Anyone here who didn't buy a boxster because of its name and prestige. I'm not talking about buying the S2K over the Boxster because you're paying for the name if you buy the Boxster blah blah blah but actually not wanting to buy the Boxster or Boxster S because it's a name brand and you feel more comfortable with a Honda.

I remember that many of you would take the Boxster S over the S2K but not the regular Boxster but do you think it's worth buying the Boxster S?

 

Boxster S is a great car. It just happens to be very expensive. Whether that is excessive or not is a personal opinion

 

The Boxster S, no doubt, is a fine automobile from a fine automobile maker; however, since I no longer work for a living, I can no longer afford a Porsche (I had a 928 in my salad days). I chose the S2K for it's looks, performance, price, and Honda's reputation, which I believe is every bit the equal of the higher-priced Porsche. Regardless of what anyone says, I believe that price is always a consideration.

 

It's interesting that Rowan Atkinson(Mr Bean) has a compulsive love of cars that leaves most of us for dead. He's actually been on T.V. in a very self effacing programme where a psychologist examined the reasons why he spends oodles of dosh on cars that he just doesn't need.. like dozens of 'em including a McLaren F1. He bought a huge Mercedes stretch limo when he was living alone in a flat in London at the time. He said he pulled up outside a shop in the limo on his way home and caught sight of himself sitting in this huge car in the shop window and said to himself "You stupid prat!!" ROFL He owns or has owned loads of supercars but stated he's never owned a Porsche desite being tempted as he doesn't want to be associated with the kind of people who drive them Hey his words not mine.

Among the cars I looked at before I bought the S2000 was a Boxter. To have bought one would have been to stretch my finances to the limit, but I wanted the right car and would have stretched the extra dosh. For a start off I had the greatest difficulty getting a test drive from the dealer. When I did get one I arrived at the appointed time and was told the test was cancelled because it was raining. When I finally had the test drive I was vaguely disappointed. It's a beautiful car no doubt about it but I was looking for something substantially quicker than my MR2 which I had at the time. It was of course quicker, but didn't give me the buzz I was expecting.By the time I'd discussed with the salesman the extra for leather seats air con and a few extra bits and pieces the price was knocking up towards 40K
All accompanied to the tune of "But of course sir it is a Porsche". I had this uncomfortable feeling that I was getting shafted

As soon as I test drove the S2000 I had no doubts and I've had none since. The Boxter S is a good match if not slightly better but so it should be for the price. I have no regrets whatsoever

 

I think I am in the same boat as you were. I have wanted the S2K for some time now but the Boxster S as well of course. My money saving plan is going ahead and I see myself being able to afford an S2K soon. But since I'll be using my own money I really want to be absolutely happy with it. I love the S2K but my family members and gf likes the Porsche better so that got me thinking. They actually didn't see the S2K as an upgrade to my Lude. Anyhow the only problem I will have with the Boxster S is that it opens up a lot more choices. I mean the M3 is priced right up there as well. I forgot who said it (here?) someone said it really takes a year to decide on the car you want so I hope to decide soon and zero in on that car.

I am convinced that the S2K is an exceptional value and the Boxster is probably not worth the extra money. But the Boxster S is another matter.

 

I was going to buy a Boxster S and was on the list to get one.
But when I got the options list from the dealer and started checking all the boxes of the stuff I wanted the price zoomed. Soo I started looking for an S2000.
I could not see spending twice the money for the same car+-.
If the price was the same or within 10k or so I would have got the Boxster S.
The regular Boxster I was never interested in.
But, now there is talk of an even more powerful Boxster???

Currently holding out for an EVO VII

 

The Boxster is a great car. The car is easier to drive at the limit and is much more forgiving of bad inputs from the driver. In other words, if you screw up in a Boxster it'll be easier to save than an S2K. You've also got two very handy trunks. It is a great sports car. The S2000 is more hard edged and much closer to being a "race car." The Boxster S is everything good about the Boxster and much more. For a car to live with on a day to day basis it would be better than the S2000. It would also cost 60% to 90% more than the S2000 while being only a little faster (maybe) in some areas. I bought the S2000 and have no regrets. It really comes down to what you want and can afford. What do you want?

 

I was ready to buy the Boxster S but I was leery of all the engine failures on the 2.5L. Plus the options I wanted on the car made the car come in at about $63K. And I thought for another $15k I could pick up a C2. My wife balked at that -- spending $80k for a weekend car.

Have you guys seen the options list for the Porsches? You basically have to pay extra for everything -- including badges for the interior.

 

I was not impressed by the "base" Boxster. The Boxster S, was a completely different story. In some ways, I liked it better than the S2000 (a little more comfortable, IMO, and better luggage capacity). In most ways, however, the S2K was better (more communication between the car, road and driver). At the end of the day, price was the biggest consideration.

I paid less than #33K (excluding tax, lic. et al) for my stook. The Boxster S that I wanted (leather, HID's, good stereo) was going to be just a hair under $60K. There was no way that I could, in good conscience spend that much additional money. As it turns out, we got our stook and a new CRV EX for my fiancee for less than we would have paid for the Boxster S.

At a time when we are contemplating business school and are saving for a wedding, that kind of difference was material to me.

By the way, I wholeheartedly agree with David's comments. It is cool that Porsche will allow for a complete customization of their cars. It is criminal though, that they charge so much for some things that should be standard at that price. $55K and no HID headlamps??

Talk about finding a way to "upsell".

 

One thing that I forgot. I think it's criminal that you have to pay extra for a stiffer "sports frame" suspension (the 030 option) on a sports car. WTF.