions to every rule. The S2K is every bit as good (if not better in some respects) a sports car as a Boxster for a lot less money.